7 Newbie - advice please...
Discussion
Hello all
I have always (or so it seems) had the itch to build a car… and specifically a 7.
15 or so years ago I came away from a Motor Show absolutely gutted that they were so small (at least compared to me - I’m 6’3” and these days closer to 16 stone than 15). Then all sorts of other stuff got in the way of the necessary finances.
Now, with the SV with lowered floors and GT seats being available (plenty of room to be comfortable!), a mortgage that is nicely under control, a birthday next year where both the numbers change and Executive approval from the wife (naughtily sought and obtained at the end of a long, liquid dinner party when her guard was down; “oh JFDI” counts as a binding verbal contract), the deposit is paid and I’ve got my name down on the waiting list.
I have a 911 as my daily driver (apologies for the similarlity of this post to F1RWL's!) and I want something light, agile, pure and above all fun. I don’t need the ability to go very, very fast - but I do want the ability to get to a decent speed indecently rapidly!
I have a few weeks to finalise the spec. So please chaps, your thoughts, opinions and advice on the following which I have in mind (which in all honesty is more than I originally had in mind, so please don't suggest a Supersport R!)…
Supersport 140
SV chassis
lowered floors
GT seats
weather gear
carpets
heater
quick-release steering wheel
tonneau cover
in Lotus Aubergine Purple metallic (a not unreasonable sop to my wife - this is as close to her favourite colour as I’ve seen on a car)
Delivery should be mid-April, so the target is to have it on the road for my birthday in early July.
I’ve lurked on various fora, read lots of blogs as well as the assembly guide and am pretty sure I know what to expect with respect to the build… (ie lots of frustration over missing/incorrect parts, ambiguous intructions that require a posting here or on Blatchat to resolve, even more swearing at the diff installation and boredom at adding rubber tubing for the IVA test).
That said, are there any tips, things I should do or areas of preparation you suggest I should consider?
I look forward to hearing from you and joining "the club"!
I have always (or so it seems) had the itch to build a car… and specifically a 7.
15 or so years ago I came away from a Motor Show absolutely gutted that they were so small (at least compared to me - I’m 6’3” and these days closer to 16 stone than 15). Then all sorts of other stuff got in the way of the necessary finances.
Now, with the SV with lowered floors and GT seats being available (plenty of room to be comfortable!), a mortgage that is nicely under control, a birthday next year where both the numbers change and Executive approval from the wife (naughtily sought and obtained at the end of a long, liquid dinner party when her guard was down; “oh JFDI” counts as a binding verbal contract), the deposit is paid and I’ve got my name down on the waiting list.
I have a 911 as my daily driver (apologies for the similarlity of this post to F1RWL's!) and I want something light, agile, pure and above all fun. I don’t need the ability to go very, very fast - but I do want the ability to get to a decent speed indecently rapidly!
I have a few weeks to finalise the spec. So please chaps, your thoughts, opinions and advice on the following which I have in mind (which in all honesty is more than I originally had in mind, so please don't suggest a Supersport R!)…
Supersport 140
SV chassis
lowered floors
GT seats
weather gear
carpets
heater
quick-release steering wheel
tonneau cover
in Lotus Aubergine Purple metallic (a not unreasonable sop to my wife - this is as close to her favourite colour as I’ve seen on a car)
Delivery should be mid-April, so the target is to have it on the road for my birthday in early July.
I’ve lurked on various fora, read lots of blogs as well as the assembly guide and am pretty sure I know what to expect with respect to the build… (ie lots of frustration over missing/incorrect parts, ambiguous intructions that require a posting here or on Blatchat to resolve, even more swearing at the diff installation and boredom at adding rubber tubing for the IVA test).
That said, are there any tips, things I should do or areas of preparation you suggest I should consider?
I look forward to hearing from you and joining "the club"!
I can't possibly comment on the build as I bought my car used, but you've gone for a similar spec to mine (Except I've got an S3) and I love it 
The 140 will get you plenty of laughs at how quickly it gathers pace, but even when you're not going fast it feels like you're flying along!
Good luck with building it! I'd love to build one at some point. Maybe in 10 years time - I'll be quite excited to see what sort of engines they've got then!
The 140 will get you plenty of laughs at how quickly it gathers pace, but even when you're not going fast it feels like you're flying along!
Good luck with building it! I'd love to build one at some point. Maybe in 10 years time - I'll be quite excited to see what sort of engines they've got then!
