RobM Posted May 4, 2003 Share Posted May 4, 2003 I drive a 1999 VVC Caterham and intend to take it on a track day in July at Bedford Autodrome. I haven't got any others booked, and I was wondering if I need to fit an Apollo tank. Is this a must have or just desirable if you're doing lots of track days? I'm a bit short of money and I don't want to have to fork out for no reason... I only run standard Avon tyres and the cornering forces aren't that high. - How can such a cute looking car sound so ferocious! - Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John Vine Posted May 4, 2003 Share Posted May 4, 2003 The general opinion seems to be that an Apollo is the minimum level of protection required for a wet-sump K used for track days. It de-aerates frothy oil, and provides a useful (and comforting) low-pressure oil reserve for those surge-inducing twisty bits. I've no regrets from fitting mine -- and, of course, it's a simple step to then add a Laminova oil intercooler! JV Edited by - John Vine on 4 May 2003 16:38:49 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mike C. Posted May 4, 2003 Share Posted May 4, 2003 Also worth checking that the fibre/spongy thingy in the sump (its name escapes me) has been changed in the last 12 to 18 months. Mad Manx Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RobM Posted May 4, 2003 Author Share Posted May 4, 2003 Thanks. I'm guessing the foam in the sump is OK as its been serviced by Caterham all its life. I'll look into an Apollo tank. - How can such a cute looking car sound so ferocious! - Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mark Chilton Posted May 6, 2003 Share Posted May 6, 2003 Rob, I also have a 1999 VVC . I researched this around 18 months ago and the conclusion was that one doesn't take a VVC anywhere near a track without an Apollo as minimum. The VVC is probably the most prone of all 7 engine when it comes to risk oil starvation. The engine sits lower in the car so it can actually fit under the bonnet. In doing so Caterham had to fit a shallower sump on the car to give it (the std VVC on prisoner wheels and Michelin pile-ups) a generous ground clearance of 65mm! The shallower sump is one hell of a compromise, leaving next to no resevoir to feed the oil pump pick-up ❗ I fitted an Apollo system last spring before embarking on my first track day. I had no issues but the engine does run around 5 degrees hotter and since the Apollo was fitted I need 7.5 litres of oil per oil change! Regarding the sump sponge I have just changed this after a life of 6,500 miles swimming in Mobil 1 except first 500 odd miles in non-synthetic Castrol. The old sponge was in excellent condition. Mark CATCH THE WIND Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pierre Gillet Posted May 6, 2003 Share Posted May 6, 2003 Can anyone tell me why the temperature raise with an appolo on a VVC? Pierre Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ron Two Wings Posted May 7, 2003 Share Posted May 7, 2003 I took my VVC around the Lotus track at Hethel last year with no modifications, apart from 13in wheels, it was fine all day and we were not hanging about!! my wife's lovely Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ron Two Wings Posted May 7, 2003 Share Posted May 7, 2003 oops!!! Problems posting Edited by - Ron (my wifes lovely) Keal on 7 May 2003 12:35:46 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ron Two Wings Posted May 7, 2003 Share Posted May 7, 2003 Doh!!! still problems Edited by - Ron (my wifes lovely) Keal on 7 May 2003 12:36:58 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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