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Posts posted by Croc

    What you wish you knew before giving your 7 to a local mechanic

    in General Sevens Discussion

    Posted

    3 hours ago, Vovchandr said:

    Special cars need to go to special mechanics which will demand special pricing for special treatment which isn't a lot of people are willing to accept. I will venture a guess and say @Croc knows quite a bit about that with the amount of specialty vehicles he deals with and outsources the work on. 

     

     

    Damn right.  Do your homework on who you are sending a car to.  I have been known to ship projects out west as it is MUCH cheaper than using a specialist on the east coast plus I can tap into a deep network of very knowledgeable people with extensive collections.    In the dumb cost awards, did you know Land Rover Brooklyn in NYC area charges $500 per hour for a mechanic to work on your trusty Land Rover or Range Rover?  Even the local Ferrari dealer repair shop is not that bad.  Fuggeddabutit.

     

    It was also good to break down at Tom Carlin's on my road trip in 2021 as there was a convenient specialist nearby in a little town who knew his stuff and even owned a sister car to mine.  He also had a large collection of Lotus/Loti which reinforced my faith.  

     

    For a Caterham or Birkin, I believe a good race mechanic will work wonders as the cars are similar to many space frame race cars they work on.  Always make sure you source parts for them - thats an expensive soak of time that you can do yourself.  Always provide a copy of the manual or technical bulletin and educate them - simplify their learning curve as that saves substantial time.  

     

    In an ideal world I would have time to do the work myself but I don't.  Between work, work travel that keeps me out of town 7-8 months of the year, family sagas, and my own home saga, I don't have time to come on here and cause mischief to @Vovchandr

    • Like 1
    • Haha 1

    The Regular Summary of Classified Ads of Se7ens Found For Sale

    in Cars For Sale

    Posted

    Week Beginning April 26, 2026

     

     

    USA7s Classified Ads of Cars for Sale

     

    USA7s classified pages - USA7s club members have the benefit of selling their cars by listing them for free on USA7s forum.

    https://usa7s.net/ips/forum/26-cars-for-sale/

     

     

     

    New Ads This Week

     

    Locost

    https://www.facebook.com/share/1CmBJwDu8J/

     

     

    Locost Project

    https://www.facebook.com/share/18GL8Wx2um/

     

     

    Repeat Ads from Prior Weeks

     

    Lotus 7

    https://www.hemmings.com/classifieds/listing/1963-lotus-super-seven-cochranville-pa-2891143

     

     

    Caterham

    https://www.hemmings.com/classifieds/listing/1998-caterham-super-seven-fort-lauderdale-fl-2914012

    and here

    https://ebay.us/m/Rxbi90

    and here

    https://www.facebook.com/share/1B5vueTmK9/

     

     

    Caterham

    https://www.hemmings.com/classifieds/listing/2026-caterham-seven-miami-fl-2916813

    and here

    https://www.facebook.com/share/17KC8BtL1X/

     

     

    Caterham

    https://www.hemmings.com/classifieds/dealer/caterham/super-7/2638345.html

     

     

    Caterham

    https://www.hemmings.com/listing/1999-caterham-all-models-526915

     

     

    Caterham

    https://ebay.us/m/N9vevX

    and here

    https://www.facebook.com/share/18Z4b5FUXs/

     

     

    Caterham

    https://ebay.us/m/7vLyH5

    and here

    https://www.facebook.com/share/1EkKAka1M5/

     

     

    Locost

    https://www.facebook.com/share/1KuHFcaq7j/

     

     

    Caterham Project

    https://www.facebook.com/share/1E4Augp8J1/

     

     

    Caterham

    https://www.facebook.com/share/1D9N3MMYbp/

     

     

    Caterham

    https://www.facebook.com/share/1CNtMqDsX1/

     

     

    Caterham SP300R

    https://www.facebook.com/share/1885PkqGWZ/

     

     

    Caterham

    https://www.facebook.com/share/1BEiA82W5G/

     

     