You will love it; a few points- join the Club literally (Lotus Seven Club- brilliant source of support and as eclectic a bunch of people as you will find); six speed or five - had both , marginally prefer six as more opportunity to heel and toe etc. Five better for long trips . Carpets- I wouldn't bother.They will get wet at some point and will smell of old mushrooms- rubber mats better. Don't bother wih hood- get Soft Bits for Sevens half hood and draught excluder. You will stay dry and can erect in seconds (quiet at the back ); also get SBFS shower cover for when parked. Colour - consider some bright colour noseband for better visibilty? Stack dash - funky but analogue dials as good for me (have Stack and it's ok but hasn't chaged the world for me)
The idea behind carpets was to act as sound-deadening material and reduce the booming in the cockpit (the car I tested lacked them and I was told with them, it'd be a nicer environment)
It's the weather gear that I'm most confused about.
I like the idea of open top motoring in the summer but have been told that vortices form in the cabin if the doors are taken off making it difficult to breathe (as well as losing the mirrors!), so it's best to leave them on (at which point the car looks ugly!)
Are the half-doors of the Supersport a good compromise that kills the vortices? but what it if rains (or is that wheer the other stuff recommended comes into its own?)
It's the weather gear that I'm most confused about.
I like the idea of open top motoring in the summer but have been told that vortices form in the cabin if the doors are taken off making it difficult to breathe (as well as losing the mirrors!), so it's best to leave them on (at which point the car looks ugly!)
Are the half-doors of the Supersport a good compromise that kills the vortices? but what it if rains (or is that wheer the other stuff recommended comes into its own?)
If it's a hot summers day and I'm not going on the motorway or too fast doors off is ok. You will want sunglasses/eye protection.
Doors on 99% of the time. Fine even in light rain and plenty warm in winter, the heaters are ace.
Only use the full hood and it's tipping it down, half hoods are vastly better. The full hood has very low visibility and is claustrophobic to say the least.
Were gonna build some aero screens for the summer, as they are meant to be the fastest.
Doors on 99% of the time. Fine even in light rain and plenty warm in winter, the heaters are ace.
Only use the full hood and it's tipping it down, half hoods are vastly better. The full hood has very low visibility and is claustrophobic to say the least.
Were gonna build some aero screens for the summer, as they are meant to be the fastest.
jackh707 said:
If it's a hot summers day and I'm not going on the motorway or too fast doors off is ok. You will want sunglasses/eye protection.
Doors on 99% of the time. Fine even in light rain and plenty warm in winter, the heaters are ace.
Only use the full hood and it's tipping it down, half hoods are vastly better. The full hood has very low visibility and is claustrophobic to say the least.
Were gonna build some aero screens for the summer, as they are meant to be the fastest.
I agree with most of this, but I have found the full hood is excellent. This summer I had to drive from London to Edinburgh in pouring rain, the full hood kept me and my luggage in the boot dry. Passing lorries the water was like being hit by a wave. It didn't mist up too much with the rear window partly unzipped and when it did the electric screen and a cloth sorted it in no time.Doors on 99% of the time. Fine even in light rain and plenty warm in winter, the heaters are ace.
Only use the full hood and it's tipping it down, half hoods are vastly better. The full hood has very low visibility and is claustrophobic to say the least.
Were gonna build some aero screens for the summer, as they are meant to be the fastest.
There is excellent over the shoulder vision and the hood sits a lot higher than the roll bar, so plenty of headroom.
If the weather is dodgy and your a long way from home then I suggest sidescreens and keep the hood in the boot.
A half hood as well would be an extra luxury
By the way, you get used to the look of the sidescreens, and they make high speeds much nicer particularly for passengers.
I have a Roadsport 150 SV with similar spec.
Don't bother with the carpets, it is comfy enough without and looks better.
I have the weather gear. I always use the windscreen and sidescreens and occasionally the full hood on a weekend away. The SBFS Half Hood is much easier when you can get away with it. I sold my tonneau cover and bought a shower cap from osted trimming - an excellent buy. TC doesn't cover the boot and takes longer to fit.
I would add the big brakes or look into the High Spec alternative. I found the standard brakes on the test drives were powerful but only if you pushed very hard which I kept forgetting and is tiring. The big brakes are fantastic and I'm very glad I ticked that option.
Not sure if the Supersport comes with FIA roll-over bar as standard. You want that - it is stronger and looks better.
I would go for the quietest exhaust caterham will supply. I love the induction raw but hate the exhaust boom. I have the 6" one and it is too noisy. I think the SS comes with an even smaller/noisier one as standard.
