Supersport 140 query
Discussion
Hi all,
I recently started a post about building a 270 SV, I went today to my local cater ham dealer for a drive in one, at the dealership they had a lovely Supersport 140 SV. In a compete switch around I may be looking to get this one second hand, get some good use of it, and get to know the car, then do a build in the future. A quick query regarding the Supersport though, I see that they came with an LSD, did they all have a lightened fly wheel as standard?
Heres the car
Love the contrast between the wheels and the paint.
James.
I recently started a post about building a 270 SV, I went today to my local cater ham dealer for a drive in one, at the dealership they had a lovely Supersport 140 SV. In a compete switch around I may be looking to get this one second hand, get some good use of it, and get to know the car, then do a build in the future. A quick query regarding the Supersport though, I see that they came with an LSD, did they all have a lightened fly wheel as standard?
Heres the car
Love the contrast between the wheels and the paint. 
James.
Buying a second hand one first is a good idea in my opinion. I did exactly that. It allows you to get to know the car, what you do and don't like about it and what options you should or shouldn't pick. The reality of a Caterham and your perception of the options can change quite drastically once you get used to the car.
I'm so happy with mine that I'm questioning whether I even want to drop a load of cash on a brand new one. Second hand prices hold fairly steady so you can try one and sell it on later for almost no depreciation. A brand new car will always have a chunk of showroom depreciation to get over, but again after that it'll level off.
I'm so happy with mine that I'm questioning whether I even want to drop a load of cash on a brand new one. Second hand prices hold fairly steady so you can try one and sell it on later for almost no depreciation. A brand new car will always have a chunk of showroom depreciation to get over, but again after that it'll level off.
Just to add too, I bought mine used (a Roadsport 140 - specced the same as Superlight in all but name) as I didn't have garage space to build one and a used car gave me more for my money.
I'm glad I did as it's given me a chance to work on the car myself, change parts, perform repairs ect.. and when I do finally build a new one (if I ever do! I love this one!), I'll know enough about some of the components to give me a head start.
I'm sad that mine hasn't moved much this year what with moving house and switching jobs, but I'm determined to drive it more next year!
I'm glad I did as it's given me a chance to work on the car myself, change parts, perform repairs ect.. and when I do finally build a new one (if I ever do! I love this one!), I'll know enough about some of the components to give me a head start.
I'm sad that mine hasn't moved much this year what with moving house and switching jobs, but I'm determined to drive it more next year!
mharris said:
Buying a second hand one first is a good idea in my opinion. I did exactly that. It allows you to get to know the car, what you do and don't like about it and what options you should or shouldn't pick. The reality of a Caterham and your perception of the options can change quite drastically once you get used to the car.
I did the same and completely agree with this 100%.Edited to add: That Supersport in the OP must have had the leather seats specified as an option, as the Supersport comes with tillets.
I was wondering that, front the other Supersports Ive seen, this is the rest of the spec -
http://www.williamsautomobiles.com/used-cars/212/c...
http://www.williamsautomobiles.com/used-cars/212/c...
I wouldn't let the seats put you off. It's all a matter of comfort. Some people get back ache from the tillets, others from the leather. My car has the leather seats and I find it very comfortable even on long trips. Combined with the lowered floors, the tillets would sit me too low, so the leather works for me.
Either way, easy to swap out if you need to.
Either way, easy to swap out if you need to.
Yes the leather seats are comfortable, however now I've had tillets I wouldn't have anything else.
I'd just get the dealership to confirm that the LSD has a 3.92 final drive, which was unique to the Supersport. You can see this cast into the housing if you can get underneath to have a look. It's worthwhile making sure, as it makes a significant difference!
I'd just get the dealership to confirm that the LSD has a 3.92 final drive, which was unique to the Supersport. You can see this cast into the housing if you can get underneath to have a look. It's worthwhile making sure, as it makes a significant difference!
Hi all,
Just collected the Supersport today, The weather wasn't ideal which was a shame, quite a bit of spray and rain so decided to have the roof up, for the motorway. Even managed to kind of master getting in with roof up, even though it took me some time to work out the harnesses..
Still haven't quite got my head around it yet to be honest, Even that drive was an event, such a brilliant car, very much looking forward to the sun coming out so I can have a go with the roof down!
James
Just collected the Supersport today, The weather wasn't ideal which was a shame, quite a bit of spray and rain so decided to have the roof up, for the motorway. Even managed to kind of master getting in with roof up, even though it took me some time to work out the harnesses..
