3 Days of ownership, the lessons I've learned....
Discussion
As per my other thread I've now picked up my Kawasaki Green Supersport from Caterham and I'm loving it. I thought I'd post the newbie things I've learnt along with a couple of questions:
Lessons:
1) Don't try and be clever and push the car around when your driveway is on a slope. You will run over your foot whilst reaching for the handbrake. It will hurt.
2) Take your keys out of your pocket before harnessing in. Thrice has this thwarted me.
3) The full weather gear is a complete faff and I plan to stick mine in the garage/loft as soon as possible once I have a half-hood/showercap setup.
4) The suede steering wheel isn't going to last very long. After about 20 miles I'm already flattening the flock on some of it and it's not even been driven hard thus far.
5) There is a surprising amount of grip available even in the wet/cold. I was expecting to be a busy boy behind the wheel driving around this week however it has been pleasantly surprising how much grip there is. This obviously means I'm not driving hard-enough yet.
Questions:
1) After chatting with SoftBFS I'm planning on buying a half-hood and a long nose showercap. This will also double up as my all-year-round weather protection whilst sitting on my drive. I've been advised against a full cover by various people/dealers because of trapping moisture. Thoughts?
2) There are two poppers sitting on the body-work inside the cabin; in the centre line in the gap between the windscreen and the top of the dash. What are these for? Tonneau? I was thinking of making some sort of digital clock to clip on there with my 3D printer.
3) Best advice for filling up with fuel? The guage seems very sluggish so I'm no confident on how much fuel is actually in the tank at the best of times. When I filled up over the weekend I thought I'd brimmed it by being slow with the filler and letting it click several times. However the gauage (even after warming up) only shows 2/3rds. Advice?
Cheers!
Lessons:
1) Don't try and be clever and push the car around when your driveway is on a slope. You will run over your foot whilst reaching for the handbrake. It will hurt.
2) Take your keys out of your pocket before harnessing in. Thrice has this thwarted me.
3) The full weather gear is a complete faff and I plan to stick mine in the garage/loft as soon as possible once I have a half-hood/showercap setup.
4) The suede steering wheel isn't going to last very long. After about 20 miles I'm already flattening the flock on some of it and it's not even been driven hard thus far.
5) There is a surprising amount of grip available even in the wet/cold. I was expecting to be a busy boy behind the wheel driving around this week however it has been pleasantly surprising how much grip there is. This obviously means I'm not driving hard-enough yet.
Questions:
1) After chatting with SoftBFS I'm planning on buying a half-hood and a long nose showercap. This will also double up as my all-year-round weather protection whilst sitting on my drive. I've been advised against a full cover by various people/dealers because of trapping moisture. Thoughts?
2) There are two poppers sitting on the body-work inside the cabin; in the centre line in the gap between the windscreen and the top of the dash. What are these for? Tonneau? I was thinking of making some sort of digital clock to clip on there with my 3D printer.
3) Best advice for filling up with fuel? The guage seems very sluggish so I'm no confident on how much fuel is actually in the tank at the best of times. When I filled up over the weekend I thought I'd brimmed it by being slow with the filler and letting it click several times. However the gauage (even after warming up) only shows 2/3rds. Advice?
Cheers!
kalibre46 said:
As per my other thread I've now picked up my Kawasaki Green Supersport from Caterham and I'm loving it. I thought I'd post the newbie things I've learnt along with a couple of questions:
Lessons:
1) Don't try and be clever and push the car around when your driveway is on a slope. You will run over your foot whilst reaching for the handbrake. It will hurt.
2) Take your keys out of your pocket before harnessing in. Thrice has this thwarted me.
3) The full weather gear is a complete faff and I plan to stick mine in the garage/loft as soon as possible once I have a half-hood/showercap setup.
4) The suede steering wheel isn't going to last very long. After about 20 miles I'm already flattening the flock on some of it and it's not even been driven hard thus far.
5) There is a surprising amount of grip available even in the wet/cold. I was expecting to be a busy boy behind the wheel driving around this week however it has been pleasantly surprising how much grip there is. This obviously means I'm not driving hard-enough yet.
Questions:
1) After chatting with SoftBFS I'm planning on buying a half-hood and a long nose showercap. This will also double up as my all-year-round weather protection whilst sitting on my drive. I've been advised against a full cover by various people/dealers because of trapping moisture. Thoughts? If you are going to leave it out on a drive for long periods, i would always fit the full roof, this will keep the inside of the car driest.
