Ideal road touring spec?
Discussion
So today I've been tooling around in my brothers Morgan Plus 4.
I have to say it's jolly good fun, and I'm tempted but whilst it's clearly quite different to drive to the Caterham, I'm not sure it's different enough in terms of it's role to justify having both in the garage.
I can't help but feel I would miss the dynamics of the Caterham so maybe the answer is to got for something less extreme than my current R400, maybe something like a 360 in S trim, maybe even SV...
So learned friends, with the emphasis on very much on road touring not track, what would be your ideal touring spec Caterham?
I have to say it's jolly good fun, and I'm tempted but whilst it's clearly quite different to drive to the Caterham, I'm not sure it's different enough in terms of it's role to justify having both in the garage.
I can't help but feel I would miss the dynamics of the Caterham so maybe the answer is to got for something less extreme than my current R400, maybe something like a 360 in S trim, maybe even SV...
So learned friends, with the emphasis on very much on road touring not track, what would be your ideal touring spec Caterham?
harry b said:
HPC or VX with 16" wheels. Lot's of torque low end, robust engine, don't need to rev to drive.
What wheel/tyre combination do you have at present? Without knowing this, I'd be suggesting reducing wheel diameter and upping the sidewall height to give a little more compliance, and possibly slightly higher gearing to reduce the revs.NuisanceFactor said:
What wheel/tyre combination do you have at present? Without knowing this, I'd be suggesting reducing wheel diameter and upping the sidewall height to give a little more compliance, and possibly slightly higher gearing to reduce the revs.
My current car is a 2003 R400 k series, so it's the 6 speed box and 13" mag alloys with CR500s.Interesting thought about changing wheels, hadn't thought of that.
I was thinking of getting the exhaust altered to rear exit.
bertie said:
My current car is a 2003 R400 k series, so it's the 6 speed box and 13" mag alloys with CR500s.
Interesting thought about changing wheels, hadn't thought of that.
I was thinking of getting the exhaust altered to rear exit.
You'll already have a good balance as far as wheels are concerned, with the wider rear wheels the sidewalls are pretty tall.Interesting thought about changing wheels, hadn't thought of that.
I was thinking of getting the exhaust altered to rear exit.
What are you looking for in the new car? A more relaxed drive or being able to drive the car hard without having to hold back all the time?
I wouldn't worry to much, they were hardly designed as a continental tourer, luggage space is the main concern but if you compare to a motorbike they are not to bad, I fit the original 14" wheels with a higher profile tyre, not had any problems (touch wood) it's also my ex race car and fitted with a long range tank, that cuts down on packing space but helps on Sunday's in France.
Got to say we've had great fun over the last 3 years and not had the hood up yet.
You do also seem to get a warm welcome wherever you go. We've just come back from Italy and will head down to the sth of France again later in the year..
In Italy with beach brolly and suitcase on rear.
Got to say we've had great fun over the last 3 years and not had the hood up yet.
You do also seem to get a warm welcome wherever you go. We've just come back from Italy and will head down to the sth of France again later in the year..
In Italy with beach brolly and suitcase on rear.
framerateuk said:
You'll already have a good balance as far as wheels are concerned, with the wider rear wheels the sidewalls are pretty tall.
What are you looking for in the new car? A more relaxed drive or being able to drive the car hard without having to hold back all the time?
The R400 is great fun but a bit full on, you have to want to blat, it's not something you jump into to poodle to the country pub.What are you looking for in the new car? A more relaxed drive or being able to drive the car hard without having to hold back all the time?
At 70mph it's pulling nearly 4000 rpm, and contrary to the majority I don't find the Tilletts very comfy!
It's also really loud from both induction (roller barrels) and exhaust.
I've also had it from new so 12 years and fancy a change and a build with my now 13yo lad.
360 with the S pack would get my vote probably.
The base 2.0 Duratec has loads of torque and when mated to the 5 speed box makes for very relaxed motoring when needed. The nice thing is when you do want to push on you can do that with it as well. The engine generally has a less frenetic, slightly lazier feel to it than a k series which makes for an all round more relaxed experience.
The 270 would also be great but for me that extra torque and power with the bigger engine would win me over.
The base 2.0 Duratec has loads of torque and when mated to the 5 speed box makes for very relaxed motoring when needed. The nice thing is when you do want to push on you can do that with it as well. The engine generally has a less frenetic, slightly lazier feel to it than a k series which makes for an all round more relaxed experience.
The 270 would also be great but for me that extra torque and power with the bigger engine would win me over.
Specification wise I'd be adding:
Leather seats
Full weather gear
Lowered floors
13 inch wheels (6 + 8 inch staggered set up)
Heater
12v socket
FIA roll bar
At low throttle openings the Duratec is actually pretty quiet but if you wanted to go further, a larger raceline exhaust can would bring the noise down some more if you wanted it.
I'd also be sourcing a half hood from somewhere to take touring with me and also a RE bag or similar to give some extra luggage space.
Leather seats
Full weather gear
Lowered floors
13 inch wheels (6 + 8 inch staggered set up)
Heater
12v socket
FIA roll bar
At low throttle openings the Duratec is actually pretty quiet but if you wanted to go further, a larger raceline exhaust can would bring the noise down some more if you wanted it.
I'd also be sourcing a half hood from somewhere to take touring with me and also a RE bag or similar to give some extra luggage space.
I have an R400D and these days it's exclusively road stuff. I have leather seats which I find very comfortable for my ample frame and with girly stuff like heater , SBFS half hood and draught deflector thingie I've often done 400-500 mile days with no ill effects. Mways are tedious as the 6 speed's gearing is comically low but everywhere else it's a joy .The 5 speed is undoubtedly better on mways but I wouldn't swap back to one - just wish I had overdrive (what happened to that ?)on 6th to drop the revs back.
Crossflow Kid said:
bertie said:
Crossflow Kid said:
Crossflow all day long.
Simple engine, uses anything flammable as fuel, can be fixed with a hammer, and if ever you get lost you can just retrace the smoke trail.
Also offends the French.
New?Simple engine, uses anything flammable as fuel, can be fixed with a hammer, and if ever you get lost you can just retrace the smoke trail.
Also offends the French.
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