New Prospective Owner

[Sirius]

Hi Folks,

My first post here, I have done a bit of searching around but still have questions

I'm looking at building a Westfield SE from new parts on a modular basis. I intend to use the car for a mix of road/track/touring with at least 1 long trip per year + the run to Le Mans.

Currently I have a Celica GT-Four (2ltr Turbo 4WD) which I use at the weekend and for trackdays) the Westfield will be my first RWD sports car.

On to the questions

1) After the rain this year at Le Mans it occured to me to find out how weather tight the weather gear is thats supplied with the car? Obviously you need to deploy it in time just wanted to know if it leaks badly etc.

2) I have read/heard from the rumour mill that the standard roll bar is more of a cosmetic item and not much use if you actually rolled the car. I think the RAC type bar would be a sensible addition when using the car on the track but I think the lines/shape of the standard roll bar work much better. I note that they are both bolt on - is it possible to change the bars for say road use then track use, without it taking days of work? Also from those of you that have them - what are your thoughts on the standard roll bar?

3) I am looking at either going for the 155bhp Sigma Zetec or the 200bhp Duratec. I am leaning towards the Sigma as I think that 200bhp might too much power for me also the cost increase is significant with the duratec. I have heard however that the Sigma is not an ideal engine due to its centre of gravity, I've heard that the Formula Ford chaps hated it as the weight was too high, I guess this may be a feature of chassis design and not affect the Westfield but would appreciate some comments.

4) Finally can anyone give me the exterior dimensions of a completed car, I've searched the forums and the Westfield website but can't find anything. I'll be building in a single garage and need to make sure it will fit.

I'm booked in for a factory visit later in July which hopefully will be good, I want to go armed with as much information as possible

I'm based in the Camberley, Surrey area and would be keen to chat to any local owners.

Cheers

[MAT1800]

Hello.  

I believe Westfield have made some recent revisions to the Hood design, which has improved it's effectivness, but I'm not sure that the term 'watertight' could ever be used to describe a Westi..       Most seem to just wrap up warm/dry, remove the carpet, and put in a small drain hole.. problem solved.      

The RAC bar is a far more substantial item, and they do both bolt onto the chassis so it is not impossible to change them over if you wished, personally I prefer a RAC bar at all times though..  

Dunno anout the Sigma and it's weight problems      The Zetec and Duratech are both popular engines in the Westi, with no major problems I know of... Price is as you say a factor though, not just the inital cost of the engine, but the cost of upgrading..    

Can't give you the dimensions with out going home and measuring it..    However I'd suggest a search as it is a popular question... or perhaps the FAQ section.  

Enjoy the factory trip... after a test drive I expect you'll be putting a deposit down..      

[Flat Eric]

Hi

1) Hood

I can not really comment on the hood, as my car is 7 years old now, and looking at newer cars their design looks to have been improved.

I would describe mine as ok - but I would only use it if it was really raining.

2) Roll bar.

In the strongest possible terms, I would urge you put a RAC roll bar on, and keep it on, rather than use a cosmetic hoop. (If you are also considering other cars to build other than a westfield, I personally would still stand by this comments)

3) Either engine you will have lots of fun with. However, naturally everyone is always greedy with cars and no mater how much power/torque you have, you will always want more, or the opportunity to acheive more.

4) Dimentions

I have an old brochure - quoted dimentions from Westfield are.

Length - 3540mm

Width - 1560mm

Height - 1100mm (its adjusable)

Wheel base - 2335mm

Front Track - 1,300mm

Rear Track - 1,320mm

[Westy1700]

welcome to the world of westies......you won't regret it..

1) After the rain this year at Le Mans it occured to me to find out how weather tight the weather gear is thats supplied with the car? Obviously you need to deploy it in time just wanted to know if it leaks badly etc.

Just finished my second westy and have 2000 miles on it now having just completed the 'wet' Le Mans trip...driving them now for 17 years...

I can say with total honesty that the new style hood works and got a thorough testing.. the only sluight ingress of weater was from the rear of the sidescreen and on right elbow but nothing to really hamper the drive....with the heater on and demisting working well the car was safe to drive as any other and had no issues..earlier variants could not fit a hood over the RAC bar but the latest version do I believe fit the RAC bar.

