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  • About to pull the trigger, but... questions

    I've been shooting emails back and forth with Ben at Caterham USA regarding an upcoming purchase. But responses are slow and thought I'd ask y'all the rest of my questions to expedite my decision-making and order.

    1) Absent the drivetrain, what are the key differences between the CSR and Roadsport SV series?

    2) From the order form, it looks like the CSR has an "integrated dash" option (with the option of a push button start) or a stack display (w/ standard dash). What is the "integrated dash" and if I can't order a Stack with that option, is the Stack included in that option? (I know that the ID option appears to come with the quick release MOMO wheel)

    3) Black pack. Does anybody have pictures of the parts that come in that pack? If I order a "Caterham Black" paint withhout this pack, what will it look like? If I order both, are there any parts that won't be black. (i.e., it looks like even with the black pack that the rollbar still needs to be painted. Is that right? Is the noseband painted the same color as the body, etc.? please confirm).

    4) I see that in the SV series, there are "engine upgrades" to increase HP from the stock 170 to 175, 195, 210, or 220. Does anyone have a list of what upgrades are included in each of those? What is the cost of each of those upgrades? Can they be done afterwards (i.e., perhaps I'll get a 170 and in an upcoming year upgrade to 210 or 220...)?

    5) Finally, my real dilemma is that it appears that they're going to shortly offer a CSR 175 with the Duratech engine. I'm not sure how that compares to the SV170 (well, except for 5 extra HP and the suspension). It will likely be 10% more. Trying to decide if the CSR is worth that. Since they'll both be the same engine, I could always upgrade the SV170 to 175hp. Not sure what that'd cost/entail (see #4 above).

    So #5 is the real issue I'm wrangling with. Costs of various upgrades and differences between CSR and SV. I appreciate any help you can provide.

    Thanks.

    Robert

  • #2
    1) The CSR uses a fully independent rear suspension vs. the SV's De Dion rear axle. The CSR has a lower lift nosecone and front cycle wings. It also comes with a lot of standard equipment that is optional on the lower trim levels.
    2) The CSR upgraded dash has 2 curved elements & a center console, more like a "normal" car. Both dashes are available with push button start. I prefer Stack gauges to the stock Caterham (Caerbont) gauges. The upgraded dash uses standard Caterham gauges, IIRC.
    3) The black pack replaces the chrome headlights and silver aluminum windshield frame with matte finish black items. The roll bar is black powder coated in any case, unless you spec it painted. Painted nosebands are an option regardless of the black pack. As to the look of a black car with non black pack trim, I'm a little biased.
    4) My car is pre-Duratec, so I'm unqualified to answer. I believe the engines can be upgraded after purchase, but I've always believed in best engine, best brakes, best cooling up front, then add the cosmetics later. I found that Caterham is somewhat optimistic about their power figures when I bought my car, but it may be different now.
    5) I don't find the De Dion axle to be a big detraction in my use (autocross, fast road), but I've not driven a CSR. I would love to have a CSR, but a lot of that is due to the 2.3 Duratec, which I like a lot, and some members can speak with great expertise about. You don't have to source your engine from Caterham USA, so that could be an option in an SV. Is cost an object? It is always true that for just a little more $$$ you can get ______ (fill in the blank).
    Attached Files
    Brad
    2013 Boss 302 Mustang
    2005 SV Roadsport (gone but not forgotten)

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    • #3
      Thanks Brad.

      Between here and the USA7 forum, and finally hearing back from Ben, I've narrowed this down to a CSR 175 (new variant here in the states - price yet to be set). It's the CSR with the standard 2.0 Duratech engine, and the 175 upgrade. I'll likely upgrade that in the future, but decided 175 was enough to start with.

      As for color, I've rethought this to either red or orange w/ black bonnet stripe/nose, and black pack.

      Still trying to figure out other minor (interior) and major (tranny) issues. But plan to roll on this very soon.

      Robert

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      • #4
        Sounds sweet! As a relatively new owner still, I can say my SV has been one of the best purchases I've ever made. Can't wait for the weekends to fly in the Seven. I'll be doing a cross country run in August and plan on stopping by Caterham USA so maybe I'll see your build in progress...
        Last edited by V-Robb; June 24, 2010, 11:09 PM. Reason: typoPhone

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        • #5
          Originally posted by V-Robb View Post
          Sounds sweet! As a relatively new owner still, I can say my SV has been one of the best purchases I've ever made. Can't wait for the weekends to fly in the Seven. I'll be doing a cross country run in August and plan on stopping by Caterham USA so maybe I'll see your build in progress...
          Well, I'll be doing my own build. Perhaps you'll see it there before they ship it to me...

          That's part of the allure. Putting it together myself.

          R

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          • #6
            Even better!! I would have liked to build mine, but it was 1/2 to 3/4 built before I ever got whiff of it...

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            • #7
              Originally posted by biomax View Post
              Thanks Brad.

              Between here and the USA7 forum, and finally hearing back from Ben, I've narrowed this down to a CSR 175 (new variant here in the states - price yet to be set). It's the CSR with the standard 2.0 Duratech engine, and the 175 upgrade. I'll likely upgrade that in the future, but decided 175 was enough to start with.

              As for color, I've rethought this to either red or orange w/ black bonnet stripe/nose, and black pack.

              Still trying to figure out other minor (interior) and major (tranny) issues. But plan to roll on this very soon.

              Robert

              If you live in SoCal, you're not allowed to get Orange :D
              www.morgansegal.com

              The funny thing is my wife goes " What is that car a Morgan ? " and I said "No that's a Caterham but there is a Morgan driving it " -delise

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              • #8
                I saw a corvette orange S2K before getting mine and loved that color.... but noticed that it was in California and thought the same thing; went with black.

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                • #9
                  One more to override Manfred.
                  Tom "ELV15" Jones
                  http://PIErats.com

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                  • #10
                    Originally posted by Elv15 View Post
                    One more to override Manfred.
                    :confused: Huh?

                    edit -- Oh, I see now. Next time there is a "Manfred", you can just open the forum containing the post and use Mark This Forum As Read within the Forum Tools tab at the top.
                    Last edited by Sean; December 14, 2010, 08:40 AM.
                    | | Sean

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                    • #11
                      Manfred only made a brief visit to this forum, but he left a legacy. He shall be missed.

                      /Magnus F.

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                      • #12
                        If you missed him, can you aim again?
                        Rod Swanson

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                        • #13
                          Congratulations on your soon-to-be had barrel of fun! I bought my car from Caterham USA last year after they had built it, and have had a great experience with both them and the car.

                          I have the Stack gauges, and they are very nice. I love having the oil pressure, oil temp, water temp, etc. all on one display. I'm assuming it will be at least as, if not more reliable than, the standard gauges.

                          As far as engines, I can't give too much advice because one reason I bought mine was to get more power. But even the base duratec should be pretty quick, and I'm sure will be pretty smooth and torquey. I had mine dynoed when I built a quieter exhaust, and it was pretty close to the claimed HP.

                          Justin

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                          • #14
                            Apparently Manfred made a single low strafing flight on this site like his namesake von Richtoften??

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                            • #15
                              A few other things to consider, in order to avoid a future case of upgradeitis, might include a 6 speeder, quicker steering ratio, lowered floor, specified LSD, dry sump, etc....

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