VHPD SL-R

[Nick Bassett]

Would I be mad to consider one of these? I ask as I hear mixed things - some say it's fine as long as it's not abused (guess that applies to any engine) and others say it will go 'bang' at some stage!

Thanks

Nick

[simon_h]

A VHPD in 190 spec should be fine. Its only when you start to go mad they get fragile, in my experience.

[TomB]

Yes, agree. 190 is'nt that extreme - it was when they came out, but then came the R500 and then the 2 litre R500 Evo, so the engine was progressively taken further. Its all well understood now. The only thing Id suggest aside from the usual service history and general condition, is getting the dry sump scavenge pump rebuilt if its not done - it about £100 from Titan Motorsport.

 

If its in good condition, these will only go up in value. Id love one, but it would mean a tearful split from my current one!

[TomB]

Duplicate post!

[Nick Bassett]

Thanks all - are they all dry sumped Tom?

[TomB]

They should be, with a gold scavenge pump. If its unmolested, I think it should have the Rover KV6 throttle bodies on a slightly curved manifold (aka 'swan neck'). Although, you might be lucky and have RBTB on the engine.

[Golf Juliet Tango]

I have a VHPD in my 21. It came out of an Exige and received the necessary changes to fit a Caterham. This included using an Emerald ECU rather than the Lotus one. Mapping was done by Dave Walker at Emerald.

If you look at the early reports on VHPD engined cars, they usually comment on the unevenness of the low rev performance. This is my experience. At high revs/high speed, the engine is great. In traffic, in towns and low speed work (such as going up a steep hill in a 30 zone, especially if you need to slow to 20 to get over a speed hump), it isn't nice at all.

I may take mine to the two Steves for a remap.

[Nick Bassett]

OK thanks - I understand they benefit from having the cams timed correctly with verniers etc... cue a call to DVA!!

[Richard Price]

Thanks all - are they all dry sumped Tom?

No. I know of an SLR that was not dry sumped. I'm fairly sure it was an option, not standard.  

[Graham King]

Agree with Richard, not all were dry sumped, looked at some that were not. I’d be after one that was ds if I were looking as almost impossible to get hold of DS kits now to fit. 

[Gary Stone]

I have SLR 118 built in 2002. Had it now for 10 years without any engine issues. The engine has not been modified in any way or rebuilt at any time. Only having changed the ecu to Emerald. It's now done about 38,000 miles. 

I don't think the K engine is a worry. Some people just don't seem to like them probably because of the early issues.

It is also a wet sump. Dry sump was an option i believe. 

I think early issues were something to do with the use of plastic dowels instead of steal ones which allowed the head to move.

[TomB]

Dowels shouldn't be an issue with a SLR, as they were not 'early' engines.

[Nick Bassett]

Looking at the Superlight register Gary - what a stunning example you have 

If you are thinking of selling, please let me know!

[Gary Stone]

Thanks Nick. Afraid not Sir.. And you would have to get in line. I have had a couple say same especially as i have re-trimmed the interior like new again.

Good luck with your search. Great car & ticks all the boxes for me.

[Nick Bassett]

I don't blame you Gary - it truly looks lovely and a keeper for sure. 

Cheers

Nick

[mcerbm]

I have a Caterham superlight R and it was originally a wet sump but has since been upgraded to a Caterham dry sump system. I also have the Titan throttle bodies from standard. They are a straight design and much better than the swan neck type. 

[rj]

I've done 14k track miles in my K-series, which is around 205BHP.

As the engine was intended to be a temporarely installed unit, it is not dry sumped and on hydraulic lifters.

Apart from a cooling issue when I stop, it has had no problems I would not expect. One stock valve spring cap gave up a while ago, but this is expected for the stock caps - again temp engine...

HGF is expected if you hoon it when it's cold. Been there, done that. But I won over the 455GTS that challenged me

Be good and it'll serve you well. Change oil often. I do it for every trackday. This pays: when I open the engine it looks like new.