    Locost

    https://www.facebook.com/share/14bazQ8Xjvb/

     

     

    Westfield Pre-Lit

    https://www.facebook.com/share/14V3jfnfxv2/

     

     

    Locost

    https://www.facebook.com/share/1CxpkW2fYG/

     

     

    Stalker

    https://www.facebook.com/share/1EjRywBcao/

     

     

    Locost

    https://www.facebook.com/share/1CFjmuc168/

     

     

    Lotus 7

    https://www.facebook.com/share/1Z5giy6i59/

     

     

    Ultralite

    https://www.facebook.com/share/18YP1HFMpo/

     

     

    Locost Project

    https://www.facebook.com/share/1CWztzHanW/

     

     

    Locost Project

    https://www.facebook.com/share/1AzNJceo9w/

     

     

    Locost

    https://www.facebook.com/share/1Ai4UgDYuv/

     

     

    Diva

    https://www.facebook.com/share/1Atjq8QwVZ/

     

     

    Something

    https://www.facebook.com/share/1JAMLe5zym/

     

     

    Locost Project
    https://www.facebook.com/share/1DSaGW1a67/

     

     

    Lotus 7

    https://www.facebook.com/share/18beZorei9/

     

     

    Caterham

    https://www.beachmanracing.com/inventory

     

     

    Caterham

    https://rockymountaincaterham.com/inventory/

     

     

    Caterham

    https://rockymountaincaterham.com/csrtwenty02/

     

     

    Caterham

    https://rockymountaincaterham.com/76907-2/

     

     

    Lotus 7 S3

    https://rockymountaincaterham.com/sb2352/

     

     

     

    Canada

     

    Locost

    https://www.facebook.com/share/18FYNxyLyg/

     

     

    Locost Project

    https://www.facebook.com/share/1H97EH5XF8/

     

     

    Lotus 7

    https://www.facebook.com/share/1CcQFsdBBR/

     

     

     

    • Thanks 1

    New To Sevens - Odd Request?

    in General Sevens Discussion

    Posted

    3 hours ago, Terry said:

    We're in Lambertville, NJ (on the NJ/PA border) -- any chance there's someone in the area with a Caterham who would allow us to try getting in and out?

     

    Welcome to USA7s!

     

    Its not an odd request to ask to try sevens on for size.  I think is a smart idea to help you think through what you want in car spec.  

     

    Reasonably close.  I was at Odette's in New Hope last night for dinner.  Nice part of the world there.  

     

    There are 3 Caterham SVs in Millville NJ that you are welcome to try on for size.  One S3 in Marlton NJ area.  Another S3 just south of Philly.   

     

    in October we have the annual HPDE scheduled and there are all shapes and sizes of sevens that will be present but I understand you may not want to wait that long.

    The Regular Summary of Classified Ads of Se7ens Found For Sale

    in Cars For Sale

    Posted

    Week Beginning April 19, 2026

     

     

    USA7s Classified Ads of Cars for Sale

     

    USA7s classified pages - USA7s club members have the benefit of selling their cars by listing them for free on USA7s forum.

    https://usa7s.net/ips/forum/26-cars-for-sale/

     

     

     

    New Ads This Week

     

    Westfield Pre-Lit

    https://www.facebook.com/share/18M3UxUQ1e/

     

     

    Locost

    https://www.facebook.com/share/1EZVXsBpSM/

     

     

     

    Repeat Ads from Prior Weeks

     

    Lotus 7 S2

    https://www.facebook.com/share/1S1vEoG7dg/

     

     

    Caterham

    https://www.hemmings.com/listing/1999-caterham-all-models-526915

     

     

    Lotus 7

    https://www.hemmings.com/classifieds/listing/1973-lotus-los-angeles-ca-2900891

     

     

    Lotus 7

    https://www.hemmings.com/classifieds/listing/1963-lotus-super-seven-cochranville-pa-2891143

     

     

    Caterham

    https://www.hemmings.com/classifieds/dealer/caterham/super-7/2638345.html

     

