2002 Caterham 7 Roadsport 1.8 Supersport.
Discussion
Smitters said:
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Also on the gearbox front, be aware that the ratios are quite odd between five and six speed. From memory, the six speeder has the same ratio for sixth as fourth in the five speed box - ie much lower. Great on track but tiresome on the road I found. It'll also depend on the final drive of your LSD. If that's too low, then a six speed box will be almost unlivable with - so speaks a man who was doing 4000 odd RPM at 70 on the M4 to get to a trackday.
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The 6-speed box is a bit mental. On mine, 1st was too tall to crawl in traffic and it could do 50-55mph in first. But in 6th gear you're about 4000rpm at 70 as above! 85-90 was up over 5000rpm (roof on, earplugs in, actually quite comfy Also on the gearbox front, be aware that the ratios are quite odd between five and six speed. From memory, the six speeder has the same ratio for sixth as fourth in the five speed box - ie much lower. Great on track but tiresome on the road I found. It'll also depend on the final drive of your LSD. If that's too low, then a six speed box will be almost unlivable with - so speaks a man who was doing 4000 odd RPM at 70 on the M4 to get to a trackday.
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) 
_Neal_ said:
Looks an excellent find to me, nicely done! Looks very standard too.
I found the biggest adjustment I had to make when first driving a Caterham was the speed of turn, initially found that I was taking two bites at every corner as the car dived in!
I've had two k-series Caterhams (a mint 1.6 Supersport and then a far rougher more modified DVA-tuned 1.8 (185bhp on throttle bodies etc). Biggest difference between the two (apart from the power) was that the second one had the 4 pot front brake upgrade - I found that gave a far firmer and more confidence-inspiring pedal. So maybe worth a look if you're finding the brakes an issue a bit down the line - they do stop fine though, just sometimes don't feel it!
Anyway enjoy - I'm sure you're on it already but Blatchat is an excellent forum. Also you should track it - they are so good, the light weight means you don't get through consumables hardly at all, and when you do they are cheap to replace as everything is tiny!
I found the biggest adjustment I had to make when first driving a Caterham was the speed of turn, initially found that I was taking two bites at every corner as the car dived in!
I've had two k-series Caterhams (a mint 1.6 Supersport and then a far rougher more modified DVA-tuned 1.8 (185bhp on throttle bodies etc). Biggest difference between the two (apart from the power) was that the second one had the 4 pot front brake upgrade - I found that gave a far firmer and more confidence-inspiring pedal. So maybe worth a look if you're finding the brakes an issue a bit down the line - they do stop fine though, just sometimes don't feel it!
Anyway enjoy - I'm sure you're on it already but Blatchat is an excellent forum. Also you should track it - they are so good, the light weight means you don't get through consumables hardly at all, and when you do they are cheap to replace as everything is tiny!
Smitters said:
Looks cracking. I've had a couple of sevens and loved them both. Couple of thoughts if I may:
Red hides the brake-lights and these cars stop so swiftly it can catch out the inattentive driver who is following you - worth considering upgraded LED lights and/or a high level brake-light.
They're quite tyres sensitive. I expect you'll have 6" wheels all round. 8" rears will add a bit too much grip for 140bhp IMHO - it's a more involved drive with 6" all round. I found the Yokohama A539 to be an excellent choice - comfy and quiet on the road, but still capable of taking a few cheeky laps on track with the right pressure dialled in. Getting pressures right is also key to comfort! They don't need 32psi for sure. I also used Rainsports for a while as they came in a 14", but I would feel the blocks moving around and it numbed the steering.
They are sensitive to alignment - if the car feels squirrely, having that checked is no bad thing. Essentially, Caterhams magnify everything, so you become more aware of slight oddities!
On the gearbox front, a fluid change will probably help with the feel, as would installing a bronze saddle bush, which is very cheap and very easy to do and firms things up nicely. Even a new plastic one would probably help: https://www.burtonpower.com/catalogsearch/result/?...
