lancylad Posted March 26, 2011 Share Posted March 26, 2011 That sounds like a plan, nothing like getting your hands dirty and then the satisfaction of that seven thrill and grin. :iagree: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kess Posted March 26, 2011 Author Share Posted March 26, 2011 Again thanks for the feedback. The owner is looking for $14K. I thought if it were running and drove well that might not be too bad. Now that I know that neither of these are true and that the motor may not be that great even if I get it running I have more to think about. If I were any where as good as Skip at working on this stuff it might be more doable project for me, but it looks like way more work to replace the motor/trans than turbo charging a Miata. I did build my garage as a clear-span and put a giant I-beam in so I could use it to pull a motor. Just not sure I can make it all fit together. I hate to see it disappear back into his garage for 5 more years. He seems very intent on getting $14K as he says that is what a new kit would cost without a motor/trans. While that may be right it would be a new kit and would not need so much to be replaced. I guess if I could buy it for the mentioned $6-8K it might workout. In the meanwhile I guess I will keep looking. I have a lead or two on a Stalker as well. As with all these project cars so much is dependent on how it was put together on the first place and if the bugs were worked out over time. A Birkin would be nice as well if I could find one that was in my price range. I will keep looking and talking on this one. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
scannon Posted March 26, 2011 Share Posted March 26, 2011 A new Westfield would be a good choice but I think they are closer to $18k. The advantage is that they make a version designed to take Miata engine, trans and diff and some of the suspension pieces. It then becomes pretty much a plug and play project with no serious fabrication. A big advantage is you end up with IRS. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JohnCh Posted March 26, 2011 Share Posted March 26, 2011 I've seen a couple of older Westflields with IRS and crossflows go for ~$17k, so $14k for a non-running, live axle car seems very, very high. -John Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MHKflyer52 Posted March 26, 2011 Share Posted March 26, 2011 I got a photo of the engine. Not the best shot. Not sure what it is (crossflow?). Kess, That engine is a Pinto Engine. It is a very good engine and can be built to produce very reliable power. Here is a link that shows what a built one can look like. http://jalopnik.com/#!5165997/engine-of-the-day-ford-ohc As for the price of 14K for the car. I do not think you could purchase a Westfield Kit for that price and by the time you put it together I feel you would be around three times the asking price. Just my belief hope this helps. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lancylad Posted March 26, 2011 Share Posted March 26, 2011 This may not be what you have in mind, there are a lot of well spec"d westfield's for sale in the UK at very reasonable prices. In the 5to 6000 pound range. I think that is aprrox $9500. Even with shipping that would still work pretty good for a well put together car. Just a thought!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kess Posted March 26, 2011 Author Share Posted March 26, 2011 As I have been researching Westfields and came upon quite a few for sale in the UK. Some look really nice. Not sure what shipping costs and then there is the issue of not seeing it first. I suppose I could hire some one to look the car over, but much harder to know what I am getting. I guess even better I could fly over for a little shopping spree and still make out to the good and have a good trip! I do not know what the limitations are on bringing such a car into the US. I suppose if it had no motor then it would not be a problem. I think I have seen if it is over 15 years old it might be okay. The other issue is the right hand drive, but I have been told I could get over that. Not sure as I have not tried right hand drive to see what it is like. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lancylad Posted March 26, 2011 Share Posted March 26, 2011 I have a friend in Canmore who brought a 7 in from the UK I could ask him if he wouldn"t mind passing info on to you. He said that it wasn"t that difficult a process. I brought my car in from Japan, it had to be 15 years old to comply with import rules. It is also a right hand drive, no problem at all, you quickly get used to it. I know that the guys on the WSCC are aware of a lot of the cars for sale and are quick to point out the good one's. Check out the Pistonheads site, a lot come up for sale there. More than happy to help as much as I can. Steve Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MHKflyer52 Posted March 27, 2011 Share Posted March 27, 2011 Kess, Check with the Department of Motor Vehicles for your state before you spend your money to buy a car from England as you might not even be able to get it into the country let alone get it registered in your home state. Sometimes the least price is not the best price hafter all is said and done especially when buying a 7 of anytype. Enjoy your search for your next 7. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
manik Posted April 2, 2011 Share Posted April 2, 2011 Kess, You will have trouble importing (a) anything newer than 25 years old, and you will also run afoul of U.S. customs if you get a car out of the UK and simply remove the engine. With no other details on this green car in Vermont(?), I'd grab it, and then put a Ford Duratec mated to a Type 9 in it. At least the exhaust would be on the *correct* side for us LHD guys. John is right in his thoughts on price. tm Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kess Posted April 2, 2011 Author Share Posted April 2, 2011 Thanks for your thoughts on this. I have spoken to the owner a bit further. I am thinking it over. If the price were as you suggest it might work for me, but at $14K in present condition it seems too much. He may try to get it running himself and try to sell it again. There is a Caterham for sale I am looking at. About the same mileage and it is a 1994. It is running with a 1700 super sprint. On e-bay so will have to see how high it goes. Still looking! Gary Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kitcat Posted April 3, 2011 Share Posted April 3, 2011 Gary: I have to agree. The Cat on E-Bay is about what you wld have AFTER you fixed all the issues the Westfield has. And it may not cost much more. And it runs, you can test drive it, etc. I wld guess $2-5K over time to bring the E-bay Cat up to spec (new tires/fluids, etc. tho it may be in excellent shape already, hard to tell). Mike M. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
catslidefarm Posted April 5, 2011 Share Posted April 5, 2011 I just restored an 86. Cortina engine, single downdraft Weber, front disks and drum rears. Built in England and imported (not by me), RHD. It is great fun to drive, I'm not a racer, so the sidedraft 4 is all I need. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lancylad Posted April 5, 2011 Share Posted April 5, 2011 Very nice looking car!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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