Track/weekend car help
Discussion
I have had my current toy (Ginetta G40R) for a few years now but have never really fallen in love with it fully.
Came from a Caterham Supersport r (K series engine) so effectively an R300 with less carbon. Ginetta was a bit of a let down and regretted the purchase - Terrible power band, poorly matched gearing, handling issues etc.
Rather than giving up I set about sorting the handling and other issues so over the last few years have developed it quite considerably to the point it now has Nitron NTR1 suspension, uprated diff mounts, shorter final drive, full exhaust and manifold replacement, SBD motorsport 290 spec engine (kept the 45mm throttle bodies and wet sump though so only around 250bhp in my setup) super lightweight flywheel and race clutch. Car much more lively now but other than thinking it is really pretty, I still find myself constantly looking at alternatives for some reason. Possibly the long slog to get it where it is but just don't long to go for a drive in it.
I briefly advertised it last year but with COVID etc I took down advert.
I do sprints and occasional track days and do like to get some use on the road at weekend and occasional fair weather commute.
Reason for selling the caterham was that I don't really fit to be honest (although I loved the car!). I'm 6' 4" so really on the limit for caterham ownership.
With family life at the moment I'm perhaps thinking of something better on the road (the caterham had much better road manners being softly sprung!) to get more use/enjoyment from it.
Caterham SV an option but I do like the idea of something 'pretty' however the obvious choice of an Exige is a bit of an issue as having sat in a couple I cannot seem to get comfortable and with helmet on it seems its roof off only. Perhaps a tillet seat might fix that.
Any other suggestions of alternatives that might fit the bill for a fast weekend warrior to really enjoy and still be able to take out on track? I think I've managed to put to bed the idea of an early R8 or something along those lines as whilst ticks the 'special' box I fear the reality might be a bit of a let down on track given that I'm used to lightweight cars in the 300bhp p/tonne range.
I'm sure others on here have gone down a development route with a car and regretted it and struggled with the decision to sell or stop moaning and persevere.
Cheers,
Dave
Came from a Caterham Supersport r (K series engine) so effectively an R300 with less carbon. Ginetta was a bit of a let down and regretted the purchase - Terrible power band, poorly matched gearing, handling issues etc.
Rather than giving up I set about sorting the handling and other issues so over the last few years have developed it quite considerably to the point it now has Nitron NTR1 suspension, uprated diff mounts, shorter final drive, full exhaust and manifold replacement, SBD motorsport 290 spec engine (kept the 45mm throttle bodies and wet sump though so only around 250bhp in my setup) super lightweight flywheel and race clutch. Car much more lively now but other than thinking it is really pretty, I still find myself constantly looking at alternatives for some reason. Possibly the long slog to get it where it is but just don't long to go for a drive in it.
I briefly advertised it last year but with COVID etc I took down advert.
I do sprints and occasional track days and do like to get some use on the road at weekend and occasional fair weather commute.
Reason for selling the caterham was that I don't really fit to be honest (although I loved the car!). I'm 6' 4" so really on the limit for caterham ownership.
With family life at the moment I'm perhaps thinking of something better on the road (the caterham had much better road manners being softly sprung!) to get more use/enjoyment from it.
Caterham SV an option but I do like the idea of something 'pretty' however the obvious choice of an Exige is a bit of an issue as having sat in a couple I cannot seem to get comfortable and with helmet on it seems its roof off only. Perhaps a tillet seat might fix that.
Any other suggestions of alternatives that might fit the bill for a fast weekend warrior to really enjoy and still be able to take out on track? I think I've managed to put to bed the idea of an early R8 or something along those lines as whilst ticks the 'special' box I fear the reality might be a bit of a let down on track given that I'm used to lightweight cars in the 300bhp p/tonne range.
I'm sure others on here have gone down a development route with a car and regretted it and struggled with the decision to sell or stop moaning and persevere.
Cheers,
Dave
Edited by D7PNY on Thursday 18th March 14:15
Bracken said:
The only thing that would tempt me out of the Sevens would be an Atom. Not sure how you'd fit in one though? I never had a problem, but I'm 5'11" so fit in anything 
Do you mind getting wet?
Don't mind getting wet but one thing I did like about the caterham was the versatility of being able to swap to aeroscreen for track and pop screen and half hood on for trips out on the road.Do you mind getting wet?
Caterham (SV to fit me in better) is definitely top of my list but was looking for inspiration for alternatives really.