Also on the gearbox front, be aware that the ratios are quite odd between five and six speed. From memory, the six speeder has the same ratio for sixth as fourth in the five speed box - ie much lower. Great on track but tiresome on the road I found. It'll also depend on the final drive of your LSD. If that's too low, then a six speed box will be almost unlivable with - so speaks a man who was doing 4000 odd RPM at 70 on the M4 to get to a trackday.
I dailied my 1.4 Roadsport for 8 months and loved it. Getting in with a full roof in place was a spectacle and I'm small.
Thanks both and I really appreciate the experience share. Red hides the brake-lights and these cars stop so swiftly it can catch out the inattentive driver who is following you - worth considering upgraded LED lights and/or a high level brake-light.
They're quite tyres sensitive. I expect you'll have 6" wheels all round. 8" rears will add a bit too much grip for 140bhp IMHO - it's a more involved drive with 6" all round. I found the Yokohama A539 to be an excellent choice - comfy and quiet on the road, but still capable of taking a few cheeky laps on track with the right pressure dialled in. Getting pressures right is also key to comfort! They don't need 32psi for sure. I also used Rainsports for a while as they came in a 14", but I would feel the blocks moving around and it numbed the steering.
They are sensitive to alignment - if the car feels squirrely, having that checked is no bad thing. Essentially, Caterhams magnify everything, so you become more aware of slight oddities!
On the gearbox front, a fluid change will probably help with the feel, as would installing a bronze saddle bush, which is very cheap and very easy to do and firms things up nicely. Even a new plastic one would probably help: https://www.burtonpower.com/catalogsearch/result/?...
Also on the gearbox front, be aware that the ratios are quite odd between five and six speed. From memory, the six speeder has the same ratio for sixth as fourth in the five speed box - ie much lower. Great on track but tiresome on the road I found. It'll also depend on the final drive of your LSD. If that's too low, then a six speed box will be almost unlivable with - so speaks a man who was doing 4000 odd RPM at 70 on the M4 to get to a trackday.
I dailied my 1.4 Roadsport for 8 months and loved it. Getting in with a full roof in place was a spectacle and I'm small.
CKY said:
Nice one Lee, congrats on the new acquisition - being a 140bhp K Series hopefully she treats you well and doesn't throw too many issues re: head gaskets. Crazy the lack of mileage given it's >20 years old too! Looking forward to some further updates 
Thanks. 
A little update. When I got the car the rear view mirror wasn't fitted to it, so I had a go at putting it back on but with not much luck. I'd purchased an evostick rear view mirror glue kit and it fell off twice initially, and then I managed to get it to stick...but it only stayed on for 6 hours though! 
So I sacked that idea off and I ordered a new one with a rubber sucker attached to it and that has worked fine in comparison.
Four new tyres have arrived for it, and in the end I went with the Avons again. I'd noticed that Caterham use those on their current new cars, so I thought that if they are good enough for them, then they are good enough for me.
It is booked in for the week after next to have the new tyres fitted, plus an MOT and a brake fluid and coolant change. I've also asked them just to give it the once over to see if anything else is required for it.
The insurance came out at £172 a year, so I was happy with that to be fair. I can't wait to actually get the opportunity to get to know it better once everything has been done to it for sure.
So I sacked that idea off and I ordered a new one with a rubber sucker attached to it and that has worked fine in comparison.
Four new tyres have arrived for it, and in the end I went with the Avons again. I'd noticed that Caterham use those on their current new cars, so I thought that if they are good enough for them, then they are good enough for me.
It is booked in for the week after next to have the new tyres fitted, plus an MOT and a brake fluid and coolant change. I've also asked them just to give it the once over to see if anything else is required for it.
The insurance came out at £172 a year, so I was happy with that to be fair. I can't wait to actually get the opportunity to get to know it better once everything has been done to it for sure.
Another update. So the car is now taxed and MOT'd, and it now has 4 new tyres fitted and its had the brake fluid and coolant changed too.
So I've just driven it about 20 miles now and I will share my first impressions...
The 4 point harnesses are a bit of a faff.
I tried the doors off at first, but it was pretty windy where I am today and I took a proper beating from the wind, so the doors went back on!
