Pinto engined Westy - downsides?
Discussion
Gave up on the idea of a Tr1ke, it's just too impractical, doubly so given that I live in Scotland!
So, I've been thinking about a Westy, specifically, a 2.0 Zetec or XE powered example.
However, I've spotted a couple of examples that are exactly what I'm looking for, except for the pinto engine. Any reason why I should steer clear of these?
So, I've been thinking about a Westy, specifically, a 2.0 Zetec or XE powered example.
However, I've spotted a couple of examples that are exactly what I'm looking for, except for the pinto engine. Any reason why I should steer clear of these?
The Pinto is known as the boat anchor as it is very heavy for the power output.
That said, my first Westfield had a 1.6 Pinto and was great fun, I did 38,000 miles in 3 years.
If you intend to do many trackdays then the Zetec or XE would probably be a better bet as they are more powerful as standard and lighter. If you want something for fun blats round the country roads then the Pinto would be fine (you'll just get comments about the anchor up front). Best bet is to go out and see and if possible drive or at least passenger.
Kit cars are best bought on quality of build not specification (although that sometimes goes hand in hand).
Whatever engine you go for, it's probably going to be the fastest car cross country that you've been in. It will certainly feel like it!
That said, my first Westfield had a 1.6 Pinto and was great fun, I did 38,000 miles in 3 years.
If you intend to do many trackdays then the Zetec or XE would probably be a better bet as they are more powerful as standard and lighter. If you want something for fun blats round the country roads then the Pinto would be fine (you'll just get comments about the anchor up front). Best bet is to go out and see and if possible drive or at least passenger.
Kit cars are best bought on quality of build not specification (although that sometimes goes hand in hand).
Whatever engine you go for, it's probably going to be the fastest car cross country that you've been in. It will certainly feel like it!
Little wrong with the old Pinto. Easily, cheaply maintained. Well provided with go faster bits to suit your wallet.
Here's our Fury with 170BHP Pinto still giving the Caterfields a run for their money in Sprints and Hillclimbs, and still very tractable on the road.
Well into our 3rd season with this , been caned from day one and just shrugs off abuse.
Here's our Fury with 170BHP Pinto still giving the Caterfields a run for their money in Sprints and Hillclimbs, and still very tractable on the road.
Well into our 3rd season with this , been caned from day one and just shrugs off abuse.
OP - I'd just buy the car that most appeals to you and your budget on condition and build quality. If that's a Pinto, enjoy it.
Not the last word in refinement, but a lot of effective and reliable shove [and a nice rort/snort sound on carbs
]. You could always re-engine with something else in a few years, or just sell it on when you find the car you realise you really ought to have bought with the benefit of hindsight, oh 3 or 4yrs from now. Meanwhile you'll have had a lot of fun
Not the last word in refinement, but a lot of effective and reliable shove [and a nice rort/snort sound on carbs
]. You could always re-engine with something else in a few years, or just sell it on when you find the car you realise you really ought to have bought with the benefit of hindsight, oh 3 or 4yrs from now. Meanwhile you'll have had a lot of fun Edited by Huff on Tuesday 9th July 21:37
My first Westfield was a 2.1 pinto with 45 dellortoes and it was about 160bhp. The engine is not sophisticated but it have great torque and if you are not a mechanic they are simmple to fix and keep running. Spares are cheap so ideal as a first time car.
Downside, yep fuel consumption, low 20's heavy, so balance of car is a tad nose heavy. but I used mine on road and track and I never felt a poor relation.
My next car I built with all the bells and whistles with a VX redtop and full battalion of SBD gear. 210 bhp now so incredibly fast but to be honest the lower power of the pinto meant you used it more fully. you never get the opportunity on road to use the VX.
Plus side on the pinto, £5k will buy a top notch car, VX will be £10-15k.
Downside, yep fuel consumption, low 20's heavy, so balance of car is a tad nose heavy. but I used mine on road and track and I never felt a poor relation.
My next car I built with all the bells and whistles with a VX redtop and full battalion of SBD gear. 210 bhp now so incredibly fast but to be honest the lower power of the pinto meant you used it more fully. you never get the opportunity on road to use the VX.
Plus side on the pinto, £5k will buy a top notch car, VX will be £10-15k.
grumpy said:
My 40's were well set-up and I don't remember fuel consumtion being a problem, however a mate has 45's on his Pinto Cat that could benefit with a tune and when he's got his foot down you can see the fuel guage going down. It didn't stop him going to Monaco recently in it though.
and he's been told for about 5 years to get it set up. saying that out Zetec 2ltr Tiger will only do 120-140 max from a 24ltr tank and thats been set up on Twin 45's there aren´t many downsides...ok the weight...but its bomb prove, parts are easy and cheap to source, even complete engines!!!
surplus: westfields with pinto´s already have some years on the clock, therefore you will buy a nice example for 4k or even less!!!
surplus: westfields with pinto´s already have some years on the clock, therefore you will buy a nice example for 4k or even less!!!
Edited by LLantrisant on Tuesday 16th July 21:53
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