FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ):
What is a “rolling chassis”?
A “rolling chassis” or “turn key minus” is a complete, painted, trimmed, plumbed and wired car less the engine/transmission/exhaust and driveshaft. Imagine a driving car that you have removed the parts listed above. That is what you receive as a Superformance or Caterham “rolling chassis”.
Are your cars street legal?
Superformance and Caterham cars are street legal and can be registered in all 50 states. The process differs according to the state of registration. We can supply the regulations for your state and provide the help and documentation needed. Note: the Caterham Seven, when ordered in the “R” configuration comes with a composite “Aeroscreen” in lieu of a windscreen and does not have windscreen wipers. Most states require a safety glass windshield and wipers for street registration. The Seven may be optioned with a “weather pack” which includes the safety glass windscreen and wipers allowing street registration. You can also option the weather pack with an interchangeable Aeroscreen allowing you to switch for track use, etc.
Can I build the kit or do the build-out for a rolling chassis?
Sure! The Caterham in kit form will take 50-80 hours to complete. The rolling chassis can be completed in 10-20 hours. Caterham supplies a comprehensive build manual in a large, bound format that walks you through the process. The manual may be downloaded in advance so you can see what is involved.
A Superformance rolling chassis can be completed by the purchaser; the time will depend on the model, engine selected and other factors. We can support your build-out with required parts and technical help.
What will I need to do the build? Any special tools?
The Caterham kit requires basic hand tools. There is no welding required, only some drilling for rivets, cutting of rubber hoses and bonding of composite panels. We will loan the mix gun needed to bond the front wings to the stays. An engine crane can be rented locally, and you will need either jack stands or sawhorses to build. The only items that do not come with the Caterham kit are fluids, adhesives, and your time!
What is a Caterham?
From 1957–1972, Lotus Cars built the Lotus Seven, a lightweight sports car that was sold in kit and factory-built form. A Caterham is a super-lightweight sports car produced by Caterham Cars in the United Kingdom. Caterham stems from the Lotus Seven.
Colin Chapman history
Colin Chapman was an English design engineer, inventor, and builder in the automotive industry. He is best known as the founder of the sports car company Lotus Cars. Chapman founded Lotus in 1952 and ran it in his spare time, assisted by a group of enthusiasts. His design philosophy focused on creating cars that are lightweight and delicately handled rather than relying solely on horsepower. He famously said, “Adding power makes you faster on the straights. Subtracting weight makes you faster everywhere.” Under his direction, Team Lotus achieved remarkable success in Formula One, winning seven Constructors’ titles and six Drivers’ Championships between 1962 and 1978. Chapman’s legacy extends beyond racing; Lotus Cars has produced thousands of cutting-edge, relatively affordable sports cars. Unfortunately, Chapman suffered a fatal heart attack in 1982 at the age of 54.
How do I register my Caterham?
Each state has different requirements. In most states, your Caterham will register as a kit, homebuilt, self-constructed, or something along those lines. Time Machines Motorsports does not guarantee registration in your state, but we have never had a car that could get registered. We are here to help with any documentation or advice you may need along the way.
Where do I get parts for my Caterham?
Some parts are available over the counter at your local parts store, while others are manufacturer-specific. Just call us, and we will do our best to help you get what you need. It always helps to have your Chassis number handy when requesting parts.
The Tach on my Caterham is not reading correctly. The Speedometer on my Caterham needs to be reading correctly.
Sometimes, the cars do not have the correct speedometer code, called a PPU, preprogrammed into the speedo. See this handy chart for the procedure and the code you need to enter to correct the indicated speed.
MPH STEPPER SPEEDO SETUP SPEEDO PPU PROGRAMMING PROCEDURE
What alignment and ride height should I use on my Caterham?
Ideal alignment and right height/corner weights will vary with your Caterham’s intended use and the handling characteristics you are trying to achieve. No worries, though. Here is a link to the CATERHAM BASE SETTINGS.
How long does it take to get a Caterham? What alignment and ride height should I use on my Caterham?
As of May 2024, Caterham’s target lead time is to keep build slot dates as close to 6 months as possible. This is needed to allow time for Caterham to process the order and ensure all items are in stock for your build. As no two Caterhams are the same, this takes careful planning.
What is a build slot?
A build slot is the factory’s target date for your chassis to begin production. From there, it will take 4-8 weeks for your chassis to be completed.
How does shipping work?
Each new car chassis purchase includes shipping to Time Machines Motorsports. Shipping consists of all transportation from the railyard, crating, and dunnage, and delivery to the seaport. In many cases, once your chassis is on the vessel, we can provide the vessel’s name so you can track it to the shore! From there, a truck will deliver the chassis to our shop in Caffee, NY.
Do the ChasSIs or kits come with a title?
No, each chassis or kit is shipped with an Mso/Mco (manufacture statement or certificate of origin) stating who made it and what it is. You will use that document and your bill of sale from Time Machines Motorsports to register your Caterham in your state.
Can Caterhams be driven on the street?
You Bet. Any Caterham is as home on the street as it is on the track!
Should I build my kit?
YES. YES. YES. If you are even considering it, do it! It is a great way to bond with your Caterham! Don’t worry—Time Machines Motorsports is here to help you through the tricky bits when needed, often scheduling FaceTime calls and video chats to help builders along.
What is a “Factory Built Roller?”
Caterham will assemble your vehicle to completion, except for installing the engine and transmission. That part will need to be handled stateside.
What ships in my “Kit?”
Your kit ships with all of the bits and pieces needed to build your incredible machine, including the engine and transmission.
Will I fit?
Probably! With the introduction of the SV (series 5) chassis, Caterham’s can fit drivers up to 6’6″! No, Seriously. Drivers under 5’9″ or so will fit in the standard S3 chassis but may still choose the SV for added comfort and little extra wiggle room.
What comes with the rolling chassis?
The factory-supplied parts vary by model. Caterhams come with all required parts; only fluids and adhesives are required.
Superformance rolling chassis comes with an exhaust system for your engine choice and pedestals for the engine mounts. GT40s include the alternator mount, A/C compressor mount, and A/C compressor for your selected engine. Other models vary in what is included.