It could do with the 6 speed gearbox because 60mph in 5th is 3000rpm, so not ideal.
Not having a foot rest for my left leg also nearly gave me cramp too!
Onto the more positives...
It is mental how little revs you need to get a shift on because of how light the car is(my mechanic weighed it and it was 575kg). It also feels incredibly torquey for a naturally aspirated engine, and that genuinely took me by surprise. Plus it makes a decent enough noise for a 4 cylinder 1.8 engine I reckon too(and you hear so much mechanical noise from the engine as well).
It definitely put a big smile on my face and the driving position is just ace I think. It is also great that you can see the front wheels and suspension bobbing up and down too.
I think going forward it could be wise to get the gearbox and diff oil changed as well, so I will look into doing that in the future.
Some pics of little and large!
The drivers seat floor mat is quite dirty in that pic, plus the car was quite dusty because my local garage have had the car for the last 2.5 days. However I've given the interior a quick fettle now though.
So I've just driven it about 20 miles now and I will share my first impressions...
The 4 point harnesses are a bit of a faff.
I tried the doors off at first, but it was pretty windy where I am today and I took a proper beating from the wind, so the doors went back on!
It could do with the 6 speed gearbox because 60mph in 5th is 3000rpm, so not ideal.
Not having a foot rest for my left leg also nearly gave me cramp too!
Onto the more positives...
It is mental how little revs you need to get a shift on because of how light the car is(my mechanic weighed it and it was 575kg). It also feels incredibly torquey for a naturally aspirated engine, and that genuinely took me by surprise. Plus it makes a decent enough noise for a 4 cylinder 1.8 engine I reckon too(and you hear so much mechanical noise from the engine as well).
It definitely put a big smile on my face and the driving position is just ace I think. It is also great that you can see the front wheels and suspension bobbing up and down too.
I think going forward it could be wise to get the gearbox and diff oil changed as well, so I will look into doing that in the future.
Some pics of little and large!
The drivers seat floor mat is quite dirty in that pic, plus the car was quite dusty because my local garage have had the car for the last 2.5 days. However I've given the interior a quick fettle now though.
cerb4.5lee said:
The 4 point harnesses are a bit of a faff.
It could do with the 6 speed gearbox because 60mph in 5th is 3000rpm, so not ideal.
You will very quickly get used to the harnesses. It could do with the 6 speed gearbox because 60mph in 5th is 3000rpm, so not ideal.
I believe that the 5 speed 'box has a longer ratio 5th than the six speed (4th is 1:1, 5th <1:1 depending upon options whereas six speed has a 1:1 sixth gear).
You need to remember that they are designed to rev, and will have a maximum speed of just over 100mph, so you'll be using a significant proportion of the rev range travelling at 70mph.
You will soon learn that they're not ideal for sitting at motorway speeds for long periods of time.
Glad you've got it back and enjoying the drive
As said above I don't believe the 6 speed is a "cruising" option! Earplugs on the motorway are your friend.
In terms of doors off/on the received wisdom is (or was when I had one) that with a windscreen doors on is the way forward, with an aeroscreen no doors (or half doors) is good. I certainly found that windscreen plus no doors was no fun at all as the wind whips around the screen and smacks you in the face!
I also used to love seeing the wheels bobbing up and down as you drive along.
As said above I don't believe the 6 speed is a "cruising" option! Earplugs on the motorway are your friend.
In terms of doors off/on the received wisdom is (or was when I had one) that with a windscreen doors on is the way forward, with an aeroscreen no doors (or half doors) is good. I certainly found that windscreen plus no doors was no fun at all as the wind whips around the screen and smacks you in the face!
I also used to love seeing the wheels bobbing up and down as you drive along.
BertBert said:
I don't understand why people are so fixated by the rpm. It's just a number. What is wrong with 3,000rpm in top at 50mph?
I think for me personally I've always took a bit of notice of it that's all. I was only saying to my missus the other day how low revving the Merc is at 70mph(it is basically just above tickover at 70mph because it has a 9 speed auto)...in comparison to some of the stuff we both started driving in, and those cars were revving their backsides off at 70mph in top gear for example. It is just an observation I've made really, and it won't detract in anyway from my enjoyment of the Caterham at all.
