Trying a Caterham on for size

[JMK]

I’m considering buying a Caterham and I’m trying to determine if I need an SV chassis. I’m about 6’3” so I suspect the answer is yes, but there’s no substitute for sitting in one to find out. Is anyone in the Asheville, NC area that would be willing to show me around your car?

Thanks

John Kramer

[fastg]

You need to go to NJMP September 18/19. You will be able to try all the variation of for size. 

 

Graham 

 

[mdork]

6’3” can fit fine in an S3 with lowered floors. Weight ends up being a bigger reason people don’t fit. 

[fastg]

It's all very subjective, I am 6'3" and used to own an MG Midget. Some people think a Miata is small, it's huge compared to a Midget. 

 

Graham 

[KnifeySpoony]

What is your inseam? I have an s3 with lowered floors. I am 6'1" with 34" inseam. I have a carbon seat, and it is all the way back...

[IamScotticus]

S3 seat width is 16" between tunnel and body wall.

find something that width, squeeze into it and decide what is tolerable.

 

length won't be an issue with any S3 or SV.  Foot well space might be.

 

Another thing that may not be well tolerated is the wheel arch hoop always there to jab your armpit or elbow into.

Edited September 9, 2022 by IamScotticus

[Taber10]

As I age, I have to be careful about "what I used to own!"  Maybe getting into my '69 Spitfire wouldn't be as simple for me now--I'll be 71 years old this month--as it was then.

Having said that, height (I'm also 6'3") isn't as much a problem as (already mentioned) weight and foot size.  I am very glad I got the SV and I fit it fine, at 220lbs and size 12 shoes.  I also still fit in my '91 Miata.  I'm still not sure why I didn't go for the lowered floors, except that the Caterham I test drove didn't have them.

Good luck with your search.

Edited September 7, 2022 by Taber10

[John B]

I'm 6'3 220 and fit fine in my SV.

Legroom - Not an issue at all as the car is very "long". I almost have to move the seat forward a bit. 

Headroom - Unlimited 

Width - Snug with two people my size, but comfortable. 

Foot Box - The narrow footbox is probably the biggest issue. I wear size 12 shoes and have to wear narrow driving loafers for good footwork. Running shoes won't cut it. For track events I cram my feet into size 9 driving shoes (Formula Atlantic trick). I wish I had a proper dead pedal but there's no room. 

Edited September 7, 2022 by John B

[CarlB]

You are getting some good advice. If you can go to NJMP you will see everything. I believe it would be well worth it. I am 5-11 and 210. I do not believe you will have a height problem, but I would order the lowered floors. Sitting lower relative to the windshield is an advantage. Everything said about width is true. I would add that if you make it to NJMP there is a big difference between the leather seats and the fiberglass seats. I have both and use the fiberglass seats on track. The leather seats are very comfortable for me. You will not be able to drive the car in wide shoes. The foot box is small and probably the biggest issue. my shoe size is 10.5 D and I can drive it around on the street in street shoes. I wouldn't use wide tennis shoes. The pedals take some getting used to. 

[JMK]

Thanks everyone for the prompt and helpful information. My dimensions are similar to many of yours as I’m between 6’3” and 6’4”, weigh 200 lbs, have a 34’ inseam and wear size 12 shoes. I have size 11 driving shoes for racing but 9s would hurt, although in an FA you wouldn’t have time to notice!

 

So my takeaways are confirmation that an SV absolutely works and a regular chassis with lowered floors is worth exploring. 

John B you probably know this but a modest heel rest across the pedal box and in front of the pedals can a useful alternative to a dead pedal. 

 

The seat choice is obviously also critical in terms of space, so any guidance in that area would also be appreciated. 
 

 

[IamScotticus]

You can find wrestling and driving shoes are thin enough, and the wrestling shoes should be cheaper because they don't have to be fired retarded.