     

    Caterham

    https://rockymountaincaterham.com/csrtwenty02/

     

     

    Caterham

    https://rockymountaincaterham.com/76907-2/

     

     

    Lotus 7 S3

    https://rockymountaincaterham.com/sb2352/

     

     

    Caterham

    https://www.beachmanracing.com/inventory

     

     

    Rocky Mountain Caterham also has a Superlight R coming soon

    https://rockymountaincaterham.com/inventory/

     

     

    Locost

    https://stlouis.craigslist.org/cto/d/north-newton-lotus/7925669194.html

     

     

    Caterham

    https://www.facebook.com/share/17JefjYXLd/

     

     

    Caterham SP300R

    https://www.facebook.com/share/1GFMmGzi3C/

     

     

    Caterham

    https://www.facebook.com/share/18VSKCmTZy/

     

     

    Caterham

    https://www.facebook.com/share/18dCVewJL3/

     

     

    Caterham Project

    https://www.facebook.com/share/1CM6ZdtUDT/

     

     

    Locost

    https://www.facebook.com/share/1FrANJ8dhm/

     

     

    Caterham

    https://www.facebook.com/share/1RT6pKjDrW/

     

     

    Locost

    https://www.facebook.com/share/18Dg9o8XRr/

     

     

    Caterham

    https://www.facebook.com/share/1CQoH1EhJg/

     

     

    Stalker

    https://www.facebook.com/share/18DDu7oVnT/

     

     

    Lotus 7

    https://www.facebook.com/share/14eKAtJ6mFM/

     

     

    Locost

    https://www.facebook.com/share/1Gk59sYwR1/

     

     

    Locost Project

    https://www.facebook.com/share/1NeufRy79J/

     

     

    Stalker

    https://www.facebook.com/share/1CzPaGx3ok/

     

     

    WCM Ultralite

    https://www.facebook.com/share/1B6mhEfaHo/

     

     

    Locost Project

    https://www.facebook.com/share/1bXDqySJmQ/

     

     

    Locost

    https://www.facebook.com/share/1JVWLmbSLK/

     

     

    Locost

    https://www.facebook.com/share/1B1kM8JSw1/

     

     

    Whatever The F This is?

    https://www.facebook.com/share/1Gxd67Um7G/

     

     

    Caterham

    https://www.hemmings.com/classifieds/listing/2026-caterham-seven-miami-fl-2916813

    and here

    https://www.facebook.com/share/18D6sjUexR/

     

     

    Caterham

    https://ebay.us/m/Rxbi90

    and here

    https://www.hemmings.com/classifieds/listing/1998-caterham-super-seven-fort-lauderdale-fl-2914012

    and here

    https://www.facebook.com/share/17huH1aV3Q/

     

     

     

    Canada Ads

     

    Locost Project

    https://www.autotrader.ca/a/bmw/2002/markdale/ontario/19_13264696_/

     

     

    Locost Project

    https://www.facebook.com/share/1Cu9qYj7yc/

     

     

    Locost Project

    https://www.facebook.com/share/1E4rATAEXR/

     

     

    Lotus 7

    https://www.facebook.com/share/1CKhrLWMuu/

     

     

     

    The Regular Summary of Classified Ads of Se7ens Found For Sale

    in Cars For Sale

    Posted

    This car stands out as having huge hostility from all bidding audiences.  I have not really known a car to attract that much sentiment and definitely not sure why.  Not even sure it is warranted.  But a lot of people voted with their wallets.  

     

    By the way the numbers you quote exclude auction buyer premium which would otherwise inflate the headline auction bid to higher numbers.  Ranges 12.5% to 20% depending on auction company.  Experienced bidders will bid after factoring in this additional cost along with shipping cost - that way you do not overpay.  

     

     

    The Regular Summary of Classified Ads of Se7ens Found For Sale

    in Cars For Sale

    Posted

    2 hours ago, Slonie said:

    Apologies if Croc already posted it because I’m reasonably sure he did but… guess who’s back?

