KnifeySpoony

My view looks like SanderGA's screenshot. Checked firefox; looks fine. So it's a chrome issue I guess. I will see if there's a fix. It used to work fine.

Anyone else having issues with the forum displaying correctly? It is not showing up as vbulletin style forum- it looks like a message board from 1998. This issue is only on PC (using chrome or edge). The forum looks fine on my phone with mobile chrome. It's been like this for a few weeks now.Thx

No help with customs, but I just ordered a set from Demon Tweaks and they arrived quickly without issue.

What case do you use for the 680? Is there an aftermarket solution, or do you have to fab it up? I'd like to go with a light battery on my upcoming build but not sure what the best/easiest solution is.

Hmmm I went with track on recommendation from Bruce. I wish Caterham would publish spring rates for all the choices. I have no idea the actual difference between them.

Which suspension option did you go with- sport/track/race?

Congrats! Any first impression of the driving experience? My 420R kit should be here in December. Other than what you've posted in the thread, any additional tips for an upcoming builder? It seems like some challenges with a 7 build are consistent, while others vary from revision to revision. Given that I will have the same model not too long after you, the build experience should be similar.

My understanding is that all cars after a certain year are wide track (not sure what year the change happened).

Considering how much that car went for on Bringatrailer.com recently, you could consider this car a bargain given its higher spec and performance. Also, I don't think you can't get a new 480/485 in the US anymore. You could get a lesser model and build the motor, but that will cost you as well. If I didn't want an S3, and to build it myself, I would have considered buying that car. Also, listed price is asking- everything is negotiable.

6 point without HANS increases risk of a cervical spine injury in a big impact. There's a reason why they're required in most racing orgs. Generally 4 point ASM harnesses considered equivalent to a 3 point belt (because in a crash they act like one), so any event where a 3 point is allowed, the 4 point ASM should be allowed.

I wouldn't run a 6 point without a HANS. Better to run 4 point ASM.

Awesome. I'll refer to it when I get my 420R kit.

So I sat in mopho's s3 with tillett's and standard floors. I fit surprisingly well. Pedal spacing was not an issue with race shoes (I didn't test with sneakers, but I doubt they'd work with my size 12). Seat was tight but manageable. So I've decided to order a narrow body. I like the feeling of wearing the car.

Are you Darren? If so, how could I not let you cut in line after taking me for a ride in your CSR at Thill... I'm still thinking of that ride hence my need for a 7 of my own. Awesome- I work in Redwood City so that's right in my hood. I will definitely take you up on the offer. PM inbound. I will likely take you up on your offer as well. I am planning on Tillets and lowered floor, as it seems those options will be necessary for me to fit. PM inbound.

Hmmm. I like that he's local (and well regarded). But I generally don't do well with people/businesses that operate on their own arbitrary time table. I think that even in a small niche market like this, you have to run your business like a business. I will reach out to Rich though, and see how it goes. I am in the Bay Area. I'm still trying to find a local with an S3 to see if I fit. I want to put in my deposit ASAP but don't know which car to order...

Great- hopefully I won't hit any snags. It seems like the experience can vary a lot in between different DMV offices. I'll need to shop around perhaps. Los Gatos is only 45min or so from me. BTW I have been in contact with Bruce at Beachman - he seems on top of things so I may order from him even though he's out of state.

I don't plan on ever using the windscreen myself, but perhaps my mind could change. I ride a motorcycle 99% of the time, so wearing a helmet and being in the elements is a normal part of my daily routine.

Anyone in CA registered a car with aeroscreen recently? I've read mixed things about if this will pass inspection or not. I think i read in an old thread here that there is a windshield exemption for vehicles under 1500lbs, but despite that some people have been met with resistance. Bruce from Beachman recommended getting the interchangeable windscreen on my order so I could register it with the full screen, then switch it out later.

Ok, thanks for the input. I can always swap dampers down the road once I see how things are.

Being in CA, is there any necessity or advantage to buying from a CA dealer? Kampena is only an hr or so away from me, so if having a connection there is beneficial, that may be a good option I would assume. If there's no advantage to being local, then I would go for best service at a fair price that can get me a spot in the queue.

I'm pretty thin- about a 33 waist and 185lbs. Darren gave me a ride in his CSR at thunderhill, which has stuck my mind the last few years. I would definitely appreciate his contact info. I have a couple other leads, but more is better- especially since he has a race seat which would be what I would be getting (and what I think I will need to fit). I definitely plan on lowered floors for more steering wheel clearance to legs.

Hello all- I am a trying to decide between S3 and SV chassis for my upcoming order/build. I have read countless threads on numerous fora about the reasons for one vs the other. I am 6'1" with a 34" inseam. I have ridden (but not driven) in a CSR and fit fine (although it made my Exige feel like an F150 inside by comparison). I would prefer a narrow body car if I can fit, but I want to test fit before I commit. I would do lowered floors and the race seats which will help a lot based on my reading. Is there anyone in CA (preferable northern, as I am in the bay area), that would let me sit in their narrow body car. Even another sit in an SV would be helpful to see how much extra room there is (or not). Thanks! Tyler

Thank you. I see the options list on the US portion of the Caterham website is more limited than what is shown on the UK configurator. Is this because options are that limited on US-bound cars, or are pretty much all the options available?

Which suspension option would you recommend (sport/track/race) for a 420R that will be driven on street and track? I live in bay area CA with lots of great canyon roads in various states of bumpiness. Tracks are Laguna and Sonoma. I'm not concerned about comfort per se, but if race suspension is so stiff that it makes it skittish on twisty roads that aren't perfectly smooth, then I would consider that too stiff. Anyone with experience with these different options? Thanks

Hello all. As the title says, I'm in CA and thinking about ordering a 420R to build myself. Right now I have an Exige S240 that I only use as a trackday, doing about 10 days a year. It's an amazing car, but I'm getting bored with chasing 10ths and fighting the urge to mod further to gain more speed. Looking for something more fun on the street and to do occasional trackdays with. My questions are regarding the ordering/purchase process in CA. I believe that Hillbank is the only dealer in CA, but there is a caterham shop of some kind up in Sonoma (I'm in the bay area). I have configured a car on the Caterham website and see a price in pounds (around 42k fwiw); how does that correlate with the price that I will actually pay? I see that the cars on Hillbank's site (they only have a few in inventory) are much more expensive. Is this just because they are turnkey cars, or is there really that much markup? And I assume you can't just order direct from Caterham? Thanks all