2) There are two poppers sitting on the body-work inside the cabin; in the centre line in the gap between the windscreen and the top of the dash. What are these for? Tonneau? I was thinking of making some sort of digital clock to clip on there with my 3D printer. - These are for the Tonneau, and for mounting the aero screen if you have one. Nothing stopping you buying some poppers and mounting what ever you want on there.
3) Best advice for filling up with fuel? The guage seems very sluggish so I'm no confident on how much fuel is actually in the tank at the best of times. When I filled up over the weekend I thought I'd brimmed it by being slow with the filler and letting it click several times. However the gauage (even after warming up) only shows 2/3rds. Advice? It sounds like the sprung overflow device is still fitted. Its best to remove these, it can be done by yourself, but it requires removing the spout, and a bit of work with a grinder type tool.
Cheers!
Lessons:
1) Don't try and be clever and push the car around when your driveway is on a slope. You will run over your foot whilst reaching for the handbrake. It will hurt.
2) Take your keys out of your pocket before harnessing in. Thrice has this thwarted me.
3) The full weather gear is a complete faff and I plan to stick mine in the garage/loft as soon as possible once I have a half-hood/showercap setup.
4) The suede steering wheel isn't going to last very long. After about 20 miles I'm already flattening the flock on some of it and it's not even been driven hard thus far.
5) There is a surprising amount of grip available even in the wet/cold. I was expecting to be a busy boy behind the wheel driving around this week however it has been pleasantly surprising how much grip there is. This obviously means I'm not driving hard-enough yet.
Questions:
1) After chatting with SoftBFS I'm planning on buying a half-hood and a long nose showercap. This will also double up as my all-year-round weather protection whilst sitting on my drive. I've been advised against a full cover by various people/dealers because of trapping moisture. Thoughts? If you are going to leave it out on a drive for long periods, i would always fit the full roof, this will keep the inside of the car driest.
2) There are two poppers sitting on the body-work inside the cabin; in the centre line in the gap between the windscreen and the top of the dash. What are these for? Tonneau? I was thinking of making some sort of digital clock to clip on there with my 3D printer. - These are for the Tonneau, and for mounting the aero screen if you have one. Nothing stopping you buying some poppers and mounting what ever you want on there.
3) Best advice for filling up with fuel? The guage seems very sluggish so I'm no confident on how much fuel is actually in the tank at the best of times. When I filled up over the weekend I thought I'd brimmed it by being slow with the filler and letting it click several times. However the gauage (even after warming up) only shows 2/3rds. Advice? It sounds like the sprung overflow device is still fitted. Its best to remove these, it can be done by yourself, but it requires removing the spout, and a bit of work with a grinder type tool.
Cheers!
1) cant help
2) yes, they're for the tonneau
3) am still new to mine (4 months in) and haven't found a sensible way to do this yet. Have been brimming it the best I can and using the mileage to 200m to refill. Failing that just seem to end up 'filling' it every time I use it.
sounds like you're having fun!
2) yes, they're for the tonneau
3) am still new to mine (4 months in) and haven't found a sensible way to do this yet. Have been brimming it the best I can and using the mileage to 200m to refill. Failing that just seem to end up 'filling' it every time I use it.
sounds like you're having fun!
On the weather gear, it takes some practice, but the sticks and full hood do work well and you stay dry up top. I have the SBFS draught excluder too - without it I think I'd be pretty wet with a halfhood and some rain.
Re 2) - yep - tonneau. Be interested to see what you come up with to popper on there. Good idea!
Re 3) - I found leaving the keys in the ignition so the fuel gauge was "live" and filling up whilst keeping an eye on it was a good plan, as you can see it rising as you add fuel. Also helps if you're aiming for a 3/4 fill before a trackday.
Re 2) - yep - tonneau. Be interested to see what you come up with to popper on there. Good idea!
Re 3) - I found leaving the keys in the ignition so the fuel gauge was "live" and filling up whilst keeping an eye on it was a good plan, as you can see it rising as you add fuel. Also helps if you're aiming for a 3/4 fill before a trackday.
Smitters said:
Re 3) - I found leaving the keys in the ignition so the fuel gauge was "live" and filling up whilst keeping an eye on it was a good plan, as you can see it rising as you add fuel. Also helps if you're aiming for a 3/4 fill before a trackday.
Yep, this. You can pull the key out of the barrel with the ignition live too.Thanks for the replies.
