The right caterham for me?

The right caterham for me?

Author
Discussion

TommyRS_

31 posts

67 months

Tuesday 7th June 2022
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Joehow said:
Yeah did about 18k in three years, it's pretty hardcore though as it's dripping in cup car parts so any potholes etc not good. The 360R I drove felt super comfy compared to the GT3.

I think 420R feels a good bet from what I am told.
Or this would make an excellent plan b....

https://www.pistonheads.com/buy/listing/13470263

ghibbett

1,900 posts

184 months

Tuesday 7th June 2022
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TommyRS_ said:
Or this would make an excellent plan b....

https://www.pistonheads.com/buy/listing/13470263
Plan A+++++ more like.

What a lovely thing!

TommyRS_

31 posts

67 months

Tuesday 7th June 2022
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ghibbett said:
Plan A+++++ more like.

What a lovely thing!
smile My thoughts exactly.

blackmamba

821 posts

235 months

Tuesday 7th June 2022
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I think the feedback above is spot on. Duratec cars are very quick, power delivery can be a bit dull at the top end but is improved by the RBTBs. Definitely consider a higher powered Sigma engine car or buy one to convert to Premier Power 175 or above. It is a lighter, freer revving engine and suits the Caterham very well.

Most Caterhams tend to ride well due to the lack of weight but they are hard core in many other respects (noisy, exposed, limited comforts etc.). Cost peanuts to run on track compared to a GT3 and very reliable.

I have a 996 GT3 and a R400 (K series). The power delivery and 6 speed box make it fabulous to drive and the top end ferocity is just as much fun as the GT3. I would recommend a fast K series car but it sounds like you are looking for something newer, in which case I would go for a Sigma engine car and upgrade as and when you feel the need. To be honest, anything over 150 bhp in a Caterham is enough unless you are on very fast circuits and even then the aerodynamics will limit how fast you go. But you will have a lot of fun trying.

upsidedownmark

2,120 posts

134 months

Wednesday 8th June 2022
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This is a very good point. Somehow we seem to have been conditioned to think fast 'hardcore' means stiff as f**k, crashing over everything, yadda yadda. Caterham doesn't do that - there's a lot less mass, so it can be a lot softer. I continue to be pleasantly surprised how nicely it rides anytime I use it on the road.

Don't mistake that for any lack of potential though.

dabevan

30 posts

78 months

Monday 13th June 2022
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I'm also in West Malling.

Got a 270 currently going through IVA

Murph7355

37,651 posts

255 months

Tuesday 14th June 2022
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Cooperracer05 said:
...

For me, 200bhp, dry sump, 6 speed is perfect for a 7
I agree with this...character of the engine is also important...a revvy 7 is better IMO.

Joehow said:
Yeah dry sump seems vital to me. Mates who properly lean on their 7s tell me 5 speed is more reliable? Thanks pal just message me when free
The 6-speed is fine, but you need to change gear properly. Which means not dragging it across the gate (which screws up the forks). Deliberate changes using the gate pattern is quick enough and helps the life of the box.

Joehow

Original Poster:

569 posts

114 months

Sunday 10th July 2022
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So after convincing myself I needed a 420R a day with a 310R and a deal that just felt really rather good and I now have a deposit down on a car the same day the GT3 left.

Ex press crayon car which hopefully should get in a couple of weeks. No doubt will go to Premier Power as we want to up the pace l.

Thanks for all the help and advice.

framerateuk

2,730 posts

183 months

Thursday 14th July 2022
quotequote all
Joehow said:
So after convincing myself I needed a 420R a day with a 310R and a deal that just felt really rather good and I now have a deposit down on a car the same day the GT3 left.

Ex press crayon car which hopefully should get in a couple of weeks. No doubt will go to Premier Power as we want to up the pace l.

Thanks for all the help and advice.
That looks lovely!

A Sigma is great fun on track. I've always been dying to get Premier Power to do some work on mine, but the kitchen is being done this year so I'll have to wait my turn laugh.