     

     

    Yes its still in the list under Lotus7/Caterham with listings by Bullet Motorsport in Hemmings and FacePlant.  Asking $22K on FB.  

     

    Odd choice for Barrett Jackson?  Not really their market although the alcohol ego infused bidding is a major feature.

    • Haha 2

    Hopefully we will have our car back soon.

    in Member Rides

    Posted

    You are not the first to get a big bill for work performed.  Secondly, you are not the first to see a mechanic cause his own damage which he then will try to explain away with an apology but which he would like you to pay for.  Third, you are definitely not the first to see a mechanic reinvent the wheel all because they did not seek out input from the more knowledgeable.  

     

    However, fabricating a thermostat when I bet the issue was the notoriously unreliable and faulty sender is really irritating.  

     

    I'm sorry you are going through this but think - you are getting close and the list is down to post-it note size paper now.  Have a drink then keep the faith.  

    • Thanks 1

    The Regular Summary of Classified Ads of Se7ens Found For Sale

    in Cars For Sale

    Posted

    Week Beginning April 12, 2026

     

     

    USA7s Classified Ads of Cars for Sale

     

    USA7s classified pages - USA7s club members have the benefit of selling their cars by listing them for free on USA7s forum.

    https://usa7s.net/ips/forum/26-cars-for-sale/

     

     

     

    New Ads This Week

     

    Caterham (note: Not in USA despite being noted as PA)

    https://www.facebook.com/share/17GMwh2j9V/

     

     

    Lotus 7

    https://www.facebook.com/share/1ExbUUhjcj/

     

     

    WCM Ultralite

    https://www.facebook.com/share/1FQe8QsMwY/

     

     

    Lotus 7

    https://www.facebook.com/share/1ABNxkmY9v/

     

     

    Something sevenesque - make your own mind up if you think it should be here

    https://www.facebook.com/share/1AyfCsYvg5/

     

     

     

    Repeat Ads From Prior Week

     

    Caterham

    https://ebay.us/m/jTT3sq

    and here

    https://www.facebook.com/share/1Cr3BRgfhW/

     

     

    Caterham

    https://ebay.us/m/3GY9xK

    and here

    https://www.facebook.com/share/1Bb1XS1V9k/

     

     

    Caterham

    https://ebay.us/m/3GY9xK

    and here

    https://www.hemmings.com/classifieds/listing/1998-caterham-super-seven-fort-lauderdale-fl-2914012

    and here

    https://www.facebook.com/share/18U1Sp9rPE/

     

     

    Caterham

    https://www.hemmings.com/listing/1999-caterham-all-models-526915

     

     

    Caterham

    https://www.hemmings.com/classifieds/listing/2026-caterham-seven-miami-fl-2916813

    and here

    https://www.facebook.com/share/1AqMsRNt89/

     

     

    Caterham

    https://www.hemmings.com/classifieds/dealer/caterham/super-7/2638345.html

     

     

    Lotus 7

    https://www.hemmings.com/classifieds/listing/1962-lotus-super-seven-roanoke-il-2930237

     

     

    Lotus 7/Caterham

    https://www.hemmings.com/classifieds/listing/1964-lotus-dania-beach-fl-2905845

    and here

    https://www.facebook.com/share/1BtQZ8LVSo/

     

     

    Lotus 7

    https://www.hemmings.com/classifieds/listing/1963-lotus-super-seven-cochranville-pa-2891143

     

     

    Lotus 7

    https://www.hemmings.com/classifieds/listing/1973-lotus-los-angeles-ca-2900891

     

     

    Locost

    https://stlouis.craigslist.org/cto/d/north-newton-lotus/7925669194.html

     

     

    Caterham SP300R

    https://www.facebook.com/share/1NLH2Pxd5s/

     

     

    Caterham

    https://www.facebook.com/share/1CAh6kZcyM/

     

     

    Locost

    https://www.facebook.com/share/18m6uDywxV/

     

     

