Does a V8 engine compromise a Westfield's handling performance?

[Young Pretender]

A V8 lump is obviously heavier but by how much and just how much does it genuinely compromise the cars handling ability in the real world and out on track?

 

Can a V8 Westy be <600kgs without significant investment in carbon fibre bodywork, Verona style?  Interested to know what the lightest V8 Westy comes in at.

[Hammy]

does "westfield world"  have some engine weight comparisions ? don't forget its an all alloy motor, which helps a lot

 

( I like the quick edit there mate...) lol

 

 

 

yes it does : http://westfield-world.com/enginespecs_car.html       hmm pretty heavy too !

[Dave Eastwood (Gadgetman) - Club Chairman]

Compromise is a bit all encompassing...

 

FWIW, I remember when one ex member changed from a big power XE engined car, (not in itself the lightest of engines), to a V8 engined car, he did reckon the whole feel of the car was different. He loved the V8, but IIRC, reckoned it all felt that bit more understeery and less eager to turn in and change direction than the four cylinder car. He loved the masses of torque though, and the engine note, but seemed to treat it as more of a cruiser. 

 

Best to try and see if the feel suits you.

[Young Pretender]

Sure, I won't be in a position to buy another car for several years but it's important to have something to aim for!

 

I'm guessing the understeer is more to do with distribution of weight rather than overall weight - perhaps can be overcome by moving some heavier items (fluids, battery etc) to the rear of the car?

[Dave Eastwood (Gadgetman) - Club Chairman]

Batteries etc all ready are at the back on the V8 models.

 

A V8 block isn't necessarily that much longer than a four pot, due to the staggered arrangement of cylinders, so no, that's not your problem!

 

As far as comparative weights go, yes the block is alloy. But don't forget, you've then got two heads plus valve gear, slightly bigger crank - a significant weight item, double the number of rods, double the number of pistons, double the number of exhaust manifolds. Then with the extra potential heat to deal with, bigger rad right up front carrying more water.

 

But, as I say, for the average driver on the road and on un-timed track days, that's only going to translate in to how the car feels, it will be different. I know some owners that would hate the difference, I know plenty more that love it! 

[6carjon]

Yes I am in the V8 camp and all of the above is true. Mitigation steps can be made and my weight distribution is now 49% front and 51% rear with driver, remember the driver sits at the back so this makes a difference. I did change to a different and lighter V8 though, but that was for more power and revs.

if you want a track car it is never going to be as nimble as a lighter engine but don't forget this is all relative. Compare to a 4 cylinder car engine westie to a normal car or a Bike engine westie and there is the wide range to consider.

For me power and noise win, for others its steering response from a lighter car.

Don't forget set up, and weight distribution work will make a big difference to how any car drives.

The lightest V8 I know of is 650kg with fuel and fluids - no driver.

[6carjon]

P.S mine is 675kg with fluids and fuel but no driver. Not seen a V8 carbon bodied though.  I have plans though !

[Dave Eastwood (Gadgetman) - Club Chairman]

 

 

6carjon's reply is an excellent example of why I tried to say don't think of it as one better than another etc. They're different, go by the "feel of the thing", unfortunately that's such a personal thing, you'll need to try it for yourself at some point.

 

But on "paper" you'll just go round and round till your head spins.

[Young Pretender]

Yep good advice as ever, thank you both.

 

6carjon, have you had it out on track at all?  If so, interested to know how it performed.  As you say I guess it's all relative, perhaps not as nimble as other Westy's but more nimble than your tin tops.

 

ps.  how much power does yours have? 

[Hammy]

Always wanted the V8 - massive torque spread and that noise !

 

 

 

If you have the picnic basket on the back it reduces understeer...

 

 

 

 

Ok..Ok... only joking

[pistonbroke 2]

Cant beat  v8 Westy . Power and all that torque.

 

I have to wrestle with mine but it all adds to the fun.

 

More of a handfull when i swapped to widetrack and set

up the geometry with bits of string plus trial and error .

 

Thinking of getting Blink to set her up properly . LSD helps a lot .

[Steve_Farrimond]

I can vouch that 6carjon's car is immensely fast. it was more than comfortable going traveling down twisty country lanes at pace as well.

 

if I'm not mistaken it's about 400hp? TVR v8?

[uk89camaro]

Yes I am in the V8 camp and all of the above is true. Mitigation steps can be made and my weight distribution is now 49% front and 51% rear with driver, remember the driver sits at the back so this makes a difference. I did change to a different and lighter V8 though, but that was for more power and revs.

if you want a track car it is never going to be as nimble as a lighter engine but don't forget this is all relative. Compare to a 4 cylinder car engine westie to a normal car or a Bike engine westie and there is the wide range to consider.

For me power and noise win, for others its steering response from a lighter car.

Don't forget set up, and weight distribution work will make a big difference to how any car drives.

The lightest V8 I know of is 650kg with fuel and fluids - no driver.

 

I've owned a number of V8 yanks, and loved them all.  However, I moved to a westy to get something a bit more direct, "point and shoot", and that's what I got.

 

I'm afraid I can't condone the underpowered (170 horses if you're lucky), understeering, underwhelming, piece of table art that is the rover V8.

 

Get a slow yank if you like the burble (like I do), just don't destroy a westy with a nasty V8.

 

just my opinion of course.

[simon besant]

I can honestly say I have never had under steer on my v8

It used to weigh 700 kg but am waiting to see when j finish the rebuild what it will weigh

Like to see it nearer 600

Can't beat the v8 and I would say that mine is quite successful at the sprinting

[Mike H]

I'm afraid I can't condone the underpowered (170 horses if you're lucky), understeering, underwhelming, piece of table art that is the rover V8.

 

LOL 

Sits back with pack of fake Ritz biscuits.