[JohnCh]

The trip to NJMP is well worth the time and cost, particularly if you are buying new.  After trying on various cars and seats before placing my order, I opted for a non-standard configuration: SV with lowered floors, and S3 Carbon Fiber seats.  I like to tour and sometimes do it two up.  Although I can fit in an S3 just fine (5'11" @ 180), I find the shoulder room too cramped for my comfort with a passenger onboard.  Despite the standard floors in the SV giving sufficient space, the steering wheel was positioned too high for my liking, so I went with the lowered floors to bring it more in line with my Westfield's arrangement.  For seats, the SV carbon fiber seats are 4cm wider than the S3 version, resulting in too much movement for me, hence the change to the S3's version (note: the standard composite seats in the 360/420R are the same in both S3 and SV chassis). 

 

We are all built differently and have different preferences for fit.  The only way to be sure before writing a big check is to try as many as you can -- NJMP is a perfect opportunity.  

 

-John

[KnifeySpoony]

In my opinion, a size 12 foot is a serious hindrance in an s3 pedalbox. I am a 12, and even with proper, quite constrictive full-on racing boots (literally the only footwear that even gives me a chance to drive the car), I have real issues with fitment. My right foot is always wedged against the tunnel when on throttle to avoid the brake. And when braking, I have to make a conscious effort to be on the far-left side of the pedal to not hit the throttle pedal, although I still do it frequently. I've been procrastinating modding my pedals to allow better fit. My plan is to bend the brake pedal to shift it to the left about 5-10mm. Keep in mind if you look at images of pedal placement online that RHD cars have very different pedals and spacing than we do. And even with LHD cars, things have changed over the years.

[sf4018]

Agree with @KnifeySpoony, I’m 6’5” and have an SV with lowered floors. I can’t imagine a pedal box smaller than the SV for my susquatch feet.

[CBuff]

JMK - this topic is very relevant for me as well. I have a Feb build slot for a new 420R. As of now I am planning on an SV with leather seats, and regular floors. Croc was nice enough to extend an invitation to come down to NJMP on Sept 18 to meet some of the 7s folks. I will be driving in the non 7s green group in my daily. 
 

I hope to check out the cars and see some of the specs first hand before my options deadline in October. And look forward to meeting some of you all. 
 

I seem to have further complicated my intent with wanting leather seats but 6pt harness. Josh in Colorado suggested the FiA formula type belts. I have also looked at the Scroth ASM 4pts with the additional crutch straps. Still working that part out. I did have a question on if the floor height would impact the track legality of the harness (mainly the shoulder harness angle from my shoulders back to the mounting points). In looking at the installation guides it seems to be “properly” installed the shoulder harness must be level to -20 deg (angled down to the mounting points). Not sure if this would ever get flagged. On the other end of the spectrum would be the broomstick concern if the floor was too high. 
 

I look forward to meeting those attending njmp and hopefully finalize my specs.  Everyone here has been really helpful and engaging thus far. So thanks so much for all your feedback already. 

[CBuff]

Sorry. I am 5’10” and 175lbs but my better half would question both those figures. 

[Croc]

7 hours ago, CBuff said:

 

I seem to have further complicated my intent with wanting leather seats but 6pt harness. 

 

Not a problem.  Can be done.  I have driven my car on track in that configuration for many years.   May want lowered floors but thats an easy change.  

[MV8]

If you find a car that just needs a bit more space but has aftermarket seats, a fixed, traditional squab type seat cushion can provide lower seating with more leg room. Very simple for a marine upholstery shop to make a comfortable, supportive seat and back with the variety of foams and materials available now. Imho, the adjustable/floating seats are one reason the cars are bigger now since some space was lost to do that.

The early miatas fit me well (6', 220# thin, wide shoulder "solid" footballer type) after I removed the lump in the lower seat cushion bottom and the foam back insert, which always pushed me in the wrong spot. I sat lower, felt more supported, and the arm rest became usable.

[kayentaskier]

Attached are examples of squab type seat cushions. The yellow car is my former S3, with no back cushion, the green ones are my current SV (with lowered floors), using the leather seat back

[Austin David]

Get yourself near Charleston, SC and you can sit in my S3.  At 200# I think you'll be an S3 + lowered floors kinda guy.  100% agree you should sit in one first.