V-Robb Posted August 21, 2009 Share Posted August 21, 2009 This is trouble. You know what I'm talking about. You see a machine that is of such engineering purity, form following function, that you must have it. You can't stop thinking about it. Take for instance my V-Rod, the black sheep of the Harley family. When I saw the engineering behind it, the purity of it without a lot of fluff, I got this feeling of "I gotta have one of those." Wouldn't go away, kept getting worse over time. Eight months later I'm on a one-way plane trip to El Paso Texas and ride home my baby who's now pushing close to 100k miles. All ridden in less than 7 years. Let's say I do like to motor, preferably on 2 wheels or so I thought... But then a little while ago, admittedly on BBC's Top Gear, I catch whiff of these amazing cars known as Caterham's, as pure and as bare as you can get with a street legal machine and made to perform like a race car but yet within my budget. Uh oh, I start to get that same "I gotta have one of those" feeling I had back in 2002. And it's getting worse as time goes on. I suspect some of you had the same reaction, hence a web community like this. So I'm here to get as much advice as any care to give, and will be joining your ranks of nutter drivers out on the road in our 7's soon enough. Oh yes, count on it. This is merely a question of when, not if. Frankly right now it's all about figuring out which one would be best for me (would love the new 500, but that's a bit too maniacal methinks -- maybe not...??) "Maybe not"? See??!! Thoughts like that are going to get me into Trouble!! Anyway, I look forward to learning as much as possible before plunging in. And in I will plunge headfirst. Because, as you can see from my cycle story, once I get it in my thick head I need to do something like this, it's pretty much a done deal and nothing's really going to dissuade me...! V-Robb, soon to be C-Robb, or maybe 7-Robb?? Robert Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pierats Posted August 21, 2009 Share Posted August 21, 2009 Robert, Welcome. You have certainly been bitten by the same bug as the rest of us! I would not shy away from an R500 or better if I had the $$$. As someone wise said "You can never have enough power...just not enough traction". Oh and be forewarned, you will be bitten by another bug as soon as you take delivery. It's called upgradeitus. Post a message on the california caterham club http://www.californiacaterhamclub.com site too. There are a number of 7 owners in your area who would be happy to share their experiences and perhaps give you a ride. Cheers, Tom Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kitcat Posted August 21, 2009 Share Posted August 21, 2009 Of all my many car fantasies, the Se7en is the only one that lived up to expectations. It is unlike any other car experience, altho a whole like the motorcycle experience (elbows in the wind, engine roaring, glued to the road, etc.). I drove mine into work today. I stayed mostly in 2nd the whole way, just to listen to the engine and to zoom up and down the RPM range. Fun, fun, fun. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
yellowss7 Posted August 21, 2009 Share Posted August 21, 2009 Yeah, we all know the feeling. If you've never had the pleasure of driving/riding in one, then you don't know the half of it yet. :driving: First off your face will hurt for days from smiling EVERY time you take it out. Second, you will get thumbs up, waves, yells of "nice car mister" as you drive. And everytime you walk past it in the garage, you'll get a little smile as well. As for which power variant, Tom is right, you'll always WANT more, however as someone with 196hp, I can tell you that on the road and autoxing that's way more than you can use. On the track it's another matter. Good luck. Tom Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
powderbrake Posted August 21, 2009 Share Posted August 21, 2009 V-Robb: DO IT NOW !!! When you get your seven you will ask yourself "Why did I wait so long?" Clicking on the section Member Rides will give an idea of how diverse the whole seven community really is. Lots of choices, and the best part about it is ......there are no bad choices !! Not only will the bike guys give you "low fives", the hot rod and sports car community will give you "thumbs up", and soccer moms with a minivan full of kids will tell you it is cool, and of course, the kids love it because it's really a car that is their size. Welcome to the USA7s forum, and we hope to see your pics in the members Rides section soon. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RGTorque Posted August 21, 2009 Share Posted August 21, 2009 welcome rob. your not the first and not the last to find out little community here. since we welcome all there are plenty of discussions on the different makes, models and their pros and cons if you are willing to scan back a bit in the general section. the best way to pick a car is to think about the following: how big/tall are you? will this be a street or track car? do you like low end power or top end power? do u think you will ever be caught in the rain? what kind of emissions and inspection system does your state require? are you mechanical and can you fabricate? and of course, how much money are you willing to put forth? 7's are all fantastic but getting the right one for you is like buying shoes. you will need to try a few pairs on before pulling your credit card. good luck, Roman Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
