R400 or R400 SV ?
Discussion
Choosing the spec for a new R400
Having raced the std chassis before , it has been suggested to me that the SV chassis has ultimately more grip.
All sounds good , but I don't want to lose out on the "Caterham-ness" of the whole experience.
Spec so far is :-
FIA roll bar (body coloured, colour yet to be decided , but favouring Porsche Viper Green)
Race dampers & springs
quickest steering rack
uprated master cylinder
tonneau & wind deflector (no screen or hood !)
larger silencer (for track days)
13" wheels
Lowered floor
Stack Dash
Am I missing anything ?
Does anyone have any insight on the Chassis question ?
Cheers
Having raced the std chassis before , it has been suggested to me that the SV chassis has ultimately more grip.
All sounds good , but I don't want to lose out on the "Caterham-ness" of the whole experience.
Spec so far is :-
FIA roll bar (body coloured, colour yet to be decided , but favouring Porsche Viper Green)
Race dampers & springs
quickest steering rack
uprated master cylinder
tonneau & wind deflector (no screen or hood !)
larger silencer (for track days)
13" wheels
Lowered floor
Stack Dash
Am I missing anything ?
Does anyone have any insight on the Chassis question ?
Cheers
I'm assuming you are not a lard-ass and can fit comfortably in a s3 car now you've given up racing?
If it's for hooning or trackdays . . . get a normal series 3 car . . . series 5 SVs weigh a LOT more than a s3 car.
If it's for touring or leisurely pootling about, get an SV as they do have a lot more space inside - they're cavernous compared to a normal (proper) Caterham.
Bear in mind, SVs look a bit funny on 13" wheels - which is what you'll end up getting if you want to hoon about anywhere as the tyre choice is soooooo much better than other sizes.
As far as grip goes . . . the SV has a lot more weight so it will get more traction. They're handling is typically more relaxed than a s3 car as well. Out right speed though, I reckon you'll go fast easier in an Sv but you won't go as fast as a well driven s3.
My opinions are just that . . . my opinions. Best bet is to get a drive in one of Caterham's SVs and see what you think.
If it's for hooning or trackdays . . . get a normal series 3 car . . . series 5 SVs weigh a LOT more than a s3 car.
If it's for touring or leisurely pootling about, get an SV as they do have a lot more space inside - they're cavernous compared to a normal (proper) Caterham.
Bear in mind, SVs look a bit funny on 13" wheels - which is what you'll end up getting if you want to hoon about anywhere as the tyre choice is soooooo much better than other sizes.
As far as grip goes . . . the SV has a lot more weight so it will get more traction. They're handling is typically more relaxed than a s3 car as well. Out right speed though, I reckon you'll go fast easier in an Sv but you won't go as fast as a well driven s3.
My opinions are just that . . . my opinions. Best bet is to get a drive in one of Caterham's SVs and see what you think.
Edited by adamh on Friday 15th February 15:23
The SV is inherently more stable, particularly at motorway speeds, and is a little bit harder to unstick. Still a great drive, but a bit less go-kart-like.
The weight penalty is around 25kg, but maybe slightly more if you fill the larger fuel tank up.
I think its a question you can only answer with a test drive!
The weight penalty is around 25kg, but maybe slightly more if you fill the larger fuel tank up.
I think its a question you can only answer with a test drive!
Adam displays some of the hallmarks of an ardent SV disliker who rails against what they see as not being a proper Seven! The advantages in grip and stability are more to do with the increase in track and wheelbase rather than 25KG extra weight, which is definitely not a HUGE difference.
There have been a number of R400 SVs built and they have to be one of the best all round Caterhams you could buy. However, I think most have been equipped to have a split personality with both the track options but still with a hood and windscreen. I would definitely have at least an interchangeable windscreen with the aeroscreen and fit the hood from new to make it saleable. An SV without even the option of a hood and windscreen would be hard to sell on later I believe. By fitting them from new, you can always then use the car for a longer drive with the other half if you fancy it and you can take the weight off when you are just set on pure hooning.
