I did a thing (finally)

[dsscats]

Happy to say after a very long hunt and slightly drawn out purchasing process (no fault of the seller), I finally have a Caterham! I managed to snag a 2004 Superlight R, ~23k miles, 2 owners before me, and the all-important CA SB100 smog exemption. I'd say it's a hair more of a project than I was looking to get into, but I got tired of waiting for the perfect car and this checks nearly all the right boxes at a number I could live with. A 6-speed and 205 at the crank will help me forgive a lot of shortcomings 😂

 

Still deciding if I'm going to fix it up cosmetically or live with it as-is. Parts-wise, I'm on the hunt for a new foam filter for the ITBs, an appropriate timing belt kit (though it looks in good shape despite the age), and a few other odds and ends.

 

25 miles in and I'm loving it. Can't wait for some free time after work this weekend to really give it a real go! 

[JohnCh]

10 hours ago, dsscats said:

Parts-wise, I'm on the hunt for a new foam filter for the ITBs

 

Do you know if you have a Pipercross or ITG? I've had to source my Pipercross sausage filters directly from them in the UK, but Pegasus in the US can supply the ITG filters. 

[Scott_]

Nice! I'd like to see some engine photos when you have a chance.

 

Scott

[Vovchandr]

2 hours ago, Scott_ said:

Nice! I'd like to see some engine photos when you have a chance.

 

Scott

Yes to this! Motor pictures will help too. 

 

Congrats. 

 

What makes this a project?

 

[Slonie]

Congrats! And don't worry, it turns out they're all projects! 

[pethier]

2 hours ago, Slonie said:

Congrats! And don't worry, it turns out they're all projects! 

Truth.

[dsscats]

Back from a long day of working to pay for this thing, thanks for the kind welcome! 

 

They're ITGs, starting to disintegrate a bit to the touch unfortunately. 

 

And really, the only thing making it a project is some disuse and deferred maintenance. And the fuel gauge. And a fair share of chips and scratches. Nothing I can't make my way through!

 

I also owe a big thank you to @ratchetfor connecting me with the owner of this car, very excited to get going on it! 

[Vovchandr]

Very nice. Mimics the setup on "SLR" Caterhams in states. 

 

Looks like TWM/Borla ITBs on a non SVT Zetec with a race line coolant rail/thermostat. 

 

I assume you have Pectel for ECU?

[pethier]

19 minutes ago, Vovchandr said:

 

ITBs on a non SVT Zetec with a race line coolant rail/thermostat. 

 

 

That's what's in the Birkin I'd like to sell.