NedK

I remember spinning mine before assembling the engine during the build. It did spin very freely. I would have thought that 18k miles was tiny compared to the expected lifespan, even if you have been caning it around Curborough! I'd have a chat with Caterham themselves. You probably have the highest mileage 160 out there, and they could be interested in having a look (before the rest of us show up with the same problem!). N

Simon Your track walk was really helpful. Much appreciated! Esp the bit about shaving off the Molehill... All the best Ned

No glare at all, even on a dark night. The inside of the hood is black, and doesn't really bounce the light around at all. With the normal hood on, of course, the LED strip doesn't show through the window if you mount it on the standard rollover bar. I'm not sure whether there's any detectable glow from behind - probably looks rather nice if there were! Ned

Hi Mark I definitely recommend a high-level brake light, fixed to the top of the rollover bar. Very cheap and easy, and makes a real different to visibility. Loads of posts on here about how to fit etc. You'll need the small extra loom from Caterham, unless you're a dab hand with connectors and soldering irons... Ned

Ditto. Corbeau are really helpful people. One technical guy called me out of the blue the day the order was shcedule to arrive, to explain in detail how to re-rig the buckle so the 'fixed' connection was the crotch strap rather than the inboard lapstrap. Top people. Ned

One bit of prep advice: buy some cheap thin foam carpet underlay in Homebase - about 13 quid for a big roll - and cover every inch of the car bodywork with it (taped on with normal masking tape). And some cheap pipe insulation to cover every inch of chassis tubing around the car. Doesn't guarantee a scratch-free build, but certainly helps. On engine hoists, does anyone have one to lend near Twickenham? I need one for a few weeks while I do the engine/chassis/bodywork shuffle on my Elan. (Happy to donate to charity etc) All the best Ned

It could be worth investing a fiver in one of the cheap OBD2 devices which plug in to the ECU. It should read out error codes onto your phone and might give a clue as to which component is playing up. Plus, when it's running properly you can bore your friends with lots of telemetry from the car... Ned

But they only sip petrol

I found it hard to be good, as the engine really wants to take off at 4000rpm... but I stuck with it. At the first service, the oil came out as clean as it went in, so I was pretty happy! N

Me too, Simon! Hamster, the mass air flow sensor is borrowed from a Renault Clio (part no 8200373771), in case they can't find one! Ned

Hi Ben I'm delighted you found the blog helpful! Whereabouts are you based? In the spring, I'm sure we will arrange another get-together for 160 owners, and it would be good to see you there, of course. All the best Ned

Ah that's good news, I'll have a look. Hopefully yes, both. Not sure about doing things with the L7C though - I'll see how the intro to sprinting thing goes! I'm in the middle of doing up a 1969 Lotus Elan at the moment, so will hopefully be able to take that on a track later in 2016 (lots of work to do in the meantime tho!). Ned

Hi all I've been out a few times on shortish trips over the winter - when the sun is out it's hard to resist. The car is doing very well, with no issues at all. I've got a FIA rollbar on order, as I want to do more trackdays this year. I've got one at Goodwood coming up in Feb. And I've also copied Martin's excellent idea of making a phone mount using the two tonneau popper bases on the top of the scuttle - very tidy. One thing that surprises me is that there aren't more 160s out there (or at least, on here). I wonder how many have been sold in the UK. Best to all, and see you when the salt is gone! Ned

Welcome hampster, and I hope you can get the car fixed asap and get on the road. Despite the appearance, under the bonnet is very modern technology. Have you tried hooking up an ODB2 to the engine management computer? There's a small port by your right knee (possibly covered by a large circular rubber grommet). That should give a readout of any errors the ECU has spotted. Best thing, of course, is to get Caterham to fix it, and honour the fact that you bought it from them (regardless of subsequent changes). Post some pics of the car if you have a minute? Ned

I'd support the idea that there needs to be a clear distinction between the Assembly Guide (which is written, edited and owned by Caterham), and the wiki, which is the property of the L7C. One forms part of the sales contract between an owner/builder and the company. The other is a very useful source of tips and tricks. Otherwise, it's going to be very hard to figure out who's to blame when something goes wrong. We can't expect CC to pick up the pieces if somebody follows a blog or wiki article to do something not specified in the AG, and then comes unstuck. Ned