Time for an update
The paddleshift has settled down quickly, but, I must admit it, it took me a little longer to feel totally comfortable with it. It is intuitive but I still look for the gear stick at times.
The only technical issue I have had was with the throttle blipper. In wet weather it filled up with water and corroded inside, got stiff, and it eventually broke the mount. I therefore moved it to the peddle box end of the cable, which in fairness to Geartronics, is where they recommended.
A new throttle spring was also added to reduce a tendency to 'Kangaroo' as TB springs were not really up to the job. The roller barrels didn't do this but the pick-up with the SBD bodies is so good that even light pressure on the throttle can cause an un-commanded response.
But my results at round 2 & of the SLS were somewhat mediocre. Lap times where not that bad and any gains with the paddle shift where offset by the loss of the sticky Kumhos this year - at least that was my excuse.
Blair McConachie's Caterham had clearly made some strides forward, despite the tyres, so a bit of soul searching was required. He was simply able to carry more speed. Now, a lot of that is just down to his level of skill, but I had a feeling there might be more to it, and the only real difference between the cars was the suspension.
So after round one of the SLS I took the decision to upgrade from the standard Bistiens. There are lots of shocks on offer - Nitron, and Quantum being popular. In the end I became interested in some development work Meteor Motorsport was doing with Penske to valve their 3 way 8760 series shock for the Caterham.
Despite valiant efforts to get me a set made for SLS rounds 2 & 3, it wasn't to be. The first outing was on the June trackday, and they didn't disappoint.
Watch on YouTube
A PB on the first lap and a Vbox ideal lap in the low 54's is encouraging. But it was with the Kumhos, so maybe other factors there too. Just praying for some dry weather for the next round to find out how much of a difference they will make.
One other area that has become increasingly frustrating is fuel surge - particularly on the anticlockwise direction. I had a solution underway with ATL to make a bespoke tank for next season (delivery Autumn time) but while researching it I managed to snap the pipe of my standard Ford unit. So an interim solution was needed pretty quickly.
A fairly standard approach with a Bosch 044 pump, 1 litre swirl pot and a lift pump. Still to test on track but hoping it will work without any problems.
The lift pump was good fun to do, and I installed a dipstick for good measure while the tank was emptied.
Car and driver going well. 
