A few Westfield Questions....
Discussion
I currently own an MR2 GTS Turbo, the engine is pretty standard but it is still quick, I am looking to sell the MR2 and buy a Westfield in the coming weeks but really know next to nothing about them, for starters
1> This will be my only car, so are using them on a day to day basis a problem?
2> I still have no idea about the ranging engine sizes, which do you recommend is the best all round for the westfield, I have seen them with 2.0 Pinto and 1650 X-Flow engines which is best for acceleration?
3> What are they like to drive in the winter? eg heaters, condensation, weather gear any good? etc.
4> I have noticed they dont do many miles, what is the reliability of the engines like? and do they need to be maintained more than a regular car?
5> Do you think I should stick with my present car? I love Westfields but do the cons out-weigh the pros?
Thanks to any replies to this thread, any feedback would be great, Gav.
1> This will be my only car, so are using them on a day to day basis a problem?
2> I still have no idea about the ranging engine sizes, which do you recommend is the best all round for the westfield, I have seen them with 2.0 Pinto and 1650 X-Flow engines which is best for acceleration?
3> What are they like to drive in the winter? eg heaters, condensation, weather gear any good? etc.
4> I have noticed they dont do many miles, what is the reliability of the engines like? and do they need to be maintained more than a regular car?
5> Do you think I should stick with my present car? I love Westfields but do the cons out-weigh the pros?
Thanks to any replies to this thread, any feedback would be great, Gav.
My kit was low and exposed (not a 7 but similar). You have to be a "special" kind of person to drive them in winter.
Most exposed kit cars have minimal heaters and weather proofing. I myself got a waterproof suit (like bike riders wear) and bikers gloves for winter. Even though the car had roof and side screens the best descrption is shower-proof or keep most of it off! In winter snow and ice with light rear wheel drive is an experience to say the least
I drove my car everyday for 7 years, come rain or shine. It was a great experience but very cold (you won't believe how cold until you do it, for example tears freezing on your face). If you can laugh it off then you'll be fine but personally if you can afford it I would have a second car.
Most exposed kit cars have minimal heaters and weather proofing. I myself got a waterproof suit (like bike riders wear) and bikers gloves for winter. Even though the car had roof and side screens the best descrption is shower-proof or keep most of it off! In winter snow and ice with light rear wheel drive is an experience to say the least
I drove my car everyday for 7 years, come rain or shine. It was a great experience but very cold (you won't believe how cold until you do it, for example tears freezing on your face). If you can laugh it off then you'll be fine but personally if you can afford it I would have a second car.
I brought a factory built, limited edition, GTZ last november and have done just over 10.000 miles since then.
The heaters are fine, and they dont steam up badly with the roof up, in the rain. They do however leak!! Expect it to drip on your right leg when you are driving in real heavy rain. Noisey with the roof up, ear plugs on long journeys.
If you use it all year, expect to see some corrosion fairly quickly, they need looking after if got wet: lots of WD40 on the suspension etc. The only problems I've had have been purely cosmetic.
Are you thinking of buying new or secondhand? If new, then go for the Ford Zetec on throttle bodies like I did. Enough "go" (153bhp) to see of most things (including MR2 turbos!!), cheap servicing at any Ford main dealer, easy to work on........ Great infact and much potential for more tuning. (I'm saving now!!!)
You'll love it. Put up with the rain and bad weather, and come a sunny day not much will keep up with you.
CJG
The heaters are fine, and they dont steam up badly with the roof up, in the rain. They do however leak!! Expect it to drip on your right leg when you are driving in real heavy rain. Noisey with the roof up, ear plugs on long journeys.
If you use it all year, expect to see some corrosion fairly quickly, they need looking after if got wet: lots of WD40 on the suspension etc. The only problems I've had have been purely cosmetic.
Are you thinking of buying new or secondhand? If new, then go for the Ford Zetec on throttle bodies like I did. Enough "go" (153bhp) to see of most things (including MR2 turbos!!), cheap servicing at any Ford main dealer, easy to work on........ Great infact and much potential for more tuning. (I'm saving now!!!)
You'll love it. Put up with the rain and bad weather, and come a sunny day not much will keep up with you.
CJG
I used a Westfield as an everyday car for several (about 7) months a few years ago. It was during the summer months (anyone remember those?) but I was pretty much forced to get myself something sensible for the winter.
Engine sizes range from the bike engined variants of 900cc upwards to 4 litre V8 powered models. My first one was a 1600 CVH which was a dog of an engine but still went like stink. My current one has a 3.5 V8 which has been totally reliable so far (4000 miles in 2 years). It goes quite well too
As for heaters and all weather use - I can't really recommend it. Mine doesn't leak - it's more like a shower while you drive. It also gets very hot with the roof on due to heat sink from the engine.
As for whether you should stick with the MR2 or buy a Westie - if you're looking for an everyday car there's only one answer. If you're looking for something fun I think you'll find the MR2 is probably a bit dull in comparison.
Engine sizes range from the bike engined variants of 900cc upwards to 4 litre V8 powered models. My first one was a 1600 CVH which was a dog of an engine but still went like stink. My current one has a 3.5 V8 which has been totally reliable so far (4000 miles in 2 years). It goes quite well too
As for heaters and all weather use - I can't really recommend it. Mine doesn't leak - it's more like a shower while you drive. It also gets very hot with the roof on due to heat sink from the engine.
As for whether you should stick with the MR2 or buy a Westie - if you're looking for an everyday car there's only one answer. If you're looking for something fun I think you'll find the MR2 is probably a bit dull in comparison.
I have a Westy SEight, it has full weather gear but i've only driven it a very short distance with the hood on, plenty of headroom but poor visibility, even in the dry if you're ever 5'8" (I'm just over 6')
Treat it like a motor-bike, wear wet weather gear in the wet (Heated "grips" would be good !!!), prepare to be cold and if the engine you choose has lots of torque by very gentle with the throttle.
Nothing compares for "grins per £ spent". Enjoy
Treat it like a motor-bike, wear wet weather gear in the wet (Heated "grips" would be good !!!), prepare to be cold and if the engine you choose has lots of torque by very gentle with the throttle.
Nothing compares for "grins per £ spent". Enjoy
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