caterhamnut Posted May 27, 2002 Share Posted May 27, 2002 ...if one had this amount to spend on upgraditis, what should one spend it on? We have a 1.6k SS, and already have an upgraded exhaust. I know this topic is often covered, but I am dreaming, and do not really have any idea of specific costs etc. Throttle bodies? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tim Sture Posted May 27, 2002 Share Posted May 27, 2002 On the "do as I say not as I do" principle - upgrade yourself. I was gobsmacked to see the times Andrew Outterside and Graeme Smith managed to get out of Academy/Graduates Vauxhall 8v 1600 cars with control (ie crappy) tyres at Curborough the other day. At 66.something that's faster than some people managed in SLR's! More speed will be gained per £ spent by getting training than upgrading the car (subject to all sorts of limitations that probably mean I'm talking nonsense...!). So that's why I'm trying to sell my car and get a superlight instead smile.gif It's grim oop north - but reet griddly compared ter darn sarf Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AndyT Posted May 27, 2002 Share Posted May 27, 2002 As was said... spend the money on a driver upgrade. Best money you'll ever spend !!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Peter Carmichael Posted May 27, 2002 Share Posted May 27, 2002 Cycle wings Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
V7 SLR Posted May 27, 2002 Share Posted May 27, 2002 teeth.gif Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
buroz Posted May 27, 2002 Share Posted May 27, 2002 Under car lighting. Blue LED's on the washer jets. A BIG stereo. Some nice spot lights on the front. some wikkid shades. A sun strip. 17" alloyz. One of those "night rider" lights. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
caterhamnut Posted May 27, 2002 Author Share Posted May 27, 2002 all ready got all that, but my wheels are actually 20". Lock is not too great, but looks the dogs bo**ocks. I'm going to have to search the archives are'nt I. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
EFA Posted May 27, 2002 Share Posted May 27, 2002 Liposuction........(sorry for re-using you joke yet again Robert) Fat Arn Visit the K2 RUM siteid=red> See the Lotus Seven Club 4 Counties Area Website hereid=green> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Drumster Posted May 27, 2002 Share Posted May 27, 2002 Fat Arnie and liposuction.... a bit like kettle, pot and black methinks (:E) Chris Alston 1800 Supersprintid=green> - Loud and Proud teeth.gif ...well it only sounds fast officer blush.gif Brooklands aeroscreens for that real open top motoring feeling eek.gif Edited by - C7CAT on 27 May 2002 15:47:18 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Peter Carmichael Posted May 27, 2002 Share Posted May 27, 2002 SERIOUS ANSWER WARNINGid=red> It is enticing to get into the engine upgrade business, but it is a fairly pointless exercise. With engines, you only ever get more . There isn't such a thing as better that isn't the same as more. There is far more pleasure to be had from getting the chassis to cooperate and £1000-2000 goes a long way on chassis tweaks. Your current set up could stand some improved gear ratios and then a careful look at what is going on at each corner. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
caterhamnut Posted May 27, 2002 Author Share Posted May 27, 2002 Thank you Peter for a SERIOUS answer!! (Though Arnies answer is probably relevant, especially with those cracking 'Point' meals! smile.gif Ok - gear ratios: With our use of the car Peter, what should we do here. Is it true to say that a 6 spd 'box is not the way to go for us, but a longer ratio for 1st with the existing box ( I think Paul Jacobs was trying to get this done). What about chassis? Adjustable ride height etc? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Peter Carmichael Posted May 27, 2002 Share Posted May 27, 2002 It won't be economically reasonable to upgrade to a six speed box, so the traditional route is to get improved internals for your five speed. The adjustable platforms are a gateway to the world of suspension tweaks. If you have standard factory suspension settings the front end will be too soft which can be cured with stiffer springs and/or a fatter ARB. No need to go super-fat or super-stiff, just incrementally a bit stiffer than where you are at the moment. eek.gifPeter the Arnie Webb wannabeeek.gifid=red> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
paul jacobs Posted May 28, 2002 Share Posted May 28, 2002 Hi Angus and PC, yes you're right about the longer 1st gear, perhaps not so satisfying as snicking up and down the 6 speed box, with only a 500 rpm rev drop between gears, but so much cheaper and more relaxing for M'way cruising. I've had mine done by Brian Hill in the past, but he seems to be having some personal family problems at the moment and is behind with his workload, I hear that Phil Stewart at Road and Race Transmissions is good - Arnie? PC is absolutely right about the suspension, though I would venture to suggest that instead of paying the exorbitant price that Caterham want for their beautifully crafted anodised adjustable spring seats, you have a look around for replacement dampers with adjustable spring seats built in, as well as instant adjustment for the damping. I've gone down the AVO route, but there are now several othe makes available at what look like reasonable prices. How about an adjustable Juno a/r bar too? So this is it then; New adjustable dampers all round with stiffer front springs [say 200lbs, Juno a/r bar, and a longer first gear on the standard 5 speed box, this little lot should be within your budget and give a usefull amount of chassis feel to the car. How does it sound? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Christian P Posted May 28, 2002 Share Posted May 28, 2002 Paul, Quick question - what benefit does a longer first gear provide? My guess is that it turns first from being a 'pulling away quickly but having to change up almost straightaway' gear, into something a bit more useful for tight corners when second would drop the revs too low, and the normal first is probably too low to be of any use (and a pig to engage). But this is just a guess... I ask, because I'd like to upgrade to a six speed box but know, in my heart of hearts, that it's too expensive. So Angus's question is rather pertinent... Ta, Christian Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
EFA Posted May 28, 2002 Share Posted May 28, 2002 Leopard, spots, PC, gear ratios effecting acceration abobve 1st gear....... Fat Arn Visit the K2 RUM siteid=red> See the Lotus Seven Club 4 Counties Area Website hereid=green> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
paul jacobs Posted May 29, 2002 Share Posted May 29, 2002 Hmm, yes, I seem to remember one of PCs' learned discourses on gear ratios too, not so long ago! Yes Christian, you've hit the nail on the head, because the Seven is so light and never pulls caravans up a 1-4 hill, the standard ratio that Ford so painstakingly worked out is all but useless for our cars, so just changing the first gear ratio makes a huge difference to the car at lower speeds, and because the car is so light, it doesn't mean very much heavy clutch slipping in traffic. The rest of the ratios stay the same, and in my opinion, are great if the car is used for mainly road and especially longer distance cruising work. This is a hotly debated topic, and it really depends on what you want to use the car for, and what engine it's got and the state of tune too. Edited by - Paul Jacobs on 29 May 2002 09:27:30 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Peter Carmichael Posted May 29, 2002 Share Posted May 29, 2002 I have been entirely consistent, so bog off and leave the physics and engineering to experts rather than sneering like a loser - oh, you are a loser. Christian, You have got it spot on, as Paul describes. Peterid=blue> eek.gifSecond loser, Class 5, Curborough May 2002id=red> Edited by - Peter Carmichael on 29 May 2002 11:02:37 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Christian P Posted May 31, 2002 Share Posted May 31, 2002 Paul, Peter, Thanks chaps - useful to know (and a rather tempting opportunity to spend the hard-earnt). Enjoy the weekend! Christian Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
EFA Posted May 31, 2002 Share Posted May 31, 2002 Peter, Remember I came second, you came third! Anyway, you can put that £2000 towards a proper gearbox now! Fat Arn Visit the K2 RUM siteid=red> See the Lotus Seven Club 4 Counties Area Website hereid=green> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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