Don't bother with the carpets, it is comfy enough without and looks better.
I have the weather gear. I always use the windscreen and sidescreens and occasionally the full hood on a weekend away. The SBFS Half Hood is much easier when you can get away with it. I sold my tonneau cover and bought a shower cap from osted trimming - an excellent buy. TC doesn't cover the boot and takes longer to fit.
I would add the big brakes or look into the High Spec alternative. I found the standard brakes on the test drives were powerful but only if you pushed very hard which I kept forgetting and is tiring. The big brakes are fantastic and I'm very glad I ticked that option.
Not sure if the Supersport comes with FIA roll-over bar as standard. You want that - it is stronger and looks better.
I would go for the quietest exhaust caterham will supply. I love the induction raw but hate the exhaust boom. I have the 6" one and it is too noisy. I think the SS comes with an even smaller/noisier one as standard.
I think the choice between 5spd and 6 is one to get right. It's personal choice, but I would expect the 6spder to be the right one on a 140.
Regarding noise and buffeting, because I am an old fart and don't want to go deafer, I always use ear-protection in a 7 (obviously not for the shops). There's a lot of noise.
Bert
Regarding noise and buffeting, because I am an old fart and don't want to go deafer, I always use ear-protection in a 7 (obviously not for the shops). There's a lot of noise.
Bert
I've just about completed the build of my S3 Supersport. Options added were:
FIA roll bar
Removable steering wheel
Weather gear
Heater
Carbon aeroscreen
I had the car painted locally with a better choice of colours at a reasonable price (less than that for a solid colour from CC).
Not sure about the gearbox but I got one of the last 5-speed close ratio 'boxes for the Supersport (after some discussion). Beware of the exhaust if you plan to do track days, it is marginal, and a track day exhaust is a no cost option.
I've really enjoyed building the car with one of my sons. There have been a few frustrations but not enough to think that if I knew what I do now and was about buy one again I would still do it.
Enjoy the build and think what you'll have when you're finished.
FIA roll bar
Removable steering wheel
Weather gear
Heater
Carbon aeroscreen
I had the car painted locally with a better choice of colours at a reasonable price (less than that for a solid colour from CC).
Not sure about the gearbox but I got one of the last 5-speed close ratio 'boxes for the Supersport (after some discussion). Beware of the exhaust if you plan to do track days, it is marginal, and a track day exhaust is a no cost option.
I've really enjoyed building the car with one of my sons. There have been a few frustrations but not enough to think that if I knew what I do now and was about buy one again I would still do it.
Enjoy the build and think what you'll have when you're finished.
Thanks to everyone who has posted so far 
I can see a theme emerging re FIA roll bar... why is that...? Is it simply that it's preferable as it's safer or that you can't go on a track day without one?
I omitted the larger diameter exhaust from my list as it was a no cost option so I overlooked it when writing the first post - my motivation is to quieten the exhaust rather than to make me legal for tracking the car (though that would be a useful side effect!)
coppice - a "proper" harness...? the Supersport gets a four-point harness as standard, that's sufficient isn't it?
Steve C7S - did you have the painting done after you had built the car or before? I was going to use Caterham as "path of least resistance" but commented when I met them that I thought their paint pricing was rude!
Also, you went for aeroscreens as well as weather gear - was that to give you the choice of small/full windscreen depending on mood and/or weather? Is swapping between them straight forward (guess anything is having built the entire car!)
I can see a theme emerging re FIA roll bar... why is that...? Is it simply that it's preferable as it's safer or that you can't go on a track day without one?
I omitted the larger diameter exhaust from my list as it was a no cost option so I overlooked it when writing the first post - my motivation is to quieten the exhaust rather than to make me legal for tracking the car (though that would be a useful side effect!)
coppice - a "proper" harness...? the Supersport gets a four-point harness as standard, that's sufficient isn't it?
Steve C7S - did you have the painting done after you had built the car or before? I was going to use Caterham as "path of least resistance" but commented when I met them that I thought their paint pricing was rude!
Also, you went for aeroscreens as well as weather gear - was that to give you the choice of small/full windscreen depending on mood and/or weather? Is swapping between them straight forward (guess anything is having built the entire car!)
BigCol said:
I can see a theme emerging re FIA roll bar... why is that...? Is it simply that it's preferable as it's safer or that you can't go on a track day without one?
You have to have one for L7C track days, but not for other organisers (MSV etc.). It is stronger.BigCol said:
coppice - a "proper" harness...? the Supersport gets a four-point harness as standard, that's sufficient isn't it?
