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Newbie looking to purchase a westfield


Gaz_b88

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2 hours ago, Dommo said:

But it's not what I'm looking for in a Westfield.

Another excellent “in a nutshell” comment - and one that explains why so many of us love our cars!

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35 minutes ago, Chris King - Webmaster and Joint North East AO said:

Another excellent “in a nutshell” comment - and one that explains why so many of us love our cars!

 

It's a very valid point - as a relative newbie (bought my Westie in April 2018), I've looked at many other Westies and thought "...don't like that..."

 

For example, I have an aeroscreen - I've sat in a few cars with a windscreen and wondered why it was worth bothering (especially when I hear stories of needing wipers on both sides of the glass when it rains...)

 

I've seen cars with "plush" interiors - doors, roof, carpets, heaters, even a stereo(!) Mine is completely stripped out - doesn't even have interior side panels to the tub.

 

I've sat in cars with soft, squishy seats - I prefer my composite seats with very minimal padding

 

I've seen cars with chrome bits - I much prefer powder-coated black.

 

I've seen cars in most of the colours of the rainbow - I prefer my very un-subtle Chrome Yellow

 

Because of the infinite "customisability" of Westies, your choice of car will be very subjective, but still achievable. Even if you want something a bit left-field, you;ll probably be able to make it work, as long as you have the time, patience and money.

 

Welcome to a whole new world of individuality, backed up by one the very best online communties I've ever come across

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19 minutes ago, NigelO said:

I've seen cars in most of the colours of the rainbow - I prefer my very un-subtle Chrome Yellow

Apart from swapping the word “yellow” for “red” (and 2018 for 2014) - I could have easily written the above post!

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On 05/05/2020 at 23:31, Dave Eastwood (Gadgetman) - Club Secretary said:


Alas, that’s part of the problem of specialising with the basic car, and chasing bigger power figures. Etc.

 

The Westfield Mega S2000/Sport 250 chassis uses Westfields widest transmission tunnel design in order to fit the physically big gearboxes of higher power engines. It was originally designed for the Ford T5 box, in a slightly different chassis, and used with Cosworth (Sierra) engines, V8’s etc, before being incorporated into what was originally the S2000 chassis, (which has a huge gearbox).
 

A side effect of this, is that the drivers side of the cockpit, at the footwell end, is the narrowest of any modern Westfield.

 

As others have said, you have to watch the higher power thing, as all the chassis and peripherals bing beefed up really hits the overall weight, which in turn, also starts bringing the power to weigh ratio back down. Just something you have to factor in.

 

Thats handy to know about the chassis. Yes im starting to realise that the high power could cause problems!

 

23 hours ago, DMc said:

 No the Ecoboost  I run is from the MK3 focus circa 2015, this is mated to a Mazda MX5  5 speed, then on to a Ford LSD 

Basically textbook sport 250 set up i think. Westfield can supply all of the installation parts needed to install the 2.0

 

Here a picture of where ive added bars, plus ive strengthened the diff cage itself, similar to the sport250 chassis.

I dont think you can do this if youre using an FW rear end and/or tank as the tank sits above the diff 

 

IMG_5589.jpg.5b868a7094c86c94bf3da63807c41acc.jpg

 

That pics perfect! might be worth doing before its powder coated. Where does the tank normally sit? or did you get custom one made up?

 

Thanks 

 

22 hours ago, Dave Eastwood (Gadgetman) - Club Secretary said:


Factory cars now have Mazda rear diffs, rather than Ford, this includes diffs supplied for kits as well. Diffs and gearboxes can be supplied new by Westfield, to comply with getting a brand new age related number plate. (Ecoboost engines can also be supplied new, if required).

 

Does anyone know what they are rated to power wise? Nice to know though to get it through th iva!!

 

21 hours ago, Adge Cutler- Dorset AO said:

I’ve built and run a Sport 250 with standard 2L Ecoboost.(252 bhp, 270 ft lbs). Been on the road some 2 1/2 years and covered 9.5k fun filled miles. As Dave says the engine is mated to a Mazda gearbox and diff.

i enjoy driving it, it’s a relaxed tourer with plenty of grunt two up plus luggage, or fun for “spirited” driving or on track. With the torque available your very rarely “in the wrong gear” IYSWIM.

As per Mr Stoats comments the 2L Ecoboost is certainly not a high revving engine (in standard form anyway!), it does provide considerable torque from low revs (circa2k), and max power in the region of 5.5k.

The issue of cooling when on track is currently a concern myself and some other 250 owners have. However, on the road in this country I’ve found it’s ok to date.
However IMHO it can be a propel a Website rapidly once you get used to it, the limiting feature in my case is driver ability/self preservation!

From my experience of group runs, there’s no such thing as a slow Westie, irrespective of “bar talk” power figures. We’ve an Xl in our area powered by a venerable (admittedly well tweaked) A series engine that takes some keeping up with in cars with in the region of twice the power!

WF now sell starter kits for Sport 250 as well as others. Could be a way to get a reinforced chassis to suit whatever “lump” you decide to fit.

In summary, I’m pleased with my choice of car/power unit, but there are a host of their options available. Think a lot depends on whether you want power “out of the box”, or prefer to “tinker” to achieve what you think you want.

 

Does it run the standard ford items or westfield custom rad and intercooler for this setup?  I think its deffinatly the right route to start with the sport 250.

 

Thanks

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Does anyone know what other parts that come in the starter kit that can be upgraded? Im thinking if like a wider track or stronger set up can be bought it could be best getting it now rather than getting standed items with the kit then upgrading?

 

All the help is much appreciated lads! 

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Rad and intercooling are specific Westfield supplied items, (available else where, to), and are completely different to the OEM Ford.

As for the tank, it depends on the body (tub) style. With traditional ZK tubs, the tank sits low down behind the diff and would not interfere with extra bracing. With the FW style tub, the tank sits on a support frame above the diff, and would be completely in the way of any additional bracing in the positions shown by the previous poster. You could always have a custom tank made of course, but the capacity you wanted and location you went for would mean potentially, having to either loose or completely re-design the boot box area. @Stu Faulkner has a low, behind the diff tank custom made for his FW rear, which worked really well.

 

The factory is very open to swapping out parts to upgrade components at the point of kit order, just speak to Simon Westwood. Wide track and enhanced brake options are very popular - definitely go for the AP Racing front calipers and AP Racing master cylinder to match, if you can. 

 

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6 minutes ago, Dave Eastwood (Gadgetman) - Club Secretary said:

The factory is very open to swapping out parts to upgrade components at the point of kit order, just speak to Simon Westwood. Wide track and enhanced brake options are very popular - definitely go for the AP Racing front calipers and AP Racing master cylinder to match, if you can. 

 

In fact Simon is an expert at upgrading things for you!! I went for a factory visit for a mazda sdv and ended up building a sport 250 :o. If he gets the posh China out for a brew you're already in trouble! Always ask him for a cheeky discount aswell. 

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Aye, so true!

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7 minutes ago, Steve (sdh2903) said:

 

In fact Simon is an expert at upgrading things for you!! I went for a factory visit for a mazda sdv and ended up building a sport 250 :o. If he gets the posh China out for a brew you're already in trouble! Always ask him for a cheeky discount aswell. 


He does make a great brew in that T-Pot lol

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Nice thread this 😊

I'm sure there will be ideas for my soon to start rebuild as well 😁

Great project btw @Gaz_b88 😉 I'll follow your threads closely 😁

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