Advice for the Next Academy

26/05/2012

Now, if I recall correctly, it was about this time last year that I had to choose the options for my Academy car. So, by a process of logical deduction, it must be time for the first of the 2013 Academists to start choosing their options. So I thought I'd put my thoughts down.

The big question is of course whether to self build or factory build. But that one is already made for you. Essentially, it boils down to "Did you like Meccano as a kid?" If you did, build it yourself. If you didn't, get Caterham to build it.

Then there is the question of weather equipment. You will need some - this is England, after all. It will rain at some point, even if you plan to keep it in the garage between races. So, you need one of:

- the full Caterham weather equipment
- a tonneau cover
- a covered trailer.

If you're driving the car to events, then I strongly recommend the Caterham weather equipment. It's not just useful in the rain, it provides shelter when it's cold, too, and when you bear in mind that the Academy events start in March and that the track day season starts even earlier, the roof makes a difference.

If you're going to trailer the car, then it doesn't matter which you have but you will need one.

Next is the choice of seats. Some pressure is put on you to get Tillet seats for both sides, as (a) you need some seats to sell it on, and (b) you do want to have fun scaring passengers, don't you? In truth, the question is slightly more complicated.

Again, there is a simple question which is crucial - what height are you? If you're less than about 5'8" and have a waistline of about 34" or less then I would suggest following the conventional wisdom and getting two Tillet seats. You will fit nicely into the driver's Tillet and it is simpler all round.

If you're outside those measurements then you're not going to want the Tillet seat for racing. Seriously. Now, I remember reading this a lot last year, and thinking it was a bit over the top and I'd be fine, but I really do mean this. I'm 5'10 and my head bumps on the roll cage in a Tillet seat - not good. I tried one out for size at Caterham before ordering, and thought it was fine, but be warned - this is a very misleading test. Add in roll cage padding and a helmet, and about 2-3" of clearance vanishes. The photos above show me in a Tillet seat and in the seat I moulded for myself, just look at the difference.

My advice to those who fall outside either of the above measurements is this. You need a Tillet seat to get the car through IVA if you build it yourself, and you will want to scare passengers. So, however it is being built, order the car with both sets of harnesses but a driver's Tillet only, fit that, get it through IVA, and then take it out when you get home and mould a seat. Then, order the passenger seat rails (they are different, non adjustable but much easier to fit) and put the Tillet on the passenger side when you have someone to scare. There is a link (above) to the passenger rails on the Caterham Parts site.

This avoids you having two Tillets knocking around your garage for most of the year. Believe me, they are quite inconvenient!

Then there is the trivia like the Momo removable wheel and the push-button start. We all seem to have these, which probably tells you all you need to know. The wheel does make it easier to get in, and the pushbutton start is only £45 and gives a sense of ceremony.

Finally, there is the question of paintwork. Now, this won't make any difference to the car and won't make you go faster. In fact, it will cost you the equivalent of three trackdays (which would make you go faster) and you'll be more annoyed when the car gets dinged and scratched (which it will, it's a race car). However, it will make the car look prettier, and it will stand out more in the paddock. Do it if you feel like dropping a grand on something that is just for show. I didn't. Plenty do. It's up to you, I have no firm recommendation either way. I compromised on just the Black Pack, which I really like - partly because the black tape crosses over the headlights blend in and look even cooler.

Hope this helps!

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Comments

13/06/2012 12:52:22: Snoozy

Paint - if you are building your own car then it is typically far far cheaper to have someone other than Caterham paint the car (i.e. have the chassis painted after delivery). "far far cheaper" being potentially 4 figures cheaper

10/06/2012 11:03:48: patently

Yes - do!

09/06/2012 15:50:28: Cheesy

Ha - well maybe in Sept/Oct when I have a bit pile of bits that I have no clue about, I'll be giving you a call then.

08/06/2012 22:56:24: patently

Ah, if you're required to take two Tillets as standard, that does rather rule out my cunning plan! Regarding the build, if someone gave the the space and the time in which to do it, I'd start a new build tomorrow - without hesitation. My first thought as they drove away with my car in the back of their truck was "I want to start again". I loved it, and miss having that big pile of bits that don't quite fit with one bit missing.

08/06/2012 20:41:08: Cheesy

Great stuff - thanks for your insight. It's great that over the past couple of years, blogging has made all this info open source!nnRegarding the Tillett's - for 2013 both seats come as standard - there's no option to only have 1 (or if there is, it's not advertised and I'm guessing the cost will be the same!)nnOn self-build, I was beginning to question myself - I spoke to several drivers at Snetterton (sorry I didn't get to say hi to you) and they were adement that they wouldn't do it again...