    Caterham Project

    https://www.facebook.com/share/1AfqCB56A3/

     

     

    Caterham

    https://www.facebook.com/share/1J4q8i8PKq/

     

     

    Locost

    https://www.facebook.com/share/1DyJaAism3/

     

     

    Locost

    https://www.facebook.com/share/1D2MHEMemj/

     

     

    Stalker

    https://www.facebook.com/share/18JUqdWwVK/

     

     

    Locost

    https://www.facebook.com/share/1CcSTj2Xkj/

     

     

    Locost Project

    https://www.facebook.com/share/1GjFo7tRcq/

     

     

    Stalker

    https://www.facebook.com/share/1C2YmWc9Rx/

     

     

    Locost

    https://www.facebook.com/share/1Ho7RaSVTC/

     

     

    Locost

    https://www.facebook.com/share/17pdvfrRSN/

     

     

    Locost Project

    https://www.facebook.com/share/18KGMcB4Ma/

     

     

     

    Canada Ads

     

    Locost Project

    https://www.autotrader.ca/a/bmw/2002/markdale/ontario/19_13264696_/

     

     

    Locost Project

    https://www.facebook.com/share/1GmVxUhqSp/

     

     

    Lotus 7

    https://www.facebook.com/share/1B9Hr39ykv/

     

     

    Locost Project

    https://www.facebook.com/share/14YgvAb8jGE/

     

     

    Caterham A Frames - check them as part of your annual maintenance

    in General Tech

    Posted

    On 4/11/2026 at 1:47 AM, Slonie said:

    Wondering if anyone here has gotten a hold of the spherical bushing as shown in that thread... 

     

    Yes I got one of the original batch spherical bearings and put it in a 620.  I also installed powerflex poly bushings all round as I like their excellent durability more than the usual rubber plus suspension just feels tighter with better feel when using poly bushes.  Just trundling around on roads there is zero difference in feel.  Will see what it does when I get on track.  

     

    Quote

    With sticky tyres for aggressive road driving and/or track use the rubber bush can tear, especially if the nylon washers become too worn and the sideways movement of the bush becomes aggressive. With track use, the nylon washers can be destroyed after a few track days due to the high lateral loads continually hammering the deDion mount into the A-frame and putting high pressure on the nylon washers as the rubber bush flexes.

     

    My experience is the rubber bushes tear readily with a lot of track driving (think 2000 miles level) but I have never seen the nylon washers wear out first or at the same time.  4 days at Spa-Francorchamps is circa 1000 miles for me to give perspective.  Anyway, I replace the washers when I replace the bushings.  My disappointing experience with the rubber bushings is why I have converted solely to poly bushes all round the suspension - far more durable and a slightly tighter feel to the car.

     

    Just to be clear, I don't think bushes or bearings will change anything on the original reason I had for starting this thread.  A frames can break suddenly in a high stress track environment (or lots of bumpy rutted roads) and you should check them regularly and think of them as a consumable if you track Caterhams a lot.    

     

    Edited to add: I will probably order a second set of the spherical bearing to put on my UK 420R since it lives on track and gave rise to this thread.  Probably upgraditis but hey!  

     

    • Thanks 3

    Save the Date - USA7s Hosted by NJMP Drivers Club - Saturday & Sunday October 17 & 18, 2026

    in National Events

    Posted

    15 minutes ago, yellowss7 said:

    He did a 1:14-15  on TBolt.  That cutoff either cut 9-10 seconds off the usual fast time or I’m really really really slow. 🫩

     

    Yes it is a much quicker circuit now that you cut out the octopus head.  I bet he did cut off 10 seconds with that track modification.

     

    15 minutes ago, yellowss7 said:

    I’m really really really slow. 🫩

     

     

    Well yes...

    • Like 1

    Save the Date - USA7s Hosted by NJMP Drivers Club - Saturday & Sunday October 17 & 18, 2026

    in National Events

    Posted

    25 minutes ago, CBuff said:

    interested to hear your first hand experience @Croc if your not jet setting around the globe. 

