Tell me about K series engines in Caterhams

[rovermorris999]

I'm thinking of moving from an MX5 to a Caterham and the majority on the market have K series engines. I've read loads about their great power/weight ratio and also about the head gasket problems. So what are they like in a Caterham setting? It'll be track use I'm interested in and I prefer driving to removing cylinder heads so reliability is an issue. Bomb-proof like the MX5 would be good. Also, what are Minister engines like?
Also is there anyone in northeast Lincolnshire with a Caterham on here who would be willing for me to have a butcher's and ask a few dumb questions? And really cheeky, anyone doing a trackday at Cadwell soon who'd take me round as a passenger for a few laps just to get the feel of the car? I'll happily pay for the petrol or a donation to your favourite charity.

Thanks in advance.

[rovermorris999]

Hmm. Food for thought. The responses so far do confirm my prejudices somewhat. Presumably an engine from someone like Minister should hopefully have most of the issues sorted? Even when sorted, they do seem to go pop a bit more often than I think is reasonable, however relatively easy and cheap it is to do the work.