What spec was the Caterham Supersport R kit?

What spec was the Caterham Supersport R kit?

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Green George

Original Poster:

316 posts

252 months

Sunday 14th May 2017
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I have a EU2 1.6 K series SuperSport engine in my Superlight. I have seen reference a number of times to a Supersport R upgrade which was offered on the K Series. However I have been unable to find a definitive specification of this. Does anyone know what the R upgrade included?

Green George

Original Poster:

316 posts

252 months

Sunday 14th May 2017
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Thank you

Green George

Original Poster:

316 posts

252 months

Sunday 14th May 2017
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AndrewGP, Superlight 157? I think you (or Greenpayne?), did an excellent blog on the work carried out. Made, and still does, great reading.

Green George

Original Poster:

316 posts

252 months

Green George

Original Poster:

316 posts

252 months

Sunday 21st May 2017
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The second paragraph of the (excellemt) document above confirms that you remember correctly.

Green George

Original Poster:

316 posts

252 months

Tuesday 18th July 2017
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I really fancy getting this upgrade done to my Superlight. Although using Jenvey DTH TBs as I have a set ready to fit.
Just need to find somewhere who can do this and fit a dry sump.

Green George

Original Poster:

316 posts

252 months

Thursday 20th July 2017
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1.6 EU2 SuperSport engine with verniers set up by DVA

Green George

Original Poster:

316 posts

252 months

Sunday 23rd July 2017
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I think you are probably right. My Superlight is very original and has a really good history https://caterhamsuperlight106.wordpress.com in case you are interested.
Including purchase I am in the mid to high 20's and really am not sure of the wisdom of spending more and take away from what is an original Superlight.
I am starting to think it may be more sensible to buy a SLR or R400K or D which will intrinsciably be worth more. It really is a double edged sword as I know how good my Superlight is and anything new is a gamble.
I have seen a nice (although apparently un-numbered) SLR for sale at Chapman Cars along with a very nice R400D. I need to sell my car first but they are both the kind of car I would be looking at. I have a very comprehensive stock of spares including a brand new wet sump, apollo tank and fittings, 2 spares sets of wheels and tyres, windscreen and aeroscreen, the QED / JENVEY DTH throttle bodies and air box. Not sure whether to sell the car separately or as a package if I go down the new 7 route.
Hmm I need to think things through.......

Green George

Original Poster:

316 posts

252 months

Monday 24th July 2017
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It is a real dilemma, which I am very fortunate to have!

I have the throttle bodies and airbox but I am now starting to think it may well be time to upgrade to a 7 with the right spec already i.e. a SLR or R400 *now the subject of a separate thread.

However, there is no getting away from the fact that accepted wisdom is that a 160 to 180 bhp 7 is a sweet spot.

My concern is if I fit the throttle bodies and air box, do I stop there or have forged piston fitted and maybe a dry sump for safety sake? That would be expensive and would require running in over 1500 or so miles....

Edited by Green George on Monday 24th July 21:11

Green George

Original Poster:

316 posts

252 months

Tuesday 25th July 2017
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BertBert said:
I could help out with the running in if you asked nicely biggrin
Thanks! I would enjoy the process but at the moment that would take me a year to do!

Green George

Original Poster:

316 posts

252 months

Tuesday 25th July 2017
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I have also heard that, but the Supersport rev limit was raised to 7600 by Caterham. Having spoken with Dave Andrews I reduced my rev limit to just under 7200 by using an aftermarket rev limiter. I wondered whether by doing that I am not getting the best from the Supersport cams? Presumably, that was why Caterham raised the rev limit.

Green George

Original Poster:

316 posts

252 months

Tuesday 25th July 2017
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I just had an e-mail chat with Dave Andrews and his opinion is 170bhp / 7200 rpm is on the cusp of piston unreliability; so forged pistons would be prudent.

Green George

Original Poster:

316 posts

252 months

Tuesday 25th July 2017
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I will ask the question.

Green George

Original Poster:

316 posts

252 months

Tuesday 25th July 2017
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What an obliging and helpful man Dave is. To answer your question, the K04 kit should be safe at 7200 but it may not make 160BHP on a 1600, it depends on how good the head is from the factory.

Green George

Original Poster:

316 posts

252 months

Thursday 27th July 2017
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Well, the short answer is I do not know.

I love the Superlight but want more go. I have already sent too much on it and to tune it would take away from the original ethos. But they are cracking cars so I am already onto a winner!

A really good early SLR (tufrided crank model) would tick all the boxes. But must have been loved and have a full and detailed history file around 20,000 miles.
Ideally with the original (dull) carbon fibre wings all round like my Superlight and if I was very lucky orange or bright green. Oh, and definitely with a dry sump.
I would like a standard one other than having been fettled by DVA a la his K11 - Upgrade/drivability kit for the VHPD engine. This apparently greatly improves idle and progression together with much improved mid range torque, and lifts the engine to a proper 190BHP.

R400K as above.

R400D on 13" wheels, dry sump, 6 speed etc etc.

Edited by Green George on Thursday 27th July 16:23

Green George

Original Poster:

316 posts

252 months

Thursday 27th July 2017
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BertBert said:
You are not helping! Anyway this is not a decision to rush.

May I ask why you preferred the Superlight to the SLR?

What spec was your Superlight?

Edited by Green George on Thursday 27th July 22:43

Green George

Original Poster:

316 posts

252 months

Monday 31st July 2017
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Bert. Thank you for the précis. More food for thought!
George

Green George

Original Poster:

316 posts

252 months

Wednesday 2nd August 2017
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BertBert said:
np. Just to declare, I generally like the lower powered, smaller tyred caterhams, although I have not driven any of the modern high spec Duranail Caterhams. So I am probably biased!
I also enjoy the fluidity and liveliness of a narrow tyred 7. IMHO large rear tyres on lower powered cars spoil the sense of driver involvement and in turn the fun. I have heard it said that at around 180+ bhp, it makes sense to go for the wider rear tyres on a 7.