Calling All Ginetta G40R Owners - Info Required.
Discussion
Hello all,
Im looking at buying a used G40R (2L duratec version) at some point this year and am just after some info pre-purchase that current owners might be able to help me with. Ive done a fair bit of research already but a few of the finer details allude me.
1) I understand the 2L originally came with 175bhp, then later it had 200bhp. Was this just a software (remap) update or a hardware change involved to? If its software, I can include 175bhp ones in my search (want 200bhp spec ultimately).
2) What adjustments are there on the suspension? Height? Dampening? Camber?
3) Do they use a paddle clutch or normal organic clutch?
4) What's the offset of the wheels? (potentially want to change them, so want to see what options there are)
5) What insurance companies do you use? No price comparison sites list the G40R to get a rough idea ...
6) Are there any other forums you use for the G40R? I thought i found a couple of Ginetta Owners Clubs, but they seemed dead.
7) Not holding much hope out for this, but: does anyone know the spec of the cams? (ive got a 2L duratec in my Fiesta ST track car running 200bhp and interested to see how they compare and see if theres room for improvement)
I'll probably end up calling the factory, but since they dont make the G40R anymore they may not be inclined to talk to me as i wont be buying anything from them, just pilfering information!, but i will be buying into the brand hopefully....
Any replies appreciated!
Stu
Im looking at buying a used G40R (2L duratec version) at some point this year and am just after some info pre-purchase that current owners might be able to help me with. Ive done a fair bit of research already but a few of the finer details allude me.
1) I understand the 2L originally came with 175bhp, then later it had 200bhp. Was this just a software (remap) update or a hardware change involved to? If its software, I can include 175bhp ones in my search (want 200bhp spec ultimately).
2) What adjustments are there on the suspension? Height? Dampening? Camber?
3) Do they use a paddle clutch or normal organic clutch?
4) What's the offset of the wheels? (potentially want to change them, so want to see what options there are)
5) What insurance companies do you use? No price comparison sites list the G40R to get a rough idea ...
6) Are there any other forums you use for the G40R? I thought i found a couple of Ginetta Owners Clubs, but they seemed dead.
7) Not holding much hope out for this, but: does anyone know the spec of the cams? (ive got a 2L duratec in my Fiesta ST track car running 200bhp and interested to see how they compare and see if theres room for improvement)
I'll probably end up calling the factory, but since they dont make the G40R anymore they may not be inclined to talk to me as i wont be buying anything from them, just pilfering information!, but i will be buying into the brand hopefully....
Any replies appreciated!
Stu
Edited by sme101 on Saturday 7th January 17:19
I own a late model (Dec 2014) G40R. I can't answer all your questions right now, since I don't have access to the car for another couple of weeks. I'll do my best
1 & 7. I don't know about 175 or 200bhp. The engine is a crate 2.0 with individual throttle bodies (maybe Jenvey with a Ginetta badge) and cams, of which I don't know the spec. There is also a shallow Raceline sump with remote oil filter. The exhaust manifold does not have tuned lengths; it's just "plumbing" with very short primaries into a Cat. The bottom end is standard and therefore limited to 7000rpm by the ECU. The result of all this is quite a narrow power band 5 - 7k, which means it's hard work to keep it in the power going from 2nd to 3rd gear. Neverthless, it goes pretty quick on the road, but on track you might want some more guts. I'm kind of spolit though, as I had a Corevtte Z06 before with 500bhp.
2. The dampers are Protech with single damping adjustment and spring height adjustment. The anti-roll bars have 3 alternative pick-up locations for the drop links. The camber and toe are independently adjustable front and rear. Camber uses shims. Toe is by track rod.
3. Don't know what the clutch is, but it is perfectly adequate. It was quite sharp when new, but more progressive once bedded in.
4. Can't tell you wheel specs at present.
5. I use Competition Car Insurance, who include 5 track days annually in the premium
6. I'm not aware of much forum help. I tend to be self-reliant and also bother the factory from time-to-time!
7 again. I would not bother spending money improving the 2.0 engine, as it really needs pistons and rods to allow more revs. I have a 2.5 on order from Raceline. I did consider forced induction, but the packaging did not look like much fun.
8. Other things - check for water leaks into the footwell and general corrosion of chassis/running gear components. It's not built to last in winter road use, but is fine for summer fun.
