manik

From this past weekend on the BBC. Some good shots of the Westfield factory and a Westfield Sport 'S': http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-5877942263554216150&hl=en-GB (sorry, don't know how to embed a google video!) tm

You cannot legally import a Skyline from Canada into the U.S, unless as a racecar. Would be nice though... This shop seems to bring in very nice ones to Canada: http://www.theskylineshop.com/ I saw a very nice Skyline in Dallas the other week. It was being towed to an event somewhere. I would be VERY interested to hear how the guy in Chicago registered one for road use, unless it was one of the batch that Motrex or RB Motoring brought in. tm

The seller is in the U.K. FYI. I'd think an enterprising youth on this side of the pond with access to a CNC machine could do some nice covers for both Zetec and Duratec? tm

Hey, I had a disclaimer on my post! The car wasn't finished - likely won't ever be according to the builder. I think he was going to remake a few carbon panels. Fun project. I believe he modified the chassis significantly, but still has the VIN. tm

I was at the Knott's Berry Farm show where these pictures were taken and I made a point of checking out this car. You may laugh, but it is a really wicked car. The whole thing is hand-formed carbon fiber, with a lot of aerodynamic bits formed into the nose (can't see them in the pictures). The builder has made a number of boat hull design implementations for airflow, and I was told the car produces virtually zero drag (for what that's worth). It's based on a 1984 Corvette chassis which has been modified a whole hell of a lot. Still retains the Corvette VIN on the windshield base, and has (if I recall correctly) a turbocharged V8 in it, multiple suspension mods, etc.. VERY mad-max, and a pretty smart guy who's been building it for a number of years. I wish I had taken some pictures of the car - this is about the only one I've seen actually! Oh, and the Ultralite wasn't too shabby either! tom

Al - is that your 'conference' table? Nice business expense! tm

That galvanized catwalk is a really interesting prospect for a trailer. The rear edge of it would have to be capped off in some fashion to avoid the 'sharpness' of it. What's the weight differential between this material and a regular wood/aluminum deck? You would think it would be less heavy (more light?) than other alternatives, but the thickness might get you. Any other advantages/disadvantages? tm

Texas World Speedway is slated to close sometime in the near future. tm

Walk-around the Westfield.

A thank you to all that stopped by the Westfield booth. I'm just sorry I didn't get any pictures of Al in the XI... A surprising number of 'Sevens' at the show, and I'm glad we were able to attract a great deal of interest from those who really couldn't be bothered with a Cobra. I also hope everyone took advantage of John Hartley's 50% show 'discount' that was discussed here Next up is the 777 and we are looking forward to it! tom

A quick note to let everyone know that Westfield will be at the Carlisle show next weekend on Saturday and Sunday with both a Westfield XI, and a Westfield Sport Miata. In addition, Westfield's managing director - Mr. Julian Turner - will be on-hand to meet with anyone that comes out to the show. We may even get him to wear a wig as he did for the Stoneleigh kit car show last week... I hope to see a number of you guys out there, and I won't tell anyone of Al's fondness for the XI! Best, Tom

Clickity as they say. tm

I would argue it is a LEC. (lawnmower engined car). http://www.usa7s.com/aspnetforum/images/emoticons/smile5.gif tm

Soundtrack is Dido - "See You When You're 40" if you were wondering http://www.usa7s.com/aspnetforum/images/emoticons/smile5.gif tm

Daren's Cosworth Westfield

Looks really nice! tmmanik2007-03-12 11:41:43

From this year's Autosport show in Birmingham: YouTube Video manik2007-03-05 07:30:21

Exactly. Some of the Dunnell Engines specs for the Duratec: http://www.dunnellengines.com/duratec_engines.htm tm

Your best option is to get a Zetec or Duratec crate engine locally, and then purchase the 'proper' bits to run it in a N/S configuration. Pretty much everything needed can be supplied from the UK - throttle bodies, flywheel, ECU, lowline sump, etc. The former Dunnell Engines importer in the U.S. was able to get stock Zetec crate engines (i.e., no head work, no new cams) and bolt on the necessary bits to get a reliable 175HP out of the engine. Pretty impressive actually. I would, however, opt for the Duratec. http://www.usa7s.com/aspnetforum/images/emoticons/smile5.gif tom

Al, yes, you are right that it depends on the State you are registering the car in. However, with a windshield, the Westfield Megabusa (it comes standard with an aeroscreen which is actually better for airflow in the passenger compartment) is completely street legal in the U.S. Since all the bits from the Hayabusa engine management system are kept in place, there is no real emissions issue. Really no different than registering your orange beast. If the car is registered in New Jersey as a 'Collector Vehicle' it is exempt from inspections. tm

I might point out that you can currently get a Hayabusa-powered Westfield Megabusa here in the USA. They have been in production for about six years, although only brought into the U.S. during the first part of 2001. I think there are about four of them at present. More in about six weeks... http://www.usa7s.com/aspnetforum/images/emoticons/smile5.gif Forgot to add this video: Megabusa beating Ferrari f355 tmmanik2007-02-09 19:53:22

FYI, the CONFOR foam padding material is made by Aearo: http://www.earsc.com/HOME/products/CushioningMaterials/CONFORFoams/index.asp However, as John pointed out there are many hi-density foam mattress suppliers that can provide custom-cut foam pieces. I'd stay away from the visco elastic 'tempurpedic' type materials and stick with a dense latex foam myself http://www.usa7s.com/aspnetforum/images/emoticons/smile5.gif tm

While I won't comment on that method for obvious reasons, but if you can find a seller willing to break down the car and ship it in pieces, you will have found an unusual seller. http://www.usa7s.com/aspnetforum/images/emoticons/smile5.gif tm

Unless the car is more than 25 years old, you will *not* be able to bring it in with the engine and gearbox. Even then, if you simply remove the engine and gearbox from a car in the UK, you will have difficulty, as the DOT & EPA still treat it as an automobile and require all the safety & emissions items. Have a looksee: http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/cars/rules/import/FAQ%20Site/index.html tm

If interested, we have a few of Nigel's 2007 Westfield calendars here in Dallas. Figure $32 each plus $5 shipping in the US. They are pretty nice I must say. The perfect Christmas present? tom www.manikllc.commanik2006-12-08 12:58:17