Buying a G33 - guidance muchly appreciated
Discussion
I've just started the hunt for a G33. Is there anything in particular I should look out for?
Are the old 3.9L Rover engines solid workhorses, etc?
I tried to search the forum for similar threads but it kept crashing!
Any help/guidance appreciated.
All being well there'll be another club member soon....
Are the old 3.9L Rover engines solid workhorses, etc?
I tried to search the forum for similar threads but it kept crashing!
Any help/guidance appreciated.
All being well there'll be another club member soon....
There is a red one on the classified secion of PH that looks very tidy and does not seem dear. Also, try Spadge Hopkins at Cottage Classics (www.cottageclassics.co.uk), as I think he is aware of another for same that might be cheaper?
I bought my G33 last summer, and have to say I am addicted.
The Rover V8 is pretty reliable as long as it has been served regularly and unless the engine has had lots of upgrades it is pretty much un-stressed in a car as light as the G33.
Engine cooling needs to be sorted though as the fans take a lot of current when they come on, but this is usually just a simple rewire of the cooling fans to give each fan a dedicated relay.
The chassis needs to have been looked after, but this is a case of regular applications of waxoyl and all the G33's I looked at were pretty good in this department.
Check that the gearbox is ok, tricky gear selection is normal when cold, and a change of oil to a synthectic gear box oil (not the stuff recommended in the handbook) helps, and reduces wear.
There are 2 G33's for sale at the moment, the Red one in Surrey is owned by a very good engineer who seems to take good care of the car, the other has a 5l TVR engine and much improved handling, gearbox, de-mist etc. It is a seriously fast car and I would buy it if I could explain to the wife why I need two G33's.
Look at Mark Thompsons website G33.co.uk for losts of technical stuff, and the e-mail forum (link from the front page of Marks site).
If you want to talk about G33's etc mail me your contact number to nicktowe@yahoo.co.uk.
When you buy one, let us know and come the the GOC meetings etc, Ginetta owners are a pretty friendly bunch.
Nick
The Rover V8 is pretty reliable as long as it has been served regularly and unless the engine has had lots of upgrades it is pretty much un-stressed in a car as light as the G33.
Engine cooling needs to be sorted though as the fans take a lot of current when they come on, but this is usually just a simple rewire of the cooling fans to give each fan a dedicated relay.
The chassis needs to have been looked after, but this is a case of regular applications of waxoyl and all the G33's I looked at were pretty good in this department.
Check that the gearbox is ok, tricky gear selection is normal when cold, and a change of oil to a synthectic gear box oil (not the stuff recommended in the handbook) helps, and reduces wear.
There are 2 G33's for sale at the moment, the Red one in Surrey is owned by a very good engineer who seems to take good care of the car, the other has a 5l TVR engine and much improved handling, gearbox, de-mist etc. It is a seriously fast car and I would buy it if I could explain to the wife why I need two G33's.
Look at Mark Thompsons website G33.co.uk for losts of technical stuff, and the e-mail forum (link from the front page of Marks site).
If you want to talk about G33's etc mail me your contact number to nicktowe@yahoo.co.uk.
When you buy one, let us know and come the the GOC meetings etc, Ginetta owners are a pretty friendly bunch.
Nick
I too am a new G33 owner and still loving the noise, looks, speed and friendly Ginetta owners !!
Concour with everything Nick Has said, the odd niggle here and there but I think you make the odd mod and put up with other things and you've got a car thats different to the rest, fun to drive, sounds good, looks good, parts are easily accessible and just a blast to have when the sun comes out !!
Good luck with your hunt........
[url]http://homepage.ntlworld.com/simon.bl[/url]
Concour with everything Nick Has said, the odd niggle here and there but I think you make the odd mod and put up with other things and you've got a car thats different to the rest, fun to drive, sounds good, looks good, parts are easily accessible and just a blast to have when the sun comes out !!
Good luck with your hunt........
[url]http://homepage.ntlworld.com/simon.bl[/url]
Thanks - I've fully digested your site (and several others).
I've seen 2 G33s now - one didnt hit the spot, the other I missed out on (still gutted). I'm up to speed now on what to check for, just need to wait for the right one to come along.
If anyone hears of anything or is tempted to sell theirs now the summer is over ;-) please give me a shout
I've a feeling the search will take a while but I'm happy to wait - it'll be worth it
Cheers
I've seen 2 G33s now - one didnt hit the spot, the other I missed out on (still gutted). I'm up to speed now on what to check for, just need to wait for the right one to come along.
If anyone hears of anything or is tempted to sell theirs now the summer is over ;-) please give me a shout
I've a feeling the search will take a while but I'm happy to wait - it'll be worth it
Cheers
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