Kitcat

723 hp, LOL! I am adding you to my Rolodex:).

I had a vague memory that there were mods needed to install a HANS system on a Caterham. When I Googled Caterham HANS device I got info suggesting mounting points for shoulder stapes need to be repositioned wh/requires removal of roll-over bar, etc. No idea if this is still the case but mite be worth checking.

Tom: Just curious, any experience w/tuning Duratec engines and, if so, do you have a preference between them and Zetec? Also, why so much experience w/Zetecs? Thx, Mike

I also use an R3, used it at NJMP last summer. I can put it on myself, it doesn't require someone out side the car to assist w/straps. And it doesn't require any modifications to your car's existing belt system. I attach it to the helmet, then put helmet on, then buckle R3. I bought it 4 years ago so there may be better systems out now, I haven't looked. It is self contained (doesn't rely on shoulder straps). So you can use w/3 pt system. And you can hop from car to car w/it on (use as a passenger). There is almost no neck rotation tho, so you must have mirrors adjusted perfectly. It takes abt 5' to get it on, and another few minutes if you are using arm restraints, then the 5-6 pt harness, so buckling up is a process. So I usually start abt 10' before griding. Once out on the track, it is invisible, and adds a sense of (hopefully real) protection.

Soareyes-v pretty car, BTW.

Try sitting in the replacement Birkin seat before purchasing. I know the "improved" stock seats in my '09 Birkin are torture devices. I replaced (w/Cat seats) after abt 15 miles. No welding was needed, pure bolt-in.

I have Cat Tillets in my Birkin, tho I had to remove Birkin interior panels, ditto windshield (or so I am told, haven't tried adding the Brooklands yet). Wheels do not fit.

Drew: I tried that, spent the $150, but the glass was too thick to fit the windshield frame. Not by much, but still too much. Maybe the newer Cats have different spec windshield glass than my '97? Redgoose: For a newbie, 125 mph in a se7en (especially a se7en), is plenty fast. As your comfort level increases, so will your speed. Don't force it or it wont be fun. And getting passed is part of the deal at track days, I have never had one where I wasn't.

My cracked S3 windshield cost $600 to replace from Sevens and Elans 2 years ago.

Jeez, that kit is $13,500, then shipping, and cost of building. Or, get a Duratec for $2K that makes more power and more reliable power. Wh/is what I did, and why I sold my Caterham for my Birkin when I was looking to add some power to make my car competitive at track days. Like Martin, just my belief-I'd love a BDR Caterham, just wasn't able to justify cost.

Sorry, still in Greece.

Dittos, Budlite, the limiting factor when touring in a seven is driver stamina, not mpg. I usually stop after 145-55 miles, stretch, answer the same questions by admirers (How much $, speed, mpg, kit car, mfg), and repeat in 2 hours:).

Exciting! Great video (My GoPro shakes a lot). Any idea how fast thru the uphill "S's"? Was 173 mph at top end of gearing or cld you have gone faster if you'd had more road? Why sell?

My Birkin is insured w/State Farm, took 2 minutes to add it to my coverage (along w/my Caterham). It does have an exemption for accidents at the race track, tho, even if was a "driver's education" course.

I drove 10K miles w/a cracked windshield on my Caterham. I replaced finally when it looked like I was going to fail tech at a track day. BTW, there is no substitute for Caterham's (very expensive) windshield glass. Standard windshield glass is too think and doest fit, shower stall glass fits, but despite assurances, it can break and, when it does, it explodes into sharp pebbles (our "unbreakable" glass shower door did just that).

Croc: What abt a posting on Blatchat?

Plain old stock Caterham units fine after 30K miles, 13 years. Did brake flush 3x in last 16K miles.

Best to rebuild. I was never able to find a replacement, Dave Bean, etc., all struck out. Takes a weird size, nothing fits.I tried MANY units. Or, call Caterham/Sevens and Elans/etc.

Thx, interesting option. But I am going to keep it simple and proceed per plan.

Thx. We are aware of that issue and storage arrangements in USA have been made thu August 2012. I am helping for 1st 6 months and reduced the price some to make this happen. The buyer is very motivated. And I admire his enthusiasm:). Mike

My Canadian prospect says he will buy it. We agreed on a price, etc., over the weekend. Awaiting a deposit. Have had other folks come close, but then disappear, so not claiming this as a sale quite yet, but strongly suspect the deed is done. Mike M.

Interesting. I was told that the kit assembler (Sevens and Elans) stamped the assembly date on in that spot. Your info makes much more sense. (Cudda saved my buyer a lot of trouble....).

Thx, Croc, that is slick.

Tom: I have to say the V8 Miata is exerting a certain gravitational pull on me (is resistance futile?). I await your honest, objective assessment. Mike M.

TD: So, no wife:)?