Welcome. Im also new to Caterham ownership so I am also on a bit of a learning experience. Our cars are very similar, mine is a 1998 1600K SS with wide track suspension,6 speed box and has been breathed on by DVA to 150 BHP. I purchased her just before the onset of Winter, so not an ideal time of year, but the little I have used her I have also experienced dreadful handling, the car set up is far too stiffly and very skittish. I am running her on 13" Superlite wheels shod with brand new Toyos and the car still feels dreadful. She is fitted with Billstein shocks with springs rated to 250Ibs front 180Ibs rear which I have been informed is far too stiff, so I am planning to change the whole set up, this Spring, to Nitron Street Series with the Geo sorted by PGM,this should sort the car out for the majority of driving that I do, which is mainly spirited driving around the country lanes of Dorset. I fitted my Elise with Nitrons and it was the best money I spent, they made the car feel so much more planted, ride handling is so important especially with Caterhams as its around half the weight of my Elise! Anyway, welcome to the club, Caterhams are amazing cars. SM.