One other question relates to an aeroscreen. I'm planning on a few track days per year and lots of blats. I like the idea of running an aeroscreen but I really don't know how much faff (and time) it would be to swap between the aero and my current windscreen. Any ideas?
Caterham parts have this kit listed, would this be the best to opt for?:
http://www.caterhamparts.co.uk/product.php?id_prod...
Dr Slotter said:
Yep, this. You can pull the key out of the barrel with the ignition live too.
Very good idea, will defo try this one.One other question relates to an aeroscreen. I'm planning on a few track days per year and lots of blats. I like the idea of running an aeroscreen but I really don't know how much faff (and time) it would be to swap between the aero and my current windscreen. Any ideas?
Caterham parts have this kit listed, would this be the best to opt for?:
http://www.caterhamparts.co.uk/product.php?id_prod...
DCL said:
Not long (10 minutes) once the brackets have been fitted to the chassis rail. Too late now, but it would have been good to get that done before you took delivery as it'll require rivets to be drilled out and is a pain to do.
Really? Exactly want rivets needs to be removed to fit this kit?As he already has the two centre poppers fitted, I can't see he needs any other rivets or poppers fitting?
The aero screen attaches to the two centre poppers and the front bolts on each side at the front of the screen one removed.
Fitting the brackets that come in that kit is easy. Just a straight swap for the fitted ones.
I change my screen for aero very frequently, when the weather is good enough that is, only takes about 10 mins, once the brackets are installed on the car.
Removing the knee guards is a pain but if the car is built to the manual, they should only be retained by self tapping screws 
I found I needed to make allow spacers to lift the captive nut brackets into line with the holes in the scuttle. I seem to remember these being available somewhere on the Caterham site, I think this is only necessary on the metric chassis.
Found them: here
I found I needed to make allow spacers to lift the captive nut brackets into line with the holes in the scuttle. I seem to remember these being available somewhere on the Caterham site, I think this is only necessary on the metric chassis.
Found them: here
Interesting stuff, cheers. I'm not familar with the ins and outs of the car currently, so Not quite sure where those brackets would go. I think this will be a project for early next year before the track season starts.
Aside from the L7C events which are published, how do you guys and girls decide what track events/meets to attend? Are they posted in this forum generally or are there other good sources?
Cheers.
Aside from the L7C events which are published, how do you guys and girls decide what track events/meets to attend? Are they posted in this forum generally or are there other good sources?
Cheers.
I wrote this not long after I bought my first Seven:
Things I have learnt very quickly...
Four point harness lap belts are better adjusted with you out of the seat.
Reversing is much easier with the belts undone, unless you have the head of an owl.
I do not have the head of an owl.
A removable steering wheel makes getting in easier, but does remove one useful and strong point of support when the manoeuvre in underway.
If your rearview mirror is glued to your windscreen, use two hands to adjust it. One to hold the base to the glass and the other to move the mirror. If it’s a bit stiff on its stalk, trying one handed and/or while in motion and you will like as not rip it off. Well, you will if you have fists of ham like mine.
With an under-dash handbrake, hill starts are a b
d.
My sump is around 65mm off the ground. My office speed-bump is >65mm in height.
A standard UK housebrick is about 8½ × 4 × 2½ inches. The mathematically inclined of you will note that only one of these dimensions is less than 65mm.
Driving with your lights on all the time makes a small car more visible.
Re trackdays, a mixture of blatchat, the trackdays sub-forum on here and endless perusing of trackdays.co.uk, then youtube for circuit vids, then daydreaming, then bank-balance checking and tread-depth measuring...
I found an airfield day to be a great starting point for confidence - I went to Hullavington with Motor Sport Events and happly recommend them. If you book tuition ask for Hamish - he's an ex-Caterham racer and has very Seven specific tips for you. A friend also went to Bedford on the GT circuit and said it was so big that though it took him all morning to learn, it felt really empty and spacious. The tuition was really well rated too.
Things I have learnt very quickly...
Four point harness lap belts are better adjusted with you out of the seat.
Reversing is much easier with the belts undone, unless you have the head of an owl.
I do not have the head of an owl.
A removable steering wheel makes getting in easier, but does remove one useful and strong point of support when the manoeuvre in underway.
If your rearview mirror is glued to your windscreen, use two hands to adjust it. One to hold the base to the glass and the other to move the mirror. If it’s a bit stiff on its stalk, trying one handed and/or while in motion and you will like as not rip it off. Well, you will if you have fists of ham like mine.
With an under-dash handbrake, hill starts are a b
d.My sump is around 65mm off the ground. My office speed-bump is >65mm in height.