Cheres,
Dave
GreatGranny said:
Lovely but a bit to much for me to throw round the track properly I feel.Cheers,
Dave
D7PNY said:
Lovely but a bit to much for me to throw round the track properly I feel.
Cheers,
Dave
Here's an Evora at around your budget:Cheers,
Dave
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202103029...
As well as considering an SV Caterham I suggest that you try an S3 with lowered floors and see if a resin bead seat will give you enough room.
If you take the driver's seat out and sit on the floor you can get a good idea if you would have enough room.
Make sure that the pedals are set to the furthest away position and remember that you can also adjust the steering wheel position with the slide joint in the steering column.
If you take the driver's seat out and sit on the floor you can get a good idea if you would have enough room.
Make sure that the pedals are set to the furthest away position and remember that you can also adjust the steering wheel position with the slide joint in the steering column.
jimhcat said:
As well as considering an SV Caterham I suggest that you try an S3 with lowered floors and see if a resin bead seat will give you enough room.
If you take the driver's seat out and sit on the floor you can get a good idea if you would have enough room.
Make sure that the pedals are set to the furthest away position and remember that you can also adjust the steering wheel position with the slide joint in the steering column.
Thanks, My caterham had lowered floor, a steering wheel spacer and I had tilted my tillet seat slightly. Without helmet I couldn't get my head to touch the cage bars but with helmet on the top of helmet would poke above the cage. Not tried a bag seat to be fair so might give a little more 'headroom'?If you take the driver's seat out and sit on the floor you can get a good idea if you would have enough room.
Make sure that the pedals are set to the furthest away position and remember that you can also adjust the steering wheel position with the slide joint in the steering column.
Cheers,
Dave
https://www.pistonheads.com/buy/listing/10814972
I’ve got one of these, it’s brilliant. Plenty of space for someone who finds a caterham cramped, but still very light. Works very well on road or track, has an active community, parts aren’t a problem. Worth a look.
I’ve got one of these, it’s brilliant. Plenty of space for someone who finds a caterham cramped, but still very light. Works very well on road or track, has an active community, parts aren’t a problem. Worth a look.
charltjr said:
https://www.pistonheads.com/buy/listing/10814972
I’ve got one of these, it’s brilliant. Plenty of space for someone who finds a caterham cramped, but still very light. Works very well on road or track, has an active community, parts aren’t a problem. Worth a look.
I've actually looked at them and got a passenger side round knockhill in one in the pouring rain and was really impressed with the grip levels in horrible conditions.I’ve got one of these, it’s brilliant. Plenty of space for someone who finds a caterham cramped, but still very light. Works very well on road or track, has an active community, parts aren’t a problem. Worth a look.
The noise was a real let down for me but could live with that. One thing that I found to be an issue when researching them was that the roll bar is not suitable for competition so would be a bit of a stumbling block without getting something custom made up I think. If tjat could be overcome then could be a potential contender as gather tuning options are great (certainly cheaper than n/a tuning a duratec!!)
blueovercream said:
My initial thought was a Noble but I see they've gone up a fair bit in price since I last looked at them! Early ones seem to be £35-40k.
All I've got left is a Porsche 996. You could get a nice one for £20k and use remaining budget to make it a little more track-focused.
Yeah unfortunately Noble's have steadily increased in price it seems. I remember when their price would start with a 2!All I've got left is a Porsche 996. You could get a nice one for £20k and use remaining budget to make it a little more track-focused.
D7PNY said:
Thanks, does VX220/VXR220 turbo seat configuration offer better driving position/better headroom than an exige?
Would need to coax myself away from n/a noise but the kick in the back from turbo power could make up for that I guess!
Cheers,
Dave
If you get an NA VX220 you can supercharge.Would need to coax myself away from n/a noise but the kick in the back from turbo power could make up for that I guess!
Cheers,
Dave
I’m looking at buying another, they are great cars.
An SV caterham is a completely different fit to the s3. I’m 6’6” and have had numerous kit cars over the years, I’ve had to throw the seat away to fit in all of them, except the SV. I fit comfortably under the standard roll cage, though I do remove the seat squab fro Trackdays.
Thinking of selling if it takes your fancy. 2.3 duratec 260hp, quiet enough for everywhere except thruxton and probably Bedford.
Thinking of selling if it takes your fancy. 2.3 duratec 260hp, quiet enough for everywhere except thruxton and probably Bedford.
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