Which would you buy.......opinions please

[pmason74]

Previously owned a 7 Classic, starting in 105bhp guise which was subsequently upgraded to 138bhp - both with 5 speed and open diff. Sold many years ago after much fun to purchase a house.

In the market again, ready to buy, looking at 3 cars (all of which are 1.8k's, 6 speed, LSD). Probably will never be tracked (maybe a 1 off at Croft at some point, but an exception rather than the rule) so looking for fun drive across and around the North East's beautiful scenery and roads with the occasional burst of speed

Option 1, 2002 R300
Option 2, 2004 Tracksport (170BHP map & dry sump)
Option 3, 1999 Superlight R (200BHP map, dry sump + some other trick bits)

All roughly the same price ballpark (Tracksport cheaper but literally £200 between the other 2), all similar mileage, known history and nothing seemingly scary. I'm just scratching my head on which way to go. Off to see all in a week or so, so will probably know when 1 see, feel and touch all 3.

Would appreciate thoughts and any advice from those more familiar with the models and their road manners. All 3 will have capability far far beyond where I will use them, but want it that way rather than coming from the other way and then wanting to upgrade.

Thanks in advance

[V7SLR]

If condition is not an issue, assuming the R300 is the original rollerbarrel version, I'd go for that. From what you say you're unlikely to modify it so it's value will be pretty bombproof and it'll probably suit best what you intend to do with it.

The SLR would be my second choice but in modified form the value can be affected. Has the SLR had a rollerbarrel conversion?

[pmason74]

Many thanks

Not sure whether the R300 is a roller barrel. That car and the Superlight R are both at the same dealer so I will ask the question.

As I am aware, the R300 is a standard as delivered car and the mods on the Superlight R is an Emerald ECU and remap, R500 exhaust, aero suspension and Nitron Shock absorbers

[tomwoodis]

I'd have to agree with the above. R300 considered a real sweet spot in the range performance wise and that model is already a classic one, sought after and will continue to be so. If you leave it standard the value will hold nicely.

[pmason74]

V7SLR said:

If condition is not an issue, assuming the R300 is the original rollerbarrel version, I'd go for that. From what you say you're unlikely to modify it so it's value will be pretty bombproof and it'll probably suit best what you intend to do with it.

The SLR would be my second choice but in modified form the value can be affected. Has the SLR had a rollerbarrel conversion?

V7SLR - dealership has advised both cars are roller barrel

Thanks again

[g7jhp]

pmason74 said:

Previously owned a 7 Classic, starting in 105bhp guise which was subsequently upgraded to 138bhp - both with 5 speed and open diff. Sold many years ago after much fun to purchase a house.

In the market again, ready to buy, looking at 3 cars (all of which are 1.8k's, 6 speed, LSD). Probably will never be tracked (maybe a 1 off at Croft at some point, but an exception rather than the rule) so looking for fun drive across and around the North East's beautiful scenery and roads with the occasional burst of speed

Option 1, 2002 R300
Option 2, 2004 Tracksport (170BHP map & dry sump)
Option 3, 1999 Superlight R (200BHP map, dry sump + some other trick bits)

All roughly the same price ballpark (Tracksport cheaper but literally £200 between the other 2), all similar mileage, known history and nothing seemingly scary. I'm just scratching my head on which way to go. Off to see all in a week or so, so will probably know when 1 see, feel and touch all 3.

Would appreciate thoughts and any advice from those more familiar with the models and their road manners. All 3 will have capability far far beyond where I will use them, but want it that way rather than coming from the other way and then wanting to upgrade.

Thanks in advance

I'd go with the Tracksport (if it's this one).

Limited Edition, upgraded to R300 spec, nice colour and save a few £ for upgrades.



Presume the R300 and Supersport R are at Chapman Cars.

I'd have to have a bright striking colour on a Caterham as much for safety as anything else.

This R300 in Pheonix Yellow loos great (although the rear height looks high).

Edited by g7jhp on Friday 1st September 20:54

[pmason74]

Many thanks G7

Indeed, correct on all counts, that is the Tracksport and there are a couple of cars at Chapman 2 (couple of R300's and the SLE) as well as another R300 elsewhere.

Aiming to get a car that I never want/need to upgrade, however fully aware that may well change post purchase!

[sundance002]

My choice would be the SLR, with the series 3 chassis,
And install a K20 Honda engine in it, 200bhp in standard form.
That's exactly what I did.
The SLR ticks all the right boxes for upgrading, as most bits are there i.e. Ltd slip diff dry sump, 6sp box, wide track suspension,
And all the carbon bits,
But if you thinking of never upgrading then the R300 would be the choice, lots of fun and will always hold its value.. if left alone

[analog_me]

If they are all of the same condition stick to the one you visually like most.
All three should be equally fund of the road

[g7jhp]

My perception (rightly or not) was that the K-Series Superlight R is more stressed and I'll heard of more issues.

The Duratec R300/ Supersport R/ 360 R with 175bhp seems most reliable, but these cars have a higher entry point (unless you can find a higher mileage example.

[pmason74]

Many thanks analog_me. Haven't seen any of the cars in the flesh as yet, but all seem to be broadly same condition and similar specs, though the SLR has the highest power and some additional suspension and carbon bits, albeit the oldest car. All 3 I am sure would be brilliant hence why I'm struggling a little to decide. I'm sure when I see them face to face, I'll be able to make a decision, but in the meantime interesting to read everyone's thoughts/views so appreciate that.