A standard UK housebrick is about 8½ × 4 × 2½ inches. The mathematically inclined of you will note that only one of these dimensions is less than 65mm.
Driving with your lights on all the time makes a small car more visible.
Re trackdays, a mixture of blatchat, the trackdays sub-forum on here and endless perusing of trackdays.co.uk, then youtube for circuit vids, then daydreaming, then bank-balance checking and tread-depth measuring...
I found an airfield day to be a great starting point for confidence - I went to Hullavington with Motor Sport Events and happly recommend them. If you book tuition ask for Hamish - he's an ex-Caterham racer and has very Seven specific tips for you. A friend also went to Bedford on the GT circuit and said it was so big that though it took him all morning to learn, it felt really empty and spacious. The tuition was really well rated too.
kalibre46 said:
Aside from the L7C events which are published, how do you guys and girls decide what track events/meets to attend? Are they posted in this forum generally or are there other good sources?
I tend to go along with certain trackday providers. I've had good experiences from Javelin and MSE. I wouldn't worry too much about attending 7-only trackdays. There will always be something faster than you, the only frustrating thing is being held up on the corners and not quite having the power to get past on straights - though most seasoned trackdayers will know the score and politely lift to let you pass when they can see you're being held up.I tend to go along to trackdays with people I know from other forums, such as here and the MeganeSport/RSMegane forums. It always helps knowing a few people since you can keep an eye on each other's stuff when you're on track.
Edited by framerateuk on Tuesday 10th December 14:51
kalibre46 said:
Aside from the L7C events which are published, how do you guys and girls decide what track events/meets to attend? Are they posted in this forum generally or are there other good sources?
You need to go on Facebook and join the No Trailer Trash group here https://www.facebook.com/groups/508399979211623/Currently 24 of us going to Folembray on a 3 day road trip next March.
Here's tha one we did last October at Abbeville http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tqh2a0Ctl6U
Thanks for the info, loads of stuff to look at. One destination of great interest is Spa. I've always dreamt of driving Spa. Do you guys go on the generic Open Pit Lan events there or are there more specialised events that you know of? I couldn't see a Spa event on the 2013 L7C calendar.
TeflonT said:
Unless you have at least 250bhp Spa is a bit boring. Too many power sections, and you get anialated by M3's and Audis with crap handling but much higher vmax.
I can understand that, it'd still be a great day or two out for sh^ts and giggles though I bet. Might be worth saving that one until the bug has bitten and I find myself upgrading to an R500.http://www.lotus-on-track.com/lotshop/ always seem to look good. Never been though, so can't comment personally, but a couple of Spa trips listed.
The guy who looks after my 350Z said the same as above - the high VMax cars at Spa fly past, but then if you accept that anyone can hold a pedal down hard, the rest of it should still be fun, iconic etc? It's right up there on my to-do list for sure. There's a thread in the trackday sub-forum asking about Spa tips too...
The guy who looks after my 350Z said the same as above - the high VMax cars at Spa fly past, but then if you accept that anyone can hold a pedal down hard, the rest of it should still be fun, iconic etc? It's right up there on my to-do list for sure. There's a thread in the trackday sub-forum asking about Spa tips too...
kalibre46 said:
5) There is a surprising amount of grip available even in the wet/cold. I was expecting to be a busy boy behind the wheel driving around this week however it has been pleasantly surprising how much grip there is. This obviously means I'm not driving hard-enough yet.
A Caterham will Bite, no question and when it goes it it is fast and you may think you will get the chance to play with the car and get it back but they let go it can be quick it can be dramatic it may be on some leaves, a white line, a little bit of oil and its all over go careful out thereWet
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=914fW99AKRM
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0mkvnjXnR3M
Dry
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LSIBANnEvVA
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s4OAlFT2GdA
Edited by Toaster on Tuesday 10th December 16:54
Toaster said:
A Caterham will Bite, no question and when it goes it it is fast and you may think you will get the chance to play with the car and get it back but they let go it can be quick it can be dramatic it may be on some leaves, a white line, a little bit of oil and its all over go careful out there
This.It'll hold it's grip very well assuming you have good tyres (I have CR500s and they've been excellent), but you need to be careful in the wet. Personally, I tend to short shift and just use the torque to pull me through. On a wet track, on a very slight corner in Pembrey I hung onto 2nd gear a little too long and ended up having to correct a very sudden twitch. Easy on a nice wide track, but not something you want to do on the road!
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