PH'er Black5 is building one.....

Have you thought about a GTM Libra? Kind of similar looks to the 5exi, build costs are around £12k I think but you might be able to get one a bit cheaper now that GTM have brought out the Ballista.

I've got a 5EXI in my garage, so I can say it impressed me. It's a great car. I've only got a 1600cc K-series mind you, but with the car weighing in at under 600kg it's not slow. so I'd imagine the type-r version would be rather rapid...! I drove both the 5EXI and the elise back to back and just prefered the the 5EXI it was a more relaxed and smoother car to drive and more distinctive and unsual as well. The fact that its so easy to maintain and mess about with was also a factor. No doubt an elise would outhandle it when pushing to the limit, but for my fast road and relaxed track day use it's fits the bill.

>> Edited by dann172 on Tuesday 17th January 21:00

I'm so glad I found this place!
So much better than other forums everyone seems so much more mature which is great.
I'll be looking into the Libra now as well.
The thing that attracted me to the 5exi is the fact that it seems so accessible and the guys really seemed to want to help and push the cars development forward. Offering to fit any engine for me for free is something I've never heard offered (maybe I misunderstood :-s).
I only say the 20v VAG engine as I drove a Grinall with one in and I can safely say it nearly broke my neck with pure acceleration, but I would be tempted by a nice K-Series on throttle bodies.
I'll start looking at it seriously and sorting out finances in the next month so any other advice you guys can give would be great.
And if I enjoy tinkering with a 5exi half as much as I did with my Minis I will be more than happy with the purchase.
I just really worry it won't be able to live up to my old Elise's handling.
And don't get me wrong I love the look of the Seven style cars but my Girlfriend has said she wouldn't step foot in one if I paid her. And since it will be her time thats being cut into with me building it I'd rather have something she can drive as well in the end. (If she can ever pry the keys from me ;-) )

You say your girlfriend wouldn't set foot in Seven : mine wasn't keen to first set foot in my V8 Rush either, but once in and 4 point harnessed up by me (which was fun for us both) she soon learnt about real acceleration / deceleration. She now loves flying pillion with me in the Dax and still screams when I really "give it rice". Still, whatever sort of kit you opt to build, I'm sure you'll both enjoy the experience (except the fact that while you're in the garage for hours in the evening / weekends she'll be spending up on QVC / mail order or down the shops)..... TIP make sure you set up a secure "Kit Building fund / bank account" otherwise there may not be enough dosh left for those "5exi" split rim alloys and decent rubber !! Good luck in your search for your ideal kit.

m1spw said:

Have you thought about a GTM Libra? Kind of similar looks to the 5exi, build costs are around £12k I think but you might be able to get one a bit cheaper now that GTM have brought out the Ballista.

A VAG 1.8T will fit in a Libra, that's for sure. More info (in Dutch, sorry) on my website www.gtmlibra.nl You will get the idae looking at the pictures, if you have any questions, please let me know.


Bye,

Bertram



>> Edited by Bertram on Saturday 21st January 07:22

m1spw said:

ricola said: Jabronirob45 said: I'll be looking into the Libra now as well. Check the classifieds for mine It's built, but will save you thousands and you can always tinker with kit cars... Rich Your car looks soooooooooooooooo good

Rich has a habit of building quality cars!

It gives the rest of us green eyes!