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It's a niche car. Blatchat does have a more active user base but that's to be expected of a (sort of) marque club.
I'm an ex-owner, who is patiently waiting for his next one to be delivered in Spring 2024. I'm looking forward to posting a picture in the picture thread!
Roblot - tell us about your Caterham!
I'm an ex-owner, who is patiently waiting for his next one to be delivered in Spring 2024. I'm looking forward to posting a picture in the picture thread!
Roblot - tell us about your Caterham!
Hi all,
I am an ex Caterham owner. I have written about my experiences with Caterhams previously on this site but I will give a brief recap for 'number2' When younger (some 40 years ago) I owned 2 Caterhams, one SS Lotus Holbay 120BHP with a live axle, and a 150 BHP Caterham with a twin cam and live axle. I thought they were great cars and I drove them in all weathers on a daily basis. Recently I got the Caterham itch and owned 3 further Caterhams in quick succession, the last car being a new 360S. I found all the cars unacceptably mechanically noisy (not a good noise from induction and exhaust) but excessive gear box and diff wine and also very clunky to drive, due to presumably excessive back lash in the drive train.
The cars are still great drives if you can overlook what I would consider unwanted noise, (OK I know some enthusiasts use ear plugs , helmets etc. but to me this is defeating the object if you just want to go for a country road blast with a passenger. Any how I don't want to rant on and I am probably just too old!!!
I am an ex Caterham owner. I have written about my experiences with Caterhams previously on this site but I will give a brief recap for 'number2' When younger (some 40 years ago) I owned 2 Caterhams, one SS Lotus Holbay 120BHP with a live axle, and a 150 BHP Caterham with a twin cam and live axle. I thought they were great cars and I drove them in all weathers on a daily basis. Recently I got the Caterham itch and owned 3 further Caterhams in quick succession, the last car being a new 360S. I found all the cars unacceptably mechanically noisy (not a good noise from induction and exhaust) but excessive gear box and diff wine and also very clunky to drive, due to presumably excessive back lash in the drive train.
The cars are still great drives if you can overlook what I would consider unwanted noise, (OK I know some enthusiasts use ear plugs , helmets etc. but to me this is defeating the object if you just want to go for a country road blast with a passenger. Any how I don't want to rant on and I am probably just too old!!!
Cheers Roblot, it wasn't intended to be a passive-aggressive question 
. I enjoy reading about peoples' experiences etc. with Caterhams, and try to contribute when I can.
Yup, they are agricultural - from my memory at least, which was 12 years ago and mainly on track.
I hope my spectacles haven't been too rose-tinted during the current ordering process
.
Saying that, I want something raw, with a direct connection to me and the environment - so as long as my older self can handle it, the Caterham will fit the bill!
(I've already mentally budgeted for a new LSD when the factory one goes pop, door mirrors and mounts that work etc. etc.
)
. I enjoy reading about peoples' experiences etc. with Caterhams, and try to contribute when I can.Yup, they are agricultural - from my memory at least, which was 12 years ago and mainly on track.
I hope my spectacles haven't been too rose-tinted during the current ordering process
.Saying that, I want something raw, with a direct connection to me and the environment - so as long as my older self can handle it, the Caterham will fit the bill!
(I've already mentally budgeted for a new LSD when the factory one goes pop, door mirrors and mounts that work etc. etc.
) I’d noticed things were rather quiet here of late too! Here’s a photo of mine to liven things up a bit.
I’d agree that Blatchat & the Caterham Facebook groups seem to be the main places to chat about Sevens these days.
With regards to Roblot’s comments about mechanical noises, there does seem to be a lot of variability between individual cars & you do hear a lot of complaints about gearbox & diff noise.
When I bought my car it was fitted with a Titan carbon plate LSD, which had very noisy off throttle chatter, noisy enough to drown out the engine & exhaust noise. It really did dominate the experience of driving the car. I swapped it for a Tracsport LSD, which is near-silent in operation. Luckily I don’t have any appreciable crown wheel & pinion or gearbox noise.
I’ll admit that the Duratec isn’t the most musical sounding engine, although throttle bodies improve matters quite a lot. I think that’s just modern engines for you. Efficient as they are, they don’t sound as good as motors of old.
I sympathise with your frustration number2! Try to enjoy the anticipation, spring will be with us soon…
I’d agree that Blatchat & the Caterham Facebook groups seem to be the main places to chat about Sevens these days.
