Ex Westfield owner considering the dark side... ;)
Discussion
Hi all,
Looking for a little advice on possibly making the leap to Caterham ownership.
Budget looking at 15k realistically and concerned that in that budget I am going to be underwhelmed with performance available in that budget.
I have had 2 westfields now (both widebodied cars).
First car: End spec was 195bhp Vauxhall redtop on Webber 45's, stripped out, aeroscreen etc. Good quick car but rough round the edges.
Latest westfield which was unfortunately destroyed in a garage fire a couple of weeks ago: 2.0 zetec on ZX9r carbs with 169bhp. This car had full screen, half hood etc and really enjoyed the usability of it. It lacked a little of the 'thrill' of the aeroscreened car but the pros of weather gear outweighed this. Actually ended up getting Pb's at all sprint venues in this car as it was a much better car setup wise than the first.
Enjoying my last westfield so much has got me to thinking that perhaps less is more and perhaps a much lighter caterham with less power will be just as fun and may be similar real world performance with the added bonus of being able to swap screen for aeroscreen when the mood suits.
Anyone else here switched from higher powered but heavier Westfields or the likes able to pass on their experience?
Edited to add that I have the chance to buy a very well sorted Westfield (no screen) but just needing to hear more experiences of low powered caterhams to get things clear in my head.
Dave
Looking for a little advice on possibly making the leap to Caterham ownership.
Budget looking at 15k realistically and concerned that in that budget I am going to be underwhelmed with performance available in that budget.
I have had 2 westfields now (both widebodied cars).
First car: End spec was 195bhp Vauxhall redtop on Webber 45's, stripped out, aeroscreen etc. Good quick car but rough round the edges.
Latest westfield which was unfortunately destroyed in a garage fire a couple of weeks ago: 2.0 zetec on ZX9r carbs with 169bhp. This car had full screen, half hood etc and really enjoyed the usability of it. It lacked a little of the 'thrill' of the aeroscreened car but the pros of weather gear outweighed this. Actually ended up getting Pb's at all sprint venues in this car as it was a much better car setup wise than the first.
Enjoying my last westfield so much has got me to thinking that perhaps less is more and perhaps a much lighter caterham with less power will be just as fun and may be similar real world performance with the added bonus of being able to swap screen for aeroscreen when the mood suits.
Anyone else here switched from higher powered but heavier Westfields or the likes able to pass on their experience?
Edited to add that I have the chance to buy a very well sorted Westfield (no screen) but just needing to hear more experiences of low powered caterhams to get things clear in my head.
Dave
Edited by D7PNY on Tuesday 10th May 23:39
Perhaps I'm looking in the wrong places!
Did see a nice looking red one up for 15k recently in the classifieds that would've suited me nicely.
Realistically, I think a caterham with about 150bhp would be similar if not more bhp/tonne than my last westfield so maybe more achievable than I thought.
One additional thing to throw into the mix...Obviously with doing sprints and the change in rules this year requiring MSA approved roll bar. Which variety of Caterham roll bars should I be looking out for?
Dave
Did see a nice looking red one up for 15k recently in the classifieds that would've suited me nicely.
Realistically, I think a caterham with about 150bhp would be similar if not more bhp/tonne than my last westfield so maybe more achievable than I thought.
One additional thing to throw into the mix...Obviously with doing sprints and the change in rules this year requiring MSA approved roll bar. Which variety of Caterham roll bars should I be looking out for?
Dave
So the shopping continues but what are the pros and cons of 1.6k series (minister engine in the one I've spotted) vs a standard 1.6 sigma engine (in another I've spotted)?
Liking the option of getting into a newish car hence the supersport but still a part of me hankering after something with high power but perhaps a little older. Also worried I would miss induction noise with a 1.6 k series or sigma over a higher powered car with throttle bodies for example.
Dave
Liking the option of getting into a newish car hence the supersport but still a part of me hankering after something with high power but perhaps a little older. Also worried I would miss induction noise with a 1.6 k series or sigma over a higher powered car with throttle bodies for example.
Dave
Thought I'd better update this...
Have found a car and just sorting out the logistics of getting down to collect it and also chasing up insurance for cheque in the meantime.
Hopefully get down in the next couple of weeks but if not, will be after I get back from holiday so towards the end of the month/start of July.
Started off life as a roadsport but went back to caterham a year later to have 1.8k in R300 spec fitted with RBTB's and 6 speed box.
Couple of things I will need to change (tyres being first issue) for complying with new sprint regulations but other than that it's perfect spec for me.
Will be a fair old journey in it from Birmingham back up to Aberdeen so hopefully I pick a weekend with good weather!
Thanks for all the help.
Dave
Have found a car and just sorting out the logistics of getting down to collect it and also chasing up insurance for cheque in the meantime.
Hopefully get down in the next couple of weeks but if not, will be after I get back from holiday so towards the end of the month/start of July.
Started off life as a roadsport but went back to caterham a year later to have 1.8k in R300 spec fitted with RBTB's and 6 speed box.
Couple of things I will need to change (tyres being first issue) for complying with new sprint regulations but other than that it's perfect spec for me.
Will be a fair old journey in it from Birmingham back up to Aberdeen so hopefully I pick a weekend with good weather!
Thanks for all the help.
Dave
Deal agreed on a Caterham - Just to arrange a time to get south to collect! 
One question though...
It has FIA roll bar (with the X bars) and I believe for 2016 sprint rules I will need petty strut as I understand the homologation was done with the petty strut in place.
I see they are out of stock on Caterham shop though.
I have been offered a roadsport tall cage though. Is this homologated like the normal height cage?
Cheers,
Dave
One question though...
It has FIA roll bar (with the X bars) and I believe for 2016 sprint rules I will need petty strut as I understand the homologation was done with the petty strut in place.
I see they are out of stock on Caterham shop though.
I have been offered a roadsport tall cage though. Is this homologated like the normal height cage?
Cheers,
Dave
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