SteH Posted July 27, 2015 Share Posted July 27, 2015 Hi All I'm new on here, just in the middle of deciding what build to embark on. I built a Robinhood in 1999 (a character building experience!) but having now survived the early years of having kids and fast approaching 40 I want to build again. I've narrowed it down to a GBS Zero or a Westfield, the Mega S2000 particularly appeals. I just wondered if anyone on here has any experiences of making that decision that they'd like to share.? I'm having a visit to the factory this week to have a good look and ask questions, but one that's currently in mind with regards the S2000 version is the registration of it. I don't really want a Q (yes I am a snob), but I've seen a number of S2000 cars that seem to get a new reg. I would have thought that all of these should really be age related given that the engine and gearbox are not new? Anyone any experience on this? Thanks for now Stephen Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
XTR2Turbo Posted July 27, 2015 Share Posted July 27, 2015 I think it depends what you put on the form and how sharp the inspector is. For many it will also be the diff that is reconditioned. I had an issue registering a bike engine and box a new car that took a long time to sort. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rab (bombero) Reid Posted July 27, 2015 Share Posted July 27, 2015 The same rules still apply as they did in 1999. AFAIK, for a new plate, the main components have to be new or as new ie reconditioned/rebuilt (generally by a firm where receipts can be produced for authenticity). For age related, the main components all have to come from the same donor vehicle where you have the original V5 for authenticity, and as you know, for a Q plate, the parts come from a variety of sources but can still be a mix of new, as new or used parts. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SootySport Posted July 27, 2015 Share Posted July 27, 2015 Stephen. Hope you will have a test drive when at the factory, you can have one. Maybe a Zetec demonstrator car available which you will find quick in comparison to a Tin Top road car. The S2000 will be a lot quicker and better all round. Good luck on your decision. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kingster Posted July 27, 2015 Share Posted July 27, 2015 Having recently been through IVA, it's pretty much as Rab says - but for a new reg, strictly speaking, there can be only one "reconditioned to as new" major component (usually engine, gearbox or diff), the rest are to be new. The factory might be able to help with that though if you buy all new bits off them, might be slightly different rules for manufacturers. For age related, (so a Mazda SDV would be ideal) you need two major components from the donor vehicle - they used to have a 'points' system, but seem to just ask for two items from the engine, gearbox, axles or drivetrain. Then the Q which is all other routes. Now, there's nothing wrong with a Q in the kitcar world - I went for one by choice - as it has advantages come MOT time and doesn't affect the value, as we (almost) all look at spec and condition before a number on a yellow background - but each to there own In terms of what car, well it depends on budget and what you want to do with it - so answer those two questions and you'll get a more comprehensive answer. (hello by the way! Welcome aboard) EDITED to add - if you can afford it though - S2000 has to be a good choice! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rory's Dad Posted July 27, 2015 Share Posted July 27, 2015 Firstly Now, there's nothing wrong with a Q in the kitcar world - I went for one by choice - as it has advantages come MOT time and doesn't affect the value, as we (almost) all look at spec and condition before a number on a yellow background - but each to there own Agreed. A new numberplate is only new for so long and is a (n incorrect) hint about value. A Q plate has many advantages - see above. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SteH Posted July 27, 2015 Author Share Posted July 27, 2015 Thanks guys for the replies and welcome. I'd like the car to be reasonably civilized to ultimately do a reasonable amount of (fast) touring, but I'd also like to do a couple of track days now and then as well. So not a hard core track car, but something with plenty of ooomph! Has anyone done any recent comparisons on price with other manufactures? I always assumed GBS would be cheaper than Westfield and while the headline "starter kit" prices definitely are cheaper, when I've started to try and compare like with like, they seem very similar to me. Their full kit for example with a new 2.0 Zetec running to about 150bhp, recon MT75 and diff is nearly £18k, and that's with bare aluminium panels and no upgrades such as wide body or other shiny bits. Comparing that to the mega S2000 kit at £14k plus say £4k for engine, gearbox and wheels has really started me thinking. At £18k the GBS would be finished with possibly more comfy seats and carpets etc but still....... