New Caterham Owner from Australia
Discussion
Hello All,
I recently aquired a 2009 S3 Caterham 125 ex Academy car that the provious owner imported into Australia.
I had been looking for a clubman style car for a couple of years and decided I really wanted an actual Caterham, due to the great amount of knowledge of the net (especially from the UK) and availability of spare parts. Over here, clubman style cars are very few and far between and the process of building one of your own is a lot more complex than the SVA system. Birkin's are probably the most popular clubman, next to locosts. I would have been willing to build a new Caterham with its straightforward complete kit approach, but not the if, buts, an maybes of using donor engines etc that a another car would have required. A factory built Australian complied Caterham would also have been well out of my budget (and be spoilt by a rear exiting exhaust and lack of tillet seats and only being able to have the SV chassis!).
I am looking for advise on upgrades.
Modern Caterham's being so rare (Pre 1989 cars are more common due to relaxed "classic car" import rules), I settled for a car that I could acquire and upgrade to what I wanted, basically, if I lived in the UK, I would have just bought a supersport kit with the 6 speed box and a windscreen, so that's what I am aiming for.
My car currently has 15" wheels as the previous owner sold his 13" wheels after the 2009 Academy, so I am planning on getting some of those to use for track days.
I think I'm getting tired of the full roll cage, so I will swap that for the track day item
Does anyone here have advise on how the Supersport 140 vs Sigma 150 engine upgrades compare? There appears to be quite a difference between the two from what I can see. The 150 looks like it runs individual throttle bodies (looks cool!), new cams, valve springs, and a new tune (replacement ECU), the 140 looks like it misses out in the throttle bodies but has a lighter flywheel and a new radiator (could be a good idea here). Both are listed at the same price on the Caterham parts store. Has anyone driven both and can give me some idea of each (compared with the standard 125 also would be a help).
What about wide track suspension? I have read that it doesn't make a whole lot of difference and does more for looks rather than handling, but I'm completely in the dark.
As far as the gearbox goes, I have a friend that is heavily into motorsport and said that it would be a lot more economical to pick up and old type 9 gearbox and rebuild it with a Quaife close ratio gear set rather than buy a new 6 speed unit, any further opinion on this?
Also, just a question of noise from the current differential, my friend seems to think the noise is nothing to worry about and comments on here say that it's common, but I'm quite amazed at just how loud the clunks can be when changing gears (especially when you don't make a real conscious effort for a super smooth gear change), there is also a knocking noise when coming to a complete stop that sounds a little unusual.
Should the handbrake sit level with the tunnel cover when released? Mine seems to sit up a little up like its not all the way down which seems in the way for shifting gears.
I am also considering a carbonfibre dashboard, more for looks than anything else, does anyone know how difficult they are to fit as the kit normally comes with the dashboard pre-assembled.
Sorry for all the questions, but I can't just drive someone else's car to see the differences!
regards,
Adam (BTW, I love my car!)
I recently aquired a 2009 S3 Caterham 125 ex Academy car that the provious owner imported into Australia.
I had been looking for a clubman style car for a couple of years and decided I really wanted an actual Caterham, due to the great amount of knowledge of the net (especially from the UK) and availability of spare parts. Over here, clubman style cars are very few and far between and the process of building one of your own is a lot more complex than the SVA system. Birkin's are probably the most popular clubman, next to locosts. I would have been willing to build a new Caterham with its straightforward complete kit approach, but not the if, buts, an maybes of using donor engines etc that a another car would have required. A factory built Australian complied Caterham would also have been well out of my budget (and be spoilt by a rear exiting exhaust and lack of tillet seats and only being able to have the SV chassis!).
I am looking for advise on upgrades.
Modern Caterham's being so rare (Pre 1989 cars are more common due to relaxed "classic car" import rules), I settled for a car that I could acquire and upgrade to what I wanted, basically, if I lived in the UK, I would have just bought a supersport kit with the 6 speed box and a windscreen, so that's what I am aiming for.