Hey Lee, I don't know how I've managed to miss this thread until now. Nice little go kart and interesting to read your thoughts. This is a car I need to have a go of some day. Light cars certainly tend to be more fun in my experience, though I've not driven anything as light as a Caterham so I can imagine it's quite the eye opener. Enjoy 
TameRacingDriver said:
Hey Lee, I don't know how I've managed to miss this thread until now. Nice little go kart and interesting to read your thoughts. This is a car I need to have a go of some day. Light cars certainly tend to be more fun in my experience, though I've not driven anything as light as a Caterham so I can imagine it's quite the eye opener. Enjoy
Thanks a lot TRD. As you know I'm a really big fan of turbo torque, but this thing amazes me at how quick it gets down the road from very little revs for a NA engine for definite. The lighter weight makes such a difference to what I've been used to for sure.
Goodness knows what the really quick ones are like I reckon for certain!
Congratulations Lee, super choice.
I had the very same spec Seven in the early 2000's. Absolutely loved it.
You mentioned braking. I was working on a project at the time which involved AP Racing and mentioned the poor front end brake performance; Cast iron Girling caliper I think. "You need our aluminium 4 potter'. they said. Duly supplied an oh, what a difference and massive improvement in the car's performance. For that, read much later and better controlled braking.
My son and I did a couple of track days and it was a delight to go past Scoobs etc on the outside of a bend and wave to those on board. Of course they murdered us on the straights, which leads me to an upgrade, leaving chassis items being as they are. I reckon 180 BPH would be ideal, but never got around to it. Not needed for the road, but would have been handy for the track days.
Tyres? I ditched the Avons (sorry) and fitted Yoko's as mentioned previously; a massive improvement in performance, safety and thus enjoyment.
I always wore a helmet, being a motorcyclist it seemed the natural thing to do and always felt cosy and comfortable in car.
Hood up on a winter's day was my favourite, although getting in and out was always comedic!
Enjoy your car Lee and keep us updated.
I had the very same spec Seven in the early 2000's. Absolutely loved it.
You mentioned braking. I was working on a project at the time which involved AP Racing and mentioned the poor front end brake performance; Cast iron Girling caliper I think. "You need our aluminium 4 potter'. they said. Duly supplied an oh, what a difference and massive improvement in the car's performance. For that, read much later and better controlled braking.
My son and I did a couple of track days and it was a delight to go past Scoobs etc on the outside of a bend and wave to those on board. Of course they murdered us on the straights, which leads me to an upgrade, leaving chassis items being as they are. I reckon 180 BPH would be ideal, but never got around to it. Not needed for the road, but would have been handy for the track days.
Tyres? I ditched the Avons (sorry) and fitted Yoko's as mentioned previously; a massive improvement in performance, safety and thus enjoyment.
I always wore a helmet, being a motorcyclist it seemed the natural thing to do and always felt cosy and comfortable in car.
Hood up on a winter's day was my favourite, although getting in and out was always comedic!
Enjoy your car Lee and keep us updated.
sideways man said:
Lee, you have a lot to answer for 
Been looking for a weekend car off and on, struggling to get excited by a mx5…
I read this thread, and I’m picking my caterham up tomorrow! 1.8 k series if anyone is interested.
Nice one and that is fantastic to hear! Been looking for a weekend car off and on, struggling to get excited by a mx5…
I read this thread, and I’m picking my caterham up tomorrow! 1.8 k series if anyone is interested.
Enjoy collecting it, and I can promise you that you will love it too.
Still jealous. I salute your decision to SORN the 370z and overwinter the Caterham!!!
At the start of the year I looked at an 'early' Westfield with a 1.6 crossflow that had only done 40 miles in about as many years. It was lovely and in great nick but it was a narrow body so too short for me (very snug width ways as well). I had to take the seats out and remove the doors to be able to drive it so no end of man maths and seating ingenuity could make it work. It was fantastic to drive (in 1st and 3rd as that was all I could manage) even at the low speeds I felt safe at.
