Done 10 months with the 420R SV now Grant. I've owned Cobras, TVR, Mustang... but this is the best sports car I've encountered. Love it. Brakes haven't impressed me so I'm having the bigger calipers and vented disc option, should have specced that when I ordered it ! In every other way its incredible. Steering, grip, ride, and that tireless and torquey Duratec motor :)
Glad to hear it! Ref the brakes, check your pads; the standard Mintex pads aren't great, and something like Ferodo DS2500 make a massive difference to the braking performance and brake feel.
Awesome... Your videos manage to capture the essence of seven driving. They are the ones I always come back to (Taffia in particular). The 420R looks and sounds great. Once we're allowed out to play again I'll upload a video of mine (yellow with black stripes, but with a DVA K series and an awful lot older).
Grant, really impressed with this, I have a build slot coming in July for my first Caterham, im over here in the US. Now I can see you have mentioned you've previously owned Caterham before. As it's a long and arduous process to get a Caterham configured and then shipped over here in any time sooner than a decade (slight exaggeration) if you had the choice , would you go with the 420R or the 620R? I'm sure it gets asked all the time. For reference I will probably be using 60%-70% road to 30-40% track. Bearing in mind roads are a bit bigger out here. 620 as an individual model as super scarce out here, as is caterham in general. I believe I have a day or 2 to decide which I choose. I currently have 420R spec'd with RBTB upgrades. But having driven a 620R recently I thought it was absolutely bonkers!! Haven't stopped thinking about it since, I was scared S***less driving it, but left me thinking with a bit of time I could get used to it. So I am curious to know your thoughts. (Sorry for gatecrashing the video). PS Sounds incredible and nice to see you taking on roundabouts the way they should be taken! ;)
Hi Gavin. Congrats on getting/ordering a Seven. It’s a tough question to answer to be honest. Over here in the UK, I would only recommend a 620R if used mainly on track. I have passengered in one and the gearbox was fabulous. In my mind, it would be 620R>420R>620S. However for UK roads, the opportunities to fully extend a 420R are few and far between. However out in the US it’s a different matter, so I’d be inclined to go for the 620R if I was out there. Just make sure you get a side exit exhaust, as they sound incredible, which at least would help offset the lack of RBTB noise you’d get with a 420R. Hope that helps.
@@granthibbett Hi Grant, I really appreciate your reply and thank you! I am beyond excited to join the Seven family. I didn't think I would get a response, so I genuinely do appreciate it. Let me run through you a quick conundrum out there for you. As I want to make a truly unique beast. A seven for the road, but equally a beast on the track. Took your advice totally onboard. So I now have an either or scenario as this is my last day or so to decide, and I value your opinion somewhat. 420R (with 620 nosecone and 620 dash (I like the aesthetics of a 620) with RBTB + Sadev Sequential (It's pricey but worth it in my opinion) Vs 620R? I ask that because I am not sure if I am thinking this through right, but, thinking the 420R may have a better throttle balance Vs the 620R. So as someone with experience, what would you do?
@@gavinwalsh5173 hi Gavin. It really is your call. The 620R being supercharged should also have good throttle response. A lot depends on your definition of fast; I know some people who are scared witless by 125bhp in a Seven, whereas others (lunatics) find the 620R not enough. Certainly 160bhp or so is the sweet spot for the road, but you’ll definitely want more on track. Also, if you went 420R, would you always have that nagging doubt that you could have had more power with the 620R? I’m sure you’ll be happy with either car, and remember it’s braking and cornering where you’ll make up the most time on track; not on the straights. Good luck with your decision!
Went to get nappies the other day in my 420R - fit perfectly in the footwell! How does it compare to your old one? Bit faster? :D I wish I could try a 420 with RBTB's as I'm considering getting it done...but at 4k it's quite a chunk!
R yep, the perfect thing to carry in a Caterham. Nappies won’t move around and damage anything, and they’re nice and light too! Yes the 420R feels a lot faster than my Supersport, although I bet there’s not as much in it as there feels to be. Regardless, the torque is great for everyday driving however I love the proper old-school kick as it comes on cam and rushes for the limiter. I’ve not driven a 420R without the RBTBs, so cannot comment on the difference, however anecdotal evidence from people who have suggests it’s a worthwhile modification even if only for the noise.