With regards to Roblot’s comments about mechanical noises, there does seem to be a lot of variability between individual cars & you do hear a lot of complaints about gearbox & diff noise.
When I bought my car it was fitted with a Titan carbon plate LSD, which had very noisy off throttle chatter, noisy enough to drown out the engine & exhaust noise. It really did dominate the experience of driving the car. I swapped it for a Tracsport LSD, which is near-silent in operation. Luckily I don’t have any appreciable crown wheel & pinion or gearbox noise.
I’ll admit that the Duratec isn’t the most musical sounding engine, although throttle bodies improve matters quite a lot. I think that’s just modern engines for you. Efficient as they are, they don’t sound as good as motors of old.
I sympathise with your frustration number2! Try to enjoy the anticipation, spring will be with us soon…
Sadly Social Media has changed forums, there are lots of forums that have died a slow death as users migrate to FB etc.
Users are lazy, things like FB etc are designed to keep you hooked / addicted, so its no surprise when users migrate there.
I don't have FB or Insta etc, so for car stuff this is the only Social Media I can use.
But,................
I've ordered a 420R, which should / may turn up in April. So I will probably post up a pic or two as I build it.
I also made the mistake of visiting Premier Power, so may post up about the extra engine work he does for me.
(as of course I need more power in a 420
)
At the moment I'm trying to decide on colours - I'm tempted to go with the classic Green / Yellow look at the moment.
But I'm still looking at other examples before I commit fully.
Users are lazy, things like FB etc are designed to keep you hooked / addicted, so its no surprise when users migrate there.
I don't have FB or Insta etc, so for car stuff this is the only Social Media I can use.
But,................
I've ordered a 420R, which should / may turn up in April. So I will probably post up a pic or two as I build it.
I also made the mistake of visiting Premier Power, so may post up about the extra engine work he does for me.
(as of course I need more power in a 420
)At the moment I'm trying to decide on colours - I'm tempted to go with the classic Green / Yellow look at the moment.
But I'm still looking at other examples before I commit fully.
I’m sure you’ll be delighted with the 420, I love mine. I can’t imagine ever parting with it.
I thought about taking the Premier Power route too, but in the end I simply added a set of throttle bodies, with the accompanying remap. It’s surprising how much that changed the feel of the car, particularly as the ‘on paper’ power figures don’t look that impressive in comparison to the standard car. I’m sure a Premier Power upgrade will be spectacular!
I thought about taking the Premier Power route too, but in the end I simply added a set of throttle bodies, with the accompanying remap. It’s surprising how much that changed the feel of the car, particularly as the ‘on paper’ power figures don’t look that impressive in comparison to the standard car. I’m sure a Premier Power upgrade will be spectacular!
Good to hear from you all .
Ainsley When did you order yours? Not that it matters really, but I ordered back in August 2022... was going to be c. 12 months, then there were challenges getting engines so production was re-jigged and I'm now Feb 24, but have asked for March... they probably re-jigged to prioritise race cars too, but anyway... Factory build.
I opted for Balistic Orange - loved the look of Arancio Argos on the web page but in real life I didn't gel with the redness of it. Also, it's a difficult colour to touch up and as I plan to spend some time on track thought a standard colour would be best. I really liked the whites/greys/crayon type colours but I wanted something brighter.
I don't use Facebook anymore (or other social media), deleted it years ago now. I did pop back on recently to find some Caterham pages but must have been looking in the wrong place as I didn't find much. I'd rather not use Facebook - not a fan of the format, the advertising etc. but when I get the car and there are some relevant and active 'communities' I can find I'll probably take the plunge.
Blue, lovely looking car - looks like people are driving on the right - where is it?
.Ainsley When did you order yours? Not that it matters really, but I ordered back in August 2022... was going to be c. 12 months, then there were challenges getting engines so production was re-jigged and I'm now Feb 24, but have asked for March... they probably re-jigged to prioritise race cars too, but anyway... Factory build.
I opted for Balistic Orange - loved the look of Arancio Argos on the web page but in real life I didn't gel with the redness of it. Also, it's a difficult colour to touch up and as I plan to spend some time on track thought a standard colour would be best. I really liked the whites/greys/crayon type colours but I wanted something brighter.
