First outing in Caterham

Anything goes in here.....
Post Reply
User avatar
Gourlay83
Posts: 1663
Joined: Fri Jan 02, 2009 4:59 pm
Location: Aberdeen

First outing in Caterham

Post by Gourlay83 » Tue May 24, 2011 11:14 pm

As many of you already know (some before even I did) i bought the Toxic Frog. A nice original SLR, used but a very honest car.

Finally got a chance to drive it and it did not disappoint. The turn in is insane with plenty of power, even though that VHPD is probably only producing 165 bhp. You do have to drive it though, with the heavy steering, pedals and VHPD that only works post 5000rpm it can't be nursed.. I can't fault the suspension and brakes, just need to refurbish wishbones/axles as they powder coating is almost gone and started to rust.

The VHPD does need some fettling, map is terrible and still on original dodgy cam timing. Ordered an Emerald and Verniers for the Camshafts so i can get the correct lift at TDC and map the car properly, hopefully get closer to 190bhp but more importantly sort out the low to midrange.

Love the car and look forward to learning it's full potential.

Alan

P.S VHPD overheated already, spirited drive around local roads then stopped in the drive to get Jen. Whilst she was getting in the car it boiled over (fan was on etc ...) :roll:
"Chicks dig scars and I measure mine in feet"

Ford Fiesta Zetec \m/ - Get's me erse to work spec.
Caterham R500 - The grenade powered one.
Top
User avatar
CubanGav
Posts: 551
Joined: Mon Jul 05, 2010 5:17 pm
Location: North of the wall

Re: First outing in Caterham

Post by CubanGav » Tue May 24, 2011 11:24 pm

So a 'pop' rather than a ' kaboom'?
Top
User avatar
Gourlay83
Posts: 1663
Joined: Fri Jan 02, 2009 4:59 pm
Location: Aberdeen

Re: First outing in Caterham

Post by Gourlay83 » Tue May 24, 2011 11:29 pm

CubanGav wrote:So a 'pop' rather than a ' kaboom'?
A pop then a woosh followed by "f*ck, already?"

No big deal,
Alan
"Chicks dig scars and I measure mine in feet"

Ford Fiesta Zetec \m/ - Get's me erse to work spec.
Caterham R500 - The grenade powered one.
Top
User avatar
robin
Jedi Master
Posts: 10546
Joined: Mon Mar 27, 2006 1:39 pm

Re: First outing in Caterham

Post by robin » Wed May 25, 2011 7:45 am

Good old VHPD :-) Are you trailering or driving this car on FF?

Cheers,
Robin
I is in your loomz nibblin ur wirez
#bemoretut
Top
Gareth
Posts: 4959
Joined: Thu Mar 10, 2005 12:19 pm
Location: The Moon

Re: First outing in Caterham

Post by Gareth » Wed May 25, 2011 7:57 am

Gourlay83 wrote:The turn in is insane with plenty of power, even though that VHPD is probably only producing 165 bhp.
What makes you think that?
When I had it I was lapping with Ross in his R400

Always started first time without throttle. OK, it was lumpy but aren't all VHPD's.

You're just trying not to like it (VHPD)

:thumbsup
Top
User avatar
Fluoxetine
Posts: 1423
Joined: Thu Aug 17, 2006 5:57 pm
Location: Baile Átha Cliath / Abergloom

Re: First outing in Caterham

Post by Fluoxetine » Wed May 25, 2011 8:10 am

Actually spotted you heading back towards Aberdeen yesterday evening, around Balmedie... 8)
Top
User avatar
tonyg
Posts: 1148
Joined: Mon Apr 16, 2007 5:06 pm
Location: Now with half an engine

Re: First outing in Caterham

Post by tonyg » Wed May 25, 2011 11:25 am

Glad you like it :thumbsup
Now with half an engine
Top
User avatar
jen
Girl racer
Posts: 2041
Joined: Mon Apr 13, 2009 7:27 pm
Location: Edinburgh

Re: First outing in Caterham

Post by jen » Wed May 25, 2011 12:31 pm

Fluoxetine wrote:Actually spotted you heading back towards Aberdeen yesterday evening, around Balmedie... 8)
Where about Ross? We stay in Balmedie! Was I in the car too or was Alan alone or with another bloke trying to pick the stones out of his nose?!!! :damnfunny (I wore my helmet so didn't have any probs!)
Top
User avatar
Ferg
Posts: 3966
Joined: Fri Sep 04, 2009 11:56 pm
Location: Auld Reekie

