Taber10

RIP David. What a great guy, and his repair to my CAT7SV during GBB was critical to me at the time. Not to disagree with Skip--noted scholar, driver and overall gentleman that he is--but Joan also got a ride in the Hayabusa-powered car--I know cause she has never stopped talking about David, the ride, and SKIP for that matter! Taber

I enjoyed the show, esp. as Edd mentioned that ANY car, regardless of how well maintained, has things that can be done to improve it. I'm seriously not interested in the installation of the lowered seat pans, or changing to a lightweight flywheel, or repainting and "rebadging" my Cat7SV, but the air box looked like a good idea, and I'd love a fob start similar to my Vette. Basically, they changed it to a "road car" from a "track car" and made it so Edd could ride along--it was mentioned that they were starting with the largest cockpit, so I "assume" an SV. I'm wondering why they didn't move the "kill" switch to the cockpit, to make it more accessible in a "road" car, as I had done during manufacture of mine. Overall a good show, but I'm surprised that they sold it to a broker rather than waiting for an individual/enthusiast/driver to buy it, as I'm sure it could bring more to someone not planning on reselling to make a profit. Mike mentioned how well the Caterham holds value. Best shot of the whole show was the two rows of Caterhams sitting at their facility.

Tokulski, Thanks for the article--it is a very interesting perspective on touring in the Cat! My wife and I have learned that sunblock, hats, noise-cancelling headphones and proper attire for the weather are a must for our Cat, which of course must be an SV for my 6'3" with size twelve shoes. We have several multi-day trips of 250-400 miles per day, although neither of us could actually do ten hours in a day. I can barely do that in the spacious "Tow Vehicle" these days. But we would love to do another tour at any time.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Lotus-Super-Seven-super-seven-/262249673456?forcerrptr=true&hash=item3d0f4c72f0:g:ZdEAAOSwqYBWntwk&item=262249673456 If this link works, the add says that Robin Hood "....bought the rights...." to continue production of the Seven. I guess that is why this one is so expensive! Taber

Blokko and Sean, Thanks for the information! I guess I had never thought about the windscreen poppers, and the breakdown on the VIN is equally helpful.

Skip, Congratulations! Maybe you have to start small and build up....

Bruce, Beautiful pictures; great shop! Wish I was close enough to visit.

Of the many, many reports in print and on line, that is a quote rarely, if ever, seen! I also have a "car count" way short of Skips' 356, and that is why I read each of his comments very thoroughly. Also, I've often wished I had been able to get my Caterham many, many years earlier, as I was under 30 years old when I first test drove one, and about 56 when I finally got one. Thanks for the posts Taber

Skip, Really a great looking car collection you've got there! Taber

Reading about your "trip home" from purchasing the S4 was both the "high point" and "low point" of my day yesterday! Thanks for posting such an interesting story. I say low point because I was disappointed for you since the trip was so challenging and so uncomfortable. On to the car: I am only one of 36 people watching the car, so I am pretty sure it will sell soon. But, I am totally confused by a "Steel Brothers" car made "under license" from Lotus. I hate to say this on this forum, but does that mean, "It isn't a real Lotus?" I think Caterham also produced a few S4s, and perhaps they are rarer than actual cars made by Lotus, but I doubt that they would bring as good a price. Really a great looking car, and at a good price--at least for a Lotus S4. Taber

I concur with above posts: I look forward to the Saturday morning insights MORE than I look forward to the particular LSISs available for sale. Thanks,

I have the "cheaper spec" Caterham, and it came with the plastic cap. While I agree with Gert--you certainly can't steal much gas from a Caterham, I like having a key that says "Rover" on it! How many Rovers do you see anymore???? I've never had to say it's only a Rover gas cap.... Taber

Beautiful car! Someone spent some time on polishing that body.

Michael, Thanks, always good info to know a good Ford parts guy. I had real trouble replacing a connector on my Zetec SVT at my local Ford dealer, and it is getting harder to find anyone who knows the "SVT-peculiar" parts. Taber

Al, I'd be interested in either an event at the Tail or at Barber's. Of course, that is a long time off, so it is hard to definitely commit this early. I know it takes that long to plan and advertise a first class event. Taber

Skip, Thanks for the update--I had the same questions. I also "owe" Ben and RMSCI for my build, and Jon for the parts for my "rebuild" after the bear incident. I wish Jon the best in what ever direction he is heading. Taber

I wish I could remember back when I had a 36" waist--I guess it is a good thing I got the SV.

I've gotten the same questions--and pretty much used the same answers. But, I was wondering, now that it seems that the Caterham (or Superformance) trend is toward "rollers" with the motor still sourced separately, maybe I'll need to give more explanation on the "kit car" question. It seems that casual commenters, like at gas stations, are asking about the car before them, while some of the more serious questions that I have gotten, specifically at auto events, car shows, etc. the intent is more on what that individual can encounter on the market, and maybe deserves more thought to the "kit car" question......

Bob, Thanks for the pictures! I really wanted to make this exhibit, but the schedule is too full. Taber

1Turbofocus, Thanks for your reply. This forum--and others--are good to get discussion going and to hear varying opinions on subjects. While I agree that the previous variable cam timing ON THE EXHAUST cam for the Contour was an "emissions" driven decision, that was not what Ford SVT put out back in 2000-2001 when everyone was waiting for the SVT Focus. There are dyno run curves posted on the Focus web sites, although you have to search back years to find them, that show the improved mid-range torque. Also, can you "quantify" dozens of engines in the overall scope of the US Auto Market? I'm guessing that's not too many..... Generally, speaking of the 2000 and newer mass produced engines, like the "normal" Zetec, the American market favors non-interference designs, and the "few" interference designs and lots of other newer designs use chains for TBs. Thanks again, Taber

The "variable (intake) cam timing" which includes the hard to find and expensive Variable Cam Timing Solenoid, does not increase overall horsepower, but was designed and added to the Zetec to increase mid-range torque. The combination of different rods, pistons (I think) and head gasket leads to the higher compression, but more importantly to me--it makes the SVT an "interference" motor. Interference motors are apparently rare in the US market, esp. when they come with a "plastic" timing belt and not a timing chain.

Dallasdude, Thanks for that input! Taber

Brad, I agree--really looks neat, and must improve the air temp into the motor. Not to hijack the thread, but yours is the first (I haven't seen that many!) Caterham Zetec SVT with the "powered by SVT" spark plug cover. I think Caterham omitted them as they don't fit over the VCT Solenoid and under the bonnet in "stock" shape. Did you cut the front couple of inches off of yours? I cut off the "top" of one I got on eBay so that it doesn't cover the VCTS, but the option on your motor looks better in some aspects.

Andy8, I spend some time on the Miata sites, as I have the 1991 BRG Special Edition. Those guys swear by "303 Aerospace Protectant" for the shifter boot rubber pieces--there are a couple in the Miata and they deteriorate "within an hour" according to one post. I found it at a Marine supply house like "West Marine" and one poster mentioned Ace Hardware as a source. OF COURSE, I'm not arguing with Skip on anything--Caterham or Miata--as he has more knowledge, experience and intelligence than I!