Yep, although you'll want/need to get a crotch strap/6-point if you want to do some form of racing.And more in response to the original post:
- I went for an SV because although I can drive a S3 perfectly fine (I'm 6'1" and over 16 stone) it's a bit cosy with two up, especially across the shoulders. SV is very comfy.
- Lowered floors also help keep your helmet under the roll-bar line.
- I've had a full hood and then bought a half-hood/draught excluder, not had the full hood on since. That said, I've done a number of longer trips with the full hood on and it's fine.
- I've got carpet on some of the interior 'vertical' surfaces (e.g. behind the seats) but rubber mats on my (lowered) floors attached by poppers. Easy to replace when they get knackered too.
- I've not bothered with a tonneu cover, but will be getting a showercap at some point soon.
- I went for an SV because although I can drive a S3 perfectly fine (I'm 6'1" and over 16 stone) it's a bit cosy with two up, especially across the shoulders. SV is very comfy.
- Lowered floors also help keep your helmet under the roll-bar line.
- I've had a full hood and then bought a half-hood/draught excluder, not had the full hood on since. That said, I've done a number of longer trips with the full hood on and it's fine.
- I've got carpet on some of the interior 'vertical' surfaces (e.g. behind the seats) but rubber mats on my (lowered) floors attached by poppers. Easy to replace when they get knackered too.
- I've not bothered with a tonneu cover, but will be getting a showercap at some point soon.
All good advice above.
Great colour but....I would seriously consider a brighter colour or bright nose cone...I'm on my 2nd 7, the first was dark blue...2nd is bright orange...and I was deliberately looking for a brighter colour....as the car is so small I had a few moments with my first 7 when other road users failed to see me...usually at junctions / roundabouts as even when keeping well within the limits of road legal the 7 can take corners / roundabouts much faster than other roadusers are used to.. ...not happened in the bright orange one :-). You don't want to be in a "sorry mate, didn't see you" situation.
Side screens...I always use them...I wouldn't go on a blat without them without a helmet or something better than my current Oakleys (eg driving goggles) as you do get a serious battering from the vortex / wind above 50 mph + a weird kind of lopsided grin ...but that's normal in a 7 :-)
Definitely go for the FIA roll bar and quieter exhaust...at some point during ownership you will want to try a trackday and it would be a shame not to experience the car in a place where you can really test it's limits due to a missed opportunity when spec'ing up at the beginning.
All IMHO of course :-)
Great colour but....I would seriously consider a brighter colour or bright nose cone...I'm on my 2nd 7, the first was dark blue...2nd is bright orange...and I was deliberately looking for a brighter colour....as the car is so small I had a few moments with my first 7 when other road users failed to see me...usually at junctions / roundabouts as even when keeping well within the limits of road legal the 7 can take corners / roundabouts much faster than other roadusers are used to.. ...not happened in the bright orange one :-). You don't want to be in a "sorry mate, didn't see you" situation.
Side screens...I always use them...I wouldn't go on a blat without them without a helmet or something better than my current Oakleys (eg driving goggles) as you do get a serious battering from the vortex / wind above 50 mph + a weird kind of lopsided grin ...but that's normal in a 7 :-)
Definitely go for the FIA roll bar and quieter exhaust...at some point during ownership you will want to try a trackday and it would be a shame not to experience the car in a place where you can really test it's limits due to a missed opportunity when spec'ing up at the beginning.
All IMHO of course :-)
Edited by Steve Campbell on Friday 30th November 10:41
Lots of hate for the full hood here!
I drove from Cardiff to Caterham and back with the full hood on last month and enjoyed every minute. It was cold out with showers and the hood kept us warm and dry the whole time! It was actually very nice in there and I didn't notice the visibility being bad at all!
As expected it was rather noisy but I wore ear protectors most of the way.
I drove from Cardiff to Caterham and back with the full hood on last month and enjoyed every minute. It was cold out with showers and the hood kept us warm and dry the whole time! It was actually very nice in there and I didn't notice the visibility being bad at all!
As expected it was rather noisy but I wore ear protectors most of the way.
BigCol said:
Thanks to everyone who has posted so far
I can see a theme emerging re FIA roll bar... why is that...? Is it simply that it's preferable as it's safer or that you can't go on a track day without one?
