Buying a car without an engine

[ce1984]

My father and I have decided to buy a Caterham SV kit, less engine and transmission, and worry about the engine later. Someone has mentioned that they might have a used Duratec 2.0L available for sale later this summer, and I think that might be our best option. However, I'm concerned that ordering a car this way might present certain obstacles.

 

First of all, If we buy an engine from a third party, it's unlikely to come with all the neccessary installation hardware, i.e. exhaust, engine mounts, cooling hoses etc. What is the best source for parts like this? And will the cost

 

Second, doesn't caterham need to know which engine is going to be used in order to build the car with the correct exhaust cutouts, cutout in the bonnet for the induction system, etc.? Are these something that is assumed to be completed by the customer? I suppose this means that once the chassis is ordered we are locked in as far as choice of engine goes.

 

Finnaly, I'm a bit unclear as to exactly where the engine stops and the car begins when they price their kits as "less engine and transmission." What additional parts will I need if I buy ONLY the engine and transmission from a third party?

 

Thanks for your time

 

ce1984

[Al N.]

ce1984-I'll keep my fingers crossed for you! I think that Cat-USA might sell the entire drivetrain, stem to stern (including all ancilaries), in the prices they quote (sit down before you check those out).

 

Skip C. put a Miata mill into his SV (which he bought as a roller), and can probably advise on what is needed when buying a kit sans engine and tranny.

 

As far the bonnet cutouts go...Rex M. of Speed Classics built my car and I know he had to cut the bonnet himself (which I had my local garage tidy up once it arrived in NJ).

[yellowss7]

I'll give it a go.

 

First off, It would be WAAAY cheaper to find a used car! I built mine and got nickeled and dimed for everything at full retail!! Now having said that, I loved builing mine to my spec. But you could always buy a used one, dissasemble and then rebuild it.

 

As for the ordering process, yes they do need to know what motor you plan to put in. For example, on a Duratec the injection and exhaust are on the opposite side from a Zetec, Rover, and Crossflow, They probably route the fuel lines down the other side of the chassie. If you plan on a Fuel Injection motor, you need a fuel injection gas tank. As for the cutout for the exhaust, It's pretty easy to do yourself. Mine came without the hole. A pair of tin ships, and a dremel make for a reasonably quick job.

 

Motor mounts would be the other difference on the chassie. Again not a big issue as I think the mounting points are similar. (Someone correct me if I'm wrong there)

 

I think that's about it. As for the bonnet cut out. You could spec that for the motor or if you have room, don't do a cut out. Mine does not have one, althought it might benefit from the cooler intake air if I did.

 

As for the Exhaust, mine was a seperate Item, as were most of the ancilliaries. (Don't use the dealer I dealt with!!)

 

As for the parts you need, RMCI have a good supply and George Alderman at MidAtlantic Caterham or Skip at GT classics are good guys knowledgeable guys who can supply parts as well. I've also gone directly to Caterham UK for parts, since I have a Rover K and they know more about them. Shipping is really high now, though.

 

Finally, your question about options, depends on what model you order, Carpets, heater, FIA roll bar, Top, mirrors, upgraded radiator, paint, etc can really boost the base price, in my experience.

 

Tom

[Boxologist]

options boost the price, but the more often and varied use of the car, the more u wish u had those. unless u have the fabrication skills or access to someone who can do such work, the safe bet is go directly thru a dealer or buy somoneelse's.

[scannon]

My SV roller came setup for the Zetec. It had the exhaust cutout and no cutouts in the bonnet. I fabricated my own motor mounts with help from a machinist friend, same fo adapting the Miata transmission to fit in the tunnel. Motor mounts are very easy to make. I used the Caterham rubber mounts and we made the struts going from there to the motor.

 

The biggest headache I had was wiring the aftermarket ECU into the Miata engine (it was designed for a Miata) and Caterham chassis. I spent more time on this than anything else. If you go with a Ford engine, you will have plug and play wiring and ECU.

 

If you go with a Zetec, I still have a brand new Caterham header and silencer/cat that I will sell you for half price.

 

My custom downpipe was a little cramped because I used the existing hole in the side panel which was a little forward of the ideal spot for my turbo outlet.

 

I think you will have to source a custom oil pan for the Zetec, probably from Caterham.

 

Skip

[Boxologist]

go with a turbo setup, run the downpipe out one side, and pull an external wastegate dumptube and bike muffler out the other side!:bigears:

it would also be cool to use teh autometer nexus gaugues instead of the caterham stockers. yup, i can the $$$$ frittering away!

[Alaskossie]

I bought my narrow-chassis Caterham without engine or transmission. The crate has arrived in Colorado, and I begin assembly next month. The propshaft and diff are included in the kit, i am assured.

 

I bought the transmission from Caterham USA, and sourced the engine separately from Cosworth USA. It is a tuned Duratec 2.3. I did this partly to have a US source of advice and parts in case of trouble, and partly to avoid any hassle from EPA/DOT/US Customs over a "non-certified" engine coming into the country with the car kit.

 

Your exhaust cutout and induction system cutout (you may not need a bonnet cutout on an SV model) are done by you, not by Caterham. Measure twice (or thrice!), cut once...

 

Tom Meacham

Anchorage, Alaska