2004Academy80

It's been a long time since I've updated my blog, but thought it only fitting to end my story with a few more pictures. Yes, on Friday I'm dropping my car off at Seven's & Classics for a commission sale, what with Covid I thought more serious buyers would go to a dealer rather than a private sale. So if you're reading this it's probably already there on their site and possibly already sold!!!! It's going to be an emotional experience and was an extremely difficult decision to make as I love this car, but living within the planned 2021 expanded ULEZ zone I have to sell it. I'll be taking a pretty big hit in no recouping all the money I've spent but life's about experiences and enjoyment and this car has exceeded in providing both. Such a pleasure to own and drive. Here's a picture of it's evolution, the top picture was taken in the first weeks of ownership 4 years ago. The bottom was taken a couple of weeks ago. The following pictures were taken a week ago to send to Andy, prior to my visit there last Friday. Caterham Seven (S3) 2004 1.6 K Series 145bhp Current mileage 8,934 miles Last service at 8,076 miles by Sevens&Classics 2 former keepers Factory fitted immobiliser with 2 fobs 2 original keys Azure Blue with painted silver stripe body work in very good condition for age. A well cared for, thoughtfully modified and much loved Seven. Engine upgraded by the Dave Andrews (DVA Power) Piper 633 Cams (Supersport) Vernier pulleys Modified Throttle Body for improved response. Removed the unused heavy front engine mount & added a replacement cover. K-maps modified ECU I’ve not had it on a rolling road but with all the modifications it must be at least 145bhp Full wet weather kit 4 point Caterham harness New Caterham Leather seats fitted in 2016 by S&C's Full Caged roll cage Drivers side intrusion bar Lowered drivers floor Centre tunnel heat insulated and carpeted Drivers foot well heat insulated Battery cut off switch Heated front screen Blackpack Height adjustable dampers Apollo anti cavitation oil tank Polished 11" Motolita Steering wheel Powerspeed 4-2-1 system with CAT. Justaddlightness rear LED light units Caterham high level LED brake light Justaddlightness front LED indicators Ultimate Carbon gloss lacquered 13” Front cycle wings bonded to new lowered wing stays Rear Wing Carbon protectors KN 8 Spoke Anthracite 6" front & 8" rear wheels bought as new old stock 3 years ago. Avon ZZS 185/55R13 & 215/55R13 Black Aero filler cap. 5.75 headlights (lowered) New Track Rod Steering kit, Tie Rod Ends and Gaitors New cooling hoses. Bye for now!!!!

Hi Jon I believe it needs to be done or it’ll be too close to primary exit number 1. Yes, they did the required modification as part of the fitting.

Went to Fast Road Conversions to have my exhaust fitted the other weekend. James is a really nice guy and very good at what he does, didn't rush anything, perfect attention to detail, I'm over the moon with the end product and fitting. Driving is so much more rewarding, mid range pick up is fantastic and the noise is much more pleasant. I took lots of pics of the alternator rotation (180 degrees to move the connector to 6 o'clock) and will put up a how to guide at some point in 'Tech talk'.

GB exhausts will be finished this week.

With the impending expansion of the ULEZ in 2021 to the North & South circular I'm trying to research if it's feasible with a change to the exhaust after treatment to alter the emissions of a Euro 3 K-Series to Euro 4? I've read that once you improve the emission level you can get a LEC (Low Emissions Certificate) that is valid for a year at a nominal test fee. Significantly less than the £12.50 daily charge. I live about 200m within the South circular! Euro 3 emission limits (petrol) CO – 2.3 g/km HC – 0.20 g/km NOx - 0.15 PM – no limit Euro 4 emission limits (petrol) CO – 1.0 g/km HC – 0.10 g/km NOx – 0.08 PM – no limit Dave Andrews or anyone else know if there is any work done on this yet? Thanks Alex

I've organised a groupbuy for a complete Powerspeed 4-2-1 system and thought this would be a good place to document the progress. Lee at Fast Road Conversions has been really helpful and a pleasure to deal with. As and when I get more photos I'll put them on here.

Invoices are being sent out this week. I've paid mine, looking forward to setting a date for fitting. Thanks everyone.

