Tell me everything!!

[idibbers]

It's only a matter of time before I order my GBS Zero (mazda) kit and I've been looking at as many things on the internet about it as I can; preparing myself. So I know there will be a few gurus out there and I ask you to help me. What is the best MX-5 donor? More broadly though, if you have any type of advise, tips and tricks for this kit or one similar (or just general tips) then please share.

Thanks in advance

[Furyblade_Lee]

Probobly best asking GBS? But 1.6 wise the Eunos Japanese versions came with a viscous LSD as standard, however as we have found most of them no longer work.... If you can use a 1.8 from a MK1 donor I would go with that. Jap Eunos again, the 1.8 has slightly bigger brakes and a Torsen type LSD which lasts forever. But check with GBS if a 1.8 donor is OK. There are arguments for and against LSDs in kitcars, but after having both I would have one 100% every time.

[ugg10]

Best advice I can give is take it steadily, methodically, finish one job before starting the next and enjoy the experience. As for mx5 donors, there are many Web resources that give a list of spec differences. If I were in your shoes I'd be looking at 1.8 with a lsd (torsen if you have the choice) and without abs, therefore probaby an import. All the best with the build.

[one eyed mick]

Join Rhocar , vast depth of GBS builds and experience where are you thers will be a sction close go to the meets and talk to people

[eltax91]

I've pretty much settled on the zero to be the ultimate destination for my mk2 1.8iS.

Rhocar is a great site and there are quite a few regional meets. I've been a member for a while as the kit car idea has been a long held one for me, there are often offers of help in return for tea / biscuits.

If you've found any useful links please post them here!

[idibbers]

Thanks for the help and advice everyone. I'll join Rhocar and have a look. What sort of speed would we be looking at with a 1.8? Any car you'd compare it to - speedwise?

[one eyed mick]

As fast as the donor and prob quicker 0to 60 [less weight ]

[ugg10]

Top Speed is not an issue with this sort of car, it is how you get there that matters and even more importantly how it goes round corners. I would dare to say 140hp in this car would be more fun driving at 60 mph down a B road than in almost any other car. The enjoyment comers from driving quickly and not driving fast if that makes sense. If you want figures, 0-60 should be a touch under 6s, possibly low 5's if the gearing is good, top speed is dictated by the brick like aerodynamics so 110-120 mph which is plenty in this type of car and double the legal limit of most roads in the UK. Caterham quote 5s and 120mph for their Roadsport 140 as a comparison.

[idibbers]

The Caterham 620r looks absolutely brutal. Yes I know; handling and the overall drive is much more of a focus than speed but was just wondering what I'd be looking at. I'm going to give GBS a call, has anyone put any GBS Zero creation threads on piston heads, showing their progress? Would you be interested if I did something like that?

[TVaRt]

I would!

Im considering a GBS Zero, maybe with an S2000 engine option but MX5 based for other parts.

[idibbers]

I've been on the phone to both GBS and insurance and decided for the Ford Zetec 2.0 based Zero. I'm gonna get it going as soon as possible but if you want to see a Zero being built, check out 'Zach's GBS zero' http://zachsgbszero.blogspot.co.uk really helped me! Was looking at the S2000 based zero and christ, you'd definitely be seeing 60 in 4 seconds or under, they're phenomenal! Good luck building one if you decide to!