GTM libra.

[THREEFISHORANGE]

Has GTM cars now gone? Westfield sports cars were the last company to build/sell them I believe?
Is it possible to convert the 'K' series engine to Honda or Toyota?, without fabricating a new engine cradle etc. I know the original GTM when the were in Coventry made the kits for Honda engine.
Anyone on here made an engine conversion.
Thanks

[Paul Drawmer]

There are quite a few Honda powered Libras, but you will need a new/altered engine cradle.

No doubt there will be more info along soon. However, I liked the K series VVC - did allright for me.

[THREEFISHORANGE]

I've driven a few Lotus with the 'K' series in. Not too bad a performance. Its just the HGF that's concerns me. Drove the KV6 at the factory in Coventry, that was also very good.

[MG CHRIS]

Dont worry about the hgf once done and done right will never fail again if you keep on top of checking the coolant regulary. My mg zs had its hg replaced 6 years ago at 45,000 miles 70,000 miles latter still going strong.

[Paul Drawmer]

Oh, and GTM didn't originate from Coventry. That was a poor part of GTM history. I bought my Libra kit from Sutton Bonnington. GTM (Grand Touring Mini) can be traced back quite a long way.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/GTM_Cars

IMO GTM died in 2003.

Apologies for the history stuff. I miss my Libra; do get one, they're bloody good.

[Ferg]

I'd agree. The GTM name was dragged through the mud post-2003. The products after the move from Sutton Bonington were pretty rough.

[Furyblade_Lee]

There is nothing really wrong with a 1.8k series in a Libra. A few have Exige-spec 190 BHP K-series in, and 170 BHP is easily achievable with Exhaust, air box and larger throttle body on a VVC. From memory we worked out a 1.8 DC3 Integra type R engine would fit in the existing engine cradle, but that still gave under 200bhp so for the hassle of complete new wiring loom I doubt it's worth it. I have been in an Elise with that sane conversion (£10k!!!!) and all it did was make it marginally faster and f*** up the handling a bit as the V-tecs are MUCH heavier than a K with all ancillaries. I miss my Libra, but in all honesty if contemplating buying another, I would source a good VVC car to start with. Fit a front anti-roll bar and MGF Trophy fron brakes ( if
it does not come with them ) then vist Zcars and buy their rear suspension conversion. That will give you a very nice car, better than an Elise in my opinion. Then I would tune the K with someone like DVA Power. 200bhp and keeping the weight around 800kgs ( mine was 760kgs ) will give a quick car. The main "weak" point on any Libra is the rear suspension design, GTM alone did 2 or 3 variations. Zcars sorted it 100% though.

[Yazza54]

Alan Gow made the cradles, wishbones etc etc, I remember asking him if he could make a VTEC one which he said he could and had before. I decided against it in the end though.

Bought some anti roll bars off him and they were gash I have to say. Ended up sending them back.

I'll have another one day, the car was great but as Lee says the rear suspension was a bit heath robinson. If I was buying another it'd be a Zcars VVC Libra for sure. I wouldn't go to all the hassle of converting, the VVC is a sweet motor.