Any pops and bangs from it? I had throttle bodies on my 150bhp 1.6 ford sigma. Im going for either an r400 next or 420s or r with throttle bodies any recommendations Grant
Best bet is to test drive or, better still, hire a Seven. If you’ve never driven one, don’t think that only 150bhp is too little; they’re still quick little cars.
I'm in N.ireland so not so easy to get a test drive. Like the 310 its just a case of commiting and coming over with the view to purchase straight after a test drive. Hence why I'm very interested in your opinions as I remember watching the 125 you had and now the 420.
@@craigthornberry6404 420R feels miles quicker than the 125 and also my old Supersport 140. However if you look at my times around Mallory Park, there’s actually not a lot in it (1 sec). The Sigma is a very well balanced car (more so than the Duratec) and this can be felt on both road and track. A 310R would be brilliant, although best of both worlds would be a tuned Sigma such as a Premier Power F200.
Hi Grant so made a purchase of a 2000 k series 1.8 and upgraded by Dave Andrews to 210 bhp forged pistons, bp 285 cams etc etc. Pick it up in a few weeks excited due to the throttle bodies and the 200 plus bhp with switchable maps.
Done 10 months with the 420R SV now Grant. I've owned Cobras, TVR, Mustang... but this is the best sports car I've encountered. Love it. Brakes haven't impressed me so I'm having the bigger calipers and vented disc option, should have specced that when I ordered it ! In every other way its incredible. Steering, grip, ride, and that tireless and torquey Duratec motor :)
Glad to hear it! Ref the brakes, check your pads; the standard Mintex pads aren't great, and something like Ferodo DS2500 make a massive difference to the braking performance and brake feel.
@@granthibbett interesting, thanks Grant :)
Odd Australian reply out of nowhere - acquaintance of mine swears by Endless-Japan brake pads. Had some up front in my Nissan Silvia years back - 👍
Wicked machine, I would love to own one at some point ! 🤘🏻
I like my dual Dellortos. The induction sound alone makes my day.
Really makes me want to get out in my MK Indy R1! Great video
Really enjoyed that Grant, good to see if being used as intended. Reminded me a little bit of the Throckmorton video - donuts and standing starts!
That induction sound is just great. 😀
Awesome... Your videos manage to capture the essence of seven driving. They are the ones I always come back to (Taffia in particular). The 420R looks and sounds great. Once we're allowed out to play again I'll upload a video of mine (yellow with black stripes, but with a DVA K series and an awful lot older).
Allsystemsaredown thank you. Look forward to seeing your vids also 👍🏼
Test drive at Gatwick next month. Hopefully then join the 7 month waiting list. Such a timeless, extreme sports car. Excellent vid :)
So did you get one ?
Looks like the grand borough fields great roads
Raw 7 driving sound = LIKE
Great Video 😉👍
Enjoyed that!
Great vid, which part of the country is this?
Sounds epic
Grant, really impressed with this, I have a build slot coming in July for my first Caterham, im over here in the US. Now I can see you have mentioned you've previously owned Caterham before. As it's a long and arduous process to get a Caterham configured and then shipped over here in any time sooner than a decade (slight exaggeration) if you had the choice , would you go with the 420R or the 620R? I'm sure it gets asked all the time. For reference I will probably be using 60%-70% road to 30-40% track. Bearing in mind roads are a bit bigger out here. 620 as an individual model as super scarce out here, as is caterham in general. I believe I have a day or 2 to decide which I choose. I currently have 420R spec'd with RBTB upgrades. But having driven a 620R recently I thought it was absolutely bonkers!! Haven't stopped thinking about it since, I was scared S***less driving it, but left me thinking with a bit of time I could get used to it. So I am curious to know your thoughts. (Sorry for gatecrashing the video). PS Sounds incredible and nice to see you taking on roundabouts the way they should be taken! ;)
Hi Gavin. Congrats on getting/ordering a Seven. It’s a tough question to answer to be honest. Over here in the UK, I would only recommend a 620R if used mainly on track. I have passengered in one and the gearbox was fabulous. In my mind, it would be 620R>420R>620S. However for UK roads, the opportunities to fully extend a 420R are few and far between. However out in the US it’s a different matter, so I’d be inclined to go for the 620R if I was out there. Just make sure you get a side exit exhaust, as they sound incredible, which at least would help offset the lack of RBTB noise you’d get with a 420R. Hope that helps.