I've sent a DM to all those confirmed with next steps. If you could let me know when read and complete it would be much appreciated.

Hi Jon Congrats on your purchase and getting booked in with Dave. Exactly what I did, you’ll not be disappointed. I’ll ask about other people adding to the group buy as the minimum 4 is met, I don’t see why not! I’m having a cat integrated. I personally don’t want the faff come MOT time. Will let you know when I have more detail thanks Alex

August saw my final Brands visit of the year, again going with a group of friends/work colleagues, expecting a noise limit issue I held the rpm down slightly (a few hundred rpm) for the static test and was 96dB, still pretty close the the 98dB evening limit. I love this place and am growing a lot more familiar with the track and the capabilities of the car (famous last words). Here are a couple of shots from the evening session.

Took a trip to Brands Hatch in June for an MSVT run event with a static reading of 97.6dB, the maximum evening noise limit for the event is 98db static, so nearly didn't make it on track! Definitely need to change the exhaust system......

I’m organising a groupbuy for a powerspeed system, not asking for opinion or alternatives. No of course I don’t but I’m not saying one is better than the other or making defamatory statements of the other. I’m sure ME systems are as you describe, exquisite, and as their site is currently under construction I’m not able to see the Caterham examples you refer to, but the google images I’ve just searched are race car oriented with bonnet cut outs which isn’t an option for me as I’m not looking to re-skin but obviously have a more direct flow path, which might be why you say “their collector isn’t a good design”. I’m an automotive design engineer with 20 years experience I’ve worked with both hot and cold end exhaust engineers many of which are petrol heads like us so have discussed this in great depth. I've done my research, the PS system will improve airflow, reduces dB levels and meets my form and function requirements, not to mention they’re also recommended by one of, if not the most respected k-series tuners. That’s not to say if DVA were to update their website ME wouldn’t be there also! I wish you well.

Do you have Computational fluid dynamic analysis you could share to show why one is better than the other? or back to back ME vs powerspeed rolling road data? This thread is a group buy for the subject system. Your additions are a little off topic and negative. To date I’ve not seen a single picture of a Caterham with a Michael Edwards system. Their Facebook has some nice pictures though.

Yeah I know, it’s taken me a while to bite the bullet.

Hi Mike I'm just a customer with no commercial ties to Powerspeed, although expensive I think you get what you pay for. DVA (well known and respected tuner) recommend Powerspeed and another one or two manufacturers. Yes there will be others but I'm happy to go with a tried and tested formula. Powerspeed are my favorite of what is available. If you have a look at CC site vs Powerspeed the later is cheaper for what you get on a like for like basis. Residual value is also something to consider, if and when I come to sell my car, having a Powerspeed system over another "brand" not synonymous with Caterham's in my opinion will not be as easy to sell. Happy motoring. Alex

Amazing - we now have 4 people on the list. Just need number 3 to confirm end of Sept. One extra to follow at the end of year to also benefit from the GB. Will keep you posted at beginning of Oct. Cheers chaps Alex

Michael had to pull out, so now 2 more people required. Obviously a popular thread with 760 reads, can't believe it such a struggle to get 4 people interested/confirmed.

One more person required!!!!

Hi Russell I don’t think so at this point. Just need 4 names to commit. We can then give our order specifics to powerspeed and make payment. I’ll add you to the list. Thanks Alex

Anyone at all interested?

The sun is out and I would like to improve the mid range torque. Is anyone else at all interested?

BTTT

I've upgraded the rear lights to LED units from www.justaddlightness.co.uk, not much difference on the face of it but when they are on or flashing they are significantly brighter, in turn safer. Original New

To close this issue off, I discovered that I hadn't seated the new horn ring far enough away from the steering wheel hub, so it was making contact. I've now seated the horn ring right up against the dash allowing the required clearance to the steering wheel hub with only the spring loaded copper finger now making contact. Thanks for all the input.

If you’re interested in a group buy please follow this link. https://www.lotus7.club/forum/bulk-buys/group-bulk-buy-powerspeed-4-2-1-complete-system-discounted ​just 3 people need to commit.