Discussion
Well i have purtty much settles on the libra after talking to some of the manufactures, seems like a good solid first build 
Anyone know how easy it would be to alter the shell??
I still dont like the lights so need to change em :P
Standard lights and car :-
30 min odd in photoshop &....
I know a few bits look dodgy, but hey can not be bother to spend all day at it at this stage..
>>> Edited by Althalus on Monday 31st May 17:09
Anyone know how easy it would be to alter the shell??
I still dont like the lights so need to change em :P
Standard lights and car :-
30 min odd in photoshop &....
I know a few bits look dodgy, but hey can not be bother to spend all day at it at this stage..
>>> Edited by Althalus on Monday 31st May 17:09
Althalus said:
Anyone know how easy it would be to alter the shell??
Depends how good you are working with GRP!
You can get kits for TVR Chimearas that convert from large single headlights to projector units, so maybe you could utilise one of those.
Bear in mind though that if you do start altering the front end you'll need to budget for a paint job.
But you might not need to bother because GTM might soon be offering a projector light front end similar to the one you've done (but with all lights in line) as part of their update and development programme. Give them a call and ask.
Altering the monococque is pretty much a no-no. Unless you fancy your skills at composite structures and bear in mind that the day you test it might be your last.......
However, the front and rear clams are easily removable and apart from the need for a paint job are easy to work with. I would imagine that this will be the factory's next restyle.
At least one car is currently being built which will feature projector lamps although only after SVA.
SVA is of course your enemy with this as it's often difficult enough getting a standard car through (depending on the inspector's frame of mind)let alone one with untried headlamp heights!!
However, the front and rear clams are easily removable and apart from the need for a paint job are easy to work with. I would imagine that this will be the factory's next restyle.
At least one car is currently being built which will feature projector lamps although only after SVA.
SVA is of course your enemy with this as it's often difficult enough getting a standard car through (depending on the inspector's frame of mind)let alone one with untried headlamp heights!!
There are some sketches of a new headlight arrangement that GTM plan to offer in the Kit Car article. It will be an 'upgrade' for the Spyder front end which means the the stock cluster is cut out and replaced with the new one.
Personally, I like the Spyder set-up (what I am using on my Libra), although I will be fitting projector Xenons after SVA which will require some mods.
Rich
Personally, I like the Spyder set-up (what I am using on my Libra), although I will be fitting projector Xenons after SVA which will require some mods.
Rich
Althalus said:
ooOOOooo, that looks nice with the black and yellow
Don't suppose that the sketches are online anywhere? Or could you tell me which mag they are in?
>> Edited by Althalus on Tuesday 1st June 11:47
Sketches are in Kit Car.
They have a big feature on GTM including interview with MD.
my two penneth,
The libra is a beautiful and well thought out car except for one thing, the engines!
If they allowed a wider range of engines then i might consider one, but i have to say be careful with the rover engine you buy, they are extremely prone to hgf!
especially the vvc, rumor has it the newer engines are much better, but from experience (i've had 5 k-series engined cars (some not by choice) and every single one has blown its head gasket. I hear the later v6 (post 95) is a much better engine, but I've had no experience of that, so i cannot make comment.
So imho I would get more information on this before making your decision, as it is a lot of money.
If anyone from gtm is listening, your possible customers, may be being lost from their experiences with k-series engines and the lack of choice, this may mean they will go elsewhere.
The new toyota engine is supposed to be good, but too new and rare at the moment, the ford zetec although not the best engine, is solid reliable and there are plenty of them around (possible cheap build option). Honda units are very good and very reliable, if also a little on the expensive side.
Obviously I haven't looked at the financial or modification requirements of this, but more may be achieved if this is at least thought about.
The libra is a beautiful and well thought out car except for one thing, the engines!
If they allowed a wider range of engines then i might consider one, but i have to say be careful with the rover engine you buy, they are extremely prone to hgf!
especially the vvc, rumor has it the newer engines are much better, but from experience (i've had 5 k-series engined cars (some not by choice) and every single one has blown its head gasket. I hear the later v6 (post 95) is a much better engine, but I've had no experience of that, so i cannot make comment.
So imho I would get more information on this before making your decision, as it is a lot of money.
If anyone from gtm is listening, your possible customers, may be being lost from their experiences with k-series engines and the lack of choice, this may mean they will go elsewhere.
The new toyota engine is supposed to be good, but too new and rare at the moment, the ford zetec although not the best engine, is solid reliable and there are plenty of them around (possible cheap build option). Honda units are very good and very reliable, if also a little on the expensive side.
Obviously I haven't looked at the financial or modification requirements of this, but more may be achieved if this is at least thought about.
Althalus said:
ooOOOooo, that looks nice with the black and yellow
Cheers, when it is fully assembled there will be a nice yellow/black contrasting theme, with anthracite compomotive MOs.
If you are serious about getting a Libra it is well worth joining Team GTM for the very active forum.
For other engines, a Dutch guy is coming over to GTM to test fit a VAG 1.8T in a few weeks time
I did lots of research about HGF. I have a late engine (metal head locating dowels) and have a remote thermostat on the coolant outlet so should be perfectly reliable.
Rich
PS I think there is quite a big difference in the mountings between the 1.6 and 1.8 engines, although GTM have built a 1.8 for a Japanese customer (190bhp, I think)
>> Edited by richolaf on Tuesday 1st June 17:00
Hi,
Friday the 11th of June I will indeed be visiting GTM with a VAG 1.8 Turbo engine.
I already know it fits lengthwise (critical). I'll keep you posted on the progress. The factory seems to be VERY interested in this project, they have already asked for prices, weight etc.
Bye,
Bertram
Friday the 11th of June I will indeed be visiting GTM with a VAG 1.8 Turbo engine.
I already know it fits lengthwise (critical). I'll keep you posted on the progress. The factory seems to be VERY interested in this project, they have already asked for prices, weight etc. Bye,
Bertram
I am new to this forum. I live in the states. Have been wanting to get involved with kits for some time.
My first dream car was the 7 some 20 years ago, but with age I am looking for something a little more all weather. Ultimately thats what brings me to looking at the Libra. I have been a fan of the Audi/VW 1.8T and the TDI. I would very much like to get more info on the possibility of the 1.8T going into the Libra. I hope those in the know will post it here. If everything works out I may get a Libra with the 1.8T or the TDI.
I am a big fan of the idea of running on renewable Biofuel.
My first dream car was the 7 some 20 years ago, but with age I am looking for something a little more all weather. Ultimately thats what brings me to looking at the Libra. I have been a fan of the Audi/VW 1.8T and the TDI. I would very much like to get more info on the possibility of the 1.8T going into the Libra. I hope those in the know will post it here. If everything works out I may get a Libra with the 1.8T or the TDI.
I am a big fan of the idea of running on renewable Biofuel.
Althalus said:
Anyone know how easy it would be to alter the shell??
I still dont like the lights so need to change em :P
Standard lights and car :-
30 min odd in photoshop &....
So how would you guys go about moulding the body to do a transformation like above. I have a Banham X99 and was considering something along these lines too.
(Have bucket of GRP and sandpaper on standby )
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