Taber10

WOW--So SORRY to hear this news! My wife and I got to spend time with Skip on the Grizzly Bear Blat, as we were all fans of both Caterham and Miata fans. Skip and I cruised together as we each had exactly the same chassis--but not the same drivetrain. He once told me in Colorado that he wouldn't take the Caterham out unless he was SURE that he could go over 100 mph! Until GBB, I hadn't seen that kind of speed in my Cat 7SV. We exchanged lots of emails over the years, addressing Caterhams, Miatas, Corvettes (we both bought C8s at about the same time), Colorado and cars in general. He will definitely be missed--May he rest in Peace. Taber

I am going to add the fourth edition and another Brooklands edition that I find helpful: Caterham Seven 2000-2010 The Magnificent Seven FOURTH EDITION

First, Thanks IamScottius for posting this list. Great post and a real resource especially for newer owners. I think the intent of the separate posts was to comment on each book individually, however my computer skills don't allow me that option, apparently. BUT I want to make an important comment: Chris Rees had CONTINUED his EXCELLENT effort started with The Magnificent 7 listed above. That appears to be the First Edition, published in 2002 and reprinted 2002 and 2004. Second edition published 2007 (MIGHT I ADD A GREAT YEAR FOR THE CATERHAM 7 and ME!) Third edition in August 2013, and THE POINT OF MY COMMENT, Fourth edition published in December 2017. The Fourth Edition has MUCH added information, such that it is 254 pages and adds about 30+ versions of "the 7" not included in the list above. I would strongly recommend NOT getting the earlier editions and seeking out the Fourth: it appears on eBay regularly. Just my thoughts

Thanks for the diagram--really neat to see the system drawn out. I can't answer the question, but I want to add that getting my fan to come on while underway is very difficult. I have to sit stationary in the garage and rev the engine to get the temperature up to operate the fan. Also, I have had three temperature guage sending units, and found that the "eBay" switches were at least as reliable as the Ford switch that came on my Zetec SVT and MUCH cheaper. The Ford parts counter employee wanted me to get the date when I purchased the second one, as she thought it would be under warranty and at the time--several years ago--the Ford switch had gone from about $32 to about $34 for the third one. One of them failed in about a week, so I relied on eBay for about $8.

Skip's Corvette on the picture's right is also good for "top-down" driving, although the C8 HTC doesn't give the same "topless" thrill as my Cat7SV. Good to hear from you Skip! Taber

Gert, As Croc said, good to hear from you, and hope you are doing well also. Joan and I can't forget the plexiglass "wind wings" you had at the Grizzly Bear Blat.

Bought my Caterham at 56 years old, having first test driven one at the age of 27, in 1978 in the town of Caterham. Took many years to put together garage, financing, time, etc. Now I am 72, and I don't drive it as often as I would like. I trailered to the British Car Festival in Covington, Louisiana recently and drove around on both Friday and Saturday. I find that if I have lots of stops, i.e. getting in and out, I tend to choose another vehicle, although I don't have any problems getting in and out--Weather equipment hasn't been installed in about five years! I intend to keep driving it as long as I remain able. I know older drivers who have limited mobility and slow reaction times and I WON'T be one of those. But when I have to stop driving, I will probably be in such a depressed state of mind that it will greatly hamper my quality of life!

Plus one on what Vovchandr said: Wonderful garage! Too bad you are so far away or I could house the Evora for you to give you room for the build! Good luck. Taber

I strongly recommend NOT using the Caterham supplied gasket on the side of the tank. The "square" holes apparently allow the gasket to be used in a wider variety of tanks, but the larger than necessary bolt holes lead to failure and leaks! Find some fuel resistant gasket material--I found it at a local hardware store--and cut out a gasket then punch holes for the bolt that CLOSELY match the size of the bolts. I'm thinking 1/4 inch but that was years ago. I used THREE of the "mini" gaskets and they didn't last long. The gasket I made and sealed with marine grade sealant, has lasted for over ten years with no leakage.

Billy, First, CONGRATULATIONS on your purchase of a new Caterham! Second, be advised that my advice and/or experience may have NOTHING to do with your registration process, due to the years (16) that have transpired since my registration in 2007 and due to the "idiosyncrasies" of different DMV offices within Florida, and I only have experience in TWO counties in the Panhandle! But the process--at least prior to the changes for "limited" vehicle manufacturers which occurred years ago but was not implemented by either the DOT or the state of Florida, you must show to the inspector at the DMV the source (e.g. Bill of Sale) for at least two parts from separate providers. In my case, the chassis (in the Caterham kit) and the motor were separately procured. The inspector--a uniformed, armed State Trooper assigned to the DMV for this purpose--was very impressed with the pictures of my Caterham as it arrived in various crates and boxes, definitely proving that it was imported as a "kit." Every DMV office does not have an inspector assigned; in my case I had to travel to Pensacola after being turned down in Crestview. In my case, the fact that I had previously registered the car in Colorado, where I assembled it (wink, wink) was a big help, although it was only a temporary registration. I was informed that "previously registered" meant "PREVIOUSLY REGISTERED" and I should not argue with the inspector's interpretation. In Florida, you must certify that YOU assembled your "specially constructed vehicle", and you did NOT hire someone to do that for you, although you are allowed to hire as much "assistance" as your abilities may require. I found that the "Cobra" clubs and web sites can offer assistance, as apparently in Florida many more Cobras fall under the "specially constructed vehicles" than do Caterhams or other LSISs. Good luck. Taber

