First Caterham - Which Engine?
Discussion
Looking for a little advice.
I'm seriously considering spending money that's wasting away in the bank on a Caterham that I can enjoy and, hopefully, finally get out to tracks and events to meet some other car nuts
For my budget I'm looking at either an older 1700 cross-flow or a slightly newer Vauxhall engined car. Could anyone advise on the merits and negatives of either or both options?
Being 23 YO insurance is a minor concern however some speculative quotes seem to be very reasonable considering.
All help and advice appreciated!
I'm seriously considering spending money that's wasting away in the bank on a Caterham that I can enjoy and, hopefully, finally get out to tracks and events to meet some other car nuts
For my budget I'm looking at either an older 1700 cross-flow or a slightly newer Vauxhall engined car. Could anyone advise on the merits and negatives of either or both options?
Being 23 YO insurance is a minor concern however some speculative quotes seem to be very reasonable considering.
All help and advice appreciated!
Bought my first Caterham last year, ex academy race car, 1600 k series, de dion, it's brilliant fun for the money, had 2 Westfields previously, cross flow/live axle cars, just as much fun but in a different way, I'd say just buy the best car you can and it won't lose much/any money, and there's always a market for them so if you get an itch to upgrade in the future it won't be a problem. No idea on your finances but it's probably worth spending a few k more for a k series/ de dion car over an ital axle/X flow car, unless you want the classic feel.
Newscuttlepanel said:
Also, does it have to be a Caterham? There are plenty of cheaper options out there if you're not bothered about the badge.
The cars I've come across are typically De Dion axled but with the crossflow engine. I haven't heard of much love for the VX engine from many people yet, though I'm sure one would seem fantastic to me against my car history.No particular reason for it being a Caterham other than there's a specialist garage around the corner from me should I need them and I've saved enough pennies to get one, just
Well I'm not sure it really matters. I think if you are working with a constrained budget, it's much more about what's available for your budget. There aren't going to be that many of either around. If you are working with a low budget, then it's probably more important to get a caterham in good condition rather than the optimum spec. They are all brilliant fun.
I quite like the idea of running a xflow 7 and they tend to be older, so that's where I would go. The vx is perceived to be a bit unloved and undesirable, but the owners of them will almost certainly strongly disagree.
Bert
I quite like the idea of running a xflow 7 and they tend to be older, so that's where I would go. The vx is perceived to be a bit unloved and undesirable, but the owners of them will almost certainly strongly disagree.
Bert
Are the 8v VX engines that bad? They always seemed pretty gutsy in the various Astras/Novas they were fitted in, although obviously for outright power the XE is the way forward.
Realistically any good 7 will be an absolute blast after driving a real car, if you're on a limited budget you're obviously going to have a lot less choice so it might be a case of buying the best you can within budget and just settling for whatever spec it has, I don't think there are any complete lemons so you will still have a good car to drive.
If you're free tomorrow morning have a drive up to Preston, the breakfast meet at The Phantom Winger, I'll be there in my one, Gulf colours, look out for me.
Realistically any good 7 will be an absolute blast after driving a real car, if you're on a limited budget you're obviously going to have a lot less choice so it might be a case of buying the best you can within budget and just settling for whatever spec it has, I don't think there are any complete lemons so you will still have a good car to drive.
If you're free tomorrow morning have a drive up to Preston, the breakfast meet at The Phantom Winger, I'll be there in my one, Gulf colours, look out for me.
I'm guessing it's going to be whatever comes up in budget that's local. Though from what people are saying I should get what I want out of it no matter which spec.
I hadn't realised they put a 2.0 red top in as standard, on the basis I haven't came across any for sale I'm guessing people share your opinion on these engines.
Budget is not overly strict (up to 15k) but it does seem to limit out a number of k series cars.
I should be able to take a drive up to Preston, would be great to find out more about your own personal experience. Any particular time you'll be around there for?
I hadn't realised they put a 2.0 red top in as standard, on the basis I haven't came across any for sale I'm guessing people share your opinion on these engines.
Budget is not overly strict (up to 15k) but it does seem to limit out a number of k series cars.
I should be able to take a drive up to Preston, would be great to find out more about your own personal experience. Any particular time you'll be around there for?
Newscuttlepanel said:
Also, does it have to be a Caterham? There are plenty of cheaper options out there if you're not bothered about the badge.
