Croc

Thanks for clarifying. I was never offered that by Caterham UK when I bought my 420R in 2018. Wonder how long it has been on offer?

Love it! Really like the emphasis on 50s to 80s racing.

I have driven the Atom and Caterham back to back - about 10 years ago. Atom has a greater rearward bias F 35%/R 65%. Caterham is better. If you believe Caterham it is F 49% / R 51%. However, some on blatchat have measured their own cars and found closer to F 45% / R 55%. This translates into understeer at higher speeds. You can drive around that with emphasis on front weight transfer but still there are times at high speeds on tracks when you really cannot do that. I found the Atom more twitchy at higher speeds. But these are degrees. Both are very competent cars but I think the Caterham wins on vehicle dynamics. The Caterham is the more practical touring car too - better for all weather touring. Anyway, you would have a problem with the Atom - the seat. They are all shells and they are not conducive to those with fuller figures. Your end solution will revolve around which seat will fit you. Being more than amply assed myself, I am very sympathetic having faced this problem ass-backwards myself. I have had 1 x 320lb 6'8 gent in my old Caterham SV - he went on to buy his own Caterham. I have had a 5'11 360lb pound friend alongside me once on track in my Caterham CSR. Dented the performance mind you and a bit of a muffin top look but it worked. In both those situations my cars were fitted with the Caterham S type seat shown in the following photo Note the lack of sides. You can expand/ooze out to the sides of the tub which is 17.5-18" wide as forum member sf4018 helpfully mentioned in his post above. A Tillet seat will add sides inside and narrow the butt space which you will be wanting to make use of. Until very recently there was not a Tillet that fitted me properly. If you find the standard Caterham seat problematic then you can make your own. I wanted a better seat for track work in my Caterham. I was using the S-type seats as there were (until very recently) no Tillet seats that I fit, but I was moving around too much in corners. So I made a resin bead seat - refer posts 14 and 43 in this thread: http://www.usa7s.net/vb/showthread.php?12522-Winter-plans&p=112903#post112903 and http://www.usa7s.net/vb/showthread.php?12522-Winter-plans&p=114691#post114691 This is a very viable option for you - anchors you, is comfortable and I think you will fit one of these options. For the difference in suspension packages, have you seen the following? https://www.caterhamcars.com/en/latest/rediscovering-the-range-2-packs-and-chassis-sizes I am not sure what a track suspension is? There is Road (i.e. 420S), Sports (i.e. 420R) or Race. Do not make most people's mistake and confuse them based on the letter after the model number. I am guessing you are referring to Race when you refer to track. The best comparison of Sports to Race is described in this article: https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?t=1753909 Having driven all three set ups - I prefer the Sports. Its slightly more focused than the Road version but still retains a compliance in the suspension that the Race one does not. Race will jitter and shudder over road imperfections. Its designed for a smooth track. I have a 420R for track days in the UK and it is still good to use on the road without killing my back. As a former resident of CT, I don't think you would want a race set up to be used on the road. You would want a Road or Sports set up. Last thing, since I have crapped on enough here, I suggest you make the drive to NJMP at Millville NJ on the weekend of Oct 17/18. Its the annual sevens HPDE and there will be a large range of Caterhams and Birkins with different chassis and seat set ups to try all in one place. You will answer all of your questions from chatting to a number of the club members in one spot, including Vlad (Vovchandr -commented above) and myself. We will have Birkin and Caterham dealer representation in person - Saturday would be your best day for that. Details are here: http://www.usa7s.net/vb/showthread.php?12897-2020-Annual-Sevens-Event-with-NJMP-Drivers-Club-%96-October-17-18 You do not need to register in advance and you do not have to be a driver to get the benefit of being an aspiring seven buyer. Cheers mike

Hi Carl NJMP Drivers Club is the sanctioning body in this instance. They will do an inspection in the pits on the day using the form talked about earlier. No other inspection is required.

From Roger Krause? Probably me - I had a fresh set for July at VIR! Mix and match should be ok at your speeds. At the limit she will lose the rear first but should be progressive enough to catch. Hopefully it does not rain....if so then you drive like sooooo gently. Kill the Toyos on track. You then have spares options if you have a puncture.

