Hello from Somerst

[Alan Cutler (Adge) - Dorset AO]

Hello one and all, thought I ought to introduce myself as I've got a feeling I'm going to be asking lots of questions in the near future!

I live in a village in Somerset on the "levels" about 5 miles from Bridgwater.

I've had an interest in cars and motorsports for a more years than I care to remember. Anyway, to cut a long story short, circumstances have now put me in a position to be able to achieve (I hope!) a long held ambition, namely to build a sports car.

Passports at the ready we headed north to the Westfield factory in October, and following a fascinating tour and chat (plus coffe) with the amiable Simon, headed south having ordered a complete kit Westfield Sport 250!! For those inerested spec is below:

Limited slip diff

Wide track wishbones

Westfield race calipers

FW rear body

Digital dash

Sport turbo seats

Heater & hood/side screens

Due to collect "my baby" on January 31st, excitement building!

I hark back to an era before vehicle electronics, when you could set static ignition timing by rocking a car in gear with a bulb connected across the points (or a transistor radio tuned off station), and balancing SU carbs by ear with a piece of tube! Whilst the principles are still the same, I think I'll need some patient assistance with the intricacies of ECU's etc.

I was lucky enough to be able to retire 5 years ago when I reached the ripe old age of 60, mind you never been busier (6 grandchildren plus two active dogs), and really enjoying life.

I am fortunate to have a wife who is 100% behind this project from the start. Think the thought of me sorting the garage helps, even though it will mean her MX5 will have to live outside for the duration. Garage roof insulated, flooring renewed (was white a good idea!), sorting of "might come in useful one day stuff?" progressing well, tool and relevant bits and pieces sorting well advanced.

Have spent considerable time reading (and enjoying) various build diaries etc on here. Have picked up lots of useful tips already, mind you whether I remember them on the day remains to be seen. I am in awe of all of you and your resourcefulness. Appreciate that a lot of the build is common(ish!) across the range (thank goodness) however appears to be limited information specifically on Sport 250's (compared to S200s for example) on the forum, only two build threads currently as far as I can see. Aiming to start number 3 (unless somebody beats me to it) when I collect my kit.

Thanking you all in advance for your assistance which will undoubtedly be required.

Grandchildren and wife gave me something for Christmas and birthday to "practice on" (there words) until the real thing arrives. Good test to see if I can insert photos ready for a build/help request diary.

[Alan Cutler (Adge) - Dorset AO]

Crickey! Sorry it's so long, what a diatribe!!

[CraigHew]

Welcome. 

 

Good choice of kit too. Looking forward to another build thread with lots and lots of photos.

You'll find that the shut lines on the Westfield aren't as good as your Xmas models...!

[Geoffrey Carter (Buttercup)]

Hello and Welcome. 

Sounds like you are going to be having some fun.

 

[Dave Eastwood (Gadgetman) - Club Chairman]

Welcome! We'll look forward to another build thread!!

[Kevin (Mr T)]

 from Essex.

Good luck and enjoy the build.

[Thrustyjust]

Welcome to the mad house. All nutters are welcome. As for the Sport 250, I hope you like electrics and have patience. Steve is the man to speak to , as he is a few steps ahead, although general build, we are all here to help 

[jonjh1964]

I'm based in Yeovil and built mine 4 years ago - nearest AO is Dorset and they met on the 1st Thursday of each month at the Brewer's in Martinstown just outside Dorset.

Enjoy the build and don't rush it - if you're not sure stop and post a question here or ask Mark Walker at Westfield http://2js-westfield-build.blogspot.co.uk/ my blog if it helps.

[Steve (sdh2903)]

Good choice!

Look forward to seeing another build thread of a 250. Anything you might have a question on give me a shout but as you're buying a full kit am sure you'll be fine. There was even crazy talk of a manual for the 250

[Thrustyjust]

17 minutes ago, sdh2903 said:

Good choice!

Look forward to seeing another build thread of a 250. Anything you might have a question on give me a shout but as you're buying a full kit am sure you'll be fine. There was even crazy talk of a manual for the 250, but its really the Zetec one that is nothing like it and the factory cant be bothered to update

Modified to correctness 

[Steve (sdh2903)]

There's a zetec manual?

One thing to consider now while your at this stage is the clutch. It would be very wise to have a discussion with the factory about an uprated clutch.

[Thrustyjust]

5 minutes ago, sdh2903 said:

There's a zetec manual?

One thing to consider now while your at this stage is the clutch. It would be very wise to have a discussion with the factory about an uprated clutch.

If you want mine , you can have it, but its been lobbed in the garage loft and buried. Its got everything in there , like fuel lines the wrong side, wiring the wrong way and 3 different ways of fitting the wiper boxes............... Its top notch 

[Andy (Sycho)]

 looking forward to another build thread and I'm sure all your questions will be answered.

[Alan Cutler (Adge) - Dorset AO]

Thank you all for your welcome and comments.

Thanks for the offer sdh2903 I'm sure I'll have questions you can answer. They were fitting an uprated (helix if I remember rightly) clutch in the demo car when we visited the factory,

I've read your blog jonjh1964, impressive build, and you have certainly got about in it. Will definitely get down to Martinstown in near future, can't make next week unfortunately.

Happy new year to all.

[Thrustyjust]

Happy New Year to you. You have a month of sleepless nights to go before your wife becomes a garage widow !!