faster, FAster, FASTer, FASTER !

[matt_jones]

I have a 1.4 k series (1995), the only mod is a 4 into 1 exhaust. Does anyone know the most cost effective way to get more power ?

 

I had thought of simply selling it and buying a better spec, is that a good idea ?

 

Cheers

[murph7355]

With 2nd hand values being a bit depressed at present I think you may be better off trading it in for something like a Superlight.

 

Power's only part of the equation and an SL would also give you a 6spd box, LSD and big brakes. This lot alone would cost you a minimum of about 3kGBP even if you could find some of the bits 2nd hand (nearer 4-5kGBP if all new). Then add on the cost of the carbon body parts that you'd get (c. 2kGBP new and hardly ever come up 2nd hand) and any other bits and pieces you may not have (FIA bar? Add 200GBP. Supersport conversion? Add 1kGBP) and upgrading yours is going to look pricey.

 

There are a couple of advantages to upgrading your own car, both of which I think have lots of merit:

 

- you know the car and so know how well it was built and how well it's been looked after (though if you're binning lots of the bits this may be less relevant).

- you can do the upgrades in stages as and when money allows.

 

Depends on the spec. of your car but I'd say you should be able to get somewhere between 11kGBP and 14kGBP for it. I'm sure Superlights (even exec. ones) start at about 17kGBP 2nd hand, maybe a shade less.

 

As for pure power, the minimum you'd need to do would be to fit new cams, throttle bodies and ECU. This lot is iro 1500GBP and would probably give somewhere between 140bhp and 150bhp (std. 1400K is around 110bhp). Which compares well with the factory Supersport conversion but would give you more scope for further upgrades later.

 

Beyond that you'd be looking at bigger capacity (if your engine has XXXX "marks" along the block you'll need a new one for this), bigger valves and some head work (I think this would take you to 180bhp-190bhp). Beyond that and you'd need to modify the valve train, pistons then liners, rods...you can go on forever (current "record" is near 250bhp).

 

These sort of mods are relatively cheap compared to off the shelf engines (such as the VHPD) *if you can do most of the work yourself*. Otherwise the costs end up being very similar (results will be slightly different and, generalising, the converted engines I've seen have been more "flexible" and "reliable" in terms of outputs, as well as providing more scope for future upgrades than the likes of "mass produced" VHPD units).

 

 

C7 AJM

PS Don't forget to look at Dave Andrew's site for pretty much everything you need to know about upgrading the k-series.

 

PPS I've done a very similar upgrade to yourself (I started with a 1400 Supersport and now have a 200bhp 1800K) so have costs of parts etc. Or for any other advice I can help with, mail me.

 

Having said that, it might be worth having a word with Chris Clark too as he seems to be a veritable Mr Lucky when buying bits smile.gif!!

 

Edited by - Andy Murphy on 2 May 2001 12:58:11

[matt_jones]

Thanks for your advice. Being non technical I was interested in the p/exch option as I had a feeling that was my best bet. One thing puzzles me tho' as I examine prices - the K series (mine's a factory built 95) seems to be, in some cases, 1000's more than a similar early 90's crossflow. Have I got that right ? Would you consider p/ex to be good value - not always the case with conventional cars.

 

Cheers

[Petrolhead]

Hi Matt and Andy

 

I am also in a similar predicament. I have a 1.4 SS which is a great reliable car that is smooth and economical. I have been given the opportunity of buying a from the chasis up rebuild 1.6 SS. This vehicle although not a superlite has Anti Cavitation, 6 Speed, AP 4 pots, LSD, wide track, 13" with Yoko 021Rs, nice new leather caterham seats. The car is mint but suffered a minor accident but was repanneled and repaired by Arch. I recon that my car is worth £11,500 to £12,000 and the the other vehicle is £14,000 to £14,500.

 

So for £2,500 - £3,000 I would have all the great bits without the hastle and cost of fitment.

 

The only thing I am not shure about is the Six speed box. The box is realy sweet and like a switch But I wish that 6th Gear was an overdive. I not sure I would like to drive to Stoneleigh in 6th (1:1).

 

Any thoughts

[murph7355]

K's of similar vintage do seem to hold their value better than X-flows. The difference is probably down to people trusting the more modern power plant more (whether they should is another matter). The K's engine is also lighter, which in a comparably powered car is going to help.

 

As for p/x, well it depends on what deal you're getting. Caterham aren't usually that generous but do have days when they can be caught napping (allegedly). Other specialists may be better but remember that they'll always want to make margin on both ends of the deal if they can.

 

You're getting right into the sweet-spot time of year for selling your car so if you're going to do this I'd advise selling it privately. If you can then wait until the tail end of the summer to buy the new one you should win both ends.

 

C7 AJM

[murph7355]

Don't worry about the 6spd, you'll love it in use it's the perfect box (of those currently available) for use with the k-series.

 

On a run, tyre and wind noise are far worse than engine/gearbox noises. Adjust your routes accordingly smile.gif

 

If it's been in a shunt have a good look at all the papers to do with the repair and don't be afraid to call Arch/any other repair shops used.

 

Of course the other "problem" with buying used is that you may not get the colour/wing style etc. that you want. But if you can live with that, go for it.

 

The 1600SS is meant to have a good deal more torque than the 1400SS so you should also notice a good gain in real world speed.

 

C7 AJM

PS I also think the 6spd helps resale value (and will continue to do so).

 

Edited by - Andy Murphy on 2 May 2001 15:08:03

[CHRIS CLARK]

Perhaps I should hurry up with the 1800 conversion that would 'free up' my 1400 Super Sport engine that gave 133 BHP on Dave walkers RR last Sunday (as Andy Murphy & others can confirm!!!!)thumbsup.gifthumbsup.gifthumbsup.gifbiggrin.gif

[EFA]

Buy a Vau.......

 

Arnie Webb

The Fat Bloke blush.gif in a Fast Reliable Vauxhall wink.gif

 

See the R500 eater here

See the Le Mans Trip Website here

[murph7355]

Stop it FA...

 

I'm fat enough already.

[Petrolhead]

Cheers Andy