Welcome back - to myself......

[MrPid]

Just re-joined after a two year absence. I sold my V8 Westie to buy a house and miss it terribly. It had a new MOT yesterday so I know somebody somewhere is still enjoying it (not that im stalking it).

I'm looking to buy another Westie (or seven esque car). I am looking at a Red Top engined car on carbs this weekend, which looks pretty clean. 

I have also been offered an old Dax, which is very tired looking, but half the price. I'm not wanting a project though and want something I can enjoy immediately and then maybe fettle over winter.

I have also considered the Zetec, but good ones dont hang about for long. I've read a few horror stories about the Duratec so am a bit undecided on these. Decided against another V8 as I want something a bit more nimble this time. I am hoping on around 200hp which should balance reliability and performance.

I ride bikes and believe bike engines are best suited for bikes. I'm a V-Twin man so not a fan of screaming engines.

I was enormously spoilt with my previous Westie and quality is more important than quantity.

I have budgeted up to £12k as being a property owner now I have to be relatively sensible. It has a good sized garage though, just needs a Westie in it.

Any thoughts on Red Top engines are welcome, I was a huge fan of these in my boy racer days but never got round to ever owning one.

Cheers,

Stu

[Andy Banks]

 back.

Stoneleigh is coming up over the May Day bank holiday weekend, you could get your fix there and of course your local meet whilst you search...

[Kingster]

Welcome back. Moved to the Start Line as it was originally in local area meets section. Although it might be better in the cars wanted? Let me know!

That’s a healthy budget and should land you a decent car - but be aware that values have actually risen since you sold your last one!

As Andy says, Stoneleigh isn’t a bad place to look for one as there’s usually a few for sale and a huge number of “experts” on hand for advice 

[MrPid]

Sorry - I could have sworn I posted this in the Start Line!

I've noticed that values have risen, gutted a bit. I sold my V8 to a dealer tow years ago, who then sold it on with a 50% mark up a couple of weeks later!!

I am hoping to make it to Stoneleigh, I will prob make a weekend of it as I'm heading to Shuttleworth on the Sat.

I may pop an add in "wanted" and see what comes of it.

Cheers,

[Greenstreak-Andy D]

Just something to consider, red top’s as in just the 2.0 xe, are getting rarer and more expensive to re-build when that time comes. 

What horror stories have you heard on Duratec’s then? Depending on what you intend to use your Westie for, they are not a bad choice. Modern, can be replaced with a new short engine or from a mondeo.

Andy

[Kingster]

16 minutes ago, Greenstreak-Andy D said:

What horror stories have you heard on Duratec’s then?

Might be that a few have had bottom ends let go? But there’s always more to any failure than just a particular model - and coincidences do happen!

[MrPid]

I've read a few threads on big ends letting go on the duratec, but like Chris said, it could be people pushing them too hard.

I hear what you're saying about the red-top, i've been building engines since my teens so not shy to get my hands dirty (if parts are available).

I don't know much about the duratec so it would be fresh meat for me, which always makes you nervous. I think I could build a pinto with my eyes shut! lol

[Mole]

I have a duratec and am one who has had big end bearings go.. however I think it is a great engine... However it is used 99  percent on track and is driven non stop all day except for refuelling... Ideally for my use it should be dry sump... However I have had engine rebuilt with wet sump and will give it another go..and carefully watch oil temp pressure and level...

[Greenstreak-Andy D]

My Duratec is the opposite use to @Mole, done over 16k with no issues. 

I am aware the big end bearings are not ‘tab’d’ so can spin at high revs/load. Have been told the 2009 Mazda equivalent later 2litre have a much stronger bottom end with tab’d big ends and forged crank. 

http://www.motorreviewer.com/engine.php?engine_id=112

Maybe an alternative to the ford unit?

Andy

[Kingster]

Might be worth pushing your budget for this  one, Duratec on Jenveys, BGH box, Quaife ATB, light flywheel, lightweight wheels. All the right bits to have!

 

[Steven (WE51STE)]

Hi Stu,

I know I'm biased but I've not had any issues with my Duratec.

She can be driven sensibly on the road but on a private road / track she opens up and flys.

If you are coming up to stoneleigh I'm about 30 mins drive away if you fancy a look at mine I'm selling.

Or you could pop up sooner ( For the cars specification you would be getting a lot for your money )

Regards,

Steve

 

[MrPid]

Good spot Chris, lovely car.

I went to see a few Westie's this weekend and have made an offer on one. I shall have to wait and see if the seller comes back to me.

Don't think he is a forum member, but I think previous owners may have been forum members.

Fingers crossed :-)

[MrPid]

37 minutes ago, Steven (WE51STE) - Joint Warwickshire AO said:

Hi Stu,

I know I'm biased but I've not had any issues with my Duratec.

She can be driven sensibly on the road but on a private road / track she opens up and flys.

If you are coming up to stoneleigh I'm about 30 mins drive away if you fancy a look at mine I'm selling.

Or you could pop up sooner ( For the cars specification you would be getting a lot for your money )

Regards,

Steve

 

I'm hoping to get to stoneleigh, I am heading to shuttleworth for their season opener and planning to travel up the same eve.

[Steven (WE51STE)]

I'm just of J10 of the M42 so feel free to drop in ( I may be working on the Sat and Sunday Day times but can arrange something if needed )