Opinions on reliability and durability of K-series engines

[BillinWNC]

At an advanced age (79) I'm finally looking for the 7 that I've lusted after for a few decades and am doing my homework.  My budget is limited (no recent model street rockets).  I'm interested in a Caterham with heater and weather gear for mountain road use primarily.  Might do a track day or two at some point (currently have old/slow Porsches).  

 

I'm familiar with crossflow Fords (from Formula Ford racing) and know a bit about Duratec motors and would prefer either of these.  I've also seen several K-series cars for sale.  I've read through the PistonHeads writeup, which was very helptul.  It appears that (other than an older head gasket problem, these are a solid alternative for a 7.  I'm interested in other experiences, particularly US, with these engines as far as longevity since a rebuild might be more troublesome that either of the other two alternatives.  

 

Thanks for any input.

 

 

[Croc]

 

The K series engine is actually a very well suited engine for a seven.  Its very light in weight.  Rev happy.  Quite durable for the most part. 

 

Its main pain point was in standard production guise it used plastic head dowels which made for head gasket issues.  However, if the engine was rebuilt and proper replacement part from a quality manufacturer was used in reassembly then the engine hardware should be good.  

 

Some very standard Caterham installations used a foam baffle in the sump which over time, high temps and oil, broke up and went into the engine.  There is a well known fix for removing foam and modifying sump so that foam never is used again.  

 

@yellowss7 has been running his 25 years without an issue although it is fun to bust his chops, it is quick and reliable.

 

Other than head gasket your likely issue will be some odd ECU with a dubious tune or some electrical issue.  Unless you are really up to speed on this stuff you will find these issues a pain work through and resolve.  @slowdude any words of wisdom/sadness/choice of alcoholic beverage on this one?

 

A lot of the K series cars were paired with the Caterham 6 speed gearbox.  These are a little fragile as they get old and the rebuilding path is now difficult.  Make sure this is good as you are likely looking having to replace it with a 5 speed T9 should it break.    

[yellowss7]

I ordered my Caterham specifically with the K series.  Mine is a 1.8L with the VHPD head. (Very High Power Derivative).  195BHP. Great light engine.around 200 pounds with accessories. I got the dry dumped version, with the dry sump tank incorporated into the bell housing.  Great little high revving motor.  Revs to 8000 rpm if you are brave.   Sounds great and the six speed gearbox keeps you in the power range thru the gears.  
Only little issue I’ve had was that the starter is right below the headers so even wrapping the starter, they tend to suffer from the heat. I’ve replaced Three over the last 25 years.  And I’m almost in tears as that’s just about the nicest thing Croc has ever said about my KSeries. 😜