     

     

    I am surprised that the new left corner is so slow.  This is a well prepared fast C8 with an experienced driver.  Its 52mph - slower than turn 5 - although it looks like he may have early apexed which could be a contributor and I think the data is slightly lagging the video based on throttle noises.  A Caterham will be slightly quicker as the corner looks trickier than expected.  The transition from old track to connector new surface and then again regaining the old surface was jarring - car jolted.  

     

    The video comments are very instructive:

     

    Quote

    This was NOT a good drive through the Devil's Pass. I'm always trying to push the speed through turn 8, and thereby felt like I actually got the entrance to Devil's Pass correct only a few times throughout the day. I prefer the traditional track layout with the Octopus.

     

    There are now only 2 left turns on the track, so it might behoove you to set the car up with a Limerock-ian setup. I never got proper temp across the tire on the right side of the car with my typical -3 degrees around the whole car.

     

    I get to try this out in May.  Too much going on this month.  

     

    The Regular Summary of Classified Ads of Se7ens Found For Sale

    in Cars For Sale

    Posted

    Week Beginning April 5, 2026

     

     

    USA7s Classified Ads of Cars for Sale

     

    USA7s classified pages - USA7s club members have the benefit of selling their cars by listing them for free on USA7s forum.

    https://usa7s.net/ips/forum/26-cars-for-sale/

     

     

     

    New Ads This Week

     

    Locost

    https://stlouis.craigslist.org/cto/d/north-newton-lotus/7925669194.html

     

     

    Stalker

    https://www.facebook.com/share/1E3cezpHLR/

     

     

    Lotus 7 S2

    https://www.facebook.com/share/18U7zidhu8/

     

     

    Locost

    https://www.facebook.com/share/18FiXWyjsp/

     

     

    Stalker

    https://www.facebook.com/share/1DoWk1s28G/

     

     

    Locost

    https://www.facebook.com/share/1HrnoPLBdm/

     

     

    Caterham

    https://www.facebook.com/share/1BEbQxBe5y/

     

     

     

    Repeat Ads From Prior Week

     

    Caterham

    https://ebay.us/m/jTT3sq

    and here

    https://www.facebook.com/share/1E9fzUngGP/

     

     

    Caterham

    https://ebay.us/m/3GY9xK

    and here

    https://www.facebook.com/share/1GCJYdnLkF/

     

     

    Caterham

    https://ebay.us/m/Rxbi90

    and here

    https://www.hemmings.com/classifieds/listing/1998-caterham-super-seven-fort-lauderdale-fl-2914012

     

     

    Lotus 7

    https://www.hemmings.com/classifieds/listing/1962-lotus-super-seven-roanoke-il-2930237

     

     

    Caterham

    https://www.hemmings.com/classifieds/listing/2026-caterham-seven-miami-fl-2916813

    and here

    https://www.facebook.com/share/1HZZML5X7p/

     

     

    Caterham

    https://www.hemmings.com/listing/2025-caterham-super-7-399750

     

     

    Caterham

    https://www.hemmings.com/listing/1999-caterham-all-models-526915

     

     

    Lotus 7 S2

    https://www.hemmings.com/classifieds/listing/1963-lotus-super-seven-cochranville-pa-2891143

     

     

    Lotus 7

    https://www.hemmings.com/classifieds/listing/1973-lotus-los-angeles-ca-2900891

     

     

    Lotus 7/Caterham

    https://www.hemmings.com/classifieds/listing/1964-lotus-dania-beach-fl-2905845

    and here

    https://www.facebook.com/share/17JZskBMBa/

     

     

    Locost

    https://www.facebook.com/share/1LQnAb2GkV/

     

     

    Locost Project

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    Save the Date - USA7s Hosted by NJMP Drivers Club - Saturday & Sunday October 17 & 18, 2026

    in National Events

    Posted

    8 hours ago, slowdude said:

    Sounds like they're going for more of the larger sports car crowd for track days too?

