complete kits

[atomicterrier]

As I am about to commit to buying and building, any comments on whether to go the modular route (less hassle?) or basic kit.  Also how easy /expensive is it to convert the basic 1800 zetec (115bhp) to speedsport performance?

[atomicterrier]

Just thought I'd mention, I joined Wscc 2 years ago but don't know my membership number.

[steppenwolf]

So much depends on your existing knowledge and your desire on not to get dirty at the local scrappy!

I did not mind getting dirty at the scrappy but I started with minimal knowledge (there are those who would no doubt say that situation has not changed since I built my Westfield SpeedSport! so the modular route was the best for me as EVERYTHING was supplied so I knew that it would all fit and each part would be the right part.

This approach worked very well for me and I built a car I can be proud of (with a litle help from the tech. support telephone line at Westfield, I have to confess    )

The down side was the additional cost but then again everything was brand new and that appealed to me too.

The SpeedSport (approx. 150BHP) engine is based on the 130 BHP Zetec and the extra power comes from the Jenvey throttle bodies. Twin carbs. would, however, get you similar power at less cost although there would be less torque.

You could opt for a 2 Litre Zetec instead which with the twin Carbs and 3D ignition should see you at about 165BHP.

Not a difinitive answer I am afraid but there are many variables dependant on your expertise, time available, budget and expectations on completion.

No matter what you build, you will feel it is not powerful enough after a while so starting at 115BHP will give you a very large grin which will only get wider if and when you upgrade to more power.

A visit to my build site may give you an indication of what is involved and what my problems were with my limited knowledge of things mechanical.

[atomicterrier]

thanks, I have studied your site already and am really impressed by level of detail (my wife likes it because of the dogs).

My question came when I saw the current offer on westfield website, zetec for £12.5k and wondered if it was worth it.  No such thing as a free lunch etc. Must be better than cvh?

Reading your build log I have developed a windscreen wiper phobia.  Is there any easy way of fitting?  Also I bought the build manual for 1800Q and don't see why detachable arches affect hood fitting? Is positioning the windscreen as critical as it appears ie accuracy of 1 mm?

[Westfieldman]

Have a look at my build site link below I started with a starter kit and built up from there it delends what you want from the car touring, track days, sprinting, racing etc.

Windscreens cost a lot more than aeros due to the SVA requirnents demister wippers washers etc.

An RAC roll over bar is a MUST there is a link to some photos of Gordons car somwhere his standard bar folded in a roll.

The starter kit option leaves your options open to sourse your owen bits ie diff £25 plus recon £150 new £800ish gearbox type 9 the way to go £50 scrapies

Zetec engine £150 up to about £500 scrapies Ford recon the bottom end for about £400 exchange if you use a pre 95 engine you can use carbs lost of secondhand ones about as people upgrade to injection.

If you E-mail me I can send you a spreed sheet of the cost of my car it stands me at £13000 plus £1200 for the quaife box thats on its way.

Paul.

[steppenwolf]

A. T.

(my wife likes it because of the dogs).

Lovely things Labs -  I still choke up when I see the picture of Fern who died this year ....

Reading your build log I have developed a windscreen wiper phobia.  Is there any easy way of fitting?

You really have read it then! I suspect that a little more perserverance on my part would have solved this problem but I spent too long on the wipers as it was and it became a bit of a 'thing' if you know what I mean. I am not alone in having problems in this area but many have fitted them with no problem. I should ask around if I were you!

Also I bought the build manual for 1800Q and don't see why detachable arches affect hood fitting? Is positioning the windscreen as critical as it appears ie accuracy of 1 mm?

This does seem illogical at first but it is all to do with the different body tub mouldings used for the detachable arch/fixed arch versions. The two mouldings are different not only in the manner of arch attachment as the 'plugs' were hand made. The reason for the strict positioning is simply so that the canvas roof will fit correctly to the windscreen at the front on both types of body. Provided you are within 5mm, all will be well.

[JonnyBoy]

A standard 115ps 1800 zetec on twin 40 carbs will see ~130bhp at the flywheel.

new set of 130spec cams 25quid from DVA, should see about 155bhp...1pound per hp! nice (plus fitting and rr session)

i dont think you would be able to get the 115ps injection system under the bonnet.

When i was about 8, i built a tamiya RC car. everything came in the box.

I went traditional build, sourcing bits from scrapped cars and reconning most of the bits myself. i spent loads of time sourcing bits, making them look pretty etc. but probably didnt save much as my debt is just shy of 12k for the finished car....it doesnt stop there though. there is always a little something extra

I would be interested to see how much more my car would be worth if it had all new bits.

see Tims costing. his is a all new bits build. he spent 3k more than me for a similar spec car.

At the end of the day, the finished result depends on the time you spend on the build and the fact that its a westfield, not a F27, Tiger etc that you could never make look 'finished'. sorry if anyone has one!

[atomicterrier]

Thanks for the replies

I have decided to start with a zetec modular build and will no doubt be looking for advice, help, support, etc.  With the quoted lead times I expect to start the build in mid sept.

Help, what tools do I need, where can i get the taps to clean the wishbone threads? How soon will I need the engine hoist?

What have I started???

Will I b e on the road by Easter?

[Guest]

Brilliant! Someone else hits panic stage! I felt like that a few weeks ago and since actually collecting my kit it's all gone numb.

Kinda wish I was doing modular build since I've gotta contend with going down scrappies and not knowing if Westfield have forgotten to give me stuff or that it's not included  

I finally managed to accumulate all the bits I needed - you don't half learn fast when you've shelled out £3g and don't have the first idea what you need! Still trying to figure out which EMS to get....

Taps are an   I bought a 1/2" (which you are welcome to borrow) but I'm holding off from paying £17 for the M18 since the threads look quite clean.....

All the best,

- Dan.

[steppenwolf]

I have decided to start with a zetec modular build and will no doubt be looking for advice, help, support, etc.  With the quoted lead times I expect to start the build in mid sept.

Help, what tools do I need, where can i get the taps to clean the wishbone threads? How soon will I need the engine hoist?

Well done! There is a complete tools list on my build site!

Tools Required

Maybe I was lucky but my wishbones did not need cleaning out, they were perfect as delivered .....