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First outing in Caterham
Posted: Tue May 24, 2011 11:14 pm
by Gourlay83
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 ...)
Re: First outing in Caterham
Posted: Tue May 24, 2011 11:24 pm
by CubanGav
So a 'pop' rather than a ' kaboom'?
Re: First outing in Caterham
Posted: Tue May 24, 2011 11:29 pm
by Gourlay83
CubanGav wrote:So a 'pop' rather than a ' kaboom'?
A pop then a woosh followed by "f*ck, already?"
No big deal,
Alan
Re: First outing in Caterham
Posted: Wed May 25, 2011 7:45 am
by robin
Good old VHPD
Are you trailering or driving this car on FF?
Cheers,
Robin
Re: First outing in Caterham
Posted: Wed May 25, 2011 7:57 am
by Gareth
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)
Re: First outing in Caterham
Posted: Wed May 25, 2011 8:10 am
by Fluoxetine
Actually spotted you heading back towards Aberdeen yesterday evening, around Balmedie...
Re: First outing in Caterham
Posted: Wed May 25, 2011 11:25 am
by tonyg
Glad you like it
Re: First outing in Caterham
Posted: Wed May 25, 2011 12:31 pm
by jen
Fluoxetine wrote:Actually spotted you heading back towards Aberdeen yesterday evening, around Balmedie...
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?!!!
(I wore my helmet so didn't have any probs!)
Re: First outing in Caterham
Posted: Wed May 25, 2011 12:34 pm
by Ferg
Only pick I've seen is the 'Spotted' fly by shot. Taken any pics yet?
Re: First outing in Caterham
Posted: Wed May 25, 2011 1:30 pm
by Gourlay83
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)
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
Re: First outing in Caterham
Posted: Wed May 25, 2011 2:04 pm
by Fluoxetine
jen wrote:Fluoxetine wrote:Actually spotted you heading back towards Aberdeen yesterday evening, around Balmedie...
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?!!!
(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.
Re: First outing in Caterham
Posted: Wed May 25, 2011 3:40 pm
by Scotty C
trailer for sale or rent ?
Re: First outing in Caterham
Posted: Wed May 25, 2011 4:02 pm
by jen
Ah, he went to college in it, was it about 5/half 5ish?
You should pop in to say hello next time!
Jen
Re: First outing in Caterham
Posted: Wed May 25, 2011 4:23 pm
by tonyg
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 ...)
Overheated or radiator cap failed ?
List of spares to carry at all times (not comprehensive)
Radiator cap
Clutch cable
Throttle cable.
Rear exhaust mount
Re: First outing in Caterham
Posted: Wed May 25, 2011 4:45 pm
by Gourlay83
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 ...)
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
Overheated.
Alan