New member & looking!

[Ansoeb]

I bought my car in May 23 and have not really worked on vehicles at all previously. Since then I have replaced and upgraded the heating matrix, while the dash was off I installed an Oil temp gauge and sensor into the engine via the existing wiring loom. Fitted some carbon parts, modified the front indicator pods, made a new front grill and various other jobs. Replaced the coolant, oil. Just today I have fitted new Spax springs on the rear and will be tackling the timing belt soon. 

All the info I needed was picked up here or in literature so my point is don't be put off by possibly needing mechanical work. Theses cars are easy to work on and the support and knowledge on the forum is second to none. 

I genuinely enjoy working on the small jobs over the cold season almost as much as I do driving it.

[Rhett Turner - Black Country AO]

Another thing to add to the mix are build threads, is there a build thread associated with the car, either on WSCC or hosted somewhere else, if there is then you'll possible learn a lot about how it was built and with some cars how they have been developed.

[Jimbo93]

35 minutes ago, Rhett Turner - Black Country AO said:

Another thing to add to the mix are build threads, is there a build thread associated with the car, either on WSCC or hosted somewhere else, if there is then you'll possible learn a lot about how it was built and with some cars how they have been developed.

Thank you, good tip 🙏

[Jimbo93]

2 hours ago, Ansoeb said:

I bought my car in May 23 and have not really worked on vehicles at all previously. Since then I have replaced and upgraded the heating matrix, while the dash was off I installed an Oil temp gauge and sensor into the engine via the existing wiring loom. Fitted some carbon parts, modified the front indicator pods, made a new front grill and various other jobs. Replaced the coolant, oil. Just today I have fitted new Spax springs on the rear and will be tackling the timing belt soon. 

All the info I needed was picked up here or in literature so my point is don't be put off by possibly needing mechanical work. Theses cars are easy to work on and the support and knowledge on the forum is second to none. 

I genuinely enjoy working on the small jobs over the cold season almost as much as I do driving it.

This is really cool, I love that about them. I'd definitely be keen to get stuck in too. Unfortunately I think that blue car has sold as it disappeared off Facebook this afternoon, maybe toybox have bought it 😂

Which books/manuals have you found to be the most useful? 

[Euan Hoosearmy]

Books/manuals:

 

1 - tech forums here

2 - build manuals - also available here

3 - Haynes manual for engine doner

4 - Other manuals for specific components

[Ansoeb]

1 hour ago, Jimbo93 said:

This is really cool, I love that about them. I'd definitely be keen to get stuck in too. Unfortunately I think that blue car has sold as it disappeared off Facebook this afternoon, maybe toybox have bought it 😂

Which books/manuals have you found to be the most useful? 

The most useful stuff for me was the standard wiring harness and and build diary with the same type of engine to understand where all the sensors etc were or the coolant loop etc. 

[Mighty Mart]

Westfilelds mean different things to different people - track day toys, tourers, show queens, daily drives to 150miles per annum, or something to eternally tinker with and upgrade....

Loads of different power and set up options too, and of course, one of the main factors - to build or buy!

The best advice to a newbie IMO, is don't get too hung up on power as a no1 must have.....

The thing with a 7 is the power to weight ratio - not a lot of power in most tin tops is actually quite a lot in a lightweight 7.....

Dependant on chassis set up, once you get to 150 bhp, you really do have a lot of potential performance to hand. Driveability and set up can allow a 150 bhp car to outperform a 200 bhp plus car that's badly set up.

Obviously a 200bhp+ well set up car is a real weapon, and needs to be treated with respect too...

For 'legal' road use, don't discount the 150-200 bhp bracket too quickly...

History wise, pretty easy to check past MOT's against advertised cars if reg is known - you get a pretty good idea from these as to how a cars been looked after....

Funnily enough, lots of owners and low mileage between them is not always bad news either....

 

[Jimbo93]

3 hours ago, Mighty Mart said:

Westfilelds mean different things to different people - track day toys, tourers, show queens, daily drives to 150miles per annum, or something to eternally tinker with and upgrade....

Loads of different power and set up options too, and of course, one of the main factors - to build or buy!

The best advice to a newbie IMO, is don't get too hung up on power as a no1 must have.....

The thing with a 7 is the power to weight ratio - not a lot of power in most tin tops is actually quite a lot in a lightweight 7.....

