My new R400....... Vol. 1.
Discussion
Just got back home with my new toy.
First impressions? - Like many 'returnees' I'm sure, I spent half the journey thinking 'oh God, what have I done I'm taking it back' and the other half grinning stupidly. Makes me realise that my F430 (and indeed 997GT3 before it) isn't even on nodding terms with the word raw!
Very pleased with Mango paint with bare carbon nose band and front wings. White instruments look good too.Sadly, most of the journey was round the M25 and down the M3 and frankly trying to change gear smoothly with the new and very stiff box wasn't that pleasant. Your right foot and leg gets fried too - what idiot moved the exhaust? So by the time I turn off the motorway and onto the last fives miles on my favourite B road I'm not 100% happy but as I run her up to 5,000 in first then do my first snap gearchange into second thru. to 5,000 and so on to sixth suddenly it all makes sense - the gears just click home and she flys. Blimey I've been conned though - this things only got one gear - driven like that it just stays permanently at whatever revs you choose. Finally blipping down through the box slowing for my village is a joy if noisey but hey - they're used to the Fezza!
Fantastic to be back in a Seven. Looking forward to becoming worthy of the challenge it'll set me and getting out on track soonest!
Just had a look in the barn - you know, to check it's true - and looking at those two rear ends - one red one yellow - I realise what a b***dy lucky what'sit I am!
First impressions? - Like many 'returnees' I'm sure, I spent half the journey thinking 'oh God, what have I done I'm taking it back' and the other half grinning stupidly. Makes me realise that my F430 (and indeed 997GT3 before it) isn't even on nodding terms with the word raw!
Very pleased with Mango paint with bare carbon nose band and front wings. White instruments look good too.Sadly, most of the journey was round the M25 and down the M3 and frankly trying to change gear smoothly with the new and very stiff box wasn't that pleasant. Your right foot and leg gets fried too - what idiot moved the exhaust? So by the time I turn off the motorway and onto the last fives miles on my favourite B road I'm not 100% happy but as I run her up to 5,000 in first then do my first snap gearchange into second thru. to 5,000 and so on to sixth suddenly it all makes sense - the gears just click home and she flys. Blimey I've been conned though - this things only got one gear - driven like that it just stays permanently at whatever revs you choose. Finally blipping down through the box slowing for my village is a joy if noisey but hey - they're used to the Fezza!
Fantastic to be back in a Seven. Looking forward to becoming worthy of the challenge it'll set me and getting out on track soonest!
Just had a look in the barn - you know, to check it's true - and looking at those two rear ends - one red one yellow - I realise what a b***dy lucky what'sit I am!
Edited by Pugsey on Monday 6th August 16:29
JakeR said:
Pugsey,
does your r400 kangaroo at low revs? I had a passenger ride in one which did, and my 2.3 sure as hell does! Having it remapped soon, which apparently helps alot.
Good choice by the way! What I nearly had, but I went to Freestyle instead...
cheers JakeR
Hi Jake. No it doesn't - mind you my first day with it was so intense I might not have noticed! But seriously, no, not so far anyway. Fuel gauge doesn't work though!does your r400 kangaroo at low revs? I had a passenger ride in one which did, and my 2.3 sure as hell does! Having it remapped soon, which apparently helps alot.
Good choice by the way! What I nearly had, but I went to Freestyle instead...
cheers JakeR
Edited by Pugsey on Tuesday 7th August 12:00
subirg said:
Pugsey - well done on surviving the first drive!
I picked mine up on Saturday and did almost the same as you - drove it round the M25 to the M40, then up to Oxford and home to the Cotswolds. Describing it as a baptism by fire would be the understatement of the century. I basically fried in the summer heat and the metallic inferno that is the drivers footwell... I also can't say it was a comfortable or easy drive - the throttle is quite softly sprung, so it's easy to kangaroo as a result of foot wobble when going over bumps more than anything else. The gearchange is a bit stiff but that's no surprise as it's new. The car also sounds very agricultural when idling along. Finally, you have to pick your petrol stations with care as not all petrol nozzles fit...
However, once I turned off the A40 onto my favourite 10 miles of B road, all was immediately forgiven. Bloody hell this thing shifts. I know this for the simple reason that I ran out of revs in 6th gear in no time at all. In fact it seemed to take about 15 seconds to get there. When pressing on though, all the random sounds, graunches and jerks disappear and it all comes together beautifully. The ride is firm but fine, the gear change is excellent, the steering is pin sharp. It feels just like a race car should. The brakes don't seem too hot, but apparently they take a bit of time to bed in and probably need a good bleed. Can't wait to get it on a track - hopefully Silverstone on 21st August.
Early snags include shift lights that don't shift, a speedo that isn't reading correctly and fuel gauage that is utterly hopeless. Taking the car to C Midlands later this week for its 1st service and fixing of issues.
Roll on summer!
