Which engine?

[sbeang]

Can anyone help me out? I'm looking to buy a caterham ASAP! The only trouble is I keep coming across one potential issue after another, from storage, that fact I'm quite tall 6 2 and wasn't sure how much of a squeeze it would be in the narrow shell rather than the SV, new or old, the thought of running two cars, oh and my indecision! After a number of visits to Caterham I answered a number of the issues I had first been asking myself. I had my heart set on the 1.4 basic classic, as it seemed as good a starting point as any and more affordable to run along side the day to day run around. After going out in a 1.6 125 bhp I then began to think why not go that little bit more wild and spend the money and go for this. The noise and pace was awesome and I had a new target. Trouble is this was the new Sigma engine, then the doubts came into my mind about the K Series engine, even though it has been used for the last 15+years! How reliable is it? What happens when it goes wrong as I assume its out of production? Would the 1.4 be sufficient enough? One thing I am sure of is I need one in my life! Trouble is which engine should I really be looking at? I was looking to go second hand but can't help but feel that new could be the way to go? I'd really like to hear from some people with experience of living with the car rather than just quick read reviews and someone just trying to take my hard earnt cash!
sbeang

[casbar]

Lots of questions. I've owned 2 Caterhams, the first was a xflow for about 8 years, which took a bit of tinkering to keep going and was great fun. I now own a K series with an R300 engine, which is pretty much spot on. Mine is dry sumped, has roller barrels and goes really well. Reliability wise, I do about 6 or track days a year, and my car has now done 26k with no major issues. Just change the oil and make sure the engine is warmed up before you give it death!!

Personally, I would like a Duratec powered car, but am not going to do anything until and if I have any engine problems with the K series. Its been a great engine. I decided this time to buy a used model, where someone else had spent all the money on the toys the car deserves. What ever you buy, you shouldn't be dissapointed. Buy the best car you can afford

[rubystone]

The K is a good reliable engine, especially in the lesser powered tune. A 120 bhp Roadsport is an excellent "starter" car. All IMHO of course.

Note also that it is very much a buyer's market out there and the nature of most of these cars is that they are little used and cossetted. Consequently, buying secondhand isn't a huge risk, especially if you find someone who knows the cars.

Best advice is to go along to your local Lotus 7 Club meeting, talk to the friendly people you'll find there and pick their brains. If you're really lucky, you may find someone willing to acccompany you on viewings of potential cars too.

[OJ]

My K-Series survived 3 seasons worth of racing abuse with only 1 top end refresh and 3 oil changes Although it has to be said that's with Forged pistons (standard cast pistons are the only weak point)

Don't be scared buying a K-Series, they have a terrible reputation but are very reliable a light sportscar like a Caterham, especially in low tune. I doubt the Sigma will be problem free.

I'd personally go for the 1.6 as there are plenty of tuning options available if you ever want to spruce it up a bit