about getting a R500 to the US...
Discussion
I've seem to run into a problem in getting the R500 here in the US. Along with going to the track on weekends, I also wanted to drive it on public roads.
I've been speaking to a couple of companies and the problem seems to be the Rover engine, somehow these companies can't bring the R500 here w/ that engine.
One of the companies here offered me one w/ the Ford Zetec engine. He said that they can do a alloy block 2.2L w/ 250hp @ 7250rpm, but the problem is that the engine and the dry sump system would cost me $25k!!!! And that's not even the entire price of the car!!!!!
1. Is there any GOOD alternative here for the US? I value the peformance and I would like a 500hp/ton veichle, but I'm thinking the $25k for the engine and things is a rip off. Cany anyone find me a better dealer??? Or am I looking at the wrong car???
2. Someone told me that I could have Catherham US ship me the R500 here, and I would have to register it as a "special classic veichle" or something of the like. And even though the car can be registered pre-1968, I dunno if I can drive them pubically on the roads. Should I invest in this route???
I've been speaking to a couple of companies and the problem seems to be the Rover engine, somehow these companies can't bring the R500 here w/ that engine.
One of the companies here offered me one w/ the Ford Zetec engine. He said that they can do a alloy block 2.2L w/ 250hp @ 7250rpm, but the problem is that the engine and the dry sump system would cost me $25k!!!! And that's not even the entire price of the car!!!!!
1. Is there any GOOD alternative here for the US? I value the peformance and I would like a 500hp/ton veichle, but I'm thinking the $25k for the engine and things is a rip off. Cany anyone find me a better dealer??? Or am I looking at the wrong car???
2. Someone told me that I could have Catherham US ship me the R500 here, and I would have to register it as a "special classic veichle" or something of the like. And even though the car can be registered pre-1968, I dunno if I can drive them pubically on the roads. Should I invest in this route???
What do you guys think of these?
www.wcmultralite.com/main.html
The S2000 engine OR the Hayabusa engine for $29K US. however, after seeing the pics for the car, I realize why Catherham (and Westfield for that matter) gets highly praised for their craftmenship with the sevens.
I finally went to Catherham USA's website and sells the Superlight R for $29k w/o engine and tranny (w/ my options it would be a little over 30k).
I finally realised that the main difference of the R500 compared to a regular superlight is the Carbon parts and trim, sump, bell housing and oil towers, the tires and the suspension.
I could get a S2000 engine and tranny for about $6-8K, so I guess I have the choice of saving $6-8k, or actually having a better quality and marginally better speed.
www.wcmultralite.com/main.html
The S2000 engine OR the Hayabusa engine for $29K US. however, after seeing the pics for the car, I realize why Catherham (and Westfield for that matter) gets highly praised for their craftmenship with the sevens.
I finally went to Catherham USA's website and sells the Superlight R for $29k w/o engine and tranny (w/ my options it would be a little over 30k).
I finally realised that the main difference of the R500 compared to a regular superlight is the Carbon parts and trim, sump, bell housing and oil towers, the tires and the suspension.
I could get a S2000 engine and tranny for about $6-8K, so I guess I have the choice of saving $6-8k, or actually having a better quality and marginally better speed.
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