SOT: Caterham Super 7 (long...)
#1
SOT: Caterham Super 7 (long...)
After a couple of track events in my '02 996, I came to the conclusion that I'd rather have a dedicated track car. Don't get me wrong, the 996 is a brilliant performer, but I just couldn't throw it around with the same abandon like I did my M Coupe. There was this little guy on my shoulder saying, "Hey, this is an $80,000.00 Porsche, what in the hell are you doing"? After many unsuccessful attempts of trying to smack that little guy off my shoulder, I decided to look for a dedicated track car.
Well, I've always been a fan of the E30 M3, in fact I had one, but I was always afraid (seems to be a common theme here, alright I take Paxil) the engine would explode = $10K!!
I really enjoyed the M Coupe, but I already had one of those and their handling at the limit is...um...unpredictable (almost said "scary").
I'm not a "ricer" though there are many Japanese cars that really go like gangbusters out on the track., ie. RX7, Supra, STI, etc. No, too much of a snob for one of those.
I really missed owning a roadster...hmmm....how about a Caterham Super 7! How different, how novel, how....my wife (picture many curlers in hair) thought I was crazy! "That thing looks like a tin can on wheels." "Yes dear", now I really wanted it! "You'll kill yourself", I could only be so lucky! So I just purchased a '93 Super 7 with a 165hp Vauxhall engine, deDion rear axel, with only 6K miles on her. I can tool around in her during the summer (I live in PA) and I'll take her to the track maybe 10-15 times a year. She arrives in 2 weeks.
What do you guys think? Am I crazy (no rude comments about the Paxil) or does all of this make sense? Have you guys seen these little nasty Caterhams out on the track?
Well, I've always been a fan of the E30 M3, in fact I had one, but I was always afraid (seems to be a common theme here, alright I take Paxil) the engine would explode = $10K!!
I really enjoyed the M Coupe, but I already had one of those and their handling at the limit is...um...unpredictable (almost said "scary").
I'm not a "ricer" though there are many Japanese cars that really go like gangbusters out on the track., ie. RX7, Supra, STI, etc. No, too much of a snob for one of those.
I really missed owning a roadster...hmmm....how about a Caterham Super 7! How different, how novel, how....my wife (picture many curlers in hair) thought I was crazy! "That thing looks like a tin can on wheels." "Yes dear", now I really wanted it! "You'll kill yourself", I could only be so lucky! So I just purchased a '93 Super 7 with a 165hp Vauxhall engine, deDion rear axel, with only 6K miles on her. I can tool around in her during the summer (I live in PA) and I'll take her to the track maybe 10-15 times a year. She arrives in 2 weeks.
What do you guys think? Am I crazy (no rude comments about the Paxil) or does all of this make sense? Have you guys seen these little nasty Caterhams out on the track?
#2
I drove one last week and they are great! It's about 7 seconds per lap faster than my 2002 C2 was (notice you have one too) on a short road course (1:13 lap time for the Cat). This one weighed 1,250 lbs with 225hp motor.
Have fun with the Cat!!!
Have fun with the Cat!!!
#5
I'm with you on the dedicated track car idea, and I'm sure the Super 7 is an awesome track car. But, for a dedicated track car, I prefer something with a bit more protection; I use a '99 M3 for a dedicated track car.
So, becareful out there!
So, becareful out there!
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#8
As a kindred spirit with a 1973 Super 7 vintage racer (still have strret plates for it) I think you'll feel a bit exposed. You should put a roll bar in, but you'll note there isn't much to weld it to. Side protection is kind of non-existent.
I enjoy my Lotus when I'm on the track with other small-bore cars, but am definitely concerned when there is something bigger and heavier behind me. I think the biggest risk is a mid-corner spin (possibly induced by someone else) and getting t-boned by a 3000 lb. car.
One other factor is race tracks with long straights. A lot of air gets under the front fenders, and I'm usually grateful that the car tops out at 125mph, since it's much less stable than a Porsche at that speed. (My car has a 170 bhp twin cam) Drafting a slipperier car helps a lot, but then you can't see over the car in front too well. If your car has cycle-style front fenders, that would be best. You'll also wnat the ride height low.
So, I think you'll have a great time at shorter tracks, especially if there are mostly small cars in your group. Having a Vette go by at 150 mph might persuade you to back to the Porsche for some events. Add a set of Hoosier race tires, and you'll really enjoy tossing the Lotus around at the shorter tracks. AS
I enjoy my Lotus when I'm on the track with other small-bore cars, but am definitely concerned when there is something bigger and heavier behind me. I think the biggest risk is a mid-corner spin (possibly induced by someone else) and getting t-boned by a 3000 lb. car.
One other factor is race tracks with long straights. A lot of air gets under the front fenders, and I'm usually grateful that the car tops out at 125mph, since it's much less stable than a Porsche at that speed. (My car has a 170 bhp twin cam) Drafting a slipperier car helps a lot, but then you can't see over the car in front too well. If your car has cycle-style front fenders, that would be best. You'll also wnat the ride height low.
So, I think you'll have a great time at shorter tracks, especially if there are mostly small cars in your group. Having a Vette go by at 150 mph might persuade you to back to the Porsche for some events. Add a set of Hoosier race tires, and you'll really enjoy tossing the Lotus around at the shorter tracks. AS
#9
ghost-
i think the porsche is a much safer alternative. given the fact that you are much more valuable than any car i would continue to use your porsche on the track. you are worth it!
i think the porsche is a much safer alternative. given the fact that you are much more valuable than any car i would continue to use your porsche on the track. you are worth it!
Last edited by ignacio; 03-29-2004 at 01:41 AM.