Shortshift

James

No wonder it's misbehaving then; just stop doing that to your phone and see if matters improve! James

Hi Jim Just curious - it sounds as though you bought a new (or different) engine to upgrade rather than having this 420R engine uprated? Would like to understand your reasoning for going this route (assuming I've understood correctly)! James

I think Sam Coates can provide the correct technical explanation of what is the root cause here. From memory, his conclusion is that it is not related to usage (excessive hoop stress caused by the tightened tapered fixing in a corrosive environment?) but mainly time based. So, as I recall, a potential issue for all CSRs, given time. I'm sure Sam can elaborate. James

For clarity, I found the crack when loading up to go to Cadwell, so it is not as a result of any heroics I might have attempted there! And, as a general rule, I am always careful (very careful, in fact) to drive cooling-down laps and to allow for time to cool, etc. James

An interesting little issue I found by accident - I was just strapping the car to the trailer for the Cadwell Park trackday and happened to spot this little charmer as I glanced through the wheel spokes. Stroke of good fortune (bad news, good news). All the way through to the outer (peripheral) edge. An AP Racing disc having covered around 8,000 miles. Note the interesting wear/contact markings - as though the fractured area had been flexing away from the pads. Worth checking your cracks from time to time! James

Roger - for the sake of completeness, here's an extract from the Club's "Trackday Disclaimer and Indemnity Form". You'll see that it includes a commitment not to take action against other drivers or participants (except, of course, in the case of injury or death caused by negligence on their part). I did say it was pretty comprehensive! James Club Trackday Lackey

"Trackday insurance pretty much never covers third-party liability, it's cover for your vehicle only." Yes. As I said in my first reply, the 'usual' level of trackday cover is first-party only, but third-party cover is also available (though, generally speaking, it is quite expensive to buy). "...and they take you out, you have every right to claim from them..." Unless you've signed a waiver, agreeing not to take action against other participants (unless they cause an injury or death by their negligent actions). This is where the third party cover that the Club used to be able to provide was really quite valuable. Fortunately, however, driving standards and on-track etiquette is really good on Club trackdays and it's very rare for there to be a mishap of any nature. James Club Trackday Support

Exactly that, John. Well put, and thanks. I guess the issue here is always going to be establishing that negligence was the causal factor? As I said to someone yesterday, probably the best course of action is to stay indoors and not to venture outside at any time! James

For several years, Club members enjoyed the benefit of being provided, foc, with third-party insurance cover whilst taking part in Club trackdays. This was a very unusual (unique?) provision which, sadly, the Club's insurers have decided they can no longer offer. This means that the Club now reverts to being inline with 'industry standard' practice, where participants take part in accordance with the rules and restrictions provided by event organisers, and are responsible for their own insurance arrangements. The Club uses a fairly-standard (though comprehensive) set of terms which are contained in the 'Disclaimer and Liability Document'; this document has to be signed as a condition of taking part in the trackday event. This document has been changed for 2023 to reflect the fact that third-party insurance cover is no longer provided. On occasion, participants may also be required to sign a further set of terms provided by the circuit owner or track operator. Members are free to choose whether or not to arrange their own insurance for trackday events. It's worth noting that the usual trackday policies that can be readily purchased (or provided within road-car policies) are normally first-party only (that is, you are covered only for damage that you cause to your own car) and often carry a hefty excess. Third-party policies are also available on the open market but are more expensive. James Trackday Support

Stu does like a nice piece of plush padding under his derriere... James

Brilliant! I always end up fitting a bespoke pedal extension that presents in much the same way. This does the job with much less faffing. But surely you need a smooth - rather than a friction - surface, to allow smooth modulation? Next time I get a new Caterham, I'll also be buying one of these! James

Replying to #21 Dave I am not aware of any recent Carterham ECUs that require 'unlocking' (as with a PIN code, or similar); maybe this relates more to older, legacy ECUs? My understanding is that all contemporary Caterham ECUs are encrypted (rather than locked) and that this very much limits who can access them for mapping. I am not aware that NMS can map encrypted ECUs, whilst Steve G most certainly can (leading to a substantial cost saving from avoiding the need to purchase a new ECU). I don't dispute that an MBE 9A4 is a faster and better device than the older MBE units, such as the 992 model. My point, though, stems from my understanding that the increased speed of processing is of negligible benefit when applied to a typical relatively straightforward Sigma or Duratec engine as found in many modern and recent Caterhams. A better ECU - yes, for sure. But of any real benefit - apart from the specific issue I mentioned relating to 620 fueling? I gather not. James

Any idea what the failure mode might have been, Sam?? Isn't it getting quite serious now? James

Not a bad idea at all. The point about a forum is to share experiences and ideas and - importantly - to leave a trail for others who may come along later looking for guidance and answers. An open mind to the suggestions and comments made by others, in good faith, helps to make the forum a rich resource! James

I know that Troy and co are very good at this but so is Steve Greenald (of 'Two Steves' fame) - with the important difference being that Steve G can remap Caterham-encrypted ECU's. So no need to buy a new, unlocked ECU. And, from what I understand, there's little or nothing to gain on any Caterham by moving to a "more modern ECU", except perhaps for 620s where extra channels are needed for fuel pump control. So, a £600 job with Steve versus something approaching twice that elsewhere... And if the OP's objective is to "move the power curve down for road use", isn't that more a function of engine mechanical specification and set-up (particularly cam timing and profiles) than by fueling and ignition timing changes via a remapped ECU? I fully appreciate that remapping will make the most of what the engine is capable of, but surely if the objective is to alter the mid-range torque-curve characteristic, there are more effective ways to achieve this? James

"Carbon fibre shatters into dangerous shards on impact" Oh no - I shall have to remove all carbon tat from my car now!! James

ABS versus carbon: discuss. James

Pictures needed of the re-trimmed wheel, Roger! James

Mine came from Westermann in Germany. I had the inside surfaces flocked (steady, steady...) which really improves the overall aesthetics. Surprisingly. James

Sounds like the perfect justification for upgrading to carbon half-doors, Mark... James

I agree that the 996 GT3 is something of a bargain today, Ian, but then the 997 GT3 definitely moved the game on in all sorts of areas and still feels remarkably like a modern car even today. Those Metzger engine though... Everyone needs to experience one at least once in their lives! James

Just discovered that my trusty Caterham Cars supplied jack (1 ton rating) weights only 1.7kg... Less than the examples listed above! James

Personal view but I think that the wrap-around protectors fundamentally affect the graphics of the car, breaking the visual flow and continuation of colour up and around the rear wheel arches. An alternative (and, to my eyes, better) solution is to cover the exposed outboard areas of the painted arch in transparent ppf. Easy to replace if it ever gets to the point where that would be desirable and the original graphic and visual-flow of the car is maintained. James

In response to #2... Good grief! The best of luck, Rog. See you on the other side? James