Fantastic - well done to you too! Yep, my fuel gauge is defunct and the speedo 'dithers'. I must admit I haven't tried the brakes in anger yet but I do agree that they don't feel that hot up to now. Re. the ride - my cars pressures (checked cold this morning) were 25 all round - they should be 18F/20R as a starting point and since adjusting them I've found the ride a lot better - not really pushing yet but I imagine grip will be improved too. Check yours! Lots of jokes at hand over about very basic handbooks and literature - plus faults - that come with the car. Frankly it's a £34k car so it doesn't wash with me. I'll be interested to see how things are resolved at first service.I picked mine up on Saturday and did almost the same as you - drove it round the M25 to the M40, then up to Oxford and home to the Cotswolds. Describing it as a baptism by fire would be the understatement of the century. I basically fried in the summer heat and the metallic inferno that is the drivers footwell... I also can't say it was a comfortable or easy drive - the throttle is quite softly sprung, so it's easy to kangaroo as a result of foot wobble when going over bumps more than anything else. The gearchange is a bit stiff but that's no surprise as it's new. The car also sounds very agricultural when idling along. Finally, you have to pick your petrol stations with care as not all petrol nozzles fit...
However, once I turned off the A40 onto my favourite 10 miles of B road, all was immediately forgiven. Bloody hell this thing shifts. I know this for the simple reason that I ran out of revs in 6th gear in no time at all. In fact it seemed to take about 15 seconds to get there. When pressing on though, all the random sounds, graunches and jerks disappear and it all comes together beautifully. The ride is firm but fine, the gear change is excellent, the steering is pin sharp. It feels just like a race car should. The brakes don't seem too hot, but apparently they take a bit of time to bed in and probably need a good bleed. Can't wait to get it on a track - hopefully Silverstone on 21st August.
Early snags include shift lights that don't shift, a speedo that isn't reading correctly and fuel gauage that is utterly hopeless. Taking the car to C Midlands later this week for its 1st service and fixing of issues.
Roll on summer!
Bund said:
Pugsey said:
subirg said:
Pugsey - well done on surviving the first drive!
I picked mine up on Saturday and did almost the same as you - drove it round the M25 to the M40, then up to Oxford and home to the Cotswolds. Describing it as a baptism by fire would be the understatement of the century. I basically fried in the summer heat and the metallic inferno that is the drivers footwell... I also can't say it was a comfortable or easy drive - the throttle is quite softly sprung, so it's easy to kangaroo as a result of foot wobble when going over bumps more than anything else. The gearchange is a bit stiff but that's no surprise as it's new. The car also sounds very agricultural when idling along. Finally, you have to pick your petrol stations with care as not all petrol nozzles fit...
However, once I turned off the A40 onto my favourite 10 miles of B road, all was immediately forgiven. Bloody hell this thing shifts. I know this for the simple reason that I ran out of revs in 6th gear in no time at all. In fact it seemed to take about 15 seconds to get there. When pressing on though, all the random sounds, graunches and jerks disappear and it all comes together beautifully. The ride is firm but fine, the gear change is excellent, the steering is pin sharp. It feels just like a race car should. The brakes don't seem too hot, but apparently they take a bit of time to bed in and probably need a good bleed. Can't wait to get it on a track - hopefully Silverstone on 21st August.
Early snags include shift lights that don't shift, a speedo that isn't reading correctly and fuel gauage that is utterly hopeless. Taking the car to C Midlands later this week for its 1st service and fixing of issues.
Roll on summer!
Fantastic - well done to you too! Yep, my fuel gauge is defunct and the speedo 'dithers'. I must admit I haven't tried the brakes in anger yet but I do agree that they don't feel that hot up to now. Re. the ride - my cars pressures (checked cold this morning) were 25 all round - they should be 18F/20R as a starting point and since adjusting them I've found the ride a lot better - not really pushing yet but I imagine grip will be improved too. Check yours! Lots of jokes at hand over about very basic handbooks and literature - plus faults - that come with the car. Frankly it's a £34k car so it doesn't wash with me. I'll be interested to see how things are resolved at first service.I picked mine up on Saturday and did almost the same as you - drove it round the M25 to the M40, then up to Oxford and home to the Cotswolds. Describing it as a baptism by fire would be the understatement of the century. I basically fried in the summer heat and the metallic inferno that is the drivers footwell... I also can't say it was a comfortable or easy drive - the throttle is quite softly sprung, so it's easy to kangaroo as a result of foot wobble when going over bumps more than anything else. The gearchange is a bit stiff but that's no surprise as it's new. The car also sounds very agricultural when idling along. Finally, you have to pick your petrol stations with care as not all petrol nozzles fit...
However, once I turned off the A40 onto my favourite 10 miles of B road, all was immediately forgiven. Bloody hell this thing shifts. I know this for the simple reason that I ran out of revs in 6th gear in no time at all. In fact it seemed to take about 15 seconds to get there. When pressing on though, all the random sounds, graunches and jerks disappear and it all comes together beautifully. The ride is firm but fine, the gear change is excellent, the steering is pin sharp. It feels just like a race car should. The brakes don't seem too hot, but apparently they take a bit of time to bed in and probably need a good bleed. Can't wait to get it on a track - hopefully Silverstone on 21st August.
