Caterham VVC - Pros and Cons
Discussion
Hi all,
Does anyone have a Caterham K series VVC?
I've seen a nice one and thinking of buying. Before I do that, has anyone got or had one?
Pros and Cons?
I hear upgrades are limited, unless you ditch the VVC gubbins, which defeats the purpose...however, the torque delivery is very linear, quite heady power delivery (peak power at 7,800rpm), but makes a lovely noise.
Would be interested to hear thoughts!
Cheers
Does anyone have a Caterham K series VVC?
I've seen a nice one and thinking of buying. Before I do that, has anyone got or had one?
Pros and Cons?
I hear upgrades are limited, unless you ditch the VVC gubbins, which defeats the purpose...however, the torque delivery is very linear, quite heady power delivery (peak power at 7,800rpm), but makes a lovely noise.
Would be interested to hear thoughts!
Cheers
upsidedownmark said:
It depends on age - I think it's MEMS3 to be mappable. Kmaps are certainly helpful and know their stuff..
As to the VVC, haven't driven, and have no idea, but have you dug around dave andrews page? kengine.dvapower.com. Lots of info there.
Anecdotally I've heard that the VVC isn't entirely reliable, no idea as to the reality of that. My question would be why bother - vvc lets you tame the emissions and low rev pootling characteristics while getting a decent power. Not convinced that is really worthwhile - 1) it's a caterham, not a bus - you don't need that much torque to shift it, 2) you presumably are buying to drive, not to sit in traffic on the way to the supermarket!
Ok, slightly tounge in cheek, but still. FWIW mine started as a base 1.6, and for all I'd heard about revvy k's and needing working (which I was up for) I can't say it lacks shove anywhere from ~1500 onwards - even if the torque figure is low, in that car it hops forward just as quickly as the TDI daily.. just that it keeps getting better as the revs build. It's now had some mild upgrades, and has more power and torque, pretty much everywhere. Possibly the VVC can't handle the wilder cams that are needed for really big power, possibly if you're going to make an engine with > 100bhp/litre you accept/don't care that it's not going to be the most well mannered thing at 1200rpm on part throttle.
The main advantage I could see (if you're looking for a base to build on) is that the VVC starts with bigger valves than the standard head. As a point in its self without development in mind, 160ish is apparently the sweet spot, and a vvc is perhaps not a bad way of getting there.
Cheers for the reply, you make some good points!As to the VVC, haven't driven, and have no idea, but have you dug around dave andrews page? kengine.dvapower.com. Lots of info there.
Anecdotally I've heard that the VVC isn't entirely reliable, no idea as to the reality of that. My question would be why bother - vvc lets you tame the emissions and low rev pootling characteristics while getting a decent power. Not convinced that is really worthwhile - 1) it's a caterham, not a bus - you don't need that much torque to shift it, 2) you presumably are buying to drive, not to sit in traffic on the way to the supermarket!
Ok, slightly tounge in cheek, but still. FWIW mine started as a base 1.6, and for all I'd heard about revvy k's and needing working (which I was up for) I can't say it lacks shove anywhere from ~1500 onwards - even if the torque figure is low, in that car it hops forward just as quickly as the TDI daily.. just that it keeps getting better as the revs build. It's now had some mild upgrades, and has more power and torque, pretty much everywhere. Possibly the VVC can't handle the wilder cams that are needed for really big power, possibly if you're going to make an engine with > 100bhp/litre you accept/don't care that it's not going to be the most well mannered thing at 1200rpm on part throttle.
The main advantage I could see (if you're looking for a base to build on) is that the VVC starts with bigger valves than the standard head. As a point in its self without development in mind, 160ish is apparently the sweet spot, and a vvc is perhaps not a bad way of getting there.
I wasn't too bothered about VVC or not, it just so happens the car I've found has it - hence asking whether there are any major pitfalls. I haven't heard too many negatives about reliability, however, I guess it's different with every car. I have a diesel daily, so the thought of working a car to 8k rpm appeals to me. Might get tiring after the novelty wears off though...hence why I've heard the Sigma's torque is better.
The car is currently at 160bhp which sounds like a good starting point. I've read through the DVA website so know I can upgrade the valves and exhaust cam with little hassle. The one thing I will invest in is a decent exhaust. It has the standard one installed but would like to a 4-2-1 to promote better breathing. Or do you think it's unnecessary.
Worst thing is that it's on 16" HPC wheels with T1R tyres...need to change to 13"s and CR500s I think. Should transform the ride quality.
Thanks for your thoughts.
Yes, it's got a 4-1 exhaust and I agree it's probably quite restrictive. It's on my upgrade list but at £2k is quite pricey...
Interesting to hear about the ZZS's. I hadn't considered them but doing a bit of research shows good availability and reviews - Cheers for that.
Looking forward to owning my first Caterham. Dream come true!
Yes, it's got a 4-1 exhaust and I agree it's probably quite restrictive. It's on my upgrade list but at £2k is quite pricey...
Interesting to hear about the ZZS's. I hadn't considered them but doing a bit of research shows good availability and reviews - Cheers for that.
Looking forward to owning my first Caterham. Dream come true!
Thanks for the replies.
I've had the car a week now and love it! Really rev happy, however, spoiled by the ride quality (and a silly nose colour by the previous owner).
Hoping to get black pack upgrades, aero screen and wheels/tyres as a priority.
With regards to VVC, I will definitely keep an ear out for any tapping noises. Is it possible to "service" the head, or will it require a rebuild?
Thank you again.
I've had the car a week now and love it! Really rev happy, however, spoiled by the ride quality (and a silly nose colour by the previous owner).
Hoping to get black pack upgrades, aero screen and wheels/tyres as a priority.
With regards to VVC, I will definitely keep an ear out for any tapping noises. Is it possible to "service" the head, or will it require a rebuild?
Thank you again.
coppice said:
Had a VVC for 15k miles before going Duratec. Loved it - lots of torque and whilst it may be fashionable to say Sevens are about power at high revs , I came from a 1.4K SS and the difference was night and day as the VVC pulled hard low down but just kept getting better through the range . It was bloody quick too, and certainly not lacking in the trouser department .
No trouble at all- from long tours to track days it was excellent. So why Duratec ? An itch I had to scratch - no regrets , significantly quicker with another 50bhp but certainly not a quantum leap ahead
Thanks for the thoughts, I had the same debate about the Duratec but funds and experience made the decision easy! Glad you're enjoying it - I certainly am!No trouble at all- from long tours to track days it was excellent. So why Duratec ? An itch I had to scratch - no regrets , significantly quicker with another 50bhp but certainly not a quantum leap ahead
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