There is more to it than just the badge - the construction using aluminium panels pop rivetted to the frame is both inherently lighter and stiffer than anything other than carbon fibre. (It's genuinely expensive to make - and for that reason is actually banned on Formula Fords for example) And the cost of ownership of a Caterham can be very low with little in the way of depreciation. It's a two edged sword of course and makes them pricier to buy.But if it's bang per buck that's important there are undoubtedly cheaper cars to buy.
Edited by bcr5784 on Saturday 19th March 09:05
Hi Ryan, I'll pm you my mobile number, ring if you do come, I'll be there from about 9.30. 15k is a pretty healthy budget, you'll get a good k series car for that, I paid £12'500 for my one last year, though I've widetracked and double d caged it since so it stands me at a bit more now. I love carbs/cross flows but for the extra few grand I felt I was getting a much easier car to live with.
Newscuttlepanel said:
Hi Ryan, I'll pm you my mobile number, ring if you do come, I'll be there from about 9.30. 15k is a pretty healthy budget, you'll get a good k series car for that, I paid £12'500 for my one last year, though I've widetracked and double d caged it since so it stands me at a bit more now. I love carbs/cross flows but for the extra few grand I felt I was getting a much easier car to live with.
Pm received, should make it there for about 10ish. Will give you a text when I get there.My garage is a touch on the small side so there'll be no double D cage for me, unless I have some yoga lessons.
With your initial suggested spec., I'd go for a Zetec conversion from a previous Crossflow.
You get the best of all worlds.
I've been running Eugene with a 210bhp Zetec for some years now, and love the 'old school' feel, with modern performance.
Such 7's come up for sale fairly regularly.
You get the best of all worlds.
I've been running Eugene with a 210bhp Zetec for some years now, and love the 'old school' feel, with modern performance.
Such 7's come up for sale fairly regularly.
coppice said:
All Sevens have appeal but think before you buy- xflow hugely characterful but thirsty, VX engine is OK but nowhere near as good as a K or a Sigma. If you can find a 1.6k or 1.8k - or a 1.4 six speed - you will be happy.
If you want to tour, don't buy a 1400 with the 6 speed (or 5 speed) . The 'nowhere near as good VX' happens to be the perfect engine for that. Thanks for all the tips everyone.
I should have defined my intentions for the car earlier and better. Essentially used for 1-2 track days a year, I'm hoping to learn something on driving dynamics on a track and enjoy at weekends.
Man maths says in 3-4 years I'll be able to get my dream Noble M12 (if any are around still then). I figured it would be silly to go from virtually no experience of a drivers car to this.
Though I'm sure something will change to halt my plans!
I should have defined my intentions for the car earlier and better. Essentially used for 1-2 track days a year, I'm hoping to learn something on driving dynamics on a track and enjoy at weekends.
Man maths says in 3-4 years I'll be able to get my dream Noble M12 (if any are around still then). I figured it would be silly to go from virtually no experience of a drivers car to this.
Though I'm sure something will change to halt my plans!
Buy a good car, the engine type and power is slightly irrelevant, everything it quicker and so different than "normal" cars.
I've just got a 21yr old ex-cross flow car with a Ford Zetec engine, allegedly it has 200hp- sounds a lot for a first Caterham perhaps but the throttle is analogue, you don't have to use the whole travel :-)
For perspective- a Caterham 160 is as fast as most normal Sports cars and can out handle them with ease with only 80hp, 7's with power around 130-170hp spank most sportscars, 200+ accelerates like super cars, the big 300+ Hp will outrun Hypecars!
I've just got a 21yr old ex-cross flow car with a Ford Zetec engine, allegedly it has 200hp- sounds a lot for a first Caterham perhaps but the throttle is analogue, you don't have to use the whole travel :-)
For perspective- a Caterham 160 is as fast as most normal Sports cars and can out handle them with ease with only 80hp, 7's with power around 130-170hp spank most sportscars, 200+ accelerates like super cars, the big 300+ Hp will outrun Hypecars!
General consensus seems to be buy based on car rather than spec, though still not hearing much love for the VX engines (other than the red top).
Big thanks for all the info from everyone, especially ScuttlePanel at the Preston car meet with his great looking Caterham.
Budget has dropped slightly after a polite reminder from my girlfriend that we should be buying a house in 18 months time
A revised budget of £13k gives me a chance of keeping the car after the move, which should still give me a few options.
Big thanks for all the info from everyone, especially ScuttlePanel at the Preston car meet with his great looking Caterham.
Budget has dropped slightly after a polite reminder from my girlfriend that we should be buying a house in 18 months time
A revised budget of £13k gives me a chance of keeping the car after the move, which should still give me a few options.
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