Jim E

Dobuy, I should hear fairly soon whether or not a ready-to-go version of that 250HP Cosworth + gearbox will fit my budget - I'll let you know. Are you sure the standard interior on the CSR is close to the existing one in the SV? What little I've seen so far (mainly on the Caterham UK website) seems to suggest that those swoopy curvy bits are part of the frame structure, and Caterham also say that the traditional flat switch stuff has been "completely dispensed with". The UK price list does mention a "CSR modular dashboard" as an option though - is that what you're referring to? Externally it's the inboard suspension I don't like the look of. Don't get me wrong - I don't doubt it's technically superior to what it replaces, but I want the front suspension hanging in the breeze where I can enjoy the look of it. Jim E.

Dobuy, now that link looks interesting. It just isn't going to happen that I'll have the time and stamina to do much with the engine other than drop it in and tie it down, and as you say a ready-built product with the Cosworth name behind it should be a reliable way to go. Any money I saved on writing checks going the self-build route would probably be more than offset by my lost time and increased frustration. Once I get my kit - maybe August if I order it in the next couple of weeks - I'd like to have it on the road within a month. I like most of the technical specs on the CSR, but I prefer the existing SV for looks, particularly inside. I've already e-mailed Cosworth USA, Marcy Motorsports, and Autocourse Inc for more information on Duratecs, and I'm just about to follow that link again and contact Steeda. Currently I'm looking at spending no more than $11k for a complete engine and gearbox assembly with all ancilliaries. A new 220HP Zetec SVT from RMSCI with aluminum flywheel and 5-speed box lists for $10,900, ready to go. Thanks for all the help you're giving me with this. Jim E.

Dobuy, thanks for the tip. Cosworth Racing - DUH! why didn't I think of that? Jim E.

No probs on the axe grinding, yankeedoodoo. I'm taking everything you say for what I guess it really is - the enthusiastic advice of someone who lives and breathes this stuff and know more about it than I do. For me, I'm happy to get as much good input from as many sources as possible, even if some of it is contradictory on occasion. As I said to JohnCh earlier I know I'll be very happy whichever engine I ultimately go for; I'm just trying to maximize the satisfaction level by knowing I'm getting the best bang for reasonable bucks. Even a 100HP live axle Seven would rule compared with virtually anything else on the road as far as fun was concerned. I'm looking hard at the Duratecs. If for some reason that doesn't pan out (cost, availability, etc) the Zetec SVT won't be at all hard to live with. Nothing to do with Zetecs versus Duratecs, but as far as torque is concerned and all other factors being equal, doesn't a long stroke tend to give more torque than a short stroke? Jim E.

yankeedoodoo, sorry for the pause in getting back with you. Real life got in the way and I had to go out and earn some bucks. I greatly appreciate all the feedback from you, and based on that and input from JohnCh I'll be doing a bit more background research before finalizing the engine details. If you give me your e-mail address I'll send you the power and torque curves for the SVT. I'm just about to go look at the Duratec thread. Jim E.

yankeedoodoo, it sounds like I perhaps made some wrong assumptions about engines. The impression I had was that the Duratec engine and the Zetec SVT engine (not plain Zetec) were essentially the same engine, but from what you said that isn't the case. Cody at Rocky Mountain Sports Cars sent me power and torque curves for the new Zetec SVTs, both with and without the cam upgrade. I don't think I can post them here, but if you or anyone else wants them give me your e-mail address and I'll forward them (or of course you could contact RMSCI). The standard SVT produces about 210HP @ 7000RPM, (allowing for a 15% drive train loss according to Cody). The torque curve looks impressively flat to my eyes, staying between 150 and about 162ft-lb over the range 2200-7000RPM.. The SVT with Stage 1 cams produces about 230HP @ 7000RPM. The torque drops off a little at lower revs, but it still stays between 150 and 175ft-lb over the range 2900 - 7000RPM. Not quite in the league you're talking about, but still plenty good enough to get me into the mid 3s for a 0-60 time. Jim E.

JohnCh, thanks for the input. Your hands-on experience closely mirrors what my transition will be as far as the power bump is concerned (allbeit with a 15 year gap in the middle for me). Neil Cavanagh mentioned that the LSD was a bit noisier and introduced some "shunt" (?) into the driveline, but was still a must. Do you have any observations on noise, other characteristics, etc? Jim E.

Better than "It's not very wide, but it's short". Jim E.

timbo, one of my replies seems to have gone AWOL. Thanks for the pics. I'm going to close out the color question now and go for Caterham Yellow. Damn the torpedoes and bugs - full steam ahead. Jim E.

Dobuy, nice car. Asymmetric seats, eh? When I worked In Saudi about twenty years ago I spent a lot of my spare time working on my Apple II computer and learning how to program it. That was probably some of the most productive spare time I ever spent, although knowing now that you built a Caterham in Dubai - oh well, maybe next time around. Jim E.

Neil, I'm sorely tempted by that LSD, I must admit. I just don't have any experience with and without one, and I honestly never missed it in my 135HP Super Sprint, even on those "twice around the roundabout with a touch of opposite lock" jaunts. I'm considering one now mainly because it might help me avoid smoking an inside tire too badly with 220HP when pulling out of a junction. Jim E.

PS timbo - large attachments are no problem. One of the things I sometimes take for granted over here is the easy access to a great infrastructure. I've got 3Mb/sec DSL access for $37/month (call it 20 pounds); if I cared to use cable TV I could have internet access over it at 6Mb/sec for the same price. Mind you, from what I hear people in South Korea and major cities in Japan get 50Mb/sec or even 100Mb/sec for about the same price. Now THAT is Caterham 7 internet access. Jim E.

Mav, I'm not sure about that curvy dash thing. Even if it is an option I think the exposed tubes on the center tunnel are part of the frame itself, so I don't see there being much wiggle room to change that particular look. I'll have to look back through the various press releases and other info. Anyway, I still think the price on a CSR in the US will be unattractive to me. Jim E.

Chelspeed, thanks for that information. I'll look at Momos again more closely and find some locally for another hands-on test. I've seen similar remarks elsewhere in the forum about the Racetech wheels. Most of the comments in that regard were negative, although one person said that according to Racetech the yield in the top wheel section was intentional and a safety feature: it acted as a cushion when your head hit it. Yes, well, hmm... Maybe a pillow tied to a Momo would do that too? Jim E.

One day soon (do you mind if I call you ODS?), I don't know if or when the CSR will be available in the US. You're right though, I do prefer the look of the existing 7s. Externally the CSRs look fine and I've got no problem with the technical advances, but the interior does nothing for me even if it does allow for safety advances like energy-absorbing sterring wheels, etc. Also, I'd heard that Caterham want to push up the price of their cars in the US in the near future, partly because of current exchange rates. Add that to the already bumped-up CSR prices and I'd have a hard time justifying it to myself if it did become available. The SV will have more than enough Go, Stop, Turn and Looks for me. Jim E.