CatManDo

I think the complete car is the issue. Bring it in as parts and title as a kit. If you title in WA and get a state issued VIN plate how would CA know what it was or where it came from?

As far as the feds go there should be no problem as it is over 25 years old. If in pieces it may be easier to get someone with an import license to bring it in as used parts. I would try a caterham dealer for that. Getting it registered may be a problem in CA so I would probably title it in an easier state and transfer from there. I am in WA and have titled several vehicles with no bill of sale or title. All it takes here is letting the state police inspect to make sure it has a VIN or serial number on the frame and then buying a registration. The only draw back is they don't give you a title for 3 years. I've done this with garage finds and mecum sales, no hassle. Check around,other states may be easier. If you try WA I can help.

I wouldn't mess with the pedals. Moving the seat forward an inch is as easy as drilling 4 holes in the floor panel when you install the seat. The mounting holes aren't special, just 8mm holes through thin aluminum sheet. Seat belts are plenty long. Also I wouldn't recommend S3 chassis unless you really love it. It is very tight if you plan on a passenger and resale is harder.

Good to know. I am putting together a 2.5L to go in my 360R. I am considering going with an infinity ECU since they are up to this century standards. My guess my thought of running out of 1990ish components was the case after all. I'm not sure I want to run MBE's first batch of rush to press ECUs though. They are sure to have teething issues.

It appears the 9A4 is unavailable right now. We had a bad one and Caterham wants to send the old one back in for repair. SBD site shows they are unavailable due to "redesign". My guess is that this ancient ECU has run out of components to build it and they have to update the board to use updated stuff. Could be a real issue for anyone who actually uses their car.

Everything stated about the A series box is correct and 1st gear is noisy. That being said it also had rather weak layshaft bearings and the bearings loosening up will make it noisier. Replacing the layshaft and the needle bearings is usually requires at overhaul. For driving conditions in the US SAE 30 is too light. An SAE 50 would be a better choice. 75W90 is too heavy and doesn't circulate in the needle bearings.

Hi Port, those instructions are correct for a new crate engine that may have been sitting for a long time. I would not consider 3 months parked as any issue for these engines. If the engine had fresh good oil when parked you are good to go.