Can't help with your build/engine, as I went for the far superior bike engine route...!
Hi All,
I've been on this site for a fair few years now (as a westfield owner)...But the Westfield has just sold to fund a new project.
So, today I put down a deposit on a Sylva J15 and will be looking to start the long Build process in around 7 wks.
The engine I will be using is the 1.6 Zetec SE (or 1.7 from the puma if I can find a good one), and I plan to put this in with Throttle bodies, and a
decent exhaust system.
I've already email a couple of J15 owners (thanks for the info), but any initial pointers to this build or advice on the engine is always
appreciated.
Paul.
Silva J15, similar to the Riot, rear transverse engine and box is it not.
Would expect a lot of the mechanics are similar to the Riot
Good choice there! I've got a Mojo which is similar in many ways to the Riot and J15, and there's a link to my build diary below.
I've got the 1.7 Puma engine in mine and I would thoroughly recommend sticking with the standard Ford ECU and induction (at least initially) as
it will save you lots of time and money and let you get on the road sooner. You can always go for an aftermarket ECU and throttle bodies after
IVA.
If possible, get a complete Puma as a donor and then you can get the engine, gearbox, wiring, ecu, keys, ignition, immobiliser, column switches etc
etc.
Ed.
(note: all 'in my opinion' obviously!)
I believe the chassis is almost the same (apart from the out riggers for the body work)
Might be worth a look at the JPSC Forum as well.
There's a J15 build thread on there, though I don't think there's been any updates for a while.
I've got an idea that there was someone selling a 1.7 Puma engine and box on here recently.
Offtopic - another Soton kit car builder! We should get a meet running again (although it might just be you and I in a pub).
Can't help with your build/engine, as I went for the far superior bike engine route...!
Hi
I am about 3/4 of the way thru my J15 build 1.6 zetec se with throttle bodies and emerald ecu if you are after advice pics etc just ask.
I have found the Complete Kitcar Riot build useful, haynes manual for Fiesta Mk 4, and help on here plus i use to drive past Sylvas w/shop everyday
!
If you are picking up the chassis fm Jeremy and want to pop in with a camera give me a shout i am nr Boston approx 20 miles south of Horncastle.
Enjoy
Nick M
quote:
Originally posted by adithorp
Might be worth a look at the JPSC Forum as well.
There's a J15 build thread on there, though I don't think there's been any updates for a while.
I've got an idea that there was someone selling a 1.7 Puma engine and box on here recently.
Thanks all for the replies......Nick, I may well take you up on that offer will contact you closer to the pick up date. What colour did you chose?. I
want to do a gulf racing colours car, but at the moment, the only blue is the french blue (which may or may not work). Pick up should be in about
8wks.
I had a some correspondance with Shawspeed yesterday who were very helpful regarding which engine to go for. They mentioned the 1.7 was a great
engine, but parts are becoming a little more difficult to get hold of so suggested sticking with the standard 1.6 for now (the one with the plastic
rocker cover). So will probably go with this....I did see that engine on PH,and actually it looks like good value with the ecu. problem is no gear
box.....but worth a look maybe.
The other slight issue I have is with the roll hoop. I really wanted a back stay as the car will be used on track days, but this means the stay goes
through the rear shell, and that means removing the rear stay every time I need to go in the engine bay!......At the moment I've gone for two
seperate hoops as they do seem to be well constructed.
Hi
My bodywork is really dark blue Oxford blue? , i know last year someone ordered a light blue (gulf blue) i think JP calls it cornflower blue?
I had a Puma as my commute car that 1.7 is a lovely engine but i went for the 1.6 but mainly because Powertorque where offering a brand new one for a
good price and second hand i couldnt find one for less than £400. With my first build i completely stripped and re-built my engine so if i had have
bought used and then stripped and rebuilt with gaskets etc etc it made the new one good value. (came complete with clutch, coil, etc). I think the 1.7
is harder to tune and obtain upgrades for because of the VVT but if you can find a "racing puma" the car comes with 153hp as standard.
I have built before but intend this to be my last build as i want to keep driving it until i get to the age that it scares me !!!! so i tend to over
engineer most things.
Theres a fella racing in the 750mc kitcars who i spoke to at cadwell but i cant remember what rollcage/bar he had on? the other fella in the bike
engined J15 has a rollcage but it doesnt enhance the look IMHO.
Have a few photos on here if you u2u me your e-mail i will send some.
Nick M
Hi all
Another newbie here also building a J15. Strangely I have also previously built a westfield!
I bought James Blundens part built recently & am in the process of stripping it back to a bare chassis as the sea air has not done the powder
coating any good at all. Fortunately the ali panelling will be useable & I am hoping to get the lot powder coated once I have welded some roll
hoops on.
My current thinking is to stick with the zetec s not decided much more yet!
I have also got to go & see Jeremy at some point had a few very informative phone call's so far & looking forward to meeting him in
person & seeing his car in the flesh.
I have no body work so will also have to decide what colour but thats a while away yet.
Are there any other builders in the stafford area?
David
Hi David
As above any advice please ask but i am only an enthusiastic amatuer.
Nick M
Ahhhh......it was you who out bid me....you cost me a fortune, I had to purchase a new kit :-)
Sorry about that Jenko.
At least Jeremy got an order out of one of us!
Thank's nickm I am sure I will be in touch at some point.
The build will be a slow one this time mainly due to work.
I am also intending to sell my Victory Vegas to fund most of the new project 
Just got to get my act together & start advertising it.
David
I tried powertorque and ford, but the new 1.6 engines appear to now be quite expensive.
So, I've decided to go down the puma route. I'm looking for a donor car at the moment. I notice a fair amount of parts are needed: