New prospect.
Author
Discussion

F.C.

Original Poster:

3,901 posts

237 months

Sunday 24th February 2008
quotequote all
Ok I'll probably be shot down in flames for not researching these cars enough but here goes.
I'm thinking of taking the plunge and buying a GTR.
I feel that I would like a fuel injected set-up (LS7?)for reliable and prolonged running / life.
I'm used to a Noble M400 (modded) at the moment and would at least like to better the straight line capability of that.
So I reckon 550-600 bhp would be more than enough to achieve that goal.
Given that I am a V8 novice I really want the car to be "everyday" driveable (not that I'll drive it every day) I mean good road manners ie, not having to put up with stalling when braking hard and stopping, sensible Idle etc,
Where would be the best place to start my search for such a vehicle?
Do I buy a built GTR and transplant an LS7 motor in?
I'd like to get an overall picture of the best set-up in your guys opinions and a rough costing for an on the road car. Budget is I guess circa 40-50K is that reasonable or achievable?
Cheers for any advice / comments.
F.C.

gritbox

125 posts

234 months

Sunday 24th February 2008
quotequote all
got a nice yellow gtr for sale wink only 450 bhp thoughrolleyes

Wilder

1,509 posts

238 months

Sunday 24th February 2008
quotequote all
Ask 5 people and get 5 different answers..
Ok here goes for my answer:

LS7 is generally regarded as currently the most desirable set up.

40 - 50K for a new build with LS7. Id say not for that money.
You can go fuel injection, but it depends on the engine and application your using it for as some prefer old school over the newer stuff.
If your looking for certain spec heres my own list of what I think a GTR should have to achieve the best price.

AP braking system
Air con
over 500bhp
accusump or dry sump system
factory wheels
factory instruments or stax dash

additional + points are rear spoiler & front splitter


To better the Noble in a straight line you wont need anywhere near that BHP.
Lucky beat all but the fastest tweaked Noble at last years fighting torque with a 497bhp (at the flywheel)car, but with I think a 5th gear that was too long, and cost him top end speed as it was outside the power band when changing to 5th.

Best bet is to buy a GTR already pre- built or at least part built, and put in your own LS7, supplied through your choice of builder (of which there are many)
American Speed are generally more expensive than the other providers of LS7 of equivilent specs (in my opinion).
There are some real pros out there who can assist you in building the engine you want.
Whether in the USA or UK, theres people to help with all aspects of the build.
Good luck

F.C.

Original Poster:

3,901 posts

237 months

Monday 25th February 2008
quotequote all
gritbox said:
got a nice yellow gtr for sale wink only 450 bhp thoughrolleyes
Build spec?
F.C.

GT-Arrgh

15 posts

224 months

Monday 25th February 2008
quotequote all
gritbox said:
got a nice yellow gtr for sale wink only 450 bhp thoughrolleyes
Not to jump in line but I'm looking as well. If you get a chance, hit me with the particulars, pics and price.

Thanks!
Jim
silver12dp@hotmail.com

F.C.

Original Poster:

3,901 posts

237 months

Monday 25th February 2008
quotequote all
I contacted this guy.
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/389393.htm
He says it cost him 200,000 Euros to build.(£150,000) scratchchin
Anyone got any idea of worth now?
Also how easy is it to convert LHD to RHD? on these.
F.C.

gritbox

125 posts

234 months

Monday 25th February 2008
quotequote all
Home built but not by me (jag employee)Napier Racing built engine with 450/450 bhp/torque. Porsch G50 5 speed with cill shift, Willwood brakes, accusump, pirelli p-zeros good tread depth, aircon, yellow vdo gauges, see the yellow one on classifieds. open to sensible offers...

gritbox

125 posts

234 months

Monday 25th February 2008
quotequote all
Jim, you have mail wink

qwick

530 posts

296 months

Monday 25th February 2008
quotequote all
F.C. said:
I contacted this guy.
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/389393.htm
He says it cost him 200,000 Euros to build.(£150,000) scratchchin
Anyone got any idea of worth now?
Also how easy is it to convert LHD to RHD? on these.
F.C.
I wouldn't like to convert one left to right hand drive, the steering column and pedal mounts are part of the chassis and covered by bodywork. You could I guess as there's reasonable access to that part of the car thanks to the engine being in the right place, but plenty of welding, new steering rack, body off and then you'd need to think about re-coating the chassis.

You'd be better off leaving it LHD IMO.

£150k seems like a lot of money to spend on one, I'm sure it's not impossible but if it has been spent, I'd hate to think of the cost of replacing any broken parts!


crafty

2,291 posts

266 months

Monday 25th February 2008
quotequote all
The LS7 is the 2nd engine in it... the first may be in that price.

F.C.

Original Poster:

3,901 posts

237 months

Tuesday 26th February 2008
quotequote all
qwick said:
F.C. said:
You'd be better off leaving it LHD IMO.
I suspected it might be a mare when I looked at some bare chassis photos.
Not keen on LHD. If I was I'd probably do the man maths and buy a Ford GT biglaugh
F.C.