I don't use Facebook anymore (or other social media), deleted it years ago now. I did pop back on recently to find some Caterham pages but must have been looking in the wrong place as I didn't find much. I'd rather not use Facebook - not a fan of the format, the advertising etc. but when I get the car and there are some relevant and active 'communities' I can find I'll probably take the plunge.
Blue, lovely looking car - looks like people are driving on the right - where is it?
I placed my order and initial deposit in early Aug for a Dec build slot, so should get the kit April time. I've also sent over a further payment.
Which could slip a bit I'm told to May.
Silverstone dealer as I'm local to them.
Then its a question of how long it will take me to build it.
I have a short window to change some of the spec, but had to commit to S or R, but that wasn't a difficult choice. So LSD and dry sump.
I did borrow their 360 demo car for 5 days and that helped with some of the options.
I've gone for the Composite seats, which were quite comfy. Small wheels as that's what everyone recommends from a handling point of view. He demo car had the larger ones which were fine, so the smaller ones should feel even better.
Not bothered with lights, I don't plan to drive much or fast in the dark. Lowered floor, narrow cockpit (the wider version just looked wrong for me). Arm wrests and full weather equipment.
The two extravagant options were the removable steering wheel and a 620 dash.
I'm talking to Premier to provide throttle bodies, even further lightened flywheel, ECU, cams etc to boost the torque in the middle of the rev range
Should be fun !
Which could slip a bit I'm told to May.
Silverstone dealer as I'm local to them.
Then its a question of how long it will take me to build it.
I have a short window to change some of the spec, but had to commit to S or R, but that wasn't a difficult choice. So LSD and dry sump.
I did borrow their 360 demo car for 5 days and that helped with some of the options.
I've gone for the Composite seats, which were quite comfy. Small wheels as that's what everyone recommends from a handling point of view. He demo car had the larger ones which were fine, so the smaller ones should feel even better.
Not bothered with lights, I don't plan to drive much or fast in the dark. Lowered floor, narrow cockpit (the wider version just looked wrong for me). Arm wrests and full weather equipment.
The two extravagant options were the removable steering wheel and a 620 dash.
I'm talking to Premier to provide throttle bodies, even further lightened flywheel, ECU, cams etc to boost the torque in the middle of the rev range
Should be fun !
The photo was taken in Switzerland on the Susten Pass last year. I drove the car to Tuscany. It was a fantastic trip, I’d love to do it again sometime.
I hope your cars aren’t delayed too much. I know Caterham were having problems sourcing Duratec engines for a while, but hopefully that issue is sorted now.
I hope your cars aren’t delayed too much. I know Caterham were having problems sourcing Duratec engines for a while, but hopefully that issue is sorted now.
AinsleyB said:
I placed my order and initial deposit in early Aug for a Dec build slot, so should get the kit April time. I've also sent over a further payment.
Which could slip a bit I'm told to May.
Silverstone dealer as I'm local to them.
Then its a question of how long it will take me to build it.
I have a short window to change some of the spec, but had to commit to S or R, but that wasn't a difficult choice. So LSD and dry sump.
I did borrow their 360 demo car for 5 days and that helped with some of the options.
I've gone for the Composite seats, which were quite comfy. Small wheels as that's what everyone recommends from a handling point of view. He demo car had the larger ones which were fine, so the smaller ones should feel even better.
Not bothered with lights, I don't plan to drive much or fast in the dark. Lowered floor, narrow cockpit (the wider version just looked wrong for me). Arm wrests and full weather equipment.
The two extravagant options were the removable steering wheel and a 620 dash.
I'm talking to Premier to provide throttle bodies, even further lightened flywheel, ECU, cams etc to boost the torque in the middle of the rev range
Should be fun !
I ordered my S3 360R kit from Silverstone end of July this year. I thought i''d be in a Jan (ish) '24 build slot. I was then informed it will be May '24 so I'm probably looking at Aug/Sept delivery. Which could slip a bit I'm told to May.
Silverstone dealer as I'm local to them.
Then its a question of how long it will take me to build it.
I have a short window to change some of the spec, but had to commit to S or R, but that wasn't a difficult choice. So LSD and dry sump.
I did borrow their 360 demo car for 5 days and that helped with some of the options.
I've gone for the Composite seats, which were quite comfy. Small wheels as that's what everyone recommends from a handling point of view. He demo car had the larger ones which were fine, so the smaller ones should feel even better.
