What is an engine refresh?
Discussion
Toying with the idea of buying a k-series R500, but aware that they need an engine refresh every couple years (depending on mileage and usage). But what exactly is this, how much needs to be budgeted for, and where to take it now Minister are now more?
When I looked at one a couple years back, it looked from the service history like the refresh was basically a major service, and I couldn't see that the engine had been opened up, so what would you be looking for in history? Incidentally in terms of driveability in traffic that one was a nightmare, but my understanding is that the original ECUs need either remapping or replacement for more flexibility.
Thanks all
When I looked at one a couple years back, it looked from the service history like the refresh was basically a major service, and I couldn't see that the engine had been opened up, so what would you be looking for in history? Incidentally in terms of driveability in traffic that one was a nightmare, but my understanding is that the original ECUs need either remapping or replacement for more flexibility.
Thanks all
In general terms it would mean striping down and replacing the highly stressed bits such as bearings shells, seals, gaskets, etc, etc. It would also mean checking for any obvious signs of wear, or stress, and making judgments about replacing them.
The issue with high revving engines is that any weakness is likely to, sooner or later, result in a catastrophic failure. The 'refresh' is a process that aims to catch any weakness and fix them before that happens.
The issue with high revving engines is that any weakness is likely to, sooner or later, result in a catastrophic failure. The 'refresh' is a process that aims to catch any weakness and fix them before that happens.
Edited by DCL on Sunday 23 March 16:59
Every 2 years?! i just had my motor refreshed. After 13 years of owning the car. Albeit only 12k miles!
Minister serviced the motor (just before going bust) and werent worried about the state of the engine at all.
The timing all depends on how the car has been used (track or road) and how it havs been cared for(over revs and the like).
Boss racing did my refresh. They are ex caterham and after a lot of research, i found that they were the best people to take the car to.
They were excellent and so is my car.
There is a lot of negative press about the R500k. If you drive one its an intoxicating experience and if you have to spend £4k every 10k or so miles, factor it in and either its the car for you or it isnt.
Also cars that havent had a refresh are priced accordingly so if you need to do it there will be money off the purchse.
Minister serviced the motor (just before going bust) and werent worried about the state of the engine at all.
The timing all depends on how the car has been used (track or road) and how it havs been cared for(over revs and the like).
Boss racing did my refresh. They are ex caterham and after a lot of research, i found that they were the best people to take the car to.
They were excellent and so is my car.
There is a lot of negative press about the R500k. If you drive one its an intoxicating experience and if you have to spend £4k every 10k or so miles, factor it in and either its the car for you or it isnt.
Also cars that havent had a refresh are priced accordingly so if you need to do it there will be money off the purchse.
mybrainhurts said:
MikeO996 said:
What is an engine refresh?
It's another example of ignorant Americans abusing the English language by using a verb as a noun.Something to do with fashion.
BBL-Sean said:
mybrainhurts said:
MikeO996 said:
What is an engine refresh?
It's another example of ignorant Americans abusing the English language by using a verb as a noun.Something to do with fashion.
Witness this rubbish...
http://voices.yahoo.com/nouning-verbs-8339191.html
They also do it the other way round.
Getting back to the point, it is the RPM that kills the K. Every 1000rpm increase in speed squares the load on the internal components. R500's then suffer issues of cam lobe wear which leads to foreign matter in the engine oil and .....
Simple solution is to get the limited set to 8600rpm and relax. That last 600rpm does not do much in terms of power but does muhc to reduce the internal stresses and forces in the engine.
Simple solution is to get the limited set to 8600rpm and relax. That last 600rpm does not do much in terms of power but does muhc to reduce the internal stresses and forces in the engine.
abidr500 said:
Every 2 years?! i just had my motor refreshed. After 13 years of owning the car. Albeit only 12k miles!
Minister serviced the motor (just before going bust) and werent worried about the state of the engine at all.
The timing all depends on how the car has been used (track or road) and how it havs been cared for(over revs and the like).
Boss racing did my refresh. They are ex caterham and after a lot of research, i found that they were the best people to take the car to.
They were excellent and so is my car.
There is a lot of negative press about the R500k. If you drive one its an intoxicating experience and if you have to spend £4k every 10k or so miles, factor it in and either its the car for you or it isnt.
Also cars that havent had a refresh are priced accordingly so if you need to do it there will be money off the purchse.
Hi Abid Minister serviced the motor (just before going bust) and werent worried about the state of the engine at all.
The timing all depends on how the car has been used (track or road) and how it havs been cared for(over revs and the like).
Boss racing did my refresh. They are ex caterham and after a lot of research, i found that they were the best people to take the car to.
They were excellent and so is my car.
There is a lot of negative press about the R500k. If you drive one its an intoxicating experience and if you have to spend £4k every 10k or so miles, factor it in and either its the car for you or it isnt.
Also cars that havent had a refresh are priced accordingly so if you need to do it there will be money off the purchse.
Very happy to read that Boss Racing did an excellent job for you.
Ult-Jim.
Gassing Station | Caterham | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff