gregh Posted July 21, 2002 Posted July 21, 2002 Shortly going to be looking for my first Westfield.. From looking around so far there seem to be hundreds of variants out there. So I've done a number of track days in my Subaru, and am looking for a westfield as a 2nd car for track days and occasional blats on the road. So I'm trying to work out what is the minimum spec I should get, so that it can cope on track, road and also won't leave me wishing I had got a faster one! So what things should I be looking for? brakes, lsd, roll cage, side impact bars, what else? What min bhp do people reckon would get me one that would be as fast as the Scoob on track? I reckon I need full wet weather gear, windscreen with heather, and a lockable boot area would be good. The Westfield factory seems to have a couple of 1800 sports in the previously used section, from 11-13k. They seem to meet my needs, but are they expensive from the factory? sorry for all the questions! cheers, greg Quote
Mark Stanton Posted July 21, 2002 Posted July 21, 2002 Simply download a WSCC membership form from the website and join, B4 you buy - check out the club magazine with members cars 4 sale - tag along to a local club meet and speak to as many people as possible Quote
catflap Posted July 21, 2002 Posted July 21, 2002 Seconded, loads of cars fro sale in there Just to let you know i sold my scoob for a westy, never looked back scoob is dull spongy and lifeless on comparison , and we know how good the scoob is just shows how awesome westys are I went with a megablade as it suited my needs The vx engine often comes highly regarded, as does the ztec, the bike engine cars are fun (my main reason for getting one, but a little narrow minded, but that’s why I love it) Quote
AndyC_772 Posted July 21, 2002 Posted July 21, 2002 Hi Greg, You too, then? I'm guessing that you're the same GregH from ScoobyNet that I met at Prodrive after the PPP group buy - welcome to the Dark Side... My Westy has only a few of the things you mention - brakes (although not very good ones), a windscreen and a heater, but that's about it. With hindsight, an LSD would have been nice, and since they're quite expensive to fit, I'd make sure you get a car that has one. I have the lockable boot too, but don't have the lock itself - I figure it'll never actually be secure, so I prefer not to take the risk of having it crowbarred open by a crook wanting my tonneau cover and hat, which is all I keep in there. I initially thought I wanted full wet weather gear, but I'm actually very happy with just sidescreens and a tonneau cover. The tonneau is OK for light drizzle, but a garage or proper waterproof cover is a must-have for winter. As for the hood, most people seem to dislike using them. I propose to drive the Scooby when it rains instead. As for power, my 2.0 VX engine has enough that I don't feel short-changed, although as with all such things, upgrades will undoubtedly be forthcoming - just like I felt the need for the PPP after a year. I think you'd find an 1800 Sport from the factory a bit sluggish. I did. Make sure you book yourself onto the factory tour sooner rather than later - you'll get to drive a Westy (probably an 1800) and see what you like and don't like about it. I left wanting a SEiGHT, but couldn't find one I could afford. Maybe next year... Do have a rummage through the 'other marques' forum on Scoobynet, there have been a few posts there in the last couple of months from other like-minded people, myself included, that might be helpful. The general buying advice seems to be to make sure you have one with a complete history, and don't buy the first car you see. At least make sure you get a good look at a few, so you have idea of the variation in build quality. Best of luck, Andy. Quote
gregh Posted July 21, 2002 Author Posted July 21, 2002 cheers Andy, Yup same Gregh you met at Prodrive, I'm thinking of trading in the Scoob and getting a sensible car + westie, sounds like you managed to own both!! cheers for the advice, regards, greg Quote
juansolo Posted July 21, 2002 Posted July 21, 2002 It's difficult. My brother and I both have Westfields who's primary use is trackdays and secondary use is road. I'm in a slightly different boat in that I also have a tow car and trailer which means my car is a little more extreme than my brothers making it less of a road car. But for something to drive to trackdays run then drive home you want something like my brothers car. IMO for trackdays you want a good strong engine with a reasonable amount of power. I'm gonna sound like a stuck record here but a 2.0 Vx XE is an ideal powerplant. Stronger big end bolts are all that is required. With electronic ignition and 45 carbs you'll be looking at a reliable, nice torquey 180+ bhp. If you are going to run sticky tyres seriously consider a dry sump as the cornering and braking forces you can generate in these things can be very high and oil surge is a engine killer (speaking from experience). Go for a type 9 gearbox which will give you more options in future should you wish to change the internals to a s/c c/r box for example. Get an LSD, with this sort of power it makes a massive difference. If you're going to use it on the road go for a Sierra 4x4 LSD (viscous) or a Quaife ATB (Torsen style) as they are far quieter and less brutal than plate type LSD's. Braking. M16's on solid disks and drums are well up to stopping a car of this wieght though alloy 4-pots up front (Willwood, Brembsport, Cat Motorsport, etc) and disks at the back will be better. Vented disks are uneccessary and just add to unsprung weight. Get an RAC roll bar. The standard bar is as useful as a woolly condom. It may look better but in a roll you at least stand a chance with an RAC bar. A quick steering rack is a definate nice to have also. There's plenty more but that should get you going in the right direction. Quote
DodgeT Posted July 23, 2002 Posted July 23, 2002 sounds like this should be the "ex scooby" thread, ive just picked my westy up tonight & shall have to sell the scoob to buy a sensible car also. enjoyed driving home in the wet tonight so cant wait for the sun!!!!!!!! Quote
Mossman Posted July 24, 2002 Posted July 24, 2002 It is an ex Scooby thread, hi gregh, catflap and Andy! Quote
chrisbin Posted July 24, 2002 Posted July 24, 2002 I'm no ex-scooby doer... But have a look at Ross Kenyons car in the For Sale section. Looks like a top car to me. But then it all depends on budget of course...... Good Luck And have fun - guaranteed smiles all the way!! Quote
AndyC_772 Posted July 25, 2002 Posted July 25, 2002 EX-scooby driver? What do you do on the 350 days a year when it's cold or wet? Today's forecast is for drizzle, so... let's see... 4WD might be handy, and, oh yes, a roof. Better throw in a turbocharger too, just to make up for all that extra weight. Cries of 'wuss' and similar insults will fall on deaf ears... Andy. Quote
DAZ 4 Posted July 25, 2002 Posted July 25, 2002 Another ex-Scooby owner - Looking forward to track days without the tyre expense Quote
Mossman Posted July 25, 2002 Posted July 25, 2002 Still got the scoob BTW but not getting much use at the mo! Quote
deadscoob Posted July 25, 2002 Posted July 25, 2002 Strangely I've still got mine too Doesn't look or go like it did tho Now wheres the Golf TDI brochure...... Quote
DodgeT Posted July 25, 2002 Posted July 25, 2002 hey catflap!!! when you gonna pop round so we can compare motors??? Quote
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