What are people's opinion on the CVH Engine in a Westfield, are they a good option, seem to see plenty of Westy's with this type of engine
and not sure whether they are a good performer.
Ideally I want the Zetec variant but there are some niece Westfields on offer at reasonable prices but with the CVH, what is the general feeling on
here about them?
Peter
CVH is not the most popular engine, Zetec considered better and easier to tune
If your buying, a CVH variant should be cheaper, so the money you save can be put towards an engine change later
I had one in my westfield, and actually really like it...Started off as a 100bhp 1.6 on carbs, ended up as a 2ltr injected engine with around 175bhp. Lots of torque, reliable....but, as much as I like them, I can't help thinking the Zetec is now the budget engine of choice.
http://www.locostcar.co.uk
My Car On
Pistonheads
Much maligned engine, simple and reliable,far better than most realise, and also a very easy swap to Zetec should you wish.
If you get a CVH then you always have the option of going ZVH or ZVH turbo. ZVH would work well with a zetec bottom end but CVH head so you would not need to change exhausts etc (unles you go turbo that is).
I had a CVH in my striker before swapping to Zetec.
Perfectly ok, if a little noisy. Mine was quite peaky, with a fairly hot cam so needed a good thrashing to get it going.
I changed it to a zetec (a very easy swap from CVH, even the engine mounts are similar, and i reused the exhaust manifold with an adapter plate) which
produced more power, and a lot more torque.
I'd say CVH is fine, but plan on a zetec swap when you get used to the power delivery.
CVH is fine, in a light rwd car it will be a revelation if you have only driven tin tops, then you can think about dropping a Zetec in for next year.
quote:
Originally posted by Ugg10
If you get a CVH then you always have the option of going ZVH or ZVH turbo. ZVH would work well with a zetec bottom end but CVH head so you would not need to change exhausts etc (unles you go turbo that is).
Building my haynes with a 1.8 CVH, not driven it yet though.
Seem to recall the 1.6 has more tuning parts available, not much around for the 1.8 as it was only in the sierra.
On bike carbs it should put out about 130bhp, easy upgrade to zetec which is my plan but the engine was virtually free and good age for IVA.
Looks like the general consensus is to work towards a Zetec, I have seen two Westfields, one with a CVH and the other with a Zetec, the CVH is the
cheaper option, although my budget does come in line with the one with the Zetec, both are stunning examples, but the Zetec has a MT75 gearbox.
Looks like I may be taking the Zetec option after all...... Thanks ever so much for all you valuable advise...
Kind regards Greenie
The CVH is ok but it's hardly a refined engine and is getting a bit long in the tooth now. I converted my 1.6 CVH Westfield to 2.0 Zetec Silver-top and it wasn't too hard but there are plenty of bits and pieces that will add to the cost... I'd be tempted to go straight for the Zetec option if I was you.
I have a cvh in mine and it's perfectly fine. It runs twin 40 webers and is perfectly good on the road and on Trackdays.
I built an R1 engined Indy previously which was bloody quick, but I'm more than happy with the westfield as a road oriented car. In fact mine had
previously been used as a hillclimb car and I don't reckon itd be any different to a cross flow of similar tune. I could go with a stage 2 head
and set of cams to get a bit more power whole keeping some usability, but I don't exactly have it on the ragged edge on a constant basis, so why
fix something that isn't really broken.
I'm planning to go racing at some point so am currently contemplating developing the car into a racer (from current hillclimb spec) and would
probably keep the CVH until the day it goes bang as I don't think more power would necessarily make me faster per £ spent than spending more time
on the track would.
Ive just swapped out a cvh for a zetec in my westy
Easy swap,re-use lots of stuff and didnt cost me that much,but i was lucky with alot of stuff
Ide go zetec-it wont be long before your used to the cvh and start wanting more
The engine is the cheap bit with a swap,its the other stuff that can cost the money
Unless your like me and want the challenge