About to pull the trigger, but have some important questions

[biomax]

I've been shooting emails back and forth with Ben at Caterham USA regarding an upcoming purchase. But responses are slow and thought I'd ask y'all the rest of my questions to expedite my decision-making and order.

 

1) Absent the drivetrain, what are the key differences between the CSR and Roadsport SV series?

 

2) From the order form, it looks like the CSR has an "integrated dash" option (with the option of a push button start) or a stack display (w/ standard dash). What is the "integrated dash" and if I can't order a Stack with that option, is the Stack included in that option? (I know that the ID option appears to come with the quick release MOMO wheel)

 

3) Black pack. Does anybody have pictures of the parts that come in that pack? If I order a "Caterham Black" paint withhout this pack, what will it look like? If I order both, are there any parts that won't be black. (i.e., it looks like even with the black pack that the rollbar still needs to be painted. Is that right? Is the noseband painted the same color as the body, etc.? please confirm).

 

4) I see that in the SV series, there are "engine upgrades" to increase HP from the stock 170 to 175, 195, 210, or 220. Does anyone have a list of what upgrades are included in each of those? What is the cost of each of those upgrades? Can they be done afterwards (i.e., perhaps I'll get a 170 and in an upcoming year upgrade to 210 or 220...)?

 

5) Finally, my real dilemma is that it appears that they're going to shortly offer a CSR 175 with the Duratech engine. I'm not sure how that compares to the SV170 (well, except for 5 extra HP and the suspension). It will likely be 10% more. Trying to decide if the CSR is worth that. Since they'll both be the same engine, I could always upgrade the SV170 to 175hp. Not sure what that'd cost/entail (see #4 above).

 

So #5 is the real issue I'm wrangling with. Costs of various upgrades and differences between CSR and SV. I appreciate any help you can provide.

 

Thanks.

 

Robert

[scannon]

I'd suggest you call Ben and get the straight info. He's a little hard to catch but easy to talk to when you do. Don't just leave a message, keep calling back until you get him.

[biomax]

Thanks. The back and forth was getting frustrating - hence my post here. I'll keep calling until I actually get him on the phone.

 

Robert

[Al N.]

I'll keep calling until I actually get him on the phone.

 

Robert

 

As long as you don't distract him from finishing SB1341! ;-P

[Boxologist]

1. much stiffer frame. front inboard suspension, rear independent suspension. I beleive the larger brakes are standard.

 

2. the CSR was designed with a more typical car dash. There were numerous complaints from customers for the traditional dash back.

 

3. blask is very rare on a se7en. Roman and Mondo's Ultralights are black. Outside of a motorcycle, u are now the smallest object on the road. even motorcycles ride higher than us. Visibility is key to safety.

 

4. power numbers are marketing numbers. unless its been on a dyno, it doesn't mean squat. on the homemarket(UK) these upgrades are pretty common, but the US has run primarily different engines for the last decade. Buy as much engine as u think u will be able to afford and can drive. If u autox w/ scca remember that >2.0L moves to E Mod.

 

5. I think there are enough benefits to the CSR if compared to an SV.

 

I've been shooting emails back and forth with Ben at Caterham USA regarding an upcoming purchase. But responses are slow and thought I'd ask y'all the rest of my questions to expedite my decision-making and order.

 

1) Absent the drivetrain, what are the key differences between the CSR and Roadsport SV series?

 

2) From the order form, it looks like the CSR has an "integrated dash" option (with the option of a push button start) or a stack display (w/ standard dash). What is the "integrated dash" and if I can't order a Stack with that option, is the Stack included in that option? (I know that the ID option appears to come with the quick release MOMO wheel)

 

3) Black pack. Does anybody have pictures of the parts that come in that pack? If I order a "Caterham Black" paint withhout this pack, what will it look like? If I order both, are there any parts that won't be black. (i.e., it looks like even with the black pack that the rollbar still needs to be painted. Is that right? Is the noseband painted the same color as the body, etc.? please confirm).

 

4) I see that in the SV series, there are "engine upgrades" to increase HP from the stock 170 to 175, 195, 210, or 220. Does anyone have a list of what upgrades are included in each of those? What is the cost of each of those upgrades? Can they be done afterwards (i.e., perhaps I'll get a 170 and in an upcoming year upgrade to 210 or 220...)?

 

5) Finally, my real dilemma is that it appears that they're going to shortly offer a CSR 175 with the Duratech engine. I'm not sure how that compares to the SV170 (well, except for 5 extra HP and the suspension). It will likely be 10% more. Trying to decide if the CSR is worth that. Since they'll both be the same engine, I could always upgrade the SV170 to 175hp. Not sure what that'd cost/entail (see #4 above).