A rather fetching Ultralite for sale - these don't come up for sale that often https://sfbay.craigslist.org/sby/cto/d/san-jose-2007-wcm-ultralite-s2k/7207735795.html

Shameless plug - Its not too late to buy a seven and come along to the 2020 Annual Sevens event at NJMP - details here: http://www.usa7s.net/vb/showthread.php?12897-2020-Annual-Sevens-Event-with-NJMP-Drivers-Club-%96-October-17-18 If you are interested in buying a seven then this annual event is ideal for checking out a huge range of sevens, chatting with their owners and understanding the multitude of unique specifications that are available in the range of brands available - Birkin, Caterham, Stalker, Westfield, Locost, etc. There is dealer participation - Tom Carlin of Birkin America is back again plus Caterham will be represented in person by Bruce Beachman of Beachman Racing fame. This weeks for sale ad summary NEW Caterham https://bringatrailer.com/listing/1985-caterham-7/ Lotus 7 S2 https://portland.craigslist.org/clc/cto/d/lake-oswego-lotus-super-s2-rare/7207129716.html REPEATS Westfield https://www.ebay.com/itm/1984-Westfield-7/254714970452?hash=item3b4e320154:g:dMoAAOSwKDVfA58n Stalker https://www.ebay.com/itm/1965-Replica-Kit-Makes-Brunton-Stalker/303681147378?hash=item46b4ce91f2:g:FwsAAOSw4dxeD8lq Stalker https://www.ebay.com/itm/1970-Replica-Kit-Makes-Brunton-Stalker-XL/363123691708?hash=item548bdbd0bc:g:1~oAAOSwwUlfQLxk Mitsuoka Zero https://www.duncanimports.com/vehicles/547/1994-mitsuoka-zero1-roadster Stalker http://www.race-cars.com/carsales/lotus/1437589044/1437589044ss.htm Lotus 7 S2 https://www.hemmings.com/classifieds/dealer/lotus/super-seven/2409828.html and here http://www.motorcarcompany.com/1963-lotus-seven-s2-1500-cosworth-2dr-roadster-for-sale-at-motor-car-company-in-california.html Lotus 7 S2 https://thesmiekelcollection.com/1967-lotus-super-seven/ Caterham http://www.beachmanracing.com/inventory Caterham http://rockymountaincaterham.com/inventory/ Caterham https://www.hemmings.com/classifieds/dealer/lotus/caterham/2416012.html Lotus 7A https://www.hemmings.com/classifieds/cars-for-sale/lotus/7a/2388210.html Caterham http://britauto.com/portfolio-view/201216-nos-caterham-sv-roadsport/ Caterham http://britauto.com/portfolio-view/2000-caterham/ Replica https://classiccars.com/listings/view/1382221/1979-lotus-seven-for-sale-in-arvada-colorado-80005 Wharton 7 https://classiccars.com/listings/view/1299993/1978-lotus-seven-for-sale-in-cadillac-michigan-49601' Lotus 7 S2 https://vintageracecarsales.com/portfolio-view/lotus-7-america-vintage-race-car/ Birkin https://fortcollins.craigslist.org/cto/d/fort-collins-birkin-s3-super-7-lotus-7/7202500290.html Westfield https://miami.craigslist.org/brw/cto/d/pompano-beach-1992-westfield-sei-lotus-7/7199135243.html Birkin https://phoenix.craigslist.org/evl/ctd/d/mesa-1990-birkin-s3-seven-sprint-lotus/7201154734.html Diva 7 https://phoenix.craigslist.org/nph/cto/d/prescott-diva-roadster-1962-lotus/7197841655.html Stalker https://indianapolis.craigslist.org/cto/d/carmel-1962-lotus-super-7/7195367678.html Westfield https://prescott.craigslist.org/cto/d/chino-valley-1991-lotus-super-seven/7190847471.html CANADA Seven chassis project https://www.kijiji.ca/v-other-auto-parts-and-accessories/st-catharines/vintage-race-car-frame-lotus-super-7/1525500819 MCC 7 project https://www.kijiji.ca/v-cars-trucks/mississauga-peel-region/mcc-super-7-unfinished-car-detailed-version-relocated/1503983466

That last word? Mine! All mine! Mwwahahahah! :devil:

For those who may be shopping for a seven, this event is perfect for you to come and check out the various cars, talk with owners and build your experience so that you are a better buyer. Tom Carlin of Birkin America is planning to be here. Bruce Beachman, Caterham Dealer for PNW is planning to be here. Perfect opportunity to talk options/build ideas on your new Birkin or Caterham. You can ask Bruce about my new Caterham build. It is great to see Tom and Bruce participate in the event as an opportunity to reach more existing and prospective customers. I for one hope they sell more sevens as we are always looking for new driving buddies to enjoy the twisties.