G7, don't know in terms of reliability/engine stress, as you say the price point is higher and that's my limiting factor so at this spec level I can only see K series cars. Lots of duractec cars about, but haven't found one yet with the combo of power/gearbox/lsd etc that I'm after

[sundance002]

pmason74 said:

Many thanks analog_me. Haven't seen any of the cars in the flesh as yet, but all seem to be broadly same condition and similar specs, though the SLR has the highest power and some additional suspension and carbon bits, albeit the oldest car. All 3 I am sure would be brilliant hence why I'm struggling a little to decide. I'm sure when I see them face to face, I'll be able to make a decision, but in the meantime interesting to read everyone's thoughts/views so appreciate that.

G7, don't know in terms of reliability/engine stress, as you say the price point is higher and that's my limiting factor so at this spec level I can only see K series cars. Lots of duractec cars about, but haven't found one yet with the combo of power/gearbox/lsd etc that I'm after

A well sorted SLR can be a wonderful toy
3years never missed a beat


Honda fits very nicely, and mates with the six speed gearbox.

[pmason74]

Wow! That looks fabulous Sundance. I didn't even know people put Honda engines in Caterhams. I do like the thought of the SLR (and I say this accepting of my limited knowledge on such things) as being the most extreme of a pretty extreme bunch of choices, however I'm also aware that I am considering something which I will never experience full potential of (though that is the same for all 3 choices in reality).

Whichever way I go, and when I have seen all 3 I'm sure I'll be able to make the final choice, I know I'll be re-starting a magical and memorable ownership journey

Thanks for your thought, appreciated and thanks for the pictures too

[knight]

That could be my old Tracksport, if so the only reason I changed it was that Callum twisted my arm into buying an R500

[pmason74]

knight said:

That could be my old Tracksport, if so the only reason I changed it was that Callum twisted my arm into buying an R500

He did say the previous owner of the Tracksport bought a R500

[Green George]

I think the SLR 7 is a very special car. According to Chris REES's book Magnificent 7 127, SLR's were produced. The R took the Nurburgring lap record for production cars at just over 8 minutes. (Pages 106 -108).

The SLR at Chapman Cars looks very good, I have been watching it for a while now. I would be more than happy with an aftermarket (Emerald) ECU and I know from reading Dave Andrews K series website that the VHPD engine management can be improved as per his K11 - Upgrade/drivability kit For VHPD engine:
"The VHPD engine suffers from bad cam timing and less than optimum mapping. This kit comprises a fully programmable Emerald K6 ECU with a suitable map and a pair of Piper verniers. This greatly improves idle and progression together with much improved mid range torque, and lifts the engine to a proper 190BHP".

To my mind, it is well priced. Sevens & Classics have just sold SLR No 66 red 8,300 miles but no dry sump with an asking price of £23,995. Caterham cars have SLR No. 120 for sale in a nice blue, 13,800 miles but no dry sump and remapped at £24,995 and apparently no warranty due to the ECU change.

The Tracksport is very nice and would be my choice over an R300 (I would probably put carbon wings and nose cone on, but that is personal taste). It is a very rare model and well specced with a dry sump and the price is good. According to Chris REES's book Magnificent 7 this was a 30th Anniversary model and only 2 were sold (Page 141). Apparently, they were equipped with the 5 and not the 6-speed gearbox. Which may or may not be an issue for you.
The original Tracksport was also apparently equipped with the 140 bhp engine; as the advert states this has been upgraded. May be worth checking to see which gearbox is fitted.

If you are visiting Sevens & Classics they also have a Superlight for sale which are very nice 7's with an excellent spec from new. John Barker of EVO magazine commented (when reviewing the SLR) "I've always felt the original Superlight was a better driver's car... more tractable, more driveable with its narrower rear tyres and quite fast enough" (Page 108 of Magnificent 7). I have a Superlight and love it so I am biased!

Edited by Green George on Sunday 3rd September 14:35

[pmason74]

Many thanks Green George. Interesting read that.

I'm not knowledgeable enough to know, but there is a certain something about the SLR, but in fairness all 3 specs/types are very special so I guess it's trying to pick the best from an excellent selection

Thanks for your thoughts

[sundance002]

Have been thinking of selling mine, as now I would like to find another SLR and put the new Honda 2.4ltr Engine, capable of 360bhp 60 more than my K20
With paddle shift.
So a sensible offer could buy mine
There is a thread on here showing the full build.
300bhp 200ftlb torq
4 power settings adjusted via dial on dash
Life f88 Ecu
Number 4 on regester

Edited by sundance002 on Saturday 2nd September 14:48

[pmason74]

sundance002 said:

Have been thinking of selling mine, as now I would like to find another SLR and put the new Honda 2.4ltr Engine, capable of 360bhp 60 more than my K20
With paddle shift.
So a sensible offer could buy mine
There is a thread on here showing the full build.
300bhp 200ftlb torq
4 power settings adjusted via dial on dash
Life f88 Ecu



[footnote]Edited by sundance002 on Saturday
2nd September 14:44[/footnote]

As appealing as the offer is, having seen yours and hearing about the spec, I suspect it's somewhat out of my price range mores the pity!

[V7SLR]

g7jhp said:

My perception (rightly or not) was that the K-Series Superlight R is more stressed and I'll heard of more issues.

The Duratec R300/ Supersport R/ 360 R with 175bhp seems most reliable, but these cars have a higher entry point (unless you can find a higher mileage example.

The vhpd engine in the SLR is not particularly stressed, the issues that have arisen are usually related to oil starvation due to the dry sump scavenge pump not being regularly overhauled, the belltank level doesn't keep up with what's needed eventually resulting in bearing failure .... this is applicable to any high powered K-Series Caterham with the Caterham belltank dry sum setup. Keep it maintained and all should be okay.