scannon Posted December 3, 2013 Share Posted December 3, 2013 Interesting article based around the K-Series engines. Not many of these on this side of the pond but if you are in Europe it should be a useful tool. http://www.pistonheads.com/news/default.asp?storyId=28975&utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_content=html&utm_campaign=2013-12-3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
yellowss7 Posted December 4, 2013 Share Posted December 4, 2013 (edited) I have one of a very few Rover K series engine Caterham's in the States. When I ordered my kit back in December of 1999, it was in my reading the way to go, as the only other options when I ordered were the 1700 Ford Crossflow or the Vauxhaull boat anchor. The Zetec had not yet been used. ( I belive Michael D's Caterham was the test bed for the USA Zetec.) I had the engine specced to the Superlight R level of 190+ BHP and QED build my motor which dynode at 195bhp so I was very happy. In the months I waited for my Kit, Caterham came out with the 242 Hp R500 spec. I was already losing the HP war before I even got my kit. :willy_nilly: The benefit of the K series is it's light weight. The engine weighs less then 87KG which is about 191 pounds. Plus it likes to rev with a redline of 8000. Mated to the Caterham 6 speed it's a really well matched package. The lightness up front makes it seem to turn in quicker than the Zetec engine cars I've driven. It's still about 20 or more pounds lighter than the Duratec, but Croc won't let me Drive his Fat Bastard to compare. :jester: My car has been registered since 2001 and has done close to 75 or more trackdays and was autoxed for 8 years prior to that. While it's not as quick or fast as the big boys like Croc, Blubarisax, RedGoose, or Jeffs, with their Duratecs, with 70 to 100+ more horsepower, it is still able to hold it's own. I do lust after the big HP from those Duratecs though. :hurray: It's just ashame that to convert to one requires a significant cash outlay. :ack: Oh Well. Viva la K series!!! Tom Edited December 4, 2013 by yellowss7 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
S1Steve Posted December 4, 2013 Share Posted December 4, 2013 It is a pretty lump.... You have lots of track miles on the K series, when do you think it may need a rebuild.. I just read higher spec needs it after 6000 miles.. Hope all is good..... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
yellowss7 Posted December 4, 2013 Share Posted December 4, 2013 I changed the cam belt last winter. Looks like I may need a head gasket this winter. On the last trackday weekend in November, I noticed that my expansion tank was full, usually it remains half full. I bled the system, replaced the cap and it ran well for the 4 sessions the next day but again the tank was full. Checked in with Oilyhands on Blatchat the UK Rover K guru who thought that maybe the headgasket was breached at the fire ring. I watched the temp gauge closely for all my laps and the temp never rose past 80C which is the normal operating temp. At speed it was more like 65C. Again normal. So, Since I'm pulling the engine to replace the clutch anyway, I've ordered a new gasket set from Oily and he's provided me with the key areas to check to ensure it is correctly remedied. As for the 6000 mile refresh, that was for the R500 variant that originally had a 9200++ RPM redline. Those motors, used to that level, required the refresh. The later models were limited to 8600 rpm which provided greater longevity. Personally, I've limited myself to 6500 to 6800 rpm with 7000 rpm being my absolute max, which is extremely rare. Even with this possible head gasket issue, the car ran extremely well, pulling strongly up thru the gears to my self imposed limits. QED built a good motor, Forged Pistons and Rods. Dry sumped. Jenvey DTHTB's. I've Changed the oil after every 3 to 4 trackdays, So it's been babied. Also on this year's winter maintenance schedule are A new full roll Cage, Flexible rear brake lines, New uprated Front hubs and bearings, new rear hubs and bearings, New clutch, Brakes pads front and rear, New front Rotors if needed. New hoses and belts. And a general overall trackday prep. And if I can figure out a way to make them fit, some new front Race Clams to improve my aero profile. :ack: And the most important order is for 3 sets of new Slicks for the new trackday season. That's the real speed secret. :hurray: Tom Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Croc Posted December 4, 2013 Share Posted December 4, 2013 ....but Croc won't let me Drive his Fat Bastard to compare. :jester: Ok ok I did not realize you were lusting over my car and here I was just happily driving mine oblivious to your breaking one of the ten commandments - thou shall not covet another man's woman! Did you want to risk frostbite and drive mine on Saturday? It may cause you to have a Scientologist experience and upgrade to a Duratec :dupe: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
yellowss7 Posted December 4, 2013 Share Posted December 4, 2013 (edited) It may cause you to have a Scientologist experience and upgrade to a Duratec :dupe: I assume that means I'll have to donate a lot of cash to become a member of the club, eh? :jester: Does Katie Holmes come with the deal too? Edited December 4, 2013 by yellowss7 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Croc Posted December 4, 2013 Share Posted December 4, 2013 I assume that means I'll have to donate a lot of cash to become a member of the club, eh? :jester: Does Katie Holmes come with the deal too? No she was never a Scientologist but Tom Cruise is gay if that helps? :svengo: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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