Guilty look No chance - it was drunk! :cheers:

Thank you James!

Hi James - Did Mic write anything up on the topic so as to read more? Would be interested to study in more depth. Thanks Mike

In the meantime, lots of positive results coming out of the Trump Administration for the first time in 3 years. :bs:

The first mod I would do is make sure the Caterham is on 13 inch wheels. Less unsprung weight which allows it to feel more perky as it accelerates. Also has other benefits. Better ride. Transmits feel better to the driver. If you have room for a second upgrade (or even make it the first upgrade), I definitely would look at the Premier Power flywheel upgrade like what Bruce is showing above. The Caterham supplied sigma package comes with the standard road car flywheel - designed for something 3 times the weight of a Caterham. Replacing the flywheel for a Caterham specific version will allow the engine will spool up quicker, feeling like you have more power. Plus you drop a good amount of weight out of the car. By contrast, Caterham supply the Duratec with a lighter flywheel from the beginning so you do not need to change that one out. Premier Power does some really cool products - a friend of mine in the UK put his sigma engine car through one of their upgrade packages and was very happy with the end results. But this is where you start to spend real money and that is not what you were looking for. John - you raise a really good point that I forgot. Its noticeable. The zetec is around 220lb and the sigma is around 180lbs. I preferred the balance of the sigma car for handling - it was more nimble than I remember my zetecs being. The video below is the 310 car with sigma engine I drove in 2018 at 6 UK circuits - it was brilliant at Donington.

Well done Pokey! Celebrate tonight!

Yes I have driven both extensively. Have in the past owned two zetec Caterhams - one an SVT (say 165FWHP) and one a regular cooking version (say 140FWHP). I have also driven a UK Caterham 310 a lot on track - it has the 150fwhp version of the Sigma. No question in my mind, I think the Sigma is the better engine - more modern plus likes to rev out more freely than the Zetec. Sounds a little better to my ears than the Zetec. No real feel of having less power than the SVT Zetec. Sigma engines now have power upgrade paths via Premier Power in the UK so you can add more if needed.

Figured you had them anyway since you live in Ft Lauderdale. You sound such an 80s style of chap! :jester: Anyway, I think smaller frames work better as they are less likely to touch your face on the side of the frame. Mine have eyebrow clearance. :cooldude: Yes, the straight legs work well. I usually have a pair of Oakley sunglass frames with prescription inserts for this reason. Can relate to that - they do not work for me given my prescription. They were ideal for Tom with his aggressive mogul skiing since he spent so much time on his face. I wanted to do this but my eyesight has never stopped moving. I change prescription each year as long distance sight and reading alter. I could get the operation and in 1-2 years be back in glasses. So why bother. If your vision prescription is stable then those who I know have had it love it.

I think two people on this forum with Caterhams used that company you talked to in Charlotte. Let me PM them to see if they are willing to offer their input to this thread.

Been there and explored the idea. I am blind as a bat. My prescription is for short sightedness, stigmatism and a separate prescription for reading. I experimented with my prescription snorkeling goggles (I have a great source in FL for those). I found I could see distance but could not read the dash with a single vision option. I thought that could be a problem. Second, different helmets produce different positioning of where the lenses would be relative to your eyes - both lateral away from your face and the vertical. You really need to test it in person as the lenses have to be positioned just right to get the vision correction outcome you want. Yes you can buy those spacers they sell to customize the fit but I thought it was a risk to pay money for something you hoped would fit right but did not really know. I have enough issues getting regular glasses to fit properly so I get the best vision possible. Now your head may be normally designed and your vision failings far less extreme than mine in which case taking a chance on this is less risky. There are ways to stop the fogging - there is stuff you polish on. Does not always work great but I can manage around the inconvenience. What about something like this? https://flyingeyesoptics.com/rx-lenses/ Oakley do a similar product. I used to have a set with my multifocals a few years back. One guy at NJMP got a set of children's sized glasses frames and had his prescription added.

