New Member w/ questions to upgrade 7 for track days

[O Racer]

Hi all I am new to this site but not new to Caterhams as I built mine from a kit from Chris T. in 1991 and have owned it since. I have other cars but this is the last one I will ever sell!

 

I have rallied it and did track days in the past, decided to get back on the track again so did a track day with the Shelby Club last month at Laguna Seca

 

I had so much fun I decided to make it a more dedicated track day car and have started the process by getting a set of cycle fenders to replace the clam shell ones I got with the car.

 

I have so many questions, thought I would do them one post at the time but here goes with my list:

 

Car is a 1991 Caterham 7, 1700 Crossflow, Sierra Cosworth 5 speed, De Dion rear, 5 point belts, stock windshield replaced with Brooklands windscreen, stock roll bar, otherwise pretty much stock with about 14,000 miles

 

-replace stock seat, any suggestions since seat width limited to 16"

 

-add a fuel cell, I see ATL and Fuel Safe make one that fits but price close to $2,000, also foam degrades if you use pump gas. Any suggestions

 

-Have 14" Panasports with Kumho tires with TWR of 50, nice and soft but no longer available, nor does it seem there are any race tires out there in 14" size. Any suggestions at 14" or if I change to 13's or 15's.

 

-Stock brake pads, rotors good, any suggestion for a race pads

 

-Muffler has loose baffles so though I would replace with Bullet type, ideas?

 

-For 2013, thought I would do some engine work but limited to head. thinking HD springs, rockers (roller?) and push rods if stock not suitable

 

-For looks, sides of car are bare aluminum, gravel blasted from gravel coming off soft tires, they need sanding as that are pretty rough, suggestions

 

Realize this is a lot, thought I would put this out for comments.

 

Would post photos but could never figure out how

 

Thanks all

 

John

[Croc]

Hi John

 

Welcome to USA7s. Good to see someone else understands how much fun you can have on track with a seven!

 

 

For what it is worth here are my ideas:

1) Seats - I guess you have the standard cloth/leather bucket seat so if you want a pure track car then try the Tillet shell:

http://www.caterhamparts.co.uk/product.php?id_product=123

You may be able to get these cheaper from Tillet directly.

 

If you want to still use it on street and retain some comfort but still have more support then try the GT seat:

http://www.caterhamparts.co.uk/product.php?id_product=4815

 

Your harness should already fit these seats.

 

2) Instead of a fuel cell I first would go for a upgraded roll bar (FIA or track day bar) or even consider a cage. There have been a couple of recent threads on cages on here that you can find. My rationale for this is that you are more likely to bash your head before you burn.

 

3) Go to 13" wheels. The convention on every track user on blatchat is for 13's with a thick sidewall. There are hoosier slicks out there which will fit a 13 inch rim - Yellowss7 uses them. Alternatively stick with a road tire. It does change the liveliness of the car for the better - the race car I borrow in the UK has 13' rims with 60 profile Avon CR500s and it feels great. Be wary of lowering the rim size and profile as then you be redlined and run out of gears on a long straight.

 

4) Are you getting fade on your brakes? If not then I would stay with what you have. The advantage is they come up to temp quicker than race pads.

 

For 5) to 6) I defer to someone else more experienced on here.

 

6) What about a vinyl wrap for your car. Covers up the gravel rash and makes her look nice and new and provides protection from further damage. When you want a change because it looks tatty you can easily change.

 

 

Now that I have stuck my neck out, others should start to chime in shortly.

[S1Steve]

Off with his head I say.....