1 & 7. I don't know about 175 or 200bhp. The engine is a crate 2.0 with individual throttle bodies (maybe Jenvey with a Ginetta badge) and cams, of which I don't know the spec. There is also a shallow Raceline sump with remote oil filter. The exhaust manifold does not have tuned lengths; it's just "plumbing" with very short primaries into a Cat. The bottom end is standard and therefore limited to 7000rpm by the ECU. The result of all this is quite a narrow power band 5 - 7k, which means it's hard work to keep it in the power going from 2nd to 3rd gear. Neverthless, it goes pretty quick on the road, but on track you might want some more guts. I'm kind of spolit though, as I had a Corevtte Z06 before with 500bhp.
2. The dampers are Protech with single damping adjustment and spring height adjustment. The anti-roll bars have 3 alternative pick-up locations for the drop links. The camber and toe are independently adjustable front and rear. Camber uses shims. Toe is by track rod.
3. Don't know what the clutch is, but it is perfectly adequate. It was quite sharp when new, but more progressive once bedded in.
4. Can't tell you wheel specs at present.
5. I use Competition Car Insurance, who include 5 track days annually in the premium
6. I'm not aware of much forum help. I tend to be self-reliant and also bother the factory from time-to-time!
7 again. I would not bother spending money improving the 2.0 engine, as it really needs pistons and rods to allow more revs. I have a 2.5 on order from Raceline. I did consider forced induction, but the packaging did not look like much fun.
8. Other things - check for water leaks into the footwell and general corrosion of chassis/running gear components. It's not built to last in winter road use, but is fine for summer fun.
Edited by jwoffshore on Sunday 8th January 22:44
Edited by jwoffshore on Sunday 8th January 23:00
jwoffshore said:
I'll do my best
Wow, thanks for all that, very helpful Im hoping theres maybe some room for improvement in the future to get a bit more power out of it as im fairly well versed in whats doable and available for the 2.0L duratec without going down the engine swap or forced induction route. My current duratec can rev to almost 8k safely and its standard internals, just has higher lift cams. The 2006- duratecs (from Ford in the fiesta ST at least) came with stronger valve springs to allow a higher rev limit. The 2008- duratecs came with a 'high flow head', not quite ported and polished but an improvement nonetheless, presume this is what Ginetta start with. With the ITBs i know of fiestas running 240-250bhp with not a staggering amount of work and 220-230 with not a lot of work. From what you've said, sounds like the exhaust is an area for improvement. TBH, i probably really wouldnt look to modify it at all (i was just very into modifying my fiesta track car as it really needed it so did loads to that so thats just in my nature as a young-ish car enthusiast i guess). But yes, im aware it may not feel so fast on the straights on track, im more about the handling anyway, but its still some 50bhp per ton more than my current track car which is the fastest car ive owned so far so expect i'll enjoy it for what it is.
I'll look into that insurance, i have no idea what ballpark figure to expect!
I owned a G40R in 2015. I bought it as a road car, which it isn't, then decided to race it. I swapped it for the G40 Cup in 2016 which is the standard for the GRDC and GRDC+ championships.
While the Duratec is a good engine and can be modified for more power as you quite rightly have described. I recommend you do nothing until you have become familiar with the car. Remember it has no driver aids so more power isn't necessarily a good idea without other upgrades. However my car with its 1.8 ztec can easily keep up with much faster cars on circuit and you will have the extra grunt of the duratec.
The only negative of the G40R is that the exhaust runs along the driver side sill. This makes for a very hot drivers seat in summer and on track. In the G40 Cup it runs down the passenger side which helps.
While the Duratec is a good engine and can be modified for more power as you quite rightly have described. I recommend you do nothing until you have become familiar with the car. Remember it has no driver aids so more power isn't necessarily a good idea without other upgrades. However my car with its 1.8 ztec can easily keep up with much faster cars on circuit and you will have the extra grunt of the duratec.
The only negative of the G40R is that the exhaust runs along the driver side sill. This makes for a very hot drivers seat in summer and on track. In the G40 Cup it runs down the passenger side which helps.
Thanks for the replies guys, all good stuff 
I wouldnt be adverse to getting a custom exhaust made and having it ceramic coated to keep the temps down if thats a weak point for power output and cabin heat as mentioned.
I have emailed the factory with most of the questions above but only got some of the answers so far, its been forwarded to other members of the team to answer that the first guy didnt know but they have been busy with Autosport International show so just waiting for another reply.
