Which K-Series?

[Agent Orange]

I'm research at the moment but my budget of £12K seems initially to be a little on the light side and perhaps £14K will open up more choice to find the type of 7 would like. That's not a problem as budgets are always some what *ehem* moveable Just delays things a couple of months.

Sigma engines appear to be out of my budget but K-Series about right. Other than the obvious power any pros/cons with the 1.4 over the 1.6 over the 1.8? I think my budget suggests I'm looking at a 1.6 but any reason why I should say avoid the 1.6 and go with either a 1.4 or 1.8? ie. 1.6 might have some known issues.

Also not a huge fan of the chrome on the Caterhams so would ideally want the Black Pack but can this be bought separately from Caterham and easily retro fitted? I'm assuming the retro fit is a walk in the park.

[kenno78]

I wouldn't bother with the 1.4k

The heads aren't really workable (if you want to fettle with it)

1.6 is a good place to start as it has the same bore as the 1.8, just a shorter stoke. You can then change the bottom end if you fancy later on.

[Tango7]

Blackpacking the shiny bits on a Caterham is very easy and cheap. If you did the headlight bowls & rims, windscreen surround & stanchions, exhaust guard, its would be less than £50 plus a little bit of effort on your sside to remove and refit them. Throw the wishbones, A frame, ARB, roll bar and any other removal black bits into the pile and you are still under a hundred quid to make it look like new. Its one of those jobs to do at winter.

[Agent Orange]

Great thanks. Was thinking to avoid the 1.4 not because of any problems but solely due to any upgrade path.

Thanks for info on blacking up.

[jas7]

1600 nice driveable engine, what i have and taken to 160BHP, really good power for road, 1800K can go bigger HP - but for good twisty roads do you need any more than 140BHP ;o) - an twisty roads is what a caterham is all about.

http://classifieds.pistonheads.com/classifieds/use...

[Agent Orange]

jas7 said:

1600 nice driveable engine, what i have and taken to 160BHP, really good power for road, 1800K can go bigger HP - but for good twisty roads do you need any more than 140BHP ;o) - an twisty roads is what a caterham is all about.

http://classifieds.pistonheads.com/classifieds/use...

Subtle...

Just so happens your 7 would be perfect. Right engine and nicely spec'd and definitely the right colour to match my old motorbike. You're even in Hampshire.

Unfortunately just had to drop £2K in maintenance this week on my 530 so that has put back my plans a couple of months.

Incidentally you appear a similar age. I've been getting insurance quotes of around £150-200 for a 41 year old. Seems cheap to me but is that about right?

[jas7]

think i pay around 220 from REIS, so what you have qouted is about right - mine is usually limited mileage use. Does cover 4 trackdays a year.


Jas