My car currently has 15" wheels as the previous owner sold his 13" wheels after the 2009 Academy, so I am planning on getting some of those to use for track days.
I think I'm getting tired of the full roll cage, so I will swap that for the track day item
Does anyone here have advise on how the Supersport 140 vs Sigma 150 engine upgrades compare? There appears to be quite a difference between the two from what I can see. The 150 looks like it runs individual throttle bodies (looks cool!), new cams, valve springs, and a new tune (replacement ECU), the 140 looks like it misses out in the throttle bodies but has a lighter flywheel and a new radiator (could be a good idea here). Both are listed at the same price on the Caterham parts store. Has anyone driven both and can give me some idea of each (compared with the standard 125 also would be a help).
What about wide track suspension? I have read that it doesn't make a whole lot of difference and does more for looks rather than handling, but I'm completely in the dark.
As far as the gearbox goes, I have a friend that is heavily into motorsport and said that it would be a lot more economical to pick up and old type 9 gearbox and rebuild it with a Quaife close ratio gear set rather than buy a new 6 speed unit, any further opinion on this?
Also, just a question of noise from the current differential, my friend seems to think the noise is nothing to worry about and comments on here say that it's common, but I'm quite amazed at just how loud the clunks can be when changing gears (especially when you don't make a real conscious effort for a super smooth gear change), there is also a knocking noise when coming to a complete stop that sounds a little unusual.
Should the handbrake sit level with the tunnel cover when released? Mine seems to sit up a little up like its not all the way down which seems in the way for shifting gears.
I am also considering a carbonfibre dashboard, more for looks than anything else, does anyone know how difficult they are to fit as the kit normally comes with the dashboard pre-assembled.
Sorry for all the questions, but I can't just drive someone else's car to see the differences!
regards,
Adam (BTW, I love my car!)
Edited by zoltrix77 on Monday 21st January 10:11
Congratulations on the purchase 
In regards to the 140/150 upgrades. By all accounts, the 150 upgrade was the first to be offered, but it seems it wasn't as smooth (or as powerful) as Caterham had hoped. Caterham brought out the 140 upgrade afterwards which provided a smoother power delivery, and it did actually hit 140 - where as the 150 could be anywhere from mid 130's up.
Mine's a 140 and feels great to drive. I'm sure you wouldn't be disappointed by it!
In regards to the 140/150 upgrades. By all accounts, the 150 upgrade was the first to be offered, but it seems it wasn't as smooth (or as powerful) as Caterham had hoped. Caterham brought out the 140 upgrade afterwards which provided a smoother power delivery, and it did actually hit 140 - where as the 150 could be anywhere from mid 130's up.
Mine's a 140 and feels great to drive. I'm sure you wouldn't be disappointed by it!
framerateuk said:
Congratulations on the purchase
In regards to the 140/150 upgrades. By all accounts, the 150 upgrade was the first to be offered, but it seems it wasn't as smooth (or as powerful) as Caterham had hoped. Caterham brought out the 140 upgrade afterwards which provided a smoother power delivery, and it did actually hit 140 - where as the 150 could be anywhere from mid 130's up.
Mine's a 140 and feels great to drive. I'm sure you wouldn't be disappointed by it!
Looking further at the image from caterham parts,the supersport 140hp kit doesn't even include an ECU? Looks like the gains are from the cam shafts mainly?In regards to the 140/150 upgrades. By all accounts, the 150 upgrade was the first to be offered, but it seems it wasn't as smooth (or as powerful) as Caterham had hoped. Caterham brought out the 140 upgrade afterwards which provided a smoother power delivery, and it did actually hit 140 - where as the 150 could be anywhere from mid 130's up.
Mine's a 140 and feels great to drive. I'm sure you wouldn't be disappointed by it!
Adam.
The 140 upgrade seems a lot of money for what you get. Are there any tuners who can modify your engine locally?