Early snags include shift lights that don't shift, a speedo that isn't reading correctly and fuel gauage that is utterly hopeless. Taking the car to C Midlands later this week for its 1st service and fixing of issues.
Roll on summer!
My black arse with her top off is being picked up Thursday but I'm struggling to find a Super light R/R400 but have been only looking 2 days
What was you saying that doesn't wash? The fact that you spend 34k on a car and that its OK to have niggles supposedly or the fact that it was only 34k so you cant complain? I'm confused
I'm saying that Caterham's joking comments about the cheapo hand books and accompanying poor quality literature that accompany a new car and about various hand over faults don't wash. I wouldn't accept them on a £20k Ford or Mini for example so why should they be 'made light' of on a £34k Caterham. I think it's taking the p*** out of and advantage of the fact that their buyers are Caterham enthusiasts and made me feel a bit as if they don't really care. A 12 month or 6,000 mile only warranty is hilarious too IMO! Lucky I love the car then isn't it.
I'll do the reverse of a rain dance for you on Thursday - enjoy!
Tony Miles said:
Pugsey
I think you are missing the point! Caterham may joke about the quality of their handbook but surely that is just being honest and friendly? They have just launched the new R400 (yours must be one of the first dozen) with new engine and chassis so big changes for them as a small company take time and the last think on the list are handbooks. A Caterham is all about bangs for bucks driving not the paperwork! Comparing Caterham to Ford is unfair as Caterham probabaly sell only a few hundred cars a year compared to Ford who must sell over 100,000 and can afford to produce a glossy brochure and handbook.
A Caterham is bought for driving! What other sports car gives that sort of performance for £30k?
Rest assured, I was knocking the general quality or 'feel' of the literature AND the issues that my car - and another delivered a few days before - were handed over with, NOT the honesty, friendliness or enthusiasm of the guys who have as ever been a joy to deal with. I go back to the days of early race series with the likes of John Lyons, Magnus Laird, Andy Noble, Jez Coates etc. and fully appreciate what Caterham are all about. I STILL don't think it good enough to hand over cars with basic faults like dodgey fuel gauges and speedos etc or with literature that looks as if it was photocopied then bunged in a folder someone dived out and bought from WHSmith that morning. Limited production or not it's still £34k of someone's money. A very few quid per car and a bit of thought would make all the difference - print and production can be had VERY cheaply nowadays.I think you are missing the point! Caterham may joke about the quality of their handbook but surely that is just being honest and friendly? They have just launched the new R400 (yours must be one of the first dozen) with new engine and chassis so big changes for them as a small company take time and the last think on the list are handbooks. A Caterham is all about bangs for bucks driving not the paperwork! Comparing Caterham to Ford is unfair as Caterham probabaly sell only a few hundred cars a year compared to Ford who must sell over 100,000 and can afford to produce a glossy brochure and handbook.
A Caterham is bought for driving! What other sports car gives that sort of performance for £30k?
Having said all of the above - and PLEASE don't take this the wrong way - but don't you think given the fact that, despite the other cars in my garage, I've gone out and bought a Caterham rather suggests that I'd worked out what you say in your final sentence for myself!
Pugs.
PS To qualify the above - for me the literature thing is a point of interest as I just happen to like good presentation, but it's no biggy, I'm not loosing sleep over it. The delvery faults are more serious. IMO.
Edited by Pugsey on Wednesday 8th August 13:03
So, now I find the wrong bxxxdy diffs (3.9 rather than 3.6) been fitted! So, so far my £34k car has a fuel gauge that doesn't work, a dodgey speedo and a completely incorrect major component! If anyone comes on here again and tells me it's a limited production hand built car I'll...........well I'll be jolly cross!
Edited by Pugsey on Monday 13th August 14:40
Murph7355 said:
Pugsey said:
...fuel gauge that doesn't work, a dodgey speedo ...
When you stress to them that you want the old fashioned retro dials, what do you expect? Fuel gauges and speedos never worked in 1957 
You know that both would be fine on a Stack
Pugsey said:
...and a completely incorrect major component! ...
Annnnnnd breath Now it's not "completely" incorrect is it? It fits the car, and the car moves around with it in. In fact I'll bet the car positively flies with it in in the acceleration stakes, and unless you're wanting to go over 125-130 or so it shouldn't make a horrific difference until they get it fixed.
Suggest you organise for them to sort it out, then immediately go out for a blat around some country lanes, find a deserted car park and practice donuts by way of stress relief. After all, it's not your diff that'll be handling it
PS As for handbooks...they're for wimps. Besides, what the hell don't you know how to use on the car? I bet there are 8 switches tops
However these issues DO reflect a general lack of attention and care IMO - something I want loads of when someone's building a car that I'm going to sling round a race track at high speed frankly. Can't stand people not taking care and pride over their work either. I'm sure all will be resolved however and in the meantime, as you say, there's always Tesco's car park with the Nova boys on a Friday night!Edited by Pugsey on Monday 13th August 16:48
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