I did get a response regarding the 200bhp which was "The move to and standardisation of 200bhp on G40R was a remap, as far as I am aware." So seems that 175 and 200 are different power outputs rather than crank and wheel power.
I wouldnt be adverse to getting a custom exhaust made and having it ceramic coated to keep the temps down if thats a weak point for power output and cabin heat as mentioned.
I have emailed the factory with most of the questions above but only got some of the answers so far, its been forwarded to other members of the team to answer that the first guy didnt know but they have been busy with Autosport International show so just waiting for another reply.
I did get a response regarding the 200bhp which was "The move to and standardisation of 200bhp on G40R was a remap, as far as I am aware." So seems that 175 and 200 are different power outputs rather than crank and wheel power.
simonjwalker said:
The only negative of the G40R is that the exhaust runs along the driver side sill. This makes for a very hot drivers seat in summer and on track. In the G40 Cup it runs down the passenger side which helps.
On a hot day I find even with the air con it can get very hot in the car. I don't know if air con was an option but would recommend getting a car with air con. jwoffshore said:
2. The dampers are Protech with single damping adjustment and spring height adjustment. The anti-roll bars have 3 alternative pick-up locations for the drop links. The camber and toe are independently adjustable front and rear. Camber uses shims. Toe is by track rod.
My car came with Ohlin two way adjustable dampers with remote reservoirs with helper springs fitted. I think it came with them from the factory.175 vs 200
The G40R was produced with just one power output: 200hp at the flywheel and 175hp at the wheel.
2-3 years ago I also pointed out to Ginetta how unclever was to advertise 175 on the website while all other OEMs spec their flywheel power.
Anyone who spoke about different maps is not well informed, even if the staff is not huge not anyone is acknowledged about technical details.
Anyway 25hp increase from a naturally aspirated 2.0l engine would be pure fantasy unless the 175 map was deliberately restrictive.
The G40R was produced with just one power output: 200hp at the flywheel and 175hp at the wheel.
2-3 years ago I also pointed out to Ginetta how unclever was to advertise 175 on the website while all other OEMs spec their flywheel power.
Anyone who spoke about different maps is not well informed, even if the staff is not huge not anyone is acknowledged about technical details.
Anyway 25hp increase from a naturally aspirated 2.0l engine would be pure fantasy unless the 175 map was deliberately restrictive.
Door locks.
Some thing i have always wondered about is the door lock on the drivers door. My car has the key hole a couple of inches down from the door handle and not on what looks like a moulding made for the job immediately below the handle. Are all the cars like this? Most of the photos don't seam to have locks fitted.
I think my car is the orange one in a lot of the press shots with GIII ETA plate if any one wants a look at the door.
Bonnet.
Did any of the road cars have the bonnet with lenses over the lights fitted? has any one tried?
Some thing i have always wondered about is the door lock on the drivers door. My car has the key hole a couple of inches down from the door handle and not on what looks like a moulding made for the job immediately below the handle. Are all the cars like this? Most of the photos don't seam to have locks fitted.
I think my car is the orange one in a lot of the press shots with GIII ETA plate if any one wants a look at the door.
Bonnet.
Did any of the road cars have the bonnet with lenses over the lights fitted? has any one tried?
Yeh i think air con was standard for the road version.
I havent had anymore answers from the factory regarding some of my more technical questions so will chase that up to hopefully confirm the 175/200 confusion, but it makes sense that its whp/bhp and yes, 175 bhp is woefully restricted from a 2L duratec with ITBs and cams etc. so id expect them to be 200bhp.
So im definitely on the look out for one to buy from now on if any of you hear anything through the grapevine let me know
I havent had anymore answers from the factory regarding some of my more technical questions so will chase that up to hopefully confirm the 175/200 confusion, but it makes sense that its whp/bhp and yes, 175 bhp is woefully restricted from a 2L duratec with ITBs and cams etc. so id expect them to be 200bhp.
So im definitely on the look out for one to buy from now on if any of you hear anything through the grapevine let me know
G40R_JL said:
Hi sme101
New baby means sadly I rarely get out in my G40R which is a bit of a waste. PM me if you want some details.
Hi, it says i cant PM you, i think you need to tick a box on your profile to allow members to contact you? I'd be interested in some basic details: colour, year, miles, your rough location, few pics and we'll go from there. thanks. New baby means sadly I rarely get out in my G40R which is a bit of a waste. PM me if you want some details.
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