Dependant on chassis set up, once you get to 150 bhp, you really do have a lot of potential performance to hand. Driveability and set up can allow a 150 bhp car to outperform a 200 bhp plus car that's badly set up.

Obviously a 200bhp+ well set up car is a real weapon, and needs to be treated with respect too...

For 'legal' road use, don't discount the 150-200 bhp bracket too quickly...

History wise, pretty easy to check past MOT's against advertised cars if reg is known - you get a pretty good idea from these as to how a cars been looked after....

Funnily enough, lots of owners and low mileage between them is not always bad news either....

 

Hi Mart. 
 

I was actually thinking a modest 150-170hp would be plenty to start with. I understand I'll have a lot to get to grips with and I'm really not that bothered about outright speed, more so the driving feel and engagement that I'm wanting. I'm sure 150hp still feels bl**** quick as a newbie! 

[Euan Hoosearmy]

They're easy yet still fun to drive when not pushing on.... sudden application or removal of power when the steering is turned is what can make life exciting. Keep it smooth and progressive and you'll be fine.

 

You will want more more power.....

[Simpkeia]

I bought my FW a few months ago from the guys at Toybox, it was a really good experience, probably cost a bit more than I could have obtained privately but I felt there was less risk, plus the guys tirelessly fulfilled my endless video request and questioning, I bought the car unseen and had no previous exposure to Westfields but fancied something as a toy as our day to day cars are both rapid EV’s but they have no character or take any skill to drive fast, I wanted something I could tinker with that wouldn’t cost the earth to maintain, I was originally thinking of a TVR but my wife suggested a 7 type car and I thought perhaps this made sense as I could get something with a lot newer running gear that in theory is pretty simple to work on so went for a 2ltr blacktop Zetec on throttle bodies and it’s great fun, I just need the weather to improve so that I can take advantage of the roads I have at my disposal up in the NE of Scotland.

 

If you’re looking for a toy then these are the cars, the guys at Toybox had one on their Friday walk round video that would meet your spec, not sure if it’s still available but they are definitely worth reaching out to.

[Jimbo93]

54 minutes ago, Euan Hoosearmy said:

They're easy yet still fun to drive when not pushing on.... sudden application or removal of power when the steering is turned is what can make life exciting. Keep it smooth and progressive and you'll be fine.

 

You will want more more power.....

Can't wait to try! 
 

Without turning this into the wrong thread, I have wondered what people's thoughts are on LSD vs open diff for road driving. 

[Jimbo93]

54 minutes ago, Simpkeia said:

I bought my FW a few months ago from the guys at Toybox, it was a really good experience, probably cost a bit more than I could have obtained privately but I felt there was less risk, plus the guys tirelessly fulfilled my endless video request and questioning, I bought the car unseen and had no previous exposure to Westfields but fancied something as a toy as our day to day cars are both rapid EV’s but they have no character or take any skill to drive fast, I wanted something I could tinker with that wouldn’t cost the earth to maintain, I was originally thinking of a TVR but my wife suggested a 7 type car and I thought perhaps this made sense as I could get something with a lot newer running gear that in theory is pretty simple to work on so went for a 2ltr blacktop Zetec on throttle bodies and it’s great fun, I just need the weather to improve so that I can take advantage of the roads I have at my disposal up in the NE of Scotland.

 

If you’re looking for a toy then these are the cars, the guys at Toybox had one on their Friday walk round video that would meet your spec, not sure if it’s still available but they are definitely worth reaching out to.

Yes that's exactly how I'm feeling about buying from them, as someone that's never been in or inspected one before, it does take some of the risk & hassle away. 
Unfortunately I think the car you're referring to is the green one that was sold 2 days ago 🤦‍♂️. 
Hope you get the odd nice day soon, Scottish roads must be awesome fun. 

[Stuart]

29 minutes ago, Jimbo93 said:

Can't wait to try! 
 

Without turning this into the wrong thread, I have wondered what people's thoughts are on LSD vs open diff for road driving. 

LSD not necessary for road use. And you can have huge fun with 'only' 130bhp. I do 😊

[Jimbo93]

11 minutes ago, Stuart said:

LSD not necessary for road use. And you can have huge fun with 'only' 130bhp. I do 😊

Awesome thanks!