Thanks for the heads up on the sale Linenoise

Well done Yogi! Smarter than the average bear! You have bought a great package. As John generously threw you under the bus for a build thread, can I please just add that we like lots of photos. Looking forward to see you have fun doing the build! I had a great chuckle at your seat description. What is snug for me, you are having a swim in. :jester:

Yes there is - should be marked on the sidewall like the sizing data.

Seb - Set the car brand to be "Noble" It will work then. Noble uses the MBE ECU like the Caterham. While the data plug is J1962 format and CAN it is not OBDII. Example data from my Caterham

Good luck with the hunt Angelo. When you get your car, we want to see photos! This week's findings: NEW Birkin https://www.ebay.com/itm/1990-Birkin-S3-Seven-Sprint-S3-Seven-Sprint/114423582044?hash=item1aa42d4d5c:g:0tAAAOSwoYZfaB3F and here https://phoenix.craigslist.org/evl/ctd/d/mesa-1990-birkin-s3-seven-sprint-lotus/7201154734.html Replica https://www.ebay.com/itm/2018-Replica-Kit-Makes-Lotus-Super-7-Replica/293748516376?hash=item4464c6a618:g:s7sAAOSwG-dfah30 REPEATS Caterham https://classiccars.com/listings/view/1363082/2004-caterham-seven-for-sale-in-newport-beach-california-92660 Replica https://classiccars.com/listings/view/1382221/1979-lotus-seven-for-sale-in-arvada-colorado-80005 Wharton 7 https://classiccars.com/listings/view/1299993/1978-lotus-seven-for-sale-in-cadillac-michigan-49601 Lotus 7 S2 https://www.hemmings.com/classifieds/dealer/lotus/super-seven/2409828.html and here http://www.motorcarcompany.com/1963-lotus-seven-s2-1500-cosworth-2dr-roadster-for-sale-at-motor-car-company-in-california.html Lotus 7 S2 https://thesmiekelcollection.com/1967-lotus-super-seven/ Caterham http://rockymountaincaterham.com/inventory/ Caterham http://www.beachmanracing.com/inventory Mitsuoka Zero https://www.duncanimports.com/vehicles/547/1994-mitsuoka-zero1-roadster Caterham http://britauto.com/portfolio-view/201216-nos-caterham-sv-roadsport/ Caterham http://britauto.com/portfolio-view/2000-caterham/ Stalker http://www.race-cars.com/carsales/lotus/1437589044/1437589044ss.htm Lotus 7 S2 https://vintageracecarsales.com/portfolio-view/lotus-7-america-vintage-race-car/ Caterham https://www.hemmings.com/classifieds/dealer/lotus/caterham/2416012.html Lotus 7A https://www.hemmings.com/classifieds/cars-for-sale/lotus/7a/2388210.html Stalker https://www.ebay.com/itm/1965-Replica-Kit-Makes-Brunton-Stalker/303681147378?hash=item46b4ce91f2:g:FwsAAOSw4dxeD8lq Birkin https://fortcollins.craigslist.org/cto/d/fort-collins-birkin-s3-super-7-lotus-7/7202500290.html Diva 7 https://phoenix.craigslist.org/nph/cto/d/prescott-diva-roadster-1962-lotus/7197841655.html Westfield https://miami.craigslist.org/brw/cto/d/pompano-beach-1992-westfield-sei-lotus-7/7199135243.html Stalker https://indianapolis.craigslist.org/cto/d/carmel-1962-lotus-super-7/7195367678.html Westfield https://prescott.craigslist.org/cto/d/chino-valley-1991-lotus-super-seven/7190847471.html CANADA Fejer 7 https://www.kijiji.ca/v-classic-cars/city-of-toronto/1983-fejer-lotus-seven/1525399401 MCC 7 project https://www.kijiji.ca/v-cars-trucks/mississauga-peel-region/mcc-super-7-unfinished-car-detailed-version-relocated/1503983466

I'll jump in and say the 420R is one of the best in the range for power/balance. Its at a sweet spot - plenty of power, but not too much to reduce its nimbleness. It is a remarkably quick car on track. If you have never been on track and would like to try then Bruce also does instruction. I have the exact same model (albeit RHD) that I keep in the UK for country drives and various track explorations to Europe and I love it. Just think, in your 420R, you can do this to your passengers - the gent on the right with the big eyes looks a little perturbed...