Lancefitzgiben

Nice one! Same spec as mine albeit I've got a brighter color. I hope someone buys this and piles on the miles. 10k miles on my car with just as many smiles and exhilarating moments.

For me the Cat has become all about flexibility - it's most common configuration is half hood and full sidescreens, but it's nice to have options. I have full and half side screens, full screen and aero screen, half hood and full hood. The ability to change things around based on weather/use/mood is really nice. You'll have an idea of how you want to use the car in a given configuration, but in reality it will likely change. As others are saying, I'd skip the full cage for street use, especially with 3 point belts. Definitely get 13" wheels and spring for avons. the toyos aren't quite the right size and while they do work okay on a light car - especially for road use they're not that consistent or predictable.

I wonder if there's room for improvement on my hagerty policy, which is agreed value ~60 for ~800/year. When I was initially quoted the number was half of that, but then it was decided that it's "modified" (I don't know if that's old terminology or differs from "custom". I'd have to pull it and look but the title should just be for a 57 caterham. I'll have to open up some dialogue with hagerty anyhow to get agreed value on a heavily modified NA miata, I'll ask some questions.

I sent an email but didn't receive a reply. I'm curious what else you're sitting on. My 485 is an SV so a lot of the body related parts don't apply.

I too have a half hood from soft bits and it's on the car 90% of the time. I also have a shower cap from soft bits that I've used when the vehicle is parked outside with weather potential. If I were towing with an open trailer and rain was a concern, I'd use the full hood. It will seal the best and flap the least. I'd worry about the shower cap flapping around and wearing the paint.

I don't regard Farah's opinion in very high regard - he seldom actually has an opinion actually, he usually just regurgitates the words of someone else. That said, I can understand what he's saying. I use my Caterham on the road where there are inconsistencies and plenty of lumps and bumps - the car is honestly a challenge to drive well and smoothly.. but it's so rewarding when you get it right. My miata "handles" much better, it's much more stable and predictable - more of a putty in your hands feeling, it's not a challenge though. The Cat is a challenge and I love it.

Indeed John, the OP says he has an SV but he doesn’t specify the seat size. They’re likely the wider spec but not necessarily. Wider ones would please some of my passengers I’m sure - but I like the narrow ones.

I have my original SV seats in black carbon leather/vinyl and am always interested in Tilletts. I have academy Tilletts in the car now so the originals are pulled and stored. They're comfortable seats but I'm pretty skinny and I like the extra lateral support from Tillets.

Thanks John! I'll order up a pack from McMaster.

Do you know if that's 22mm ID or OD? I'm guessing ID. Thank you!

Does anyone know the proper metric size of o-ring used to seal the finger filter on raceline dry sump'd Duratecs? I fuss around with this every time I change the oil but I'm usually not sourcing metric o-rings, and the fit can be less than ideal. This time around I didn't nail it and I'll have to drain the oil to put in a better fitting o-ring. Any input is much appreciated

Image billet 93's, 13". 6" front and 8" rear, if memory serves.

Have you checked out the offerings from intatrim? They have some intriguing options that fit in sevens. Reverie has already been mentioned but they've got some good stuff as well. If you find replacements and unload your current tilletts, please let me know as I'd be very interested!

Schroth has a Caterham specific belt that utilizes their anti-sub tech. Whatever you do, don't let cost drive the safety train.

Not all tires are created equal, and environment plays a major role as well. My date code '14 CR500's were cracking pretty badly on the inside sidewall as of early '19. The car is stored inside and doesn't spend a lot of time out in the sun - I think the Avons might just be built a little lighter (they are, but you know what I mean). I've seen other tires hold on for a lot longer but any tires that sit around for more than a few years need to be inspected, it's simply not worth an accident. All that said, it's a great excuse to drive the Cat as intended - the tires aren't making it out alive either way!