From: "Kristan Rivers" <Kristan_Rivers@oakqm3.sps.mot.com>
I have been thinking for the past year of getting a Seven, but have
Welcome for the Seven's Heaven:-)
What are the benifits of a real Lotus versus the Caterham? Ie:
performance, parts, cost, etc. It seems to me that the Caterhams tend
to cost more.
Caterahm 7 based on the Series 3 Lotus twincam which were subject to
further reinforcement on the original S3 frame.
Series 2 has the weakest frame in the family.
S1 are a bit different from the later.
It has sturdy frame based on racing 11.
Caterham has been developing frame construction.
In fact it has been supplied by Arch motors since the days of S2.
The newer the 7 the stronger the shassis.
It seems also that they come in all different engine/drivetrain/cockpit
combinations. What does this mean? Is a "DeDion" rear end good or bad?
What kind of engine do I want? How different is the "long" cockpit from
the short?
No explanetion on the engines. You choose.
There are 4 sp.and 5sp transmissions to choose.
Only the long cockpit can fit the 5sp. cobination as the caterham standard.
Rear DeDion is also an eclusive option for long cockpit.
This suspension can be regarde as semi-independent still based on
triangle support as the live axle.
Although it looks compromised compared with that of racing 11's and
seven S1's, it is superior in road holding and especially durability.
So better choice for high power engines with Quiffe limited diff.
Dedion axle is replaced by Sherra's independent rear
with catherham modification.
I am afraid the choice of the transmission is limited by the rear axle.
How is parts availability?
Plentiful even for the original Lotus.
S1 may be costful to maintain.
If people could point me elsewhere as well, it would be appreciated.
Thanks!
Feel free to email me for further questions.
Kazuhiro Igeta '89Caterham 7 1700 Lotus TC tall block
NTT BRL '69Lotus 7 1558 Lotus TC
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