I omitted the larger diameter exhaust from my list as it was a no cost option so I overlooked it when writing the first post - my motivation is to quieten the exhaust rather than to make me legal for tracking the car (though that would be a useful side effect!)
coppice - a "proper" harness...? the Supersport gets a four-point harness as standard, that's sufficient isn't it?
Steve C7S - did you have the painting done after you had built the car or before? I was going to use Caterham as "path of least resistance" but commented when I met them that I thought their paint pricing was rude!
Also, you went for aeroscreens as well as weather gear - was that to give you the choice of small/full windscreen depending on mood and/or weather? Is swapping between them straight forward (guess anything is having built the entire car!)
The trackway silencer is usually to make it quieter so that it passes noise testing which are becoming more stringent. Changing from the windscreen to CC aero is very easy but make sure you specific the interchangeable scuttle brackets to hold the retaining nuts captive if you fit the knee trim panels. I'd go for the FIA bar straightaway for safety and to save you upgrading in the future when you won't get any reduction in price for not using the standard bar. There are plenty of places that can spray cars but if use somewhere like TSK the majority of the cars they spray are caterhams and they are very familiar with the car's preparation and driver's expectationI can see a theme emerging re FIA roll bar... why is that...? Is it simply that it's preferable as it's safer or that you can't go on a track day without one?
I omitted the larger diameter exhaust from my list as it was a no cost option so I overlooked it when writing the first post - my motivation is to quieten the exhaust rather than to make me legal for tracking the car (though that would be a useful side effect!)
coppice - a "proper" harness...? the Supersport gets a four-point harness as standard, that's sufficient isn't it?
Steve C7S - did you have the painting done after you had built the car or before? I was going to use Caterham as "path of least resistance" but commented when I met them that I thought their paint pricing was rude!
Also, you went for aeroscreens as well as weather gear - was that to give you the choice of small/full windscreen depending on mood and/or weather? Is swapping between them straight forward (guess anything is having built the entire car!)
T
BigCol said:
Thanks to everyone who has posted so far
I can see a theme emerging re FIA roll bar... why is that...? Is it simply that it's preferable as it's safer or that you can't go on a track day without one?
I omitted the larger diameter exhaust from my list as it was a no cost option so I overlooked it when writing the first post - my motivation is to quieten the exhaust rather than to make me legal for tracking the car (though that would be a useful side effect!)
coppice - a "proper" harness...? the Supersport gets a four-point harness as standard, that's sufficient isn't it?
Steve C7S - did you have the painting done after you had built the car or before? I was going to use Caterham as "path of least resistance" but commented when I met them that I thought their paint pricing was rude!
Also, you went for aeroscreens as well as weather gear - was that to give you the choice of small/full windscreen depending on mood and/or weather? Is swapping between them straight forward (guess anything is having built the entire car!)
I got the car painted before I started to make it easier for the paint shop. I also drilled out the bonnet catch and boot cover rivets to do a better job.I can see a theme emerging re FIA roll bar... why is that...? Is it simply that it's preferable as it's safer or that you can't go on a track day without one?
I omitted the larger diameter exhaust from my list as it was a no cost option so I overlooked it when writing the first post - my motivation is to quieten the exhaust rather than to make me legal for tracking the car (though that would be a useful side effect!)
coppice - a "proper" harness...? the Supersport gets a four-point harness as standard, that's sufficient isn't it?
Steve C7S - did you have the painting done after you had built the car or before? I was going to use Caterham as "path of least resistance" but commented when I met them that I thought their paint pricing was rude!
Also, you went for aeroscreens as well as weather gear - was that to give you the choice of small/full windscreen depending on mood and/or weather? Is swapping between them straight forward (guess anything is having built the entire car!)
I like the idea of the aeroscreen but want to be able to use the car no matter what the weather hence the weather gear and heater. I'm also told that you'll gain a few MPH with it so is nice for track days. Two bolts on either side to remove the screen, one either side to fit the aeroscreen. From a previous post if you just opt for full weather gear instead of the aeroscreen you might not get the half doors - see http://pistonheads.co.uk/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&.... This will also tell you about the exhaust; whichever you order you will get the quieter one until you get it through the IVA.
coppice said:
FIA bar is stronger and therefore a Good Thing. Re harnesses- the standard ones are pretty cheap and nasty with v thin straps, the proper trackday harness (I think CC call it )is far nicer to use and just feels reassuringly robust comapred to toytown spec standard harness .
These harnesses came with the Supersport, although in black. I've got a mate with other Caterham harnesses that fit together with a normal seatbelt type mechanism and those don't feel so good.Gassing Station | Caterham | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff