webber duratec

[gavingraysonr300]

Hi all im asking for a friend who is looking at buying a Caterham hes seen a 2007 roadsport duratec example but has webber carburetors on it which im unsure about these must of been added at a later date why not just roller barrels whats the advantage hope someone can help ?

[ChrisC]

I looked at that car and the MOT history is interesting, including an advisory on not needing an emissions test.  This only applies to amateur builds pre SVA (1998).  The car just doesn't add up to me. I can't see how it's on the road without some very friendly MOT testers.  I would say buyer beware. 

[Paul Richards]

Sounds like a car that started life with a different engine and has had a second hand Duratec fitted. It will be a thirsty car on webers.

[SLR No.77]

I'm not sure a car could have easily been road registered with carbs in 2007 so there's possibly quite a lot that's been changed? An injection tank is different to a carb tank so a thorough inspection would be needed if there's an intention to swap to a plenum or TBs. As said, buyer beware.

[ChrisC]

In 2007 you would have needed a cat to register as built from all new parts.  This is the only way an 07 plate can be assigned.  At the time you could pass SVA with an older engine and therefore an older emissions standard, but that would have been a Q plate or older registration mark if the engine was new old stock.  Also at that time Caterham wasn't supplying starter kits. 
Finally the K&N filters are early 90s style with the single screw, another clue that everything is not all it seems. 
Regardless buyer beware, It doesn't add up for me.  

[John Vine]

#1  Do you have a link to the ad?

JV

[Geoff Brown]

Strange almost 'Chimera' set up. Should be either a standard Plenumb or RBTB on a Duratec. Definitely a must on a modern engine to pass the MoT emission test.

Must also have a very different ECU or a totally rejigged MBE ? The MPG must be horrific ?

Caveat emptor.......

[John Vine]

#6

Is this the one, by any chance?

If so, how did you (#2) get at the MOT history?

JV

[OldAndrewE]

If that is the one then it is not on carbs, surely fuel injection (on 45 mm Webber throttle bodies?)

[SLR No.77]

Those look like 45mm Webber Alpha throttle bodies, NOT carbs. 

[John Vine]

#10 They do indeed.

JV

[OldAndrewE]

#8 If so, how did you (#2) get at the MOT history?

Here: CATERHAM SEVEN (S3) - Check MOT history – GOV.UK (check-mot.service.gov.uk)

[KnifeySpoony]

Funny looking injectors to have on carbs too... 

[gavingraysonr300]

Thanks lads for all your info hes going to swerve that one cheers.

[John Vine]

#12  I tried that but, to look at deeper history, including test certs, you need to input the V5C #.  Hence my question...

JV

[ChrisC]

Final points that make me think there is more going on with this car.  Every 2007 car listed on Pistonheads has a cat, the later heater design and different style VIN plate (font and colour)

[John Vine]

#16  I still don't know the identity of this car.  Is it the one I linked to in #8?  If not, can someone point me in the right direction?

JV

[ChrisC]

Yes the link in #8

[John Vine]

#18  That's good. I thought I'd lost the plot.  How did you get at the (deeper) MOT history?

JV