Diffs can be very noisy, but it's difficult to know how bad yours is without another car to compare it with.
If there isn't much whine or backlash, you may just have something loose or a worn bush at the back of the car.
The 5 speed modified with a longer first gear is ideal for road use. Remember the 6 speed is the same in top as 4th on the 5 speed.
In my opinion, the Sigma has enough torque not to need the 6 speed, particularly when you look at the cost of buying the 6 speed.
As regards the wide track suspension, I can't comment as I've only tried the narrow.
I was told by a friend that he thought the wide track was the upgrade that had made most difference in his opinion though.
Diffs can be very noisy, but it's difficult to know how bad yours is without another car to compare it with.
If there isn't much whine or backlash, you may just have something loose or a worn bush at the back of the car.
The 5 speed modified with a longer first gear is ideal for road use. Remember the 6 speed is the same in top as 4th on the 5 speed.
In my opinion, the Sigma has enough torque not to need the 6 speed, particularly when you look at the cost of buying the 6 speed.
As regards the wide track suspension, I can't comment as I've only tried the narrow.
I was told by a friend that he thought the wide track was the upgrade that had made most difference in his opinion though.
Personally I think the best thing to invest in for a Caterham is driver training before you look at any upgrades. This above anything will make you quicker. Even a normal Roadsport 1.6 driven well will terrorise a 911 on a track. Caterhams take a lot of getting used to to get the most out of them, as they are unlike any other car on the road.
Wide track. Waste of money is the general thoughts.
Definately get on 13", even for the road not just track. The tyre choice is better and the unsprung weight makes a huge difference. Lets the suspension work better.
I'd need to check on the Supersport upgrade, but I thought it included a need map. Definately has a new airbox on the sigma
My handbrake doesn't sit level with the tunnel top, so I shouldn't worry.
Diff, yes they are all damn loud. Bear in mind you are effectively sitting on it. It's inches off your backside with no sound deadening.
Leave all other car preconceptions behind and enjoy the drive ;-)
BTW I have an ex academy too and took off my cage a few weeks back. So much easier to get into. I was concerned not wearing a helmet on the road, even a minor shunt would have my head bang off the cage and that would be game over for sure.
Diff, yes they are all damn loud. Bear in mind you are effectively sitting on it. It's inches off your backside with no sound deadening.
Leave all other car preconceptions behind and enjoy the drive ;-)
BTW I have an ex academy too and took off my cage a few weeks back. So much easier to get into. I was concerned not wearing a helmet on the road, even a minor shunt would have my head bang off the cage and that would be game over for sure.
Edited by BraddersCat7 on Friday 25th January 15:55
BraddersCat7 said:
My handbrake doesn't sit level with the tunnel top, so I shouldn't worry.
Personally I think the best thing to invest in for a Caterham is driver training before you look at any upgrades. This above anything will make you quicker. Even a normal Roadsport 1.6 driven well will terrorise a 911 on a track. Caterhams take a lot of getting used to to get the most out of them, as they are unlike any other car on the road.
Wide track. Waste of money is the general thoughts.
Definately get on 13", even for the road not just track. The tyre choice is better and the unsprung weight makes a huge difference. Lets the suspension work better.
I'd need to check on the Supersport upgrade, but I thought it included a need map. Definately has a new airbox on the sigma
Diff, yes they are all damn loud. Bear in mind you are effectively sitting on it. It's inches off your backside with no sound deadening.
Leave all other car preconceptions behind and enjoy the drive ;-)
BTW I have an ex academy too and took off my cage a few weeks back. So much easier to get into. I was concerned not wearing a helmet on the road, even a minor shunt would have my head bang off the cage and that would be game over for sure.
Thanks for the advise everyone. Yes, I have already realised just how much pace these cars have on twisty roads, its just brilliant, and yes, your right there is lots of learning to be had regards driving.Personally I think the best thing to invest in for a Caterham is driver training before you look at any upgrades. This above anything will make you quicker. Even a normal Roadsport 1.6 driven well will terrorise a 911 on a track. Caterhams take a lot of getting used to to get the most out of them, as they are unlike any other car on the road.
