15 replies to this topic

[urbanmac]

Anyone built a kit car? Particularly a Westfield or similar, is it harder than it looks, take twice as long as you think and requires a garage full of tools and 2 pairs of hands. Its something I've been mulling over for a while, do I, don't I - also would a Z20LET fit in, I've seen other Vauxhall engines fitted but not a turbo one. Thanks

Edited by urbanmac, 28 August 2007 - 06:15 PM.

[p4cks]

To fit the Z20LET in you'd need a matching gearbox and all the other ancillaries which could prove costly and difficult to source.

[rabidh]

I built a Robin Hood kit car - still a 7, but not a 'proper' hardcore one. It took around a year (had to do it while on holidays from uni), but Robin Hood kits have a reputation for not giving you what you need and generally not fitting together well. There are some pics on http://kitcar.rabidhamster.org

I've seen other people building more westfield-like kits like the Tiger, and I have to say I was impressed. Most stuff (pedals, steering, suspension) just bolts together. Given you bought a kit containing all you need, and you had a sensible-sized garage and normal range of tools I can well imagine you'd manage it in 6 months.

Unless you have done a lot of work on cars before it will probably be harder than you expect, but its well worth doing. I've definitely never regretted it (even if I did regret my choice of kit!). Nothing beats driving around in a car you built.

Our car was based on a Ford Pinto engine. Quite basic, but very tuneable, and at least it was longitudinal to start with. Unless there is some donor RWD car with the Z20LET you might be a bit stuffed unless you're willing to spend £££. You could always buy something like a 5EXI kit that is mid-engine and would probably take the whole FWD Z20LET lump...

[Jaysith]

out of curiousity... whats a kit cost roughly? (for a basic sort of one, nothing majorly fancy) any links?

[rabidh]

-= Tiger Kit (Avon Low Cost sounds good)=-
£4300 for a comprehensive kit, then you need a Donor car (usually a sierra). I'm not sure about Tiger, but its probably best to budget at least £500 for odd bits, and £250 to for the SVA test and legal stuff to get on the road.

For the Robin Hood kit we bought, we spent £3750 on the comprehensive kit, but because the kit wasn't anywhere near comprehensive the amount spent for the finished car was nearer £6500. I think that's an exception though - Robin Hood just totally lied about 'contains everything you need', and other kit car manufacturers tend to be better.

The Westfields cost way more, but as far as I am aware don't offer that much more as the chassis is mostly the same, apart from specially cast uprights for the suspension. I believe they are easier to assemble though, probably with all holes pre-drilled...

[pcmanning]

Discovery Turbo runs a series "A Race Car is Born" every now and again, follows a chap building a Westie from a kit - I think the video is probably available from Westfields? Doesn't seem to difficult from that show Paul

[urbanmac]

thanks for the comments, still not made my mind up yet, probably wont do for a couple of months yet.

[Jaysith]

-= Tiger Kit (Avon Low Cost sounds good)=-
£4300 for a comprehensive kit, then you need a Donor car (usually a sierra). I'm not sure about Tiger, but its probably best to budget at least £500 for odd bits, and £250 to for the SVA test and legal stuff to get on the road.

For the Robin Hood kit we bought, we spent £3750 on the comprehensive kit, but because the kit wasn't anywhere near comprehensive the amount spent for the finished car was nearer £6500. I think that's an exception though - Robin Hood just totally lied about 'contains everything you need', and other kit car manufacturers tend to be better.

The Westfields cost way more, but as far as I am aware don't offer that much more as the chassis is mostly the same, apart from specially cast uprights for the suspension. I believe they are easier to assemble though, probably with all holes pre-drilled...

ty

[wrightster]

try here

Edited by wrightster, 29 August 2007 - 08:07 AM.

[john_s]

Discovery Turbo runs a series "A Race Car is Born" every now and again, follows a chap building a Westie from a kit - I think the video is probably available from Westfields? Doesn't seem to difficult from that show

They re-ran the series at weekend - sunday I think it might have been.

You can buy a DVD of the series from his website (I bought dad the 4x4 one) http://www.markevans.co.uk/

[Whippet]

Yeah, that programme almost convinced me I could do it - wonder how much all the tools cost though - nice to have air powered tools, imagine that helps...

[Mak1]

I ran a red top 16V vauxhall engine in mine on twin dellorto carbs. You can go this route and if the budget allows run on throttle bodies. Otherwise if you want to stick with a vauxhall engine you could go for the calibra turbo lump (good for 300 horses?).

[wrightster]

i had a 1800 zetec with twin webbers (45's) and found it very difficult to get them set up correctly i would reccomend throttle bodies if the budget allows or maybe even a bike engined one

[oakmere]

I built a Tiger super 6. It had a 2.0l zetec with twin 45s running a weber alpha ignition. I sold it to buy the vx as it was used very rarely, if you think a vx isn't practical the 7 clones take it to a new level. I have to say I miss the raw power and sound though (need to start tuning the vx). I would stick with the recommended power plants unless you want it to cost a lot more and I think the Ford duratec is now used which was a major step up from the zetec in power terms 200 bhp with light mods take a look at the webcon page for tb kits, I think as supplied by Westfield. As for build time the Tiger took just over a year of free time so all depends how much free time you have? The Westfield should be easier than the Tiger to build as almost no donor parts have to be sourced and reconditioned. I think a Westfield could be build in 2-3 weeks as a full time job. I didn't really have to buy many more tools than would be required to service a car + a few extras such as a pop riveter. Cheers Oakmere

[tangerine_sedge]

Anyone built a kit car? Particularly a Westfield or similar, is it harder than it looks, take twice as long as you think and requires a garage full of tools and 2 pairs of hands.

Its something I've been mulling over for a while, do I, don't I - also would a Z20LET fit in, I've seen other Vauxhall engines fitted but not a turbo one.


Thanks

I've mulled it over for some time now - but I only have a single garage, and I feel that you need the extra room a double garage provides to be able to work effectively (also gives you some room to throw the tools when it all goes wrong!). Perhaps after the VX, I'll get a 'sensible' car and a Caterfield......

[cheeky_chops]

i think westfield do factory tours on a saturday - they might even let you borrow a car after if you seem particularly serious (according to a friend who had a tour booked - he didnt go, sat morning and all )