X-flow or K Series?

[MGYoung]

Hi there,

I previously owned a 1996 live axle x-flow powered seven. Sold the car a few years ago but I now have a house with a garage (previously the Caterham was kept in a lock-up a few miles from my flat). So thoughts of Caterham ownership are again entering my mind. I’m on a strict budget of around £9-9.5K which will buy me either a well specced x-flow or an early K-Series car. The car will be for road use only and must have full weather gear, paint, adjustable seats, etc.

Not sure I would want a 1.4K so the choice is between a 1.6 and a 1700 x-flow. Which do you think is the better bet on the basis on 4000 – 5000 miles a year?

Cheers.

Martin.

[tortoise]

I don't really know the cross flow engine but I think the K series is well suited to the Caterham as it is a light weight and reasonably compact engine with a good power to weight ratio. I would be interested in comparing the weights of the two engines. The K also has a well proven upgrade route via wilder cams, reprogrammed ECU, better exhaust and (ultimately) ported head and throttle bodies.

The other consideration might be any chasis modifications that came with newer cars. Again I Don't know at what point Caterham swithced to the Dedion tube set up but I think this is a worthwhile improvement.

[casbar]

[redacted]

[murph7355]

I'd agree with casbar - look at what's available for around your budget and check out general condition.

Don't necessarily rule out the 1.4k. BUT it really will need the Supersport option and a 6-speed box to be able to match a good x-flow (it'll feel a LOT different to the x-flow, but will be at least as quick). Note the 6-speed was designed for this particular k-series and is absolutely the perfect pairing. Also note that the 1.4k as sold by Caterham was not typically suitable for too much tweaking - you'd need a late version or a 1600 for that.

There should be a couple of other engines available for this sort of money too (e.g. Zetecs) so it'd be worth going and having a look at a number and see what you think. Especially if you're not so fussed about being able to sell it on quickly later.

[Jon Lee]

De Dion is much more comfortable on the road IMHO.
It also offers much greater upgrade potential.
Most recent/ish live axle cars have a Morris Ital axle which is a known weak point.

[Pat H]

One other option is the VX 1600 OHC motor fitted to the last live axle Classics.

I built one back in 2000 and the motor was a bit of an uninspiring lump, but they are very tuneable.

I think I'd look for a K Series.

[rubystone]

What about a VX 2 litre. Great engine, unburstable too and if the car has widetrack suspension and adjustable dampers, it can be set up to handle well. I'd go for one of those over a 1.6 VX, x flow or non-supersport 1.6 K

[murph7355]

Agree with Robin.

A 1400K Supersport 6-spd is one of the best Caterhams IMO. Not stupid fast for the road, capable on track.

Forget lardy old bangers like ruby recommends. He drinks too much

[Tango7]

Maybe even consider a zetec at this price. There are a few that offer 150-160 BHP for the same money. Otherwise as the others say, have a look at a few cars and see which suits you best. I don't think you will pick up a VX 2000 at this price unless its a tattyish race car. It certainly won't be a very tidy road car at this budget.

What do you want the car for? If you intend to have a toy for weekend use with very limited track mileage, then a car with a live axle will be fine esp. if you don't fit too sticky tyres (AO21r's will be the limit). However, if you intend to hoon round the track and do limited road mileage then a de dion probably with an LSD will be better. For most people it will be a mixture in between. So don't write off the live axle option as there are a lot of cars out there (Graduates championship springs to mind) where they take a lot of abuse and still last for a season or more, and some of these LA cars do offer a great bargain at the moment