Wide track. Waste of money is the general thoughts.
Definately get on 13", even for the road not just track. The tyre choice is better and the unsprung weight makes a huge difference. Lets the suspension work better.
I'd need to check on the Supersport upgrade, but I thought it included a need map. Definately has a new airbox on the sigma
Diff, yes they are all damn loud. Bear in mind you are effectively sitting on it. It's inches off your backside with no sound deadening.
Leave all other car preconceptions behind and enjoy the drive ;-)
BTW I have an ex academy too and took off my cage a few weeks back. So much easier to get into. I was concerned not wearing a helmet on the road, even a minor shunt would have my head bang off the cage and that would be game over for sure.
Edited by BraddersCat7 on Friday 25th January 15:55
The noise from the diff doesn't worry me other than the fact it thought there might be a problem with it, the clunking etc just makes it feel all the more raw!
Adam.
Adam,
Having taken our SV to Oz for 4 years, then back to the UK welcome to owning one of the rarest of Clubbies in Oz. You don't mention (or I'm thick and missed it) where you are -- there seems to be more Se7ens (PRB's, Birkins, Westies) in Sydney than other towns. We came back in 2009 and at that time according to the factory there were roughly 6-9 in the Sydney area that CC Parts knew of.
If you decide to race, beware slightly in that the Aussie racing authorities seem to not acknowledge/know of FIA, and impose bizarre, random rules on Clubbies. Like ordering all of us to lower floors, even though we were fully in the FIA bar -> nose cone clearances and of crutch straps. I raced our street legal car there but found scrutineering randomly different from track to track, even with the same officials. There's really not a lot of point putting a full cage on unless you're only going to do track racing although with the heat there, sitting stuck in traffic in 40C ++ in a Se7en sucks royally.
What colour is yours -- by chance is it Blue? If it is then I've seen your car before!
Have you joined OzClubbies, where there's some very nice blokes who are quite helpful?
Having taken our SV to Oz for 4 years, then back to the UK welcome to owning one of the rarest of Clubbies in Oz. You don't mention (or I'm thick and missed it) where you are -- there seems to be more Se7ens (PRB's, Birkins, Westies) in Sydney than other towns. We came back in 2009 and at that time according to the factory there were roughly 6-9 in the Sydney area that CC Parts knew of.
If you decide to race, beware slightly in that the Aussie racing authorities seem to not acknowledge/know of FIA, and impose bizarre, random rules on Clubbies. Like ordering all of us to lower floors, even though we were fully in the FIA bar -> nose cone clearances and of crutch straps. I raced our street legal car there but found scrutineering randomly different from track to track, even with the same officials. There's really not a lot of point putting a full cage on unless you're only going to do track racing although with the heat there, sitting stuck in traffic in 40C ++ in a Se7en sucks royally.
What colour is yours -- by chance is it Blue? If it is then I've seen your car before!
Have you joined OzClubbies, where there's some very nice blokes who are quite helpful?
Edited by Steve-B on Saturday 26th January 10:31
I have a 125 sigma & still really enjoy it after 20K miles & five years of ownership.
I have had a drive of a friends 150 SV & it made an interesting comparison. Certainly there is more top end power but you really have to rev the engine to start feeling the difference. I would say there is slightly less low down torque & overall it didn't feel quite as flexible.
One advantage is the noise the throttle bodies make on the 150. It sounds like an escort twin cam! No induction noise at all on the 125.
By all accounts the 140 is proving to be a big success for caterham but like Duncan I can't justify (or really afford) the circa 2K upgrade.
Mine goes on a euro tour to Austria in June....can't wait.
happy sevening down under!
I have had a drive of a friends 150 SV & it made an interesting comparison. Certainly there is more top end power but you really have to rev the engine to start feeling the difference. I would say there is slightly less low down torque & overall it didn't feel quite as flexible.