2) I have read/heard from the rumour mill that the standard roll bar is more of a cosmetic item and not much use if you actually rolled the car. I think the RAC type bar would be a sensible addition when using the car on the track but I think the lines/shape of the standard roll bar work much better. I note that they are both bolt on - is it possible to change the bars for say road use then track use, without it taking days of work? Also from those of you that have them - what are your thoughts on the standard roll bar?

I would not want to roll one with the 'cosmetic bar' and if you are to do serious track work fit the RAC....i would not want to be swapping them too often as its a bit of a pain...

3) I am looking at either going for the 155bhp Sigma Zetec or the 200bhp Duratec. I am leaning towards the Sigma as I think that 200bhp might too much power for me also the cost increase is significant with the duratec. I have heard however that the Sigma is not an ideal engine due to its centre of gravity, I've heard that the Formula Ford chaps hated it as the weight was too high, I guess this may be a feature of chassis design and not affect the Westfield but would appreciate some comments.

aim for 180 - 200 bhp and thats perfect for a first experience and then learn to drive and spend the money on suspension setup to exploit the power..

much more makes them less tractable for all environments except track..IMHO..

4) Finally can anyone give me the exterior dimensions of a completed car, I've searched the forums and the Westfield website but can't find anything. I'll be building in a single garage and need to make sure it will fit.

Mine was done in a 'long' single garage...make sure you have a spare bedroom to safely store the bodywork until you need it or leave it with the factory to coleect as required...the car becomes rollable very quickly and with weather on your side you will invariabley roll it out to work on it...not a large car so getting around it in a small garage is easier - especially with the body off.

make sure you get up to the factory and a local meet but you're asking the right questions...

[Rory's Dad]

I am building a 1600i modular build.  This engine is very light (about 80kg) and is all alloy and comes from Westfield with a nice alloy bell housing for a Type 9 gearbox.  The engine has lifting eyes at each end of the head but the weight of the gerabox is such that the natural angle of dangle once it's off the ground is 45 degrees at least.  I ended up supporting the gearbox on a skateboard as we eased it in.  Thanks Rory  

As far as the c of g is concerned is doesn't look how it could be and if it would be high compared to an engine with a ci block.  I'm sure Cast Iron will be along shortly to sing the praises of his Shawspeed unit.

The Westfield 1600 demonstrator just flew along - very responsive and revy on the open road but trundled along in the traffic without any popping and banging.  Seemed just the job for an ole giffer like me.    

Rory's Dad

[adhawkins]

Regarding the standard roll bar, no matter how strong it is, it's unlikely to do much good protecting your head if your head sits above it (as it does with pretty much everyone I've seen with a standard roll bar).

Draw a line from the top of the roll bar to the front of the bonnet. If your head is above it, that's what'll hit the ground first if you do roll.

No brainer if you ask me.

Andy

[Jenko]

Are you buying an SE or an SEi.....I would advise going the independent suspension route if you plan to do lots of road driving...

For engine...200bhp is fine, and I think about optimum for a westie...I enjoy torque so would plump for the duratech (which is also all alloy, so not that much heavier than the sigma).....either will be cracking engines though....

[sport 2000 Dan]

Hi i have a duratech and find it to be very good in all aspects, I also live just down the road from you in Crowthorne so would happily help if you need anything or just want a look.

[Sirius]

Thanks for all the input its much appreciated

I am going to be building the version with the independant rear suspension. Also take onboard the comments about the rollbar, which is pretty much as I suspected.

I feel a bit reassured from the comments about the weather gear, just want to make sure theres a reasonable level of protection from the elements should the need arise.

Dan,

I'd be keen to meet up to have a look and a chat, I am quite busy over the next few weekends , perhaps I can drop you a PM when I have some more free time.

Cheers,

[markcoopers]

Weather gear!. Save yourself the cost and the instalation issues and just get a gig warm dry coat. Still if Greg says the new hoods kept him dry this year to le mans, then that is pretty impressive......................I got soaked.

155 sigma engine is fantastic, you simply do not need 200+ engines in westfields on the road, just think about the build and build it light ie small light wheels, light seats, no screen/wipers etc.......the weight comes down the power/tonne goes up and it is cheaper.