@@granthibbett Hi Grant, I really appreciate your reply and thank you! I am beyond excited to join the Seven family. I didn't think I would get a response, so I genuinely do appreciate it. Let me run through you a quick conundrum out there for you. As I want to make a truly unique beast. A seven for the road, but equally a beast on the track. Took your advice totally onboard. So I now have an either or scenario as this is my last day or so to decide, and I value your opinion somewhat. 420R (with 620 nosecone and 620 dash (I like the aesthetics of a 620) with RBTB + Sadev Sequential (It's pricey but worth it in my opinion) Vs 620R? I ask that because I am not sure if I am thinking this through right, but, thinking the 420R may have a better throttle balance Vs the 620R. So as someone with experience, what would you do?
@@gavinwalsh5173 hi Gavin. It really is your call. The 620R being supercharged should also have good throttle response. A lot depends on your definition of fast; I know some people who are scared witless by 125bhp in a Seven, whereas others (lunatics) find the 620R not enough. Certainly 160bhp or so is the sweet spot for the road, but you’ll definitely want more on track. Also, if you went 420R, would you always have that nagging doubt that you could have had more power with the 620R? I’m sure you’ll be happy with either car, and remember it’s braking and cornering where you’ll make up the most time on track; not on the straights.
Good luck with your decision!
Went to get nappies the other day in my 420R - fit perfectly in the footwell!
How does it compare to your old one? Bit faster? :D
I wish I could try a 420 with RBTB's as I'm considering getting it done...but at 4k it's quite a chunk!
R yep, the perfect thing to carry in a Caterham. Nappies won’t move around and damage anything, and they’re nice and light too!
Yes the 420R feels a lot faster than my Supersport, although I bet there’s not as much in it as there feels to be. Regardless, the torque is great for everyday driving however I love the proper old-school kick as it comes on cam and rushes for the limiter.
I’ve not driven a 420R without the RBTBs, so cannot comment on the difference, however anecdotal evidence from people who have suggests it’s a worthwhile modification even if only for the noise.
Any pops and bangs from it? I had throttle bodies on my 150bhp 1.6 ford sigma. Im going for either an r400 next or 420s or r with throttle bodies any recommendations Grant
@@craigthornberry6404 get a 420r enjoy it then get an f225 upgrade you’ll love it
Pretty sure I know where the roundabout is lol near to Badby? Wonder if you're based near to me :-)
Rob England yep correct! I’m close to Southam. You?
@@granthibbett Yup same about 8 miles south of Southam :-)
Awesome video! I’m guessing you run an external mic?
Andrew Wilson yes I have a polar pro external mic that I bought from Amazon. Makes all the difference!
Sounds lovely! Did you route the microphone through to the air box?
Andrew Wilson no it’s by the passenger seat so hears what a passenger would hear.
Is this the 2.0L duratech?
rx7autoxer yes that’s correct.
Hi Grant, would you recommend the 420 then? Reliable? I'm now thinking maybe an r400 and thoughts appreciated
Best bet is to test drive or, better still, hire a Seven. If you’ve never driven one, don’t think that only 150bhp is too little; they’re still quick little cars.
Hi Grant I had a 150 for a couple of years. I loved it but just want more power.
I'm in N.ireland so not so easy to get a test drive. Like the 310 its just a case of commiting and coming over with the view to purchase straight after a test drive. Hence why I'm very interested in your opinions as I remember watching the 125 you had and now the 420.
@@craigthornberry6404 420R feels miles quicker than the 125 and also my old Supersport 140. However if you look at my times around Mallory Park, there’s actually not a lot in it (1 sec).
The Sigma is a very well balanced car (more so than the Duratec) and this can be felt on both road and track. A 310R would be brilliant, although best of both worlds would be a tuned Sigma such as a Premier Power F200.
Hi Grant so made a purchase of a 2000 k series 1.8 and upgraded by Dave Andrews to 210 bhp forged pistons, bp 285 cams etc etc. Pick it up in a few weeks excited due to the throttle bodies and the 200 plus bhp with switchable maps.
When you're sitting so low, how could you read the word slow below 😂
Nice camera position
Jack Wheatley thanks. Would be better if I didn’t get the bug splat within the first few minutes of filming!
Does yours have the 6 speed or 5 speed?
6 Speed
Does your 7 have an LSD?
Joel Skingle yes it does.