One advantage is the noise the throttle bodies make on the 150. It sounds like an escort twin cam! No induction noise at all on the 125.
By all accounts the 140 is proving to be a big success for caterham but like Duncan I can't justify (or really afford) the circa 2K upgrade.
Mine goes on a euro tour to Austria in June....can't wait.
happy sevening down under!
Hi Adam,
Congratulations on purchasing your seven, I’m sure you’ll have a lot of fun. I’m the proud owner of a 150 SV Sigma Caterham in the UK, this being my second Caterham having previously owned a cross flow powered Caterham.
A friend of mine, Stuart Cresswell runs a company here in the UK called Premier Power. Premier Power builds both Sigma and Duratec engines for private Caterham owners for road, track or race applications. They even have their owner Caterham demonstrator / development car for evaluating new products before they are released to the public. Stuart himself has twenty three years experience in performance engine building working at several levels in motorsport before setting up Premier Power.
Regarding Premier Power products available for the Sigma market, they have three upgrades available. Upgrades start at 155bhp then a 175bhp upgrade and then there’s the awesome F200, 200 normally aspirated horsepower from the 1.6 Sigma engine. I driven both the 155bhp and the 200bhp specifications and have been very impressed with the performance levels on offer, as well as the greatly improved driveability. Stuart’s focus when developing these upgrades was that the engines should produce the performance levels he was quoting but most importantly the engines had to have great driveability with very sensitive throttle response. As part of each of these upgrades, they also lighten the already lightweight Sigma by up to a further 8kgs, making their Sigma engine over 22kgs lighter than a 2.0 Duratec.
I’ve followed Stuart in his car with the F155 engine fitted whilst travelling in my seven and at traffic lights, from a stationary start, it just pulls away from my car. Having driven his car I now understand why. Whilst the company are constantly developing new products, I would highly recommend considering one of their upgrades, as I am myself. Please see below a link to Premier’s website:
http://www.premierpowerengines.com/products/1.6Sig...
Hope you enjoy driving your 7, and if you get a chance, send us some warmer & drier weather, so we can enjoy driving ours!!:-)
Kevin.
Congratulations on purchasing your seven, I’m sure you’ll have a lot of fun. I’m the proud owner of a 150 SV Sigma Caterham in the UK, this being my second Caterham having previously owned a cross flow powered Caterham.
A friend of mine, Stuart Cresswell runs a company here in the UK called Premier Power. Premier Power builds both Sigma and Duratec engines for private Caterham owners for road, track or race applications. They even have their owner Caterham demonstrator / development car for evaluating new products before they are released to the public. Stuart himself has twenty three years experience in performance engine building working at several levels in motorsport before setting up Premier Power.
Regarding Premier Power products available for the Sigma market, they have three upgrades available. Upgrades start at 155bhp then a 175bhp upgrade and then there’s the awesome F200, 200 normally aspirated horsepower from the 1.6 Sigma engine. I driven both the 155bhp and the 200bhp specifications and have been very impressed with the performance levels on offer, as well as the greatly improved driveability. Stuart’s focus when developing these upgrades was that the engines should produce the performance levels he was quoting but most importantly the engines had to have great driveability with very sensitive throttle response. As part of each of these upgrades, they also lighten the already lightweight Sigma by up to a further 8kgs, making their Sigma engine over 22kgs lighter than a 2.0 Duratec.
I’ve followed Stuart in his car with the F155 engine fitted whilst travelling in my seven and at traffic lights, from a stationary start, it just pulls away from my car. Having driven his car I now understand why. Whilst the company are constantly developing new products, I would highly recommend considering one of their upgrades, as I am myself. Please see below a link to Premier’s website:
http://www.premierpowerengines.com/products/1.6Sig...
Hope you enjoy driving your 7, and if you get a chance, send us some warmer & drier weather, so we can enjoy driving ours!!:-)
Kevin.
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