     

    Thats just the hp evolution curve.  When I started racing in the 80s, high hp out of a road going v8 (Corvette) was 250hp or so.  Fast forward to say 2005 and your average Corvette was say 350hp. Continue the fast forward to today and a Corvette is 700-800hp.  The VW Bee.....sorry I mean Porker 911 has had a similar hp evolution over time. 

     

    Weight has gone the same way.  A Corvette was 3000lbs in the mid 80s but today is 3500lbs (or dammit 4000lbs in the ZR1X).  The 911 was 2600lbs in 1985 and is 3500lbs today (plus gained thighs like Hillary Clinton did).   

     

    What this means is the race crowd and the separate track day crowd are manhandling big heavy cars with lots of hp.  That begs for a power circuit with point and shoot capability - fast on the straights and then slooooooowly wobble through the corners.  

     

    All this track modification is doing is converting the track to more of a power circuit with less emphasis on cornering ability.  Ultimately that makes it boring for me.  Sure it will be "better" (aka faster) in my Mustang or CSL but that does not equate to fun.  

     

    To me, I think Lightning is a better track for a se7en since it is a momentum track.  Its faster than Thunderbolt (pre-mods) since its average speed is higher.

     

     

    8 hours ago, slowdude said:

    Formal Petition to go to lightning next year so I can spin out on the 3rd corner which is a blind right apex and give everyone a heart attack?

     

    You are thinking of turn 5.  Your car would not make from the front gate to the Lightning pits so I think we are safe.   Anyway, lots of others have done that trick so think of something new.  

     

    • Haha 1

    HPDE in a 7 questions.

    in Roadracing

    Posted

     

    Your average Caterham 420 will be faster around pretty much most tracks and an MX5 Cup car.  Power to weight makes that so.  

     

    It will be a better driving experience on track too.  Lighter.  More nimble.  Less need for braking.  Greater momentum.  

     

    Consumables will be better too.  15000 miles and I am still on original pads and disks.  Probably another 5000 miles to go on fronts bbefore I replace them.  At least 30K on the rear pads before they need replacing.  Fluids change once a year.  Set of slicks every 1-2 years.  Cheap you say.  During the year, I give the car a quick 1 hour once over then head out on track.  At winter break it gets a thorough spanner check and full fluids, filters, etc. replacement.  

     

    Where the maintenance equation starts to invert compared to the MX5 is on the heavier items - gearbox and diff.   I've been through two Caterham 6 speed boxes in the CSR in 15K miles.  On the 420R I have broken one MX5 gearbox (selector forks) in about 20K.  For the 620S it is 5K mileage and is now one wheel drive as the Titan/BMW diff has broken its plates (notorious issue covered in other threads).    The Caterham borrows pieces from other cars and they just do not perform to the design life as in their original cars as the installation design is flawed as it is adapted to a Caterham.  The MX5 gearbox tail shaft bearing as adapted for the Caterham is another example of a maintenance issue just waiting to happen in higher hp Caterhams.  But these are as you hit higher mileages and should be less frequent (if you exclude the inexcusable low mileage Titan/BMW diff issues).  Anticipate these and you will have a cheaper maintenance experience in a Caterham with not much down time.  If you do not anticipate, then your downtime will be much longer than it takes to get an MX5 back up and running.    Fortunately, we have access to a good dealer network in the USA but even so it takes time to get a suitable durable replacement bit state-side (e.g. 4 months for a trick bullet proof BMW LSD replacement).  

     

    So its a mixed story.  

     

    There are people on here who do drive to track days.  10+ years ago I used to do the 2 hour trip up and down I-95 to have a track day.  But that got old in a hurry plus I-95 was a high risk endeavor.  There are other @CBuff who is currently doing it but I expect he will be worn down eventually.  A Caterham is just not as nice on its shuttle runs to a track.  Then you have to ask, what if you break something at a track and cannot drive home?  cough cough Simon, Vlad, etc....  (solution - have a nice friend with a garage at the track! )  

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

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