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kingster Posted July 27, 2015 Share Posted July 27, 2015 Biased opinion, but Westfield vs GBS is a no brainer! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SteH Posted July 27, 2015 Author Share Posted July 27, 2015 Lol, I've been trying to be open minded! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bigals Posted July 27, 2015 Share Posted July 27, 2015 The Gbs has developed over the years and has almost caught up with Westfield, but that's still a big almost,,,,compairing residual values and overall looks coupled with a smaller range of companies offering aftermarket support,parts and development it is as you say a bit of a no brainer to go with Westfield 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Andy (Sycho) Posted July 27, 2015 Share Posted July 27, 2015 Hi & welcome, I can't comment on a GBS really but I would have thought you can't compare them like for like, plus I'm a bit biased as I finshed building a s2000 this year. They can be built for £18000 but to do that you need to source a lot of parts yourself. Andy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kingster Posted July 27, 2015 Share Posted July 27, 2015 £18k would get you a zetec engined car easy enough though. So that makes the GBS comparison even more westy biased. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SteH Posted July 27, 2015 Author Share Posted July 27, 2015 So in terms of costs of a S2000 car for a basic build, Westfield's flyer says the kit is £13,999 and all I need beyond that is Engine, gearbox and Wheels/Tyres. They do a wheel/tyre package for £596 and there's currently an engine/gearbox on ebay with supposedly 50k miles on it for £2750, so that comes to £17,345. Aside from options I may choose, probably windscreen, wide wishbones, seats, FW rear....oh dear.... plus say £1k for IVA etc what other costs of parts should I be concerned with that I may be able to source myself? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Andy (Sycho) Posted July 27, 2015 Share Posted July 27, 2015 As you have realised those options soon add up & before you know it's £20,000 plus. I managed to build mine to a good spec for sub £18,000 but that was by just having a basic starter kit & sourcing all the parts myself, some from WF & some from other suppliers. But the thing that save my the most was I bought cat c s2000 & broke it, so the engine & box cost me nothing. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dave Eastwood (Gadgetman) - Club Chairman Posted July 27, 2015 Share Posted July 27, 2015 The S2000 you'd get for the starter kit price plus engine/box and wheels would be a lot more basic than you might think. Unless it's changed from when I first looked, some of the parts in the starter kit were very basic versions of parts that almost all buyers upgrade without thinking, seats spring to mind. That's not to say the car you'd get for that amount wouldn't be excellent dynamically, and form a very, very good building block for further development as funds allow. The following applies to any build of course, but you need to decide on what you're aiming for with the build. Do you want to put a good "work-a-day" kit together, (reliable, no frills) or do you want to achieve something that looks like a new car. The factory for instance, on their S2000 builds do no standard cosmetic work on the engines and boxes other to give them a basic clean; which is why you'll sometimes see the immaculate new Mega S2000's there, and when you remove the bonnet, the first thing you see is Honda's peely powdercoat on the cam cover! The drivetrain still works just as well though! (And realistically, if the factory did what some of us as home builders do in this department, the labour and parts bill could add a considerable amount). Considerations typically overlooked in price calculations include things like giving the engine/box a spruce up and replacing consumables like the clutch. For those like me, that stripped the ancillaries of the engine to paint it and refresh the gaskets, you're looking in the region of £400 for fresh gaskets and seals to re-build, likewise most pop a new clutch assembly in there, average is probably around £300 give or take. Add £40/50 for a sump baffle plate plus welding.Then there's getting cam covers powder coated... I bet I had little change from a grand, just prepping the engine and box for fitment, by the time you add paints, fluids etc. On the other hand, as Sycho said, if you're prepared to "break" a whole S2000 yourself, you can save large amounts and gain an effectively free engine and box. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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