bball7754

Don - A good source for unofficial info is Blatchat. This post has some info on some of the changes during the '90's. http://www.blatchat.com/t.asp?id=85042 From the post: "The main changes to the De Dion chassis happened mid.1996 ( 96.5 type chassis ). The revisions were quite extensive: * De Dion 96.5 chassis had a fully triangulated space frame structure in the tunnel which increased torsional stiffness by 30%. * New dashboard instruments with ' Caterham ' branding. * Standard roll-over bar 40mm taller and sloping forwards. * FRONT and REAR suspension geometry revisions. At the front, repositioning the wishbone pick-up points reducing roll-on camber change and track width variation. * As Alex and Angus say, a degree of anti-dive was incorporated, instead of the pro-dive traditionally used. * Progressive rate springs introduced on the rear. * Bilstein damper revisions. * Smaller front anti-roll bar. * Rear anti-roll bar not fitted as standard but provision to fit if required. * Steering rack development. " And there are other features that have changed over time. My '98 does not have tabs behind the seats to mount crotch straps - there are only attachment points for the lap and shoulder straps. They went away for awhile, then came back. And my rear ARB mounts over the differential, while they now mount beneath. And then there was the change to the "metric" chassis around 2006. Previous chassis were imperial measurement and hand built by Arch. The metric chassis is built by a company called Caged (although that may have changed) by robots. Steve

I would agree that the Bilstein's are not adjustable. You might want to contact Caterham parts (Darren) and ask what the proper length is for an '85 LA. Seems like I've seen posts on Blatchat about how there have been periodic changes in the chassis that require different lengths. Steve

Received my headers back from Swain. Here are before and after pictures. The white is growing on me, and may not paint. Steve

Mike - Grattan is also on my list. Was thinking of running there with 3Balls racing this year. Dates are end of July and early September. However, since you're no longer a member of the Crossflow club I'm not sure I should be trying to coordinate a track day with you. Steve

I have the Weale book, and the Caterham wiring diagram is for a period ending 1981 - don't remember the start date (maybe 1973). I can make a copy tonight. Steve

This is a microcosm of what I found on the web. For both paint and coatings, it seems to work for some, and not for others. I'm pretty confident about the Swain ceramic coating. Classic Motorsports magazine has them coat the headers on all their project cars. I think being able to cure the VHT paint in an oven would increase the odds of it being successful. The curing process with them on the engine seems like it would be sort of hit or miss. Of course, I don't have an oven available - the one in our kitchen is not in play. Maybe I'll love the white color.

Wasn't planning on using their engine paint. They have a product that is specifically for exhaust headers, and is (according to them) rated 1300-2000 Fahrenheit. They rate their engine paint to 550 F. Which product did you use?

I've had the portion of my exhaust headers that live under the bonnet ceramic coated by Swain Tech (http://www.swaintech.com/store.asp?pid=10969). The only color they offer is white. I'm considering painting the ceramic coating (either black or silver) using VHT Flameproof paint (http://www.vhtpaint.com/products/flameproof/). I've read great things about painting headers, and horrible (peels immediately, etc.). Anyone have experience painting their headers, and if so, positive or negative? Thanks. Steve

I purchased a set for my Crossflow from Dave Bean. http://www.davebean.com/ Steve

The 3 wheeler kit in the NY Times article is a BRA. Apparently they sold the rights to their kit back in 2002 to this company, which is still making them: http://www.spitfireart.com/veetwintrikes.html Steve

Seattle it is, and Morgan did purchase the rights, etc., and did further development. http://www.telegraph.co.uk/motoring/goodwood-festival-of-speed/8618417/Morgan-Three-Wheeler-review.html The Liberty Ace site shows "Constructed Under License from Morgan". The Telegraph article indicates that they were going to be a dealer of the UK product. Wonder if they (Liberty Ace) are still producing them? Steve

I think (not sure) that Morgan purchased the rights to the 3-wheeler developed by the Oregon company - and then did further development on it before releasing into production. This article was in the Sunday NY Times: http://www.nytimes.com/2012/03/04/automobiles/collectibles/Auto-Ego-Kit-With-Few-Instructions-Inspires-an-Improv-Act.html?_r=1&ref=automobiles Steve

Here is a video clip for the Evo article: http://www.evo.co.uk/videos/planetevovideos/279610/video_caterham_supersport_snow_road_trip.html Steve

So, other than moving to fuel injection this year, I know nothing about the engines in NASCAR. Assume they are based on a stock block and heads? Displacement? Other primary limitations/regulations? Steve

Do you have the Kent 234 or 244 cam? If so, the valves are set cold. I had also seen conflicting advice, so emailed Kent. They replied that the valves should be set cold. If you check for TDC you might want to leave the valve cover off so you can be sure you're on the right stroke. Steve

You might want to contact Caterham UK via email to see if they have the manifold. Not everything they have in stock is on the website. The website does show that they carry silicone hoses for the BDR. I wouldn't be surprised if they have a manifold kicking around. Steve

Tom - Looks like registration has opened: http://www.scda1.com/schedule Did everyone signup for the same run group last year? Steve

This type of performance is what the group (OK Go) is known for: Steve

As an aside, the founder of MOMO recently passed away: http://www.nytimes.com/2012/02/04/business/gianpiero-moretti-modernizer-of-racecar-steering-wheels-dies-at-71.html?_r=1&ref=obituaries

Bob - I have the Tekonsha RF controller (which you won't need), and had a few issues getting it operational on my Volvo XC60. Called Tekonsha tech support, and they were extremely helpful. Plus, found out that they make all their controllers here in the US, which was a nice plus. Steve

Believe that Caterham used the Lucas 43 that was re-curved by Aldon. I recently had my distributor refreshed and recurved here: http://www.advanceddistributors.com In speaking with Jeff, he believes that the advance from Aldon isn't optimal in the US due to the difference in gas between here and the UK. Distributor is working well, looks great (he polishes all the distributors), and price is reasonable. Steve

Ian - Assume that's a typo and you have a BDA to put in? If so, I have engine envy. Steve

Here is thread on an all aluminum Caterham: http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&f=101&t=782458&mid=0&nmt=Nuvite+II Steve

Tom -I'm hoping to make it out there this year from St. Louis. Grew up in NJ and most of my family is still there, so this would give them an opportunity to see my Seven. I'm about 70% sure I'll come. Need to increase the number of low-hp Crossflows attending. Steve

It's now 7 miles and about 15 minutes. Up until May, when my office moved, it was 2.5 miles. Steve