V-Robb Posted August 21, 2009 Author Share Posted August 21, 2009 Hey gang, Thanks for all the feedback, I really appreciate it. You're all just a bunch of enablers, aren't you? Let me address your questions and comments below: the best way to pick a car is to think about the following: how big/tall are you? will this be a street or track car? do you like low end power or top end power? do u think you will ever be caught in the rain? what kind of emissions and inspection system does your state require? are you mechanical and can you fabricate? and of course, how much money are you willing to put forth? Roman I'm 6'2" tall with size 12 skis on the ends of my legs, so that's the main reason I believe the 500 would be too much. Or more to the point, too little... This will mostly be a street car, but that's not to say I wouldn't hit the track or an AX sometime. I don't ride my bike like grandma and wouldn't do the 7 such an unjust act either. My bike is actually a revver, and for a Harley doesn't have that much oomph down low, so a big torque monster at low revs isn't something I'm usually doing anyway, but any suggestions in this regard would be appreciated. Yes, I'll be caught in the rain, though rarely here in Cali. I already ride in the rain with the correct gear, so I'd want to be able to do so also in the 7. And as mentioned above, I'm in California and as such have a whole extra set of nonsense to get through with regards to emissions and registration. I am very mechanically inclined, and in fact look forward to building my 7 if I don't happen to find a used one I can't live without. Anyone here remember building their Heathkits years ago? As to money, well I'm no millionaire but not a bum either. I'll be able to wing just about any model, except perhaps the full-on 500; that Cosworth engine alone is $20k if I read the pricing correctly... Oh and be forewarned, you will be bitten by another bug as soon as you take delivery. It's called upgradeitus. Post a message on the california caterham club http://www.californiacaterhamclub.com site too. There are a number of 7 owners in your area who would be happy to share their experiences and perhaps give you a ride. Cheers, Tom Tom, having the Harley for the last 7 years I'm already quite afflicted with the dreaded upgradeitis. Though I tend to stay with the more functional, and hence usually more expensive, type of upgrades! And I've tried to register on the California club site but there seems to be some problem with the registration image (numbers/letters) keeping the spambots out. You know an admin there that could look into it? I look forward to meeting up with some 7 owners at a rally or something so I can see and smell some up close! The cars, not the drivers! Of all my many car fantasies, the Se7en is the only one that lived up to expectations. It is unlike any other car experience, altho a whole like the motorcycle experience (elbows in the wind, engine roaring, glued to the road, etc.). I drove mine into work today. I stayed mostly in 2nd the whole way, just to listen to the engine and to zoom up and down the RPM range. Fun, fun, fun. Now THAT'S what I'm talking about. 7 years and 100k miles later and the bike still gets me excited when it's time to ride. And that's coming from a daily commuter, so to hear that you can get the same kind of reaction from a 'cage' is something I thought would be unobtainable... First off your face will hurt for days from smiling EVERY time you take it out. Second, you will get thumbs up, waves, yells of "nice car mister" as you drive. And everytime you walk past it in the garage, you'll get a little smile as well. Tom This is sounding better and better...!!! Very similar to the waves/thumbs up I get and give when on 2 wheels. V-Robb: DO IT NOW !!! When you get your seven you will ask yourself "Why did I wait so long?" Welcome to the USA7s forum, and we hope to see your pics in the members Rides section soon. Count on it... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
yellowss7 Posted August 21, 2009 Share Posted August 21, 2009 I'm 6'2" tall with size 12 skis on the ends of my legs In the Caterham range, you will probably fit in the S3 or standard sized Caterham depending on your weight and build. You might want to consider the lowered floor option as guys our size tend to look over the windscreen if you use the standard seats. The pedal box on an S3 is TIGHT. Narrow soled driving shoes/racing shoes are a must. The Caterham SV is 4 inches wider than the standard and accomodates larger sizes well. The pedal box is wide enough to use normal width shoes. Just depends on what you feel confortable with. I'm 6'1 225 with size 11's I fit nicely in the S3, but I have removed the seat cushion and replaced it with some high density foam to get my head and helmet below the rollbar. You'll just have to sit in a few different types to see what feel right to you. Tom Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MoPho Posted August 21, 2009 Share Posted August 21, 2009 And I've tried to register on the California club site but there seems to be some problem with the registration image (numbers/letters) keeping the spambots out. You know an admin there that could look into it?. Should work now Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
andrew7 Posted August 22, 2009 Share Posted August 22, 2009 Now to kick V-Robb over the edge. How about an engine that turns 14,000 rpm with sequential shifting. http://www.veoh.com/browse/videos/category/autos_and_vehicles/watch/v16367438w8TYfGNj I agree with others here, just sitting in different models will help you decide. Don't get hung up on the horsepower numbers for a street machine, I'm only 175hp and its plenty fast enough. Happy searching. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
V-Robb Posted August 22, 2009 Author Share Posted August 22, 2009 Now to kick V-Robb over the edge. How about an engine that turns 14,000 rpm with sequential shifting. You know, you're not helping...! :drool: Damn, 14k revs, must be a cycle engine, eh? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mondo Posted August 22, 2009 Share Posted August 22, 2009 (edited) I'm sure you can find a ride in a Caterham near you (the guys at californiacaterham are great). I'm a couple hours away, in Bakersfield, if you'd like to try a WCM S2K (little bigger & 240hp honda motor)... pics in my album (click my name/profile). Lots of choices out there... plus you have to deal with California DMV, so I recommend doing your homework before you let emotions get the best of you. Being a previous sportbike rider (and living to tell the tale;) ), you won't be disappointed! These are kind of hardcore cars; creature comforts are more in tune with a motorcycle than a car in my opinion so keep that in mind. Edited August 22, 2009 by Mondo Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
