Westfield Elevens

Pistonheads are reporting the new Caterham entry level model will use a turbo 660 3 pot, gearbox and rear axle from the Suzuki parts bin. 64bhp at the rear wheels apparently and loads more to come with tweaks. Sounds interesting and looks a nice compact installation too. I measured the Suzuki Super carry van axle to be identical in width to the original eleven so could well be suitable for an eleven rep...

http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topi ... zuki+power

Any idea on engine height?

No absolute idea but this is a kei car / van engine or derivative thereof and they are tiny. I measured up the Bedford rascal / Suzuki super carry 1 litre 3 pot and it would go under the bonnet easily I reckon.

Edited to add: I just looked through some previous posts on the 'building one from scratch' thread and the A series was quoted at 550mm sump to oil filler cap and I measured the suzi super carry at about 450mm...
Biggles

Possible, then, in theory to build a car with all new parts. Maybe WSC should look at something similar?

I very much doubt that they would be interested. The problem with the Eleven is nothing to do with the mechanicals. It's all about getting a 1950's racing car through IVA. They could produce a car with: headlamps at the correct height, doors with the correct corner radii, padded steering wheel, etc. But would it be an Eleven? No, it would be a Sport Turbo or Super S2000, etc. If you want an Eleven then they'll sell you a chassis and body with various bits that facilitate the fitting of Spridget mechanicals, but after that, what you put in it is up to you (although Jan will have strong opinions on what those bits should be............).

How about common body mounting points?

Ooh look - I just happen to have bought an aftermarket drop-on bodykit.

Or they sell you a kit of parts with all new stuff and sell you two sets of bodywork. Well, one set would be a rental.

Anyway, I think I'd want to see at least 80bhp out of that small motor!

little vid showing how small it is:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pIicenfjafk