Re: First outing in Caterham

Post by Ferg » Wed May 25, 2011 12:34 pm

Only pick I've seen is the 'Spotted' fly by shot. Taken any pics yet?
Top
User avatar
Gourlay83
Posts: 1663
Joined: Fri Jan 02, 2009 4:59 pm
Location: Aberdeen

Re: First outing in Caterham

Post by Gourlay83 » Wed May 25, 2011 1:30 pm

Gareth wrote:
Gourlay83 wrote:The turn in is insane with plenty of power, even though that VHPD is probably only producing 165 bhp.
What makes you think that?
When I had it I was lapping with Ross in his R400

Always started first time without throttle. OK, it was lumpy but aren't all VHPD's.

You're. just trying not to like it (VHPD)

:thumbsup
Rolling road session prefer to trust figures than pub stories. It starts fine but lumpy on low revs which aint nothing new for a VHPD on original ecu and cam timing. Don't get me wrong its very quick and loving it. I just think it can improved for very little money.

Robin - looking at trailers at the moment, so I can at least get home.

Ferg - pics to follow

Alan
"Chicks dig scars and I measure mine in feet"

Ford Fiesta Zetec \m/ - Get's me erse to work spec.
Caterham R500 - The grenade powered one.
Top
User avatar
Fluoxetine
Posts: 1423
Joined: Thu Aug 17, 2006 5:57 pm
Location: Baile Átha Cliath / Abergloom

Re: First outing in Caterham

Post by Fluoxetine » Wed May 25, 2011 2:04 pm

jen wrote:
Fluoxetine wrote:Actually spotted you heading back towards Aberdeen yesterday evening, around Balmedie... 8)
Where about Ross? We stay in Balmedie! Was I in the car too or was Alan alone or with another bloke trying to pick the stones out of his nose?!!! :damnfunny (I wore my helmet so didn't have any probs!)
Driving down the opposite side of the dual carriageway towards town, a couple of miles past the turn off for Balmedie. (Looked like Alan was on his own, wearing a white crash helmet?)

My mate lives in Chapelwell Park, so I was dropping by hers for a catch up, prior to heading offshore.
Top
User avatar
Scotty C
Meat
Posts: 8352
Joined: Thu Mar 10, 2005 12:11 am
Location: Aberdeen

Re: First outing in Caterham

Post by Scotty C » Wed May 25, 2011 3:40 pm

trailer for sale or rent ?
"Here for a good time not a long time"
Top
User avatar
jen
Girl racer
Posts: 2041
Joined: Mon Apr 13, 2009 7:27 pm
Location: Edinburgh

Re: First outing in Caterham

Post by jen » Wed May 25, 2011 4:02 pm

Ah, he went to college in it, was it about 5/half 5ish?

You should pop in to say hello next time! :-)

Jen
Top
User avatar
tonyg
Posts: 1148
Joined: Mon Apr 16, 2007 5:06 pm
Location: Now with half an engine

Re: First outing in Caterham

Post by tonyg » Wed May 25, 2011 4:23 pm

Gourlay83 wrote:
P.S VHPD overheated already, spirited drive around local roads then stopped in the drive to get Jen. Whilst she was getting in the car it boiled over (fan was on etc ...) :roll:
Overheated or radiator cap failed ?

List of spares to carry at all times (not comprehensive)

Radiator cap
Clutch cable
Throttle cable.
Rear exhaust mount
Now with half an engine
Top
User avatar
Gourlay83
Posts: 1663
Joined: Fri Jan 02, 2009 4:59 pm
Location: Aberdeen

Re: First outing in Caterham

Post by Gourlay83 » Wed May 25, 2011 4:45 pm

tonyg wrote:
Gourlay83 wrote:
P.S VHPD overheated already, spirited drive around local roads then stopped in the drive to get Jen. Whilst she was getting in the car it boiled over (fan was on etc ...) :roll:
Overheated or radiator cap failed ?

List of spares to carry at all times (not comprehensive)

Radiator cap
Clutch cable
Throttle cable.
VHPD
Gearbox
Lsd
Rear exhaust mount
:D

Overheated.

Alan
"Chicks dig scars and I measure mine in feet"

Ford Fiesta Zetec \m/ - Get's me erse to work spec.
Caterham R500 - The grenade powered one.
Top
Post Reply

Return to “General Chat”