There was one back to back, semi-scientific test done by a few club members with an SV and Roadsport and the SV was quicker round a short circuit. I have a standard chassis R300, I don't need the extra space of an SV necessarily, but if I was speccing again I would think very hard about ticking the SV box.
There have been a number of R400 SVs built and they have to be one of the best all round Caterhams you could buy. However, I think most have been equipped to have a split personality with both the track options but still with a hood and windscreen. I would definitely have at least an interchangeable windscreen with the aeroscreen and fit the hood from new to make it saleable. An SV without even the option of a hood and windscreen would be hard to sell on later I believe. By fitting them from new, you can always then use the car for a longer drive with the other half if you fancy it and you can take the weight off when you are just set on pure hooning.
There was one back to back, semi-scientific test done by a few club members with an SV and Roadsport and the SV was quicker round a short circuit. I have a standard chassis R300, I don't need the extra space of an SV necessarily, but if I was speccing again I would think very hard about ticking the SV box.
I have driven both the sv and s3. I own a s3 SL.
I did one of the caterham days driving round a car park and trying to bet the clock and all the other drivers.
I found the sv to big for me. so I would not go down this route. I think you need to try both. Also what do you what it for? sprints, trackdays or touring? I have as many others have been able to go away in the 7 with camping gear.
for me it s3 every time
I did one of the caterham days driving round a car park and trying to bet the clock and all the other drivers.
I found the sv to big for me. so I would not go down this route. I think you need to try both. Also what do you what it for? sprints, trackdays or touring? I have as many others have been able to go away in the 7 with camping gear.
for me it s3 every time
I have an SV.. started life as a 140bhp roadsport, now it isn't far off R400 spec. 190bhp, lsd, close ratio 5 spd box, roll cage, some carpets removed etc
I won my class (4) in the Lotus 7 club spring championship last year, and finished 2nd overall. Partly due to my class having low turn out, but the car can be competitive with whippet chassis cars (S3). A couple of racers who have driven my car on track said it was the best handling 7 they have driven.
BUT if you are short (ie less than 6'2"
and plan on using the car for hooning/blats/track rather than long touring holidays I would think an S3 might be better, as lots of weedy people like AdamH find themselves flopping around inside the SV, or unable to reach the pedals properly...
I won my class (4) in the Lotus 7 club spring championship last year, and finished 2nd overall. Partly due to my class having low turn out, but the car can be competitive with whippet chassis cars (S3). A couple of racers who have driven my car on track said it was the best handling 7 they have driven.
BUT if you are short (ie less than 6'2"
and plan on using the car for hooning/blats/track rather than long touring holidays I would think an S3 might be better, as lots of weedy people like AdamH find themselves flopping around inside the SV, or unable to reach the pedals properly...I'm 6'5 1/2" tall, weigh 18.5 stone and have size 13 feet. I have an SLR with a lowered floor and a taller 'caged' cage. Why would you want an SV if you want the intimate feel a std (narrow) bodied car gives you?
You can tweak the suspension enough to mitigate the slightly wider track of the SV, and given the performance by a couple of caterhams at Cadwell on satuday, you wouldn't want to be much slower, otherwise you'd be in danger of needing to drive with 2CVs (if indeed an SV is any slower, or any less 'kart like')
PS Apologies to Grant ("OBNS" off blatchat) if I was *right* up your chuff over the mountain section - you need to use your mirrors mate!!
You can tweak the suspension enough to mitigate the slightly wider track of the SV, and given the performance by a couple of caterhams at Cadwell on satuday, you wouldn't want to be much slower, otherwise you'd be in danger of needing to drive with 2CVs (if indeed an SV is any slower, or any less 'kart like')
PS Apologies to Grant ("OBNS" off blatchat) if I was *right* up your chuff over the mountain section - you need to use your mirrors mate!!
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