1st real drive in the r400

[Reiver]

Got my tags today so went out on Hwy 93 (we live right off of that road) for my first other than scooting down our street.  It's a Caterham for sure but a similar but different feel than the HPC.  You do note the HP and the quick manner it comes on yet seems totally manageable/comfortable and great fun.  The Avons are old but stuck nicely around the round abouts. The Toyo's go on tomorrow.

I found that the short windscreen really works well, at 75 mph there was dead air in front of my mug.  I swear it seemed no different than running a windshield and I was only wearing sun glasses.  I do have a half helmet with half face shield enroute so I'll keep that for a bit.  The quick change backings are in place so changing over will be easy when I decide to do so.

[KnifeySpoony]

16 minutes ago, Reiver said:

 

I found that the short windscreen really works well, at 75 mph there was dead air in front of my mug.  

 

Wow not my experience at all. Wonder why. My experience is very windy and turbulent above 60mph. I wear a full face helmet at freeway speeds for it to be tolerable. 

[MV8]

For public road use, protect your head/nose/eyes with a helmet or a windshield to catch stones thrown from the traffic ahead. Less of an issue with normal height vehicles.

[demoray]

I took a rock to the chest at 60mph on the highway in my sand rail years ago.

 

After that, I'll never run without either a full windscreen or full face helmet.

[Reiver]

14 hours ago, KnifeySpoony said:

Wow not my experience at all. Wonder why. My experience is very windy and turbulent above 60mph. I wear a full face helmet at freeway speeds for it to be tolerable. 

 

 

This S3 has the lowered floor, perhaps that is it.  At 70/75 it was rather calm.  I'm only 5'9 too so that could explain it.

 

I have a helmet coming with a face mask and I totally get the rock issue...Az is known for that.  I was just anxious for a drive.  The windshield will eventually go on tho... 

Edited December 30, 2025 by Reiver

[KnifeySpoony]

I have lowered floor and carbon seats, so sitting very low, however I am 6'1" so that may be enough to get me up into the airstream more. Even at my height I am barely able to see the front wings. Are you able to with those seats?

Edited December 30, 2025 by KnifeySpoony

[Reiver]

Yes I can.  Actually glad the car came with those rather than the carbon.... street only for me.

[jordway]

Totally agree about a full face helmet at highway speeds.  Aside from protection, it also helps a lot with the wind buffeting.  Much easier on the ears.  With a full face helmet, I find I can go several hours at highway speeds and not be exhausted.  Without the helmet, I feel like I've been in a boxing match (and lost).

 

Regarding the lowered floors...  My SV has standard floors.  I'm 6'2" with a 32" inseam.  Standard cloth Caterham seats.  I sit with the set pulled forward a couple of inches.  When I bought the car (4 years ago), I planned to install lowered floors.  But, I can pass a broomstick test, and I really like the better view of the front wings that you get from being seated a bit higher.  I've driven SVs with both floor types.  I'm probably the minority, but I really prefer the standard floor, even in an SV. 

[Reiver]

I have a standard floor S3 too...and I find that just right.  I'd rather have that but the r400 came with the lowers.  It is really not that big a deal unless you had the Carbons I suspect. 

[jordway]

Yeah, probably not a big deal either way.  Both of your cars are beautiful!

[Reiver]

Thanks.... same car but different personalities...sometimes you just want to hang with a friend and relax (HPC) and sometimes you want your hair on fire....

[Reiver]

Is anything really easy... I replaced the very old Avons with the Toyo's today.... 60 aspect over the 55, no problem a bit higher is good for the road but the Toyo's are also wider thru the mid section and rub on the cycle fender supports...one side greatly.  So, off with the fenders and adjusting arms.... just about done but quit for the evening.  Sometimes it is better to take a break and readdress later.... took me 74 years to figure that out.

Edited January 1 by Reiver

[Xhilr8n]

We were holding breath to see how the tires worked out.  I have ‘new’ but aged Avons.

[Reiver]

They are in place and 'working' but it took some fettling to get clearance on the cycle fender supports.... not much one can do given how the struts are welded.  I will have to run spacers and have 1/4 in on now but think 1/8th may work as I have some coming.

On one side I used a grinder to flatten some welds etc... but the spacers are the way to go for the road.... I'll let you know how the 1/8th one's work but each car is a tad different I suspect as each of my strut assemblies are not exactly the same spec.  One welded closer to the outside one closer to the inside and the one to the outside literally locked the tire in place...firmly.  

It will take a few more examples before a trend is noted.... could be my r400 alone...who knows.

 

[Reiver]

Put the windshield and doors on today...rather easy as the prior owner had put the shield backing plates in place so simply unscrew/dismount the short screen and slap on the other.  I didn't attach the windscreen heater...no need in Az.  The full top will never go on.  I do not have the wiper arms but the mechanism is under the scuttle.  I'll just go with rain x as again...I've never had to use the wipers on the other 7.

 

I've a full set of the smaller / nicer mirrors but want to mount them on the windscreen not the doors as in the summer the doors often come off.  Suggestions for the mounts.  You can see the mirrors in the other pic.

Edited January 3 by Reiver

[Xhilr8n]

Is this what you are thinking?

[Reiver]

Yeah, that'd work.... so you just mounted what existed or there was an addition?

Edited January 3 by Reiver

[Xhilr8n]

Josh at Rocky Mountain Caterham supplied them.

[Xhilr8n]

If you get some I’ll show you the four hand tools you need to carry to adjust them.  It’s very easy to bump into them and loosen something.

[Reiver]

Had some issues with low rpm surge and chatted with some here and found the TPS was at 5.23V....went to the proper 4.62 and like a different 7...very sensitive she is.

Runs like a scalded cat.... what a nice set up.

The RTB's have been a learning curve without instructions but I think I get them now.