 

So #5 is the real issue I'm wrangling with. Costs of various upgrades and differences between CSR and SV. I appreciate any help you can provide.

 

Thanks.

 

Robert

[biomax]

1. much stiffer frame. front inboard suspension, rear independent suspension. I beleive the larger brakes are standard.

 

2. the CSR was designed with a more typical car dash. There were numerous complaints from customers for the traditional dash back.

 

3. blask is very rare on a se7en. Roman and Mondo's Ultralights are black. Outside of a motorcycle, u are now the smallest object on the road. even motorcycles ride higher than us. Visibility is key to safety.

 

4. power numbers are marketing numbers. unless its been on a dyno, it doesn't mean squat. on the homemarket(UK) these upgrades are pretty common, but the US has run primarily different engines for the last decade. Buy as much engine as u think u will be able to afford and can drive. If u autox w/ scca remember that >2.0L moves to E Mod.

 

5. I think there are enough benefits to the CSR if compared to an SV.

 

Thanks. This helps. Part of me has considered a bright color. Size on the road wasn't the reason. But that is a very good point. Also a good point re: autox. I haven't been autoxing since I moved here from TX (2005) - when I sold my autocrosser. So this WILL be used in that way (and track, and street...)

 

R

[Mondo]

The main advantage to black is I can use a black sharpie pen to fill rock chips;)

[biomax]

Ok. After looking at lots of pics, I've narrowed it down to red/black or orange/black. I'll let the wife have her 0.02.

 

R

[Taber10]

Biomax,

I'm sorry I have little advice to offer, but I think the rollbar will be painted black, but I really think the wife's opinion is an important step!

Good luck,

Taber

[slngsht]

I'm assuming you have sat in both CSR and SV, correct?

[biomax]

I'm assuming you have sat in both CSR and SV, correct?

 

Yup.

[Al N.]

Ok. After looking at lots of pics, I've narrowed it down to red/black or orange/black. I'll let the wife have her 0.02.

 

R

 

Orange and black is taken. ;-P

 

Just kidding, of course. But I will second Jon's advice on making the car as bright as possible...(though SB1341 will not follow my own advice...)

[pksurveyor]

I suggest paint the roll bar a bright color because it is the tallest part of the car and you want people to see you.

[snookwheel]

You guys have got me thinking..... my 7esque ride is all black...... may need to re think my paint job. I've been relying on the 'Loud Pipes Save Lives' thing a bit too much.

[Alaskossie]

Snookwheel, Just a few thoughts.

 

I believe the CSR chassis is stiffer than the SV, but I'm not sure it's "much stiffer." Caterham UK has the comparative figures (or claims), I think. The metric-chassis SV gained a few percentage points over the earlier non-metric Arch chassis.

 

The CSR's "integrated dash" option is the hoop-shaped dash surrounds that form a center console. I've seen photos, but not in the flesh. Certainly not a "traditional" approach to the Seven interior.

 

The "black pack" option basically has all of the exterior brightwork anodized or painted in black. The most obvious "black-pack" parts are the windscreen and the triangular windscreen braces. i can't think of whatever else may be in the "black pack."

 

I believe all rollbars are painted semi-gloss black as a standard feature. If you want a different color, you'll have to do it yourself.

 

The nose band (if you spec one) may be in body-stripe color, or it may not be. You need to be specific. I ordered my 2007 car in an Audi custom light silver color, with carbon fiber nose cone and wings. I wanted the nose cone painted the Audi silver color, and the wings bare c/f. The nose cone was painted silver, but they left a band around the nose of bare c/f (I guess they assumed that I would want to show off the fact that the nose was c/f). i had to have the entire nose cone repainted in silver.

 

I don't have any advice on the ever-changing engine options, except to recommend going with the Duratec if you can -- it is the engine of the future.

[supersportsp]

The Duratec motor is also lighter, so you will remove some weight and I think the CoG is a little lower on that unit as well.

 

The CSR was probably the fastest car on a track Caterham offered until they brought out the R500.

[blubarisax]

I am pleased to have joined the board that I have put a deposit on the Orange R300 SV at Caterham USA. I'm going to upgrade the engine to the 220 HP specs with a 6-spd and dry sump. Now I am keeping keeping my fingers that with Croc's coaching I can find my way through the New Jersey DMV process. With any luck I'll have the car in time for a ride to the Vintage Car races at Lime Rock with temporary Colorado plates...(yes I am extreemly optomistic)

[Al N.]

Congrats! FYI, in addition to what Tom mentions above, the "black pack" includes the headlight nacelles and brackets....it's definitely a more modern look, and goes great with orange.