Kitcat

Looking forward to pix. New blood and renewed enthusiasm on the mfg/retail side can only help the Caterham brand in USA.

Sean: you are right. And that makes a lot more sense. Historically tho, in 1997,on the 40th of the Lotus Seven, Caterham did a 40th anniv special, in identical colors with this 2013 version. (I doubt any are still in their crates:)).

Interesting find: a 40th anniv specl edition roller (#34 of 40 according to the one photo). Since the 40th anniv was 1997, it has been sitting a long time. Likely wired for an X-flow? A Zetec will drop in, a Duratec maybe not as intake is on opposite side. Not sure abt Ecotec, but am sure you can get almost anything to work with enough fabrication.

Google "Redline UK".

The 818 vid above shows a lap time of 2:02 at Watkins Glen, or abt 8 seconds faster than the fastest E-Prod Caterham record. Just a point of reference.

Tony: A photo would help. On my 2nd long blat (to the USA7's event in '07 on the Dragon), in my original X-flow Cat, the little barrel you reference fell out. No barrel=no go. I ultimately "fixed" it w/electrical tape wrapped around the throttle cable and the throttle lever on the carbs. Drove it (gently) another 400 miles that way. Always kept a spare barrel (and spare elec tape) in the boot after that.

As a weather nerd, I can report that it was 68 on 1/7/08 in Cincy, tomorrow it will be -10F. It is so cold that I took the wheels and tires off my Caterham yesterday and brought them in out of the deep freeze.

Not sure if anyone has ever put AC into any iteration of a se7en, Stalker Caterham, Birkin, etc. Of course, there is always a first time. My 1st Caterham did have a heater. When on during the summer it made prodigious heat. In the spring and fall, hardly noticeable:). It still was a 3 season car, just cold when it was cold, (extremely) hot when it was hot, and perfect when the weather was perfect. And always fun. My most memorable ''blats" include the times I was coldest/hottest. And dont forget rain. The Caterhams are surprisingly water resistant (not water proof). Not sure abt the Stalkers. Great thread, btw.

What Blubarisax said. The anti-submarine name is a bit misleading. What the anchor strap(s) do is keep the lap belt over your hip/pelvis. Those are your body's frame/hard points. If the belt rides up (because there is no anchor strap), then all of that force is exerted above your hips, on all of your body's vulnerable soft spots. These belts are a bit harder to put on, but not much. And the peace of mind is worth it, not to mention the actual payoff in event you crash, end upside down, etc.

Very impressive! And enjoyed the link to your countless other moto-adventures and equipment.

Ditto Blubarisax, incl recent part from Caterham.

What is the ultimate goal with these changes? I found that my stock , non adjustable narrow track front suspension with stock springs was just as fast as any other Caterham at the track, including all those wide track Cats. Dial in a little toe out for quicker turn in, more caster for quicker return to steering center. Add some negative camber for a bit more grip. All of the stock parts are designed to work in harmony and do. I am just wondering if all this part swapping will produce a noticeable, or measurable gain?

Think of driving a se7en as horizontal bungee jumping:).

Overfilling my X-flow equaled spillage w/ huge plumes of white smoke as it burned off the engine/headers on deceleration, and a nice coat of oil on windshield on acceleration. Never had oil starvation on shaved Toyo RA1's, didn't try slicks for fear of that issue tho. Ditto what everyone said re Caterham oil pressure gauge. It will advise if you have some pressure, just wont say how much. Mine never registered over 15-20 once warm, a mechanical gauge showed 60 lbs.

Thx Bruce, most informative. I have been putting 6 quarts in the system at oil changes, hopefully that is ball park?

Thx Bruce-I thought I had a dry sump system. When you say "charged" and "on" that means...? Apparently its fool-proof:).

Raceline sells a wetsump for Duratecs. All new Birkins are so equipped (including my '09). I suspect they supply the wet pan for current stock Caterhams as well.I think I had 3&1/2" clearance. Not suitable for track, as noted.

I would assume a base spec 200hp CSR (No big $ upgrades), 5 sp, cloth seats, etc., would sticker for around $65K? Hopefully w/cage and dry sump? BTW: what does "CSR" stand for, if anything. As I recall, the Avons, in additional to being hard to find, are very expensive ($400 vs $150 fo a Toyo, etc.).

My current Cat is the subject of the 25 hours at T-Hill threads. I have had zero build quality issues. I would agree that a major source of savings for these highly desirable (and expensive) little cars is the drive train area. Seems that crate Duratecs can be had for under $2K. And as Croc's Nurbergring post shows, with "only" 175 hp, they are capable of embarrassing much more powerful cars, even the mighty Porsches. Also, a relatively cheap hp bump could be had via SC option, like Caterham now offers on its highest spec car (And which Birkin offers for about $5K), for those who HAVE to have the fastest car in a straight line. If the motor goes kaput, it's a relatively cheap fix, unlike replacing the $20-35K high horsepower na Duratec options.

Cost parameters for a kit and a turnkey? Will the SC Duratec engine be available? Given my personal history of oil starvation/engine failure in my Birkin at the track, will dry sump option be available (mandatory?) for dedicated track cars? Best wishes: looks like a great car and you look like a great fit as distributor.

Karl: I think the road connecting the paddock to the clubhouse has a straight that is at least 1/4 mile long, if you get my drift....

When my Duratec's sump went dry it was bad in the traditional sense (Really bad in the really traditional sense)! Twice. The Raceline oil pan Birkin uses is not adequate for track use, even w/mods that Texas Motor Works and Dick Brink recommend. Or at least on the tracks that I drive(:.

Steve: 7/7? You were destined to own your car:). Count me in Croc, thx for putting this together! Who is the sponsor-or is this a stand-alone event? Looks like another wonderful event. The sum truly exceeds the parts at this event. Definitely my favorite car/track event every year and it looks like this one will be better than ever! Folks who come to spectate and socialize seem to have a ball too:the on- track part is, as Croc notes 2 hours a day. That leaves lots of time to hang around the pits under the Sevens tarp and socialize. The dinners are memorable as well. Sure wld like to see a Stalker or two show up, ditto other makes, in addition to the ubiquitous Caterhams and S1's

Tony: My filer tube leaked too. Just tighten the hose clamps w/screwdriver.

Alpha Mini