snookwheel Posted August 22, 2009 Share Posted August 22, 2009 (edited) Anyone here remember building their Heathkits years ago? .. Yes I do! A couple QRP rigs still hanging around! (WA4KVK) Just dive in. I got bit about 20 years ago... FINALLY, little over a month ago, I had a 7 clone (Brunton Super Stalker) shipped from the guy who built it. I have wanted one for years! My plan worked out great. I gave it to my Motor-head wife for our 25 year anniversary!:devil: (no, that won't work for all of it). I wish I had time to build my own. Someday I will. For now, finding a good one and just pulling the trigger worked. DO IT! We head to Gainesville tomorrow for an Autocross. It does not get much better. PS. She is getting pretty fast. Once she beats me, the Stalker may be for sale cheap:smilielol5: Scott Edited August 22, 2009 by snookwheel Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MHKflyer52 Posted August 22, 2009 Share Posted August 22, 2009 V-Rodd, If you want a ride in a completely hand built 7 I am north of you by about 40 miles (Ventura) and can an will take you for a ride if you want to come up some afternoon or evening so you can have a good idea as to wht your looking for and besides my car is for sale if you might be interested. Could help pluging my car. Anyway here is a link to some photos you might find interesting. http://picasaweb.google.com/MHKflyer52/ALotus7Replica# I have to agree with the others that the best way to find what you want is to test fit as many different 7 as you can to see which one fits you the best. :driving: :seeya: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
V-Robb Posted August 22, 2009 Author Share Posted August 22, 2009 V-Rodd, If you want a ride in a completely hand built 7 I am north of you by about 40 miles (Ventura) and can an will take you for a ride if you want... That's a very generous offer and I'll certainly take you up on that when I can. Right now I'm too tied to work (other engineer is in Holland so no support for me) but that's to change in a couple weeks or so. Ya, don't get me started with "He's in Holland? What's he doing?" :toetap05: Nice work on the car, I checked out the photos of the build! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
V-Robb Posted August 22, 2009 Author Share Posted August 22, 2009 ...Being a previous sportbike rider (and living to tell the tale;) ), you won't be disappointed! These are kind of hardcore cars; creature comforts are more in tune with a motorcycle than a car in my opinion so keep that in mind. Hey Mondo, I appreciate all your input. The more I keep researching and getting feedback from enthusiastic owners such as yourself the more I KNOW a Caterham is exactly what I'm looking for. Which one in particular is still pending! And I'll for sure hit you up when I'm heading out to 'bakkasfield' at some point, though with my work schedule who knows when that will be??! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
scannon Posted August 22, 2009 Share Posted August 22, 2009 (edited) V-Robb, If you ever get to Denver, stop by and I'll take you for a ride/drive in a Caterham SV with 300 RWHP. Edited August 22, 2009 by scannon Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
V-Robb Posted August 22, 2009 Author Share Posted August 22, 2009 Hey Skip, I am planning on passing through the Denver area next summer as I'm riding cross-country on the bike to Wisconsin. Was planning on stopping by the Caterham US dealership there. Would love to link up and see your machine and what you've done to it! Robert Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
scannon Posted August 22, 2009 Share Posted August 22, 2009 Robert, Sounds like a good plan, let me know a little in advance of when you will be coming through and we'll go for a blat. I have a spare room if you need a place to overnight. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
7evin Posted August 23, 2009 Share Posted August 23, 2009 (edited) All great advice. I dream about driving my car at night.... Its just sick.... We started with a WCM ultralite S2K ( it has a honda S2000 2.2L motor that revs to 9k) 240 HP and we were go to supercharge it..... Well.... We drove this thing and it scared the living sh#$%t out of us.... 12 months later and superchager is installed pushing a little over 300 ponies to the rear wheels.... and.... the sickness has began.. Everyone that rides in it thinks we have mental problems. 12 months later.... We build another car with wings on it and 387 hp running on E85. We take 3rd place in the One Lap of America.... and people won't even get in the car because they are quite sure we have gone completely mad. The only saving grace is that my wife drives it... This year we had the engine completely retooled to handle 800 hp at the crank.... of course we will de-tune it to run somewhere in the neighborhood of 600 at the rear wheels.. THIS IS A SICKNESS.... But dam ITS FUN.... So why am I telling you this.... Buy or build a car with a powerplant and drive line that leaves you plenty of room for upgrading power. You just never know how far you might want to push the envelope, carton, box, planet or what ever can contain your passion for getty up go. You can read about our build here at http://usa7s.com/vb/showthread.php?t=2107 or at http://www.organicracing.com Cheers and good luck 7evin Edited August 23, 2009 by 7evin Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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