I was really surprised--and greatly DISAPPOINTED--to realize that I only drove the Cat7SV for 626 miles in 2023! NO EXCUSE, but this was the hottest summer since we moved to Florida 18 years ago! I computed my annual average mileage since I bought the Caterham in 2007--average 1308 miles per year.

Croc, Yes, I left out the K--my reading/typing are POOR but otherwise doing well! Thanks for asking! Taber

Croc, CharlesG, Thanks for the information!

Wow, great information here. Thanks. I guess I had never thought about decoding my VIN--which is SDKLDK5NS7xxxxxxx The 5th digit "D" would indicate? The seventh digit "5" would indicate the chassis type? It is an SV chassis. The ninth digit "7" might indicate 2007 when the kit was assembled. Thanks for the information. Taber

Wow, 8 inch wide wheels seems impressive! I just replaced my original wheels (14 X 6) with VTO wheels (15 X 6) because I thought I'd have better tire choices at 15 inches. I was told by VTO that the 2007 Caterham 7 SV uses a 4 1/2 inch backspace. I had been told that "offset" was +15mm. I couldn't find either marked on the wheels. As you found, online you may read lots of numbers. Of course my car could be ordered with a choice of three wheel diameters, three different sets of front wing stays and at least two sizes of front wings, so that can lead to a variety of choices. My new tires are 195/50 R15 and JUST BARELY--less than 1/4 inch--clear the inboard wing stay. Good luck!

OK, I should have replied because I enjoyed the pictures and thought that the prep work was very thoughtful and innovative. But I try to AVOID the whole Halloween thing--you know, tempting children to misbehave with candy and treats.....

Does that mean I should get my 2007 Caterham with its Zetec SVT upgraded to the "standard" Duratec and NOT burn my leg on the Driver's side exhaust ever again?

My Seven is an SV, but I am 71 years old, seriously overweight, 6 ft 3 in, one hip replaced, second hip is a candidate, and I can get in with the top up. MV8 "Nailed It" with the procedure posted. I try not to get my 7 wet, but some car shows, long-scheduled club events, Florida's unpredictable weather, etc. and it just happens. I don't carry the doors very often, but I always have one of the two tops with me when I go out.

I have to agree with JohnCh--I have now 20477 miles on my 2007 and I kick myself every time I look at it because I have SO FEW miles on it! But each of those miles have been with a smile on my face!

Wow, the idea of being able to operate all four Dzus fasteners without getting underneath the nose is really appealing. Thanks for posting.

CarlB, Interesting. I had not heard that before. Thanks for posting. From a contemporary (I think 2004) Ford document: John Coletti's [chief engineer at Ford SVT Engineering] team for the 2002 SVT Focus powertrain included his SVT engineers and Cosworth Technology. Document goes on to say: "The SVT Focus powertrain starts with a 2.0-liter Zetec Ford engine." In many places the document refers to the 'SVT Focus" engine, but it never says "SVT Zetec" throughout nor does it mention "duratec" anywhere. My "spare" engine was purchased in 2015 from Steeda who mostly prepped and raced the eight cylinder SVT in the Ford Cobra. The Steeda invoice lists "SVT Ford zetec motor 2.0" but of course Steeda could call it anything they wanted to.

"...direct fit for early duratecs." MV8, I appreciate your knowledge and input on so many topics here, but I have a question: Is "unmodded duratec" and "early duratec" some sort of alternate name for our Zetec SVTs? Actually, a very knowledgable member here once told me that the SVT was so different from the "regular" Zetec that we shouldn't even use the Zetec name. Thanks, Taber

There is a member here, I think "Turbofocus" that offers a Variable Valve Timing "delete" option. That solenoid is very expensive to replace, and they do eventually "go bad." On my car, I cut out the top of the cover, and did not add the duct tape mod. It sometimes rubs the bonnet, but just barely, and I can live with that. I think there was one member here who shaved down the motor mounts or motor mount brackets by 1/4 inch to accommodate the solenoid's height.

I had all four wings coated with LineX by the local dealer. Had to "de-mount" the wings but not really a big problem. I was told by the LineX dealer that all of the "Big Rigs" that run fiberglass fenders have them coated. It has served me well ever since it was done in 2009. Didn't help with the fender the bear hit in 2013, but the others have held up well. Of course, some of the racers asked if I knew how much weight that added to the Seven!

Yes, street shoes, although I have a pair of driving shoes, I rarely use them.