Anyway - back to winter driving - the seller, an octogenarian ex club racing driver it turned out, took me out for a spin to show me what I was missing. Death it seems. Narrowly. Late January, at dusk, with candle lights, greasy damp country roads, no doors (couldn't get my elbows in), no roof and every other car a land rover. Wheelspin out of the yard and drifting round the lanes at 50/60 with me very much feeling my mortality and close proximity to fence posts on the outside of bends. Particularly as I recalled the date stamps on the tyres... Equal parts exhilerating and petrifying. The sound, smell (and taste) from the carbs and exhaust/leg warmer was intoxicating and when I got back I was shivering - partly from the cold but also from fear.
I still really really want one though.
At the start of the year I looked at an 'early' Westfield with a 1.6 crossflow that had only done 40 miles in about as many years. It was lovely and in great nick but it was a narrow body so too short for me (very snug width ways as well). I had to take the seats out and remove the doors to be able to drive it so no end of man maths and seating ingenuity could make it work. It was fantastic to drive (in 1st and 3rd as that was all I could manage) even at the low speeds I felt safe at.
Anyway - back to winter driving - the seller, an octogenarian ex club racing driver it turned out, took me out for a spin to show me what I was missing. Death it seems. Narrowly. Late January, at dusk, with candle lights, greasy damp country roads, no doors (couldn't get my elbows in), no roof and every other car a land rover. Wheelspin out of the yard and drifting round the lanes at 50/60 with me very much feeling my mortality and close proximity to fence posts on the outside of bends. Particularly as I recalled the date stamps on the tyres... Equal parts exhilerating and petrifying. The sound, smell (and taste) from the carbs and exhaust/leg warmer was intoxicating and when I got back I was shivering - partly from the cold but also from fear.
I still really really want one though.
sjwb said:
Congratulations Lee, super choice.
I had the very same spec Seven in the early 2000's. Absolutely loved it.
You mentioned braking. I was working on a project at the time which involved AP Racing and mentioned the poor front end brake performance; Cast iron Girling caliper I think. "You need our aluminium 4 potter'. they said. Duly supplied an oh, what a difference and massive improvement in the car's performance. For that, read much later and better controlled braking.
My son and I did a couple of track days and it was a delight to go past Scoobs etc on the outside of a bend and wave to those on board. Of course they murdered us on the straights, which leads me to an upgrade, leaving chassis items being as they are. I reckon 180 BPH would be ideal, but never got around to it. Not needed for the road, but would have been handy for the track days.
Tyres? I ditched the Avons (sorry) and fitted Yoko's as mentioned previously; a massive improvement in performance, safety and thus enjoyment.
I always wore a helmet, being a motorcyclist it seemed the natural thing to do and always felt cosy and comfortable in car.
Hood up on a winter's day was my favourite, although getting in and out was always comedic!
Enjoy your car Lee and keep us updated.
Thanks very much and I really appreciate your experience share. I had the very same spec Seven in the early 2000's. Absolutely loved it.
You mentioned braking. I was working on a project at the time which involved AP Racing and mentioned the poor front end brake performance; Cast iron Girling caliper I think. "You need our aluminium 4 potter'. they said. Duly supplied an oh, what a difference and massive improvement in the car's performance. For that, read much later and better controlled braking.
My son and I did a couple of track days and it was a delight to go past Scoobs etc on the outside of a bend and wave to those on board. Of course they murdered us on the straights, which leads me to an upgrade, leaving chassis items being as they are. I reckon 180 BPH would be ideal, but never got around to it. Not needed for the road, but would have been handy for the track days.
Tyres? I ditched the Avons (sorry) and fitted Yoko's as mentioned previously; a massive improvement in performance, safety and thus enjoyment.
I always wore a helmet, being a motorcyclist it seemed the natural thing to do and always felt cosy and comfortable in car.
Hood up on a winter's day was my favourite, although getting in and out was always comedic!
Enjoy your car Lee and keep us updated.
It is great to hear how much you enjoyed yours for sure.
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