Not bothered with lights, I don't plan to drive much or fast in the dark. Lowered floor, narrow cockpit (the wider version just looked wrong for me). Arm wrests and full weather equipment.
The two extravagant options were the removable steering wheel and a 620 dash.
I'm talking to Premier to provide throttle bodies, even further lightened flywheel, ECU, cams etc to boost the torque in the middle of the rev range
Should be fun !
Oh, well perhaps there is a difference of build availability between the 360' and 420's. I did get told I was squeezed onto an earlier build slot.
However, if it takes a bit longer then I get to save a bit more for engine mods
I also get to save a bit on renting a garage space to stick my 911 in, as the Caterham build needs the space its currently occupying. If the Caterham turns up late Spring then the 911 can live outside.
However, if it takes a bit longer then I get to save a bit more for engine mods
I also get to save a bit on renting a garage space to stick my 911 in, as the Caterham build needs the space its currently occupying. If the Caterham turns up late Spring then the 911 can live outside.
Blue 7 said:
I’d noticed things were rather quiet here of late too! Here’s a photo of mine to liven things up a bit.
I’d agree that Blatchat & the Caterham Facebook groups seem to be the main places to chat about Sevens these days.
With regards to Roblot’s comments about mechanical noises, there does seem to be a lot of variability between individual cars & you do hear a lot of complaints about gearbox & diff noise.
When I bought my car it was fitted with a Titan carbon plate LSD, which had very noisy off throttle chatter, noisy enough to drown out the engine & exhaust noise. It really did dominate the experience of driving the car. I swapped it for a Tracsport LSD, which is near-silent in operation. Luckily I don’t have any appreciable crown wheel & pinion or gearbox noise.
I’ll admit that the Duratec isn’t the most musical sounding engine, although throttle bodies improve matters quite a lot. I think that’s just modern engines for you. Efficient as they are, they don’t sound as good as motors of old.
I sympathise with your frustration number2! Try to enjoy the anticipation, spring will be with us soon…
That's a beautiful colour!I’d agree that Blatchat & the Caterham Facebook groups seem to be the main places to chat about Sevens these days.
With regards to Roblot’s comments about mechanical noises, there does seem to be a lot of variability between individual cars & you do hear a lot of complaints about gearbox & diff noise.
When I bought my car it was fitted with a Titan carbon plate LSD, which had very noisy off throttle chatter, noisy enough to drown out the engine & exhaust noise. It really did dominate the experience of driving the car. I swapped it for a Tracsport LSD, which is near-silent in operation. Luckily I don’t have any appreciable crown wheel & pinion or gearbox noise.
I’ll admit that the Duratec isn’t the most musical sounding engine, although throttle bodies improve matters quite a lot. I think that’s just modern engines for you. Efficient as they are, they don’t sound as good as motors of old.
I sympathise with your frustration number2! Try to enjoy the anticipation, spring will be with us soon…
AinsleyB said:
Oh, well perhaps there is a difference of build availability between the 360' and 420's. I did get told I was squeezed onto an earlier build slot.
However, if it takes a bit longer then I get to save a bit more for engine mods
I also get to save a bit on renting a garage space to stick my 911 in, as the Caterham build needs the space its currently occupying. If the Caterham turns up late Spring then the 911 can live outside.
My take on what has turned out to be an 18-month wait, is similar; more time to save some money, more anticipation, and missing winter isn't a big loss! However, if it takes a bit longer then I get to save a bit more for engine mods
I also get to save a bit on renting a garage space to stick my 911 in, as the Caterham build needs the space its currently occupying. If the Caterham turns up late Spring then the 911 can live outside.
Blue 7 said:
The photo was taken in Switzerland on the Susten Pass last year. I drove the car to Tuscany. It was a fantastic trip, I’d love to do it again sometime.
I hope your cars aren’t delayed too much. I know Caterham were having problems sourcing Duratec engines for a while, but hopefully that issue is sorted now.
Cheers, I absolutely would love to do some road trips like that! I hope your cars aren’t delayed too much. I know Caterham were having problems sourcing Duratec engines for a while, but hopefully that issue is sorted now.
I'll see how I go when I get the car - it might be worth waiting until next year to make sure any build niggles are ironed out before going on such an adventure, but then again, a lot can happen in a year so why wait...
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