Mechanical robustness of a stock Caterham?

[twobone]

Hi,

 

I'm acquiring a stock solid axle cross flow 4 speed Caterham.

 

How hard can I push my car?

 

I'm used to a 84' 911 which is over engineered and designed for aggressive driving including track use.

 

Am I safe to really throw my car around (within reason)? I'm thinking that the light weight of a Caterham translates into lower stress on suspension, drivetrain and brakes.

 

Just looking for perspectives for a newbie.

[WestTexasS2K]

Hammer down.

[twobone]

funny story...

 

My neighbor pointed out to my 8 year old that given that the steering wheel is on the right side, he will have to do the driving.

 

He then asked my son, "whats the first thing you do when you drive?"

 

My son's answer; "Floor it!"

 

I've never been more proud...

[Kitcat]

My kinda kid:).

 

Yes, hammer down is the rule.

 

Nothing has broken yet (tho a few non-essential parts have rattled or blown off:)). The power is modest in our Kent engined cars but the sound is intoxicating. And the faster the engine spins, the better the sound, so go for it!

[twobone]

My tach does not have a redline. Its an electronic tach as the car looks like its been converted to electronic ignition.

 

On a stock crossflow, whats a safe redline?

 

Given the loudness of the engine, I don't want to chicken out when more revs are actually available without dropping a conrod.

 

Thanks

[JohnCh]

I used 6500rpm on my crossflow. Some folks say 6000rpm is safer, but I never had any problems.

 

-John

[Hank]

Take the crossflow up into the rpm band until it blows. Then, when you rebuild it back the limiter down 500 rpm or so.

[Kitcat]

I use 6.5K as my redline. I have seen as high as 7K at the track a few times when I have gotten carried away. My engine is totally stock as delivered by Caterham. Apparently valve float intervenes before things get too ugly.