Crossflow or Zetec/Vauxhall Redtop?
Discussion
Ok so its time to get a Caterham...after owning a Dutton Phaeton, Sylva Striker and a Westfield Sei 1800 Zetec. I have a budget of £10,500 maximum and have been scouring the classifieds.
My requirements are as follows, full weather gear (pref with heater) nice wheels, MB's or R500 13" style. 'comfy' interior (leather seats) and very good condition.
I have seen a very nice 120bhp crossflow in the classified that ticks all my boxes but, will I be able to live with that amount of power? Im coming from a 160bhp Vauxhall VX220 (0-60 in the low 5's). I'm not intending to use it on track, just very spirited Sunday drives and maybe a trip to France etc. I realise the lack of torque will be noticeable and that to get the most out of a crossflow it will have to be 'used' well!
I also have seen one or two Vauxhall engined cars but they seem to be just out of my budget and in not good enough condition. Are the Zetec & Redtop engines heavy? Should I hold out over Winter and see if I can get a bargain Vauxhall engined car thats within my budget or snap up the crossflow engined car thats currently in the classifieds?
My requirements are as follows, full weather gear (pref with heater) nice wheels, MB's or R500 13" style. 'comfy' interior (leather seats) and very good condition.
I have seen a very nice 120bhp crossflow in the classified that ticks all my boxes but, will I be able to live with that amount of power? Im coming from a 160bhp Vauxhall VX220 (0-60 in the low 5's). I'm not intending to use it on track, just very spirited Sunday drives and maybe a trip to France etc. I realise the lack of torque will be noticeable and that to get the most out of a crossflow it will have to be 'used' well!
I also have seen one or two Vauxhall engined cars but they seem to be just out of my budget and in not good enough condition. Are the Zetec & Redtop engines heavy? Should I hold out over Winter and see if I can get a bargain Vauxhall engined car thats within my budget or snap up the crossflow engined car thats currently in the classifieds?
Crossflows are ace.
They do require a bit of helmsmanship but that's half the fun. Mine's plenty fast enough for B-road blats but does run out of puff a bit on motorways, struggling much beyond around 70 mph, give or take 20mph ;-)
One big advantage is their simplicity and ruggedness. When you can't find anywhere open to sell petrol try some anthracite or some home brew.
It's not what you drive, it's how you drive it that matters.
They do require a bit of helmsmanship but that's half the fun. Mine's plenty fast enough for B-road blats but does run out of puff a bit on motorways, struggling much beyond around 70 mph, give or take 20mph ;-)
One big advantage is their simplicity and ruggedness. When you can't find anywhere open to sell petrol try some anthracite or some home brew.
It's not what you drive, it's how you drive it that matters.
JeffC said:
personally I couldnt live with 120bhp crossflow if It was a weekend car to put a smile on my face and if thats all I could get for my money I would get a Duratec powered Westfield which will come in on budget.
I am looking at Westies as well but a 200bhp+ Duratec powered Westy with RAC rollbar, decent wheels, shocks, ally hubs and uprights, Willwood brakes & light weight seats will cost well over £10,500. Remember that's R300 territory for half the price of a Caterham.Lordbenny said:
I am looking at Westies as well but a 200bhp+ Duratec powered Westy with RAC rollbar, decent wheels, shocks, ally hubs and uprights, Willwood brakes & light weight seats will cost well over £10,500. Remember that's R300 territory for half the price of a Caterham.
I sold a factory duratec westy with image wheels light seats nitrons arbs , lsd , rac bar, wilwoods etc 2 years ago for £10,500, I would be patient they are out there 
I wouldnt rule out a well sorted zetec westy either ?X flow was the engine of choice in the 1970's. Now however it's not worth considering IMO, A standard 2 litre zetec makes a genuine 160BHP, with great torque and excellent MPG something a X flow can only dream about, Weight is very similar to a X flow especially if you have a Mag bellhousing, and lightened flywheel fitted.
Vauxhall cars are heavier at the front and are now geting long in the tooth, abd are similarly priced to Zetec cars - so If I had your budget a Zetec car would be my choice. You ought to find a nice Zetec Caterham for you budget, and if you can, buy a car with a de-dion rear axle. Just don't be in a rush to buy a car. coz there's some expensive dogz around.
Hope this helps
PS
'K' series cars fall within your budget too
Vauxhall cars are heavier at the front and are now geting long in the tooth, abd are similarly priced to Zetec cars - so If I had your budget a Zetec car would be my choice. You ought to find a nice Zetec Caterham for you budget, and if you can, buy a car with a de-dion rear axle. Just don't be in a rush to buy a car. coz there's some expensive dogz around.
Hope this helps
PS
'K' series cars fall within your budget too
Edited by S47 on Monday 14th November 14:50
About to put a deposit on this....Ok ready for a flaming!
Seriously though...what do you think?
http://www.euxtoncarsales.co.uk/detail.php?vid=126...
Seriously though...what do you think?
http://www.euxtoncarsales.co.uk/detail.php?vid=126...
Cock Womble 7 said:
S47 said:
'K' series cars fall within your budget too
This. And this:BertBert said:
As a firm k-series fan, I'd be looking for a 1600 supersport k-series for £10,500. Not sure where a Zetec fits in really!
Not sure why you appear to have overlooked K Series cars?Nice Westie. Although any company that refers to itself as "ourselves" should be eschewed
Noger said:
£10,800 is bottom of the K market I would suggest.
Nah.http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/3403109.htm
BertBert said:
Noger said:
£10,800 is bottom of the K market I would suggest.
Nah.http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/3403109.htm
So "yeah" in fact
Actually, that is a bargain, should get snapped up at that price.
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