Taber10

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!

I was told--don't know if it is true--that the wider front suspension, as on my SV, doesn't allow for the clamshells. I agree that the look of the clams is "more traditional" so I would have gone for them, but as noted, they weren't offered for my car in 2007. For what it is worth, my Caterham seems "twitchy" over 95mph also!

Most of those are great additions; I personally have to add "slinky" and my "Western Flyer" bicycle.

Tom, Thanks for the reply to my email, the info, and the offer to help! I'm currently unsure of the status of either engine, but my original engine seems to be running fine. I don't know how the mechanic rebuilt it, i.e. proper new pistons, proper head gasket, proper timing, etc.

Skip, I know you know this, but for others: The car is a "Riley Nine" (think, Caterham Seven) and it is the "Speed Model" which means it has Brooklands windscreen and other modifcations. Really an interesting car, as the Riley Nine had a great success in racing "pre-war."

I'm thinking the "silver" five spoke are "16s" and the blacked out ten spoke are the "15s" but I don't really know. The five spoke are "traditional" and were fitted to many Caterhams: They "look" like street wheels, and complement the looks of a great looking traditional Cat. The ten spoke look more "aggressive" and could be thought of as "track" wheels for your other driving. With NO other "black-out" parts, except the windscreen mounted rear view mirrors, the black wheels don't really complement the traditional looks of the Cat. I think they would be more suited--appearance wise--to the track use. But, as I don't "track/autocross/etc." my car, I really don't know past the appearance. Just my opinion....

"Plus one" on what Super7Guy said: These are not "locks" at all, but indicators. In other references, there are clear directions NOT to turn the crank against the pin, nor the cam against the timing gauge. In both cases, damage is possible. The pin tells you when the TDC position has been reached, and the gauge (bar) indicates when proper cam alignment has been reached, but does not "lock" the cams. The ears upon which the cam gauge rests can be damaged. Note: Neither OTC, Ford nor C-F-M actually call these tools "locks" as far as I have seen...... Taber

MarkEMark, Try the Ford Focus forum as there is lots on TB change, for both the Zetec and the Zetec SVT. http://forums.focaljet.com/

That really doesn't sound like much clearance, as I think my Caterham has 3 1/2 inches after the addition of the Mid-Atlantic skidplate. I have to jack my trailer nose up as high as the truck's rear suspension will allow to get the right "angle" to load the Caterham on the trailer. On "regular" streets, I have been thankful for the skidplate more than once, as I can bottom on bridge transitions, speed bumps, curbs and foreign objects in the road. I got the skid plate after the incident when I came down a long hill, at a significant speed, but nothing to impress Skip, when the road leveled out just at the beginning of a bridge. The combination of the downward momentum of the car, the transition of road angle and the joint to the bridge resulted in a "hit" that should have removed my oil pan--at least that is what it sounded like. In our club trips, I try to follow one of the E-types and when I see sparks I slow way down and/or re-route the Caterham! Taber

After blowing a head gasket this past summer, I have started learning more about this Ford Zetec 2.0L "SVT" in my 2007 Caterham 7 SV. Apparently the engine was only put in 14,008 North American Ford Focus autos between late '02 and '04, and is somewhat "rare." It is different from the Zetec SVT in the Contour, different from the "regular" Zetec incl. ZX3 and ZX5, ST170 (popular in Europe?) I believe the major differences are the variable cam timing on the intake side, not previously done by Ford, dual length intake manifold, and dual mass flywheel/clutch. I have ended up purchasing a spare SVT motor. I realize that the oil sump, exhaust headers, transmission and accessory drive belt (no air conditioning) are different, but does anyone have an idea of what other "mods" must be done to put it into a Caterham? I believe it has also been used in Birkins in some market, and the modifcations would be similar. Thanks in advance Taber

Yes, but it is hard to quantify Caterham's more direct "spiritual linkage" to Colin Chapman.....A linkage that has not held up in the courts and the F1 world! Wanted to put some levity in this otherwise depressing thread...... Taber

I just noticed that the Westfield Lotus 11 sold on eBay recently. That was a "nearly completed" kit with all of the necessary parts--BMC "A" engine, etc. I think someone got a great deal there, and I'm hoping it is someone in our community! Taber

""New Lotus CEO Jean-Marc Gales says he's "confident" he can make the money-losing brand profitable again by cutting jobs, adding dealers and boosting the sports car maker's lineup." I hope that "boosting the....lineup" would include a sports car that us regular folks can afford. I would recommend something light, with good performance, but more suitable to be a DD than the Elise was. I'm thinking, cup holder or two, etc.

Skip, Thanks, really interesting post.... I can envision possible improvements on getting parts for the Caterham..... Taber

Ted, Maybe you were cold, but that's a great looking Series IV. If you want to bring it down to Florida and drive it in the relative warmth, I can clear out a garage space for you! Took my SV out for a car club event yesterday--the wife looked like we were in the frozen north, but really wasn't too bad here--got into the '60s during the afternoon. Taber

mg1500 If you get down to NW Fla over the holidays.... I'm 6'3" and 220, but SIZE 12 shoe. My SV is plenty roomy: As a matter of fact, thanks to Skip, I only recently bought real driving shoes....

Great video--thanks for posting. Only things I see in common with my Cat and my driving style: Momo steering wheel and same number of louvers in the bonnet! Taber

Wow, what an opportunity! I just had "serious work" done on my Zetec, including finally finding the correct connector for the "Variable Cam Timing Solenoid" that was broken by "The Bear." Both Jon and my shop were unable to find the correct connector, despite it allegedly being on top of most Zetec engines. I think the VCTS was added in place of the Cam Position Sensor, complicating the connector in the process. Do you know what Zetec yours is? I.e. What Ford is it designed for? My original block was apparently from a '98 Contour, but upgraded during the Caterham conversion to be close to a 2002 Focus SVT. Do you have a special sump on it, or were you going to "dry sump" it? Amazing that Ford only used this motor transversely, and Caterham et al only use it in a longitudinal mount--must really complicate the baffles in the sump.... Really I'd like a spare motor, but to rebuild it to a known specification, for--as you said--if I ever again encounter issues with the installed original motor. Taber

Big Dog, I have to agree with Skip: Put in the odessy, modify the wires if necessary. For a small cost you get the adapters for an "SAE" terminal set. Modify your battery box if required--I had to make mine smaller. You will have a great, easily obtained battery. Taber

Skip, Thanks for the "heads up" on the letter. I have actually JUST subscribed to this magazine, as a friend in the local British Car club provided me the recent issue with an article on the Lotus Seven. Hopefully, my Dec issue will show up soon--and will be the first for my subscription. Taber

Skip, Thanks for the review--much better than reading about it on the Caterham website. I "miss" having the spare on the rear, and I didn't want the "Black Pack" as he has, but otherwise seems like a nice looking Cat. A minor point, but somewhere I heard that the "new" square emblem vs the 50 anniv. emblem would be coming on all of the "new" cars. I think the new emblem is much more "modern" looking.