ns1 Posted September 14, 2021 Share Posted September 14, 2021 Caterham 1996 live axle - originally had an asthmatic 1600ccc crossflow. We initially fitted a supercharger however had heat and packing issues.Have been told a sigma engine offer the best balance option for a Caterham . The car is used 40% road 60 track. Whats the general consensus ? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Member Jonathan Kay Posted September 14, 2021 Member Share Posted September 14, 2021 I'd start by looking again at how you could develop that Crossflow.Then I'd consider a Zetec, previous discussion here (and elsewhere): https://www.lotus7.club/forum/techtalk/zetec-planning...It's a crude measure but what sort of power would you like?Jonathan Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wrightpayne Posted September 14, 2021 Share Posted September 14, 2021 Having seen a few of them, I really like the zetec swap in a crossflow. 2L crate engine, cams, DHTBs and 3d ignition should be good for 180bhp+ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ns1 Posted September 14, 2021 Author Share Posted September 14, 2021 There's option to turbo the Crossflow. Its has a steel crank and rods with low compression pistons . Its just the weight issue compared with the Sigma. The end result will be about the same 180bhp Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ivaan Posted September 14, 2021 Share Posted September 14, 2021 Put a bike engine in it!Mine's a 1988 LA car with Yamaha R1 motor. 160 hp, 12,000 rpm, 6 speed sequential box, 380 kgs. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Roger King Posted September 14, 2021 Share Posted September 14, 2021 It's a personal opinion, but I feel that a turbo is the worst possible way to go in a Caterham, whatever the engine. Aside from the inevitable heat management issues and extra weight, you are also losing it's instant throttle response Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
7 wonders of the world Posted September 14, 2021 Share Posted September 14, 2021 2.0 Duratec Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Drumster Posted September 14, 2021 Share Posted September 14, 2021 Andy Couchman of this parish has a lovely x/flow running on throttle bodies producing circa 170bhp. Personally more than happy with my 200bhp Zetec conversion after the x/flow grenadier itself Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Area Representative Golf Juliet Tango Posted September 15, 2021 Area Representative Share Posted September 15, 2021 I wouldn't swap from the Crossflow, I would get that engine sorted.You will find any replacement plan is a more expensive route.If you are determined to change, then Zetec is simpler than Sigma or Duratec. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nick T Posted September 15, 2021 Share Posted September 15, 2021 I got my xflow rebuilt with forged pistons and it was a peach of an engine. These days probably worth rebuilding (prices on the up) and if you want more power change to a different car ( I suspect cheaper overall). If you want to change then a Zetec would appear to be the obvious route. Present car has a Duratec which is madly fast but does not have the character of the x flow. CheersNick Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
David Brown Posted September 15, 2021 Share Posted September 15, 2021 Presume you've a live axle, in which case you have to watch high power outputs. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ns1 Posted September 16, 2021 Author Share Posted September 16, 2021 David , Yes it is a live axle . Its fully braced with Quaife half shafts and LSD. Don't expect I will see any issues other than the A frame mounting bush. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Area Representative Golf Juliet Tango Posted September 16, 2021 Area Representative Share Posted September 16, 2021 . Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ns1 Posted September 17, 2021 Author Share Posted September 17, 2021 Crossflow it is! Now the gearbox question - Sequential or H pattern. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nickh7 Posted September 18, 2021 Share Posted September 18, 2021 Zetec , just look at what the Chris and Matty Bramhall are achieving with there's Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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