Stuart Taylor Posted April 18, 2002 Share Posted April 18, 2002 Hi, My names stuart and i live near bradford / leeds in west yorks. Iv been after a westfield for years as there is a few in my area including a mint green track model, but could never aford it, probably still can't but im determined to do it here and there and feel confident enough to undertake most of the work myself-apart from painting. I would be very greatful for your views on my idea. Im after a rolling chassise/ unfinished project etc Most westies run on ford running gear which is fine and why change something if it is not broken, but, im looking for 150 - 160 bhp which means a lot of money on a 2.1 Pinto, a tuned up turbo cvh, or a big heavy 2.9 v6. I can get cheap vauxhall 16V engines which will easily achieve this power in near standard condition as a friend races a grasstrack corsa with this lump on throttle bodies and has about six in his garage. As for the diff, would i have to manufacture a coupling to mate the vaux F16 ( quicker accelaration) g/box to ford diff or would say, a diff from a carlton or omega cut down to size work. If all this sounds like madness please say so and if someone has performed this task before could i be pointed in his/her direction Thanks very much guys and girls i look forward to your comments Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nick M Posted April 18, 2002 Share Posted April 18, 2002 Errr, some of it sounds like madness I'm afraid As for engines, Vauxhall is fine, but you don't use the Vauxhall gearbox, not least because it's designed for a front wheel drive car !! You'd need to get a suitable bell-housing (SB Developments,A Frame engineering, etc.) to mate the VX engine to a Ford type 9 gearbox. You'd then use a Sierra diff (assuming it's a wide bodied independent suspension car) or an Escort back axle (suitably modified) for a live axle version. To be honest, if you find a rolling chassis then the chances are it will already have a diff / axle fitted so that should resolve that problem. You mention painting - worth noting that the Westfield bodywork is fibre-glass and the colour is gel-coat, not paint. Best bet is to go along to your local area meeting and have a look at the cars there. That should give you a much better idea of what's involved in putting a Westfield together. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
peterg Posted April 18, 2002 Share Posted April 18, 2002 Hmm, you might find a rolling chassis or unfinished project but there aren't too many Westfields about in this state though I saw a Megablade chassis and a lot of bits for sale in Motorsport News this week......no price quoted though you won't need to mate the Vx engine to the diff, you will be best getting a Type 9 Ford box (Sierra etc.) and the bellhousing can be adapted to mate these two together (SBD amongst others do the bits for this) good luck Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
peterg Posted April 18, 2002 Share Posted April 18, 2002 B*gger, Nick's obviously quicker at typing than me Oh yes, and as you're in the Leeds/Bradford area a visit to Plays Kool and/or CAT Motorsport might be in order as they may know of someone who has a chassis/unfinished car for sale see the links pages for their addresses Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kevin Wood Posted April 18, 2002 Share Posted April 18, 2002 Hi Stuart, Firstly, most Westfield bodywork is supplied with coloured gel coat, which means that it is not necessary to paint the car once it's finished. It's still an option if you want the finish that paint gives, but most people use the gelcoat colours. Regarding an engine, the vauxhall lump will certainly give you the power you require without any modification except perhaps the addition of a pair of weber carbs. Of all the 16 valve engines around it's probably one of the best for tuning potential so you can be sure that if you ever hanker after more power and funds allow you can go up to 250 - 270 BHP with this choice of engine if you want to and can afford the modifications! I would say this is a far better option than a pinto or V6 as even if you get the same power, you will have a weight penalty and less potential for tuning in the future with these engines. The Vauxhall can be mated to the Ford type 9 gearbox using a replacement bellhousing and the rest of the transmission - diff, etc. can be Ford. Westfield (and plenty others) supply parts such as exhaust systems for this engine. If you can't find an unfinished project that was designed for the Vauxhall engine you might need to get into fabricating engine mounts, etc. but Westfield have always supported the VX 16v engine so you shouldn't have too many problems. Kevin Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stu999 Posted April 18, 2002 Share Posted April 18, 2002 Hi Stuart. Vauxhall motor is a mighty fine motor, but, (and this will probably start something) by the time you have bought the motor, bellhousing conversion, shallow sump, and engine management/webers/throttle bodies to get the blighter to run, you could buy a bike motor with almost the same power and a lot less weight. The cheapest option for big thrills-it depends what you want from the car. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jeff oakley Posted April 21, 2002 Share Posted April 21, 2002 The previous post are all correct. My new build is vx16v and set up for it from Westfield. Mine is running SBD 208 throttle boddies kit with exhaust shallow sump a Brian Hill close ratio box and belhousing adaptor. This little lot has cost close to £3500 so it is not cheap. You can use a manta box and get all second hand parts using the vauxhall fuel injection( I seem to remember there is a guy local to Leeds who has done it). However If I was after a track day weapon used occasionally for road work not touring I would do bike power. £1000 - £2000 for a good package Stuart Taylor Motorsports is alleged to do excellant deals. Worth considering also if you are not after the ultimate in power is the 2.0ltr zetec. I know it is not as good on power but it will work out a lot cheaper than the Vx16v and on the road will still be quick enough for most people. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stuart Taylor Posted April 23, 2002 Author Share Posted April 23, 2002 Thanks for the information guys It looks like there is a fair bit to learn at the moment about westies so i think joining up as a member will help and start showing up at a few meetings in and around where i live, ( kick a few tires etc. ) I'll be making an appearance at harewood house in may so you never know, it might be your tires!! Thanks again Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Paul Hurdsfield - Joint Manchester AO Posted April 23, 2002 Share Posted April 23, 2002 If your in W Yorks the Manchester area meet in Oldham 4 mins off the M62 j20 only 35mins from Bradford/Leeds, come and see us we're a very friendly lot Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Blatman Posted April 23, 2002 Share Posted April 23, 2002 If you're going to kick tyres anywhere in May, make it the National Kit Car Show at Stoneleigh Showground. Last year (despite F'nM restrictions) there were in excess of 500 cars on the Westfield stand over the 2 days. You will not find a bigger collection of Westfields anywhere, and with no restrictions this year, there should be even more to see. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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