Still haven't quite got my head around it yet to be honest, Even that drive was an event, such a brilliant car, very much looking forward to the sun coming out so I can have a go with the roof down!
James
Hi all
Just a quick one, I've noticed that first gear of the Supersport is very lumpy and tricky to keep it going and not stall, I found my self pulling off in second instead.. Is this normal? Also there seems to be quite a few clunks and rumbles coming from behind me when basking off, is this the LSD?
James
Just a quick one, I've noticed that first gear of the Supersport is very lumpy and tricky to keep it going and not stall, I found my self pulling off in second instead.. Is this normal? Also there seems to be quite a few clunks and rumbles coming from behind me when basking off, is this the LSD?
James
jamesbilluk said:
Hi all
Just a quick one, I've noticed that first gear of the Supersport is very lumpy and tricky to keep it going and not stall, I found my self pulling off in second instead.. Is this normal? Also there seems to be quite a few clunks and rumbles coming from behind me when basking off, is this the LSD?
James
I have an R400D, 6 speed. I don't have any issues pulling away in 1st and would think using 2nd would involve a lot of clutch slipping. Just a quick one, I've noticed that first gear of the Supersport is very lumpy and tricky to keep it going and not stall, I found my self pulling off in second instead.. Is this normal? Also there seems to be quite a few clunks and rumbles coming from behind me when basking off, is this the LSD?
James
You do have to develop a feel for the clutch, engine and diff. There is a lot of play in the diff/ drive system so it's easy to end up kangarooing. You do get used to it though.
My diff clinks and chatters a lot, as most do I understand. Chatter is worse the higher the gear/ lower the speed IME but again can be managed by keeping a few revs on and not feathering the throttle at medium/ low revs.
Others will explain it better I'm sure but I wouldn't be too worried.
Many thanks for the reply, that sounds just like it, could well not be used to the clutch yet. I did seem to end up kangarooing quite a bit, will have to drive it more to get used to it! Not linking this weather though 
Good to hear the diff noise is normal, That's exactly the same times mine seems to make the noises.
James
Not linking this weather though Good to hear the diff noise is normal, That's exactly the same times mine seems to make the noises.
James
jamesbilluk said:
Many thanks for the reply, that sounds just like it, could well not be used to the clutch yet. I did seem to end up kangarooing quite a bit, will have to drive it more to get used to it! Not linking this weather though
Good to hear the diff noise is normal, That's exactly the same times mine seems to make the noises.
James
I built my car just this year so others will have more experience. First time drove it down the bumpy lane we live on, I had to stop twice and pull away again because of the kangarooing. Didn't two long to overcome that but it was a few trips before I could get along the lane without a clonk or two. Not linking this weather though Good to hear the diff noise is normal, That's exactly the same times mine seems to make the noises.
James
During running in the chatter was much more noticeable than now, because I was avoiding heavy throttle openings. Now I keep at least 2k revs on, maybe 2.5k in second and third, if rolling along slowly down the lane or in traffic, and avoid gently lifting off the throttle, as opposed to smoothly but fairly quickly opening and closing it.
Obviously, when pushing along the noises aren't at all noticeable.
It's an odd set up and I haven't yet heard a good reason for it being like that (the sloppy drive chain) but you do get used to it.
As others have said there's a fair bit of backlash in the drive train and noise from the diff. I was worried there was something wrong with mine after I'd driven it home for the first time but after a few more miles you'll be much smoother. The trick is keep the drive train loaded.
I've got a K series with Supersport cams and verniers running quite a bit of advance. The slightly lumpy idle is cool until you're trundling along in traffic near idle speed - the lumpy idle becomes mild kangarooing unless you're careful to feather the clutch. Congrats on the car..
I've got a K series with Supersport cams and verniers running quite a bit of advance. The slightly lumpy idle is cool until you're trundling along in traffic near idle speed - the lumpy idle becomes mild kangarooing unless you're careful to feather the clutch. Congrats on the car..
Hi all
Another question...... The cars been stored in an advanced Halfords cover while await my rigid cover,
I noticed this morning there was a little puddle of water in the passenger and smaller puddle in the drivers foot well, this was the passenger side after I had dried it, it started to build up again.
I had completely dried the car before it was put under cover, It rained on the way back from the dealership though, would this have accumulated ?
James.
Another question...... The cars been stored in an advanced Halfords cover while await my rigid cover,
I noticed this morning there was a little puddle of water in the passenger and smaller puddle in the drivers foot well, this was the passenger side after I had dried it, it started to build up again.
I had completely dried the car before it was put under cover, It rained on the way back from the dealership though, would this have accumulated ?
James.
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