MX5 based Westfield

[HULLB]

About to embark on a SDV or Multi DV route to building a Westfield  and like the sound of using an MX5 as a donor since so much of the car is useable and hence it works out economical, easy source of parts and you end up with an OEM ECU etc.

They seem to be a less popular option and would welcome any advice/experiences, good or bad that anyone knows about. Thinking of using a 1.8 engine, ideally the second generation as they have a little more power I believe. Advice on places for salvage of MX5's, how well it all fits under the bonnet, does it go/drive as well as the Zetec route etc would be appreciated.

Many thanks, Brian.

[manik]

Have a look over here:

http://www.fmwestfield.com/

The Flyin Miata turbocharged Westie is pretty incredible. No lack of popularity on their forum BTW.

tm

[Mark (smokey mow)]

The MX5 based kit's are still relatively new so it seems more a case that there's just not so many of them on the road yet rather than them being unpopular.  I'm currently midway through the build of a 1600 mazda based car and so far have it to a rolling chassis with the engine in without any trouble.

The build to date has been painless enough with everything going together well with an easy to follow manual, The only problems I'm having are of my own doing as I'm deviating from the manual in a couple of areas to fit a standard westfield dash (rather than the donor mazda) plus I'm building a custom loom rather than modifying the mazda item.

For the donor parts I can reccomend talking to mx5heaven http://www.mx5heaven.co.uk they supplied me with all the necessary bits (less calipers and wheels) stripped from a donor car and with the V5 for £1250 which works out about the same as buying a car and then having to strip it yourself, but without the hastle of having to dispose of the shell.

As for driving, I'd suggest taking a test drive in Westfield's 1600sport demonstrator which should have similar power and handling to the 1800 you're thinking of building.

Mark

[HULLB]

Thanks to both the replies above, just the re-assurance I need really, will take the plunge and get the kit ordered. Cheers, Brian.

[DerekJ]

Hi Brian,

Keep us posted on how the build goes as many of us are interested in this.

[les]

Hi

I have just finished building a MX5 based car 1991 1600 donor - ( no cat = more power the cat really saps the power on the Mazda + easy emission test)age related plate with FW body, now done 500 miles  this is my only experience of Westfield's and my first kit car, very easy build, passed SVA first time, haven’t stopped grinning yet, goes very well although others may say different, turbo is a option. enjoy i think you will.....................

for ref cost has come out at approx  10k

[nikpro]

Out of interest, what air/fuel intake system, ECU do the Mazda Kits use; do they retain all the Mazda Parts?

[les]

Not sure if its the only option,  but i have used all parts as standard from MX5 with addition of K&N cos it looks neater

[Salvageking]

Hi there,i have a selection of accident damaged MX5's,all 1600,that start and drive(just panel damaged etc) if you wanted one for a donor vehicle.Pm me if you want pics etc.

[joe Mac]

Both engine options are good, but the 1600 or 1800 engine on the second generation got a speedometer sensor on the gearbox and it's easier to install in the car VS the very sharp curve you have to do with the cable on pre 98 engine. (Another solution is to make a hole in the side of the tunnel to allow the cable to do a softer curve.

Or you can use the electric sensor on older engine, but you have to use the cluster of a post 98 car (ro receive the electric information) and modify a few wires.

My car is powered with a 1600 engine and is a delight to drive (with a fantastic gearbox, and engine reeving freely)

[joe Mac]

And I forgot one thing : if you plan to tune the engine, use better the 1800 diff. You can play with more than 200 HP without any trouble. On the Flying Miata Westfield, the car is with a Turbo and management for more than 240 HP (not yet dynotested, but mx5 with the same tuning parts reach more than 250 HP).

[nikpro]

Not sure if its the only option,  but i have used all parts as standard from MX5 with addition of K&N cos it looks neater

We managed to get 141 bhp out of standard 1600 engine for MaX 5 race series (easy to do by tuninig the intake but would rather not discuss in an open forum) - had to detune the b****r as they were going to add balast to us!!  

[markboyce]

We managed to get 141 bhp out of standard 1600 engine for MaX 5 race series (easy to do by tuninig the intake but would rather not discuss in an open forum) - had to detune the b****r as they were going to add balast to us!!  

.. ..... because you should have be running a standard engine  

I hear Richard had a cracking race with Justin at Rockingham last time out.  

[nikpro]

We managed to get 141 bhp out of standard 1600 engine for MaX 5 race series (easy to do by tuninig the intake but would rather not discuss in an open forum) - had to detune the b****r as they were going to add balast to us!!  

.. ..... because you should have be running a standard engine  

I hear Richard had a cracking race with Justin at Rockingham last time out.  

We did fit a 1.8!!!!

Rockingham was excellent and the Race with Justin was extremely good - here's the video of the Race (Justin's in the Red Car No.25)

http://www.vimeo.com/1349615

[markboyce]

Justin sent the link over earlier..  Cracking ding dong between them