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.

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.

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'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

In early August I attended my first track day an evening session organised by MSV.

I'm hooked and very much looking forward to the next, the car is far more capable than me, but I made good gains in time and ability on track throughout the session.

If you haven't yet, you really should!

NEW SHOES.

8 Spoke Anthracite 6" front & 8" rears, Avon ZZS 185/55R13 & 215/55R13

What can I say, Dave (DVA Power) and his wife are both very welcoming and I can't recommend his workmanship and attention to detail highly enough or the bacon butty.

I pretty much froze on the drive there (-3deg) but warmed up after the first of many coffees.

I spent the day with Dave whilst he worked on my car;

• Piper 633 Cams
• Vernier pulleys,
• Modified the TB for improved response.
• Removed the unused engine mount & added a replacement cover.
• Fitted my Kmaps ECU.

To say I am happy with the transformation is an understatement, midrange torque is vastly improved, it feels much more rapid and responsive.  

I'm grinning from ear to ear...... definitely money well spent.

Verniers before timing.

Engine Mount (dead weight removed)