looking to buy a Ginetta G27

[Alexxtreme]

Hi Guys, my Quantum xtreme was written off over the weekend when someone cut across me at a junction :-(.... so I am now looking at replacing it and have always been keen on Ginetta and noticed a G27 for sale. Can anyone offer me any advice on what to look out for? It has a 1.8 zetec with a LSD and the interior looks well finished. I happy looking at the GRP bits etc but some inside knowledge on the chassis, suspension, drive line etc would be very useful.
What are they like to work on and with parts etc? I am OK with the spanner (picking up again from when I used to look after my own cars a few years ago ;-))
Thanks
Alex

[Alexxtreme]

Hi GinV8,
Thanks for your help!
This has a solid real axle with a LSD. I used to have a solid axle on an old Dutton I had years ago that I really did not like....!
Anything I should look out specifically? Will will ask about the body. It was built around 1999 if this helps.. pic of the underside uploaded
Alex



Every car is different so its really all about its build quality and how it feels and drives on the road. Any car can be made to drive well but body and chassis work is more fiddly. There are several G27 versions too some with separate sectional bodies early ones and others single mouldings. Try and get one with a hood otherwise you'll have to get one made from a club members pattern. Some have live axle and some independent which are simpler to maintain. H

[Alexxtreme]

Hi ginv8, can you see the pic above? Obviously the axle is solid as you can see... does this pic tell you anything else about the car? yes it has a roof as well as the hardtop though it is not finished (it needs the window which i understand is available..).

[Alexxtreme]

The chassis is painted I have been told though there is some local surface rust.
The car has been had an Mot since 2000. Not sure about the bell housing.....
It does have popup head lights though
Alex

[Alexxtreme]

That is the one. Plan to test drive it this weekend.
Have been told it has had a recent back axel overall but will check the receipts.
One concern is that I'm 6'1", will I fit in the car??
Cheers Alex

[Alexxtreme]

Thanks! Interesting max price it reached....
Any thoughts on my height and this car?
Alex

[Alexxtreme]

I'm now the proud owner of a G27!

Alex

[Alexxtreme]

Thanks! Pics here https://picasaweb.google.com/108950503714571978236...

I fit the car OK ish however the my leg on the clutch side is a bit too close to the steering wheel for comfort. ATM I am looking to see if I can move the pedal box fwds around 20 to 25mm or so as this would make all the difference to my comfort... although it is still drivable for me as it is.

I did plan to paint the chassis... what would you advise? my thoughts were to locally take the loose paint off and then use something like the POR15 paint from Frost in grey to match the current colour.

Also did you waxoil the chassis as another preventative measure?

Cheers
Alex

[Alexxtreme]

I am starting to realize what great cars these are! There is an attention to detail that is just not there with my last car :-).
It also gets so much attention - even when parked up! Agreed the G27 S4 looks spoiled by that bonnet - what was the thought behind that.
You are right that I am starting to build a bit of a to-do list which includes this winter
- drive it before doing anything!
- sort out groaning from rear discs (could be hand brake mechanism)
- get it tuned - I think the previous owner played with the webbers and it does not run very well.
- touch-up the chassis paint
- lastly move the pedal box.

I am debating what to do with the hard top. My gut feel is that I can not see myself finishing it off and fitting it so I might sell it as it takes up too much room in the garage.
Cheers
Alex