Saudio

Thank you VERY MUCH for this offer! For the moment I'm trying to find something a little closer but if I need to go further I may take you up. Interesting that even in an SV you have to wear very small racing shoes. I was hoping that the larger foot box might allow street shoes.

I'm afraid I'm not a mechanic, so an engine swap might be over my head. And I know 700HP is over my head. LOL. It seems to me getting to about 240 HP might be the sweet spot. Is there a safe ECU tune available for the 420?

Howdy! Yes, you are right over the hill. I have two cars that have to be serviced in Charlottesville, perhaps I could swing by en route some time. If we both end up with Cats it would be mandatory for us to connect. :-)

Starting to look like most people prefer the 13" wheels. Helpful. I usually keep my cars on a battery tender but the cutoff switch is looking more likely. And the lightweight flywheel is part of the R package so I'll be getting that. Thanks much!

Very interesting and helpful post, thank you very much. The track day muffler is an interesting option. I'm a retired audio engineer so noise is a pretty big factor for me. I love a mean growling engine noise, but just not so loud that it is uncomfortable to drive any distance without ear plugs. Because, a loud engine with ear plugs sounds much worse than one less loud and no plugs. It kinds of ruins the whole sound experience if you have to muffle it with ear plugs every time you start the car. Curious about your "add some power" remark. I've poked around the net a little but don't see much in the way of power mods for the 420. I've considered a 620 but not interested in RHD. It would be nice to know there is a path to more power in the 420. High level brake light? Does that mean a brighter light or one mounted higher up on the car? Still scratching my head on the aero screen option. I never considered having a car without a windscreen but many people here think it enhances the experience (while making a helmet mandatory). I guess a helmet would also partially solve the noise problem... Everything affects everything. Thanks for the pics too! Cheers.

Good input, thank you. By notes of exhaust do you mean smelling the exhaust from the cabin? I'm struggling against just saying F it and ordering EVERYTHING. I guess it will only hurt once. But seriously, trying to sort out what to choose to afford is quite a process. Definitely getting the R package though. And I'm not a builder, I'll be ordering the car assembled. No space or patience for a self build.

Thanks Carl! Very helpful! I wonder if I could specify the elimination of the key switch in the build? I like the idea of only having one kill. More food for thought on the wheel selection. thanks again.

Thanks! That's interesting, I'm kind of surprised that the location of the exhaust, specifically the distance from the exhaust to my ear, wouldn't make a difference on cabin noise. And I'm starting to waver on the shift lights. Appreciate your input! I definitely think the stance of the car is better with the 15s, even more so with the SV, so more thinking to do about that.

Thanks for replying! I didn't know the cut off was required for track days. I guess I better add it for selling on.

I'm still trying to sort out a viewing of a Caterham somewhere, but I'm pretty sure I'm going to end up ordering a 420R SV. Can anyone here speak to how loud this car is inside the cockpit, and would hearing protection normally be needed? I'm curious if I should spec my car with the rear exhaust option. I like a present engine sound but my friend has a Cobra and I can't stand to be in it without ear plugs. I expect my car to be mostly road use with occasional track days. Is the electrical cut off switch really important? How about the ventilated front brakes? How about the shift indicator? I'm inclined to think that might be handy. 13" or 15" wheels? I've read the 13s are lighter and better for the track but the 15s might be a more compliant ride for road use. I think the 15s look better in pics. Thoughts? Anything you really regret not having on you Caterham? Or anything that you think is useless? Thanks!

I'm also about size 11 so it would be close. I wouldn't ask you to change seats for me but that is a very kind offer. When you get it back, maybe PM me and let me see if it would suit for me to swing by. thanks much! PS Would a 2000 s3 have the same cabin as a new S3? Are all S3s the same?

My size is just on the cusp but I have rather big feet. I'm 6'2" and 185. So the SV seems a safe bet but I would like to see how they look in person and sit in one. I'm getting older and don't have time for too many big buying mistakes. ;-) If I can't find one I can drive to I'll widen my net and fly somewhere to see one. And hopefully drive one.

Thank you! What do you have, and where are you located? I want to see an SV but honestly I have only seen one Seven in the wild and it was a much older one. Even seeing an S3 will help me decide if it is the right purchase. If I fit comfortably in an S3 that might be a better choice. I had decided a few years ago to buy an Ariel Atom, but once I got in one and drove it I just knew it wasn't the right car for me. So I'm being careful.

I'm getting very close to ordering a 420R with an SV chassis, but I just can't pull the trigger without at least sitting in one. I'm in Harrisonburg VA and was wondering if I might talk an owner in my area into letting me look around your Caterham. Doesn't need to be a 420 as long as it has the same SV chassis/cockpit as a new 420. Richmond or Roanoke, or Charlottesville would also work. I have lots of other questions to ask if I get to the point of ordering but I'll save them until I see one in person and know I fit. Former Lotus Elise owner. Thanks, Mike