K-series in a Westfield?

[arej]

As the title, is it possible to put a Rover K-series as in Lotus' in a Westfield as they seem to be good reliable engines. I'm not intending on building a Westfield yet, just wondering about the engine options.

[Arthur Jackson]

They are tranverse in Lotus', but lots of Westfields and Caterhams are 'K' powered.

[arej]

Do Westfield use a different name for the K engines in their cars?

[Sam_68]

Arthur Jackson said:

They are tranverse in Lotus', but lots of Westfields and Caterhams are 'K' powered.

I wouldn't say lots of Westfields are powered by K-series. In fact I can't recall ever having seen a conventional Westfield fitted with this engine (though my FW400's got one).

Certainly lots of Caterhams have them, though, so you can buy the bits you need for the inline installation from them (just don't tell them you're putting it in a Westfield!). The other people who might be able to help are Frontline Spridgets in Bath, who do a K-series conversion kit for the MG Midget.

Biggest problem if you plan track use is the sump. My FW came with a standard cast alloy Freelander sump, which worked, but which gave bugger all ground clearance. Caterham either dry sump or use their own low-line cast sump with anti-surge foam in the bottom (which is what I now use - Caterham were really snotty about selling me it when I told them it wasn't for one of their cars, though).

Some Caterham owners insist that you must use an anti-cav tank (known as the 'Apollo') if you're using the Caterham wet sump on track, but I've not found it necessary so far (maybe I'm just not going fast enough!). An alternative would be an Accusump-type accumulator.

Edited to add: I see from your profile that money might be a consideration; bear in mind that the inline conversion parts for the K-series make it quite an expensive installation. You might be better off sticking with the more common Ford engines, which can be mixed-and-matched pretty easily with inline Ford gearboxes and so come out a big chunk cheaper, overall.

Edited by Sam_68 on Thursday 10th September 20:28

[Mr2Mike]

The K series is an excellent engine choice for a lightweight car, but as Sam says it's not a cheap option by any stretch.

Although it's not as light, a Ford 'Zetec E' (i.e. the ones fitted to millions of Escorts and Mondeos) is probably going to give you the best return for your money as it's a simpler and cheaper conversion for a RWD installation. The engines cost peanuts second hand (you can even pick up brand new crate motors for ~£600 or so), they bolt right up to the popular type 9 gearbox and there are several options for shallow sumps. It's probably the single most popular engine choice for generic 7 style cars, so it's a well trodden path.

[rhinochopig]

On a budget the 4AGE is supposed to be a very very good VFM engine, and can be made to make big power when funds permit.

[.Adam.]

There is a guy that goes to the Surrey meets who has a K-Series powered Westie. I believe that it was built for Rover, with a view to developing it as a new car for Rover to sell. It's a very nice car!

[arej]

Thanks for all the information guys, very interesting. It seems that the K-series is a bit complicated, so when I get round to it I will most likely be thinking of the Ford engines I think.
A question about the Ford engines - is there much difference between the Zetec and Duratec engines? I think I am right in saying that the Duratec is effectively a newer Zetec engine?
Also in terms of the Westfield models - what is the difference between the Sport 2000 and 2000S, weight?

Thanks all

[Mr2Mike]

arej said:

A question about the Ford engines - is there much difference between the Zetec and Duratec engines? I think I am right in saying that the Duratec is effectively a newer Zetec engine?

The Duratec is a completely different engine, the only thing it has in common with the Zetec E is it has 16 valves and is made by Ford. The Duratec has a nice light alloy block (Zetec is iron), and the head is capable of making very good power. However, they are more expensive to buy and they don't use the old Ford bellhousing bolt pattern, so you will need a custom bellhousing to mate it to a ford box (quite easily available, but not particularly cheap). They also come with heavy dual mass flywheels.

[Compo_Simmonite]

Mr2Mike said:

arej said:

A question about the Ford engines - is there much difference between the Zetec and Duratec engines? I think I am right in saying that the Duratec is effectively a newer Zetec engine?

The Duratec is a completely different engine, the only thing it has in common with the Zetec E is it has 16 valves and is made by Ford. The Duratec has a nice light alloy block (Zetec is iron), and the head is capable of making very good power. However, they are more expensive to buy and they don't use the old Ford bellhousing bolt pattern, so you will need a custom bellhousing to mate it to a ford box (quite easily available, but not particularly cheap). They also come with heavy dual mass flywheels.

I thought I'd read somewhere that the 4 cylinder Duratec used Mazda bellhousing bolt pattern and MX5 gearbox fitted.
I'm probably wrong so will get my coat

Paul H

Edited by Compo_Simmonite on Saturday 12th September 10:27

[oh feck]

Mr2Mike said:

arej said:

A question about the Ford engines - is there much difference between the Zetec and Duratec engines? I think I am right in saying that the Duratec is effectively a newer Zetec engine?

The Duratec is a completely different engine, the only thing it has in common with the Zetec E is it has 16 valves and is made by Ford.

Yet it was designed by Mazda.

[Mr2Mike]

oh feck said:

Mr2Mike said:

arej said:

A question about the Ford engines - is there much difference between the Zetec and Duratec engines? I think I am right in saying that the Duratec is effectively a newer Zetec engine?

The Duratec is a completely different engine, the only thing it has in common with the Zetec E is it has 16 valves and is made by Ford.

Yet it was designed by Mazda.

Ford owned a 1/3rd of Mazda when the Duratec was developed, and they have shared numerous developments.