Scottish Elises

The Caterham (Superlight R) has done just over 24,000 miles. Due to the Forged pistons used in the VHPD I will be rebuilding. I would rather spend the money on a re build than wait until a piston cracks or leaves the block.

The spec of my engine as below:
VHPD
4-2-1 Exhaust (Caterham) with no CAT
42mm Jenveys
Emerald K6 ECU
PLx Wideband (haven't fitted it yet)

I will be re building

Head
Clean head & ports.
Hardness Check
Peen fire rings
Skim
Re-Lap Valves
re build with new seals

Block
New Pistons
New Liners (ensuring 0.004" proud liner height)
Re - Shell main & big end bearings
again new seals and good clean up.

My question is, what alternatives on piston size are out there ? Any bigger piston/liner combo's of GOOD QUALITY available ?

I don't want to rev the engine past 7750rpm, with reliabillity being the biggest concern. The engine/car is fast enough but if i can eek out some more torque/bhp for a few extra £££ i will consider it.

Cheers
Alan

P.S Just to add - No faults with Engine. A little piston slap when cold only. Uses little coolant and oil.

If you dont have anyone for the machining of the block, give me a shout, do them all the time.

Cheers

Stu

Also not sure if I would rush into work around the fire ring, just have to skim more off the head, which is not a good thing on a K, if it looks ok, I would just clean it up and refit.
the more you skim, the more holes you will find!!
(in my opinion, skimmed hundreds of them)

Stu

Yep, good point. Hopefully It will measure within spec but I've never been that lucky. Might take you up on your offer.

I'll measure the crank as well but don't see any issues as its a re build of a good engine rather than a repair.

Cheers
Alan

Alan, I am sure that Simon would give you a special S_E deal to rebuild you a good engine, or failing that you would certainly get some good advice from him for doing it yourself.

tut

Alan.

You want a Honda in that mate.

Campbell

Haven't you heard Campbell? Honda's are rubbish

You dont want a K or Honda - stick a Duratec in there lol

mikeyb13 wrote:Haven't you heard Campbell? Honda's are rubbish

Well I wouldnt go quite as far as that

Stu

Actually I think Alan could probably pedal quite fast, and the weight-saving would be considerable.

Alan Im looking at going 2.0 with VGK racing, its a little expensive but seems to have a good solution for the short block. He wont sell you parts to assemble DIY though .Ive read lots and lots of pages and there is a huge difference of opinion as to what the best combo is, just a minefield.
Keep me updated as to what route you go but if you fancy doing similar to me we could perhaps get it a little cheaper.
Craig.
PS Anyone fancy stripping a 340R tomorrow and Saturday, I really cant be arsed anymore with the bodyshell. Considering cutting it so only the back comes off.

Dom get the grinder out

Quickly cover the conversion questions - ain't happening. I have an almost original SLR and intend on keeping it that way.

Another point is the k series is the best engine for a Caterham. Nice and light (over the front wheels) and good power. (utter sh*te but hey, can't win them all).

I'm more than likely just re build to a good standard. Just looking at other options.

Alan

P.s Craig - stripping the Caterham this weekend and have an exam soon, sorry I can't give you a hand. Blooming cars !

Scotty C wrote:Dom get the grinder out

Aye, aye.

Only have hacksaws and files. Takes longer but satisfying and safe.

Alan

Gourlay83 wrote:The Caterham (Superlight R) has done just over 24,000 miles. Due to the Forged pistons used in the VHPD I will be rebuilding. I would rather spend the money on a re build than wait until a piston cracks or leaves the block.

The spec of my engine as below:
VHPD
4-2-1 Exhaust (Caterham) with no CAT
42mm Jenveys
Emerald K6 ECU
PLx Wideband (haven't fitted it yet)

I will be re building

Head
Clean head & ports.
Hardness Check
Peen fire rings
Skim
Re-Lap Valves
re build with new seals

Block
New Pistons
New Liners (ensuring 0.004" proud liner height)
Re - Shell main & big end bearings
again new seals and good clean up.

My question is, what alternatives on piston size are out there ? Any bigger piston/liner combo's of GOOD QUALITY available ?

I don't want to rev the engine past 7750rpm, with reliabillity being the biggest concern. The engine/car is fast enough but if i can eek out some more torque/bhp for a few extra £££ i will consider it.

Cheers
Alan

P.S Just to add - No faults with Engine. A little piston slap when cold only. Uses little coolant and oil.

Get it balanced, and to stu for liners and block decking

piston slap happens because old VHPD spec GKN liners were poor and get knocked out of shape

check pistons are ok