Hi All

I have finally found a GTM LIBRA and I pick it up Monday I'm very excited to be in the world of Specialist cars again!


I have a few questions for the collective brain power and car knowledge on the site.

I'm going to have the rear arms changed
I'm doing an engine swap I know there are some K series fans on here but it's just not for me

What engine should I use what I remember from the 500 speedster Is choose a more commonly used engine.

The specs should be upto 2.0, no turbo, 6 sd gearbox and about 200 bhp.

Another consideration is ECU as this can work out expensive and I would like it as stock as possible as I'm on a budget and this is going to be my everyday car.

First thought Honda VTEC but i believe you can't run them on there own ecu. Is there a cheap way round that.

Toyota VVTI 190 from a Celica as used in an Elise. I don't know a lot about these engines except they are Yamaha designed

ford duratec ?

I'm sure I'm missing out on a few what are your answers people send me your knowledge or even idle PUB gossip I need to make my mind up.

I go away at the end of the month for 4 months to work and this conversion will be done by a good engineer but I need to get as many of the parts to him before I go.

Thanks In advance Lee[color=Red]

NO TURBO ENGINES

[Edited on 10/1/13 by uklee70]

A great choice to have to make

here's an off the wall suggestion - clio 200 renaultsport thingy eBay Item

Late cars used the Honda engine after rover closed. Sign up on the gtm drivers forum where you'll get some useful info. I believe one guy in holland has an Audi tt engine in one

quote:

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Originally posted by chillis
Late cars used the Honda engine after rover closed. Sign up on the gtm drivers forum where you'll get some useful info. I believe one guy in holland has an Audi tt engine in one

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Hi Lee
can i suggest you go and have a talk to Chris at Zcars i think he was / is using Volvo engines /gear boxes in some of his cars
Jacko

Bertram Is the owner of the VAG powered Libra.
His website. Click
He has now gone on to fit a DSG gearbox to the car comple with flappy padels. Something that VAG never did with that engine!

A few people have swopped or built Honda cars. The ECU can be cracked or you can use Hondata.

The engine frame needs reworking or the guy that originally made them can still supply a Honda frame. Obviously you will need bespoke driveshafts and new exhaust.

Will you be using the Z Cars rear suspension?

Join Team gtm. There is a good topic on there from a guy who has just finished converting to Supercharged Honda.

Duratec would be a nice engine but you wont get 200bhp on an oem ecu/induction. Should get 170 from an st170 with a decat and remap ect but its maybe a bit heavy to sit behind you. But you do get the six cogs and I am working on the ecu/loom to make it work in a kit.

Honda type R lump isnt cheap but there arnt many 2.0 nasp engines making a real 200bhp as standard.

[Edited on 10/1/13 by big_wasa]

Duratec has been tried by RDM when they owned GTM. Unfortunately they couldn't get it to fit. I think due to the gearbox size/shape.

The VAG engine wouldn't fit either. Bertram used the V6 tub which has a different bulkhead. Basically it has a large recess in it for the induction. Cutting the bulkhead would compromise the structure so would need to be properly.

While I am thinking about things, consider looking for an Elise or similar wiring loom. The Libra loom is part Metro, part GTM and in true Rover style is a mess of different coloured wires and often doesn't bare any resemblance to the published wiring diagrams. A lot of wires travel up and down the car doing nothing in particular. It might be easier to start with something designed for a mid engined car.

B20vtec is the cheapest option,good for 200bhp although a 6 speed box isn't possible. A 5 speed box with an overdrive 5th is pretty straighforward. I'm doing just this although the frame is already Honda. I also have a spare B20b block and B16 head plus all the bits to convert if you're interested. The B16 ECU can be chipped with a base map but Emerald is easier long term (plus the option of changing maps on the fly). A K20a engine/box could be easiest if you can find one at the right price.

[Edited on 10/1/13 by inkafone]

Has anyone any experience with the Toyota vvti engine and ecu

It seems a good little engine and because its gone in the elise it should be good for parts like gear change

Any experts?

Has anyone any experience with the Toyota vvti engine and ecu

It seems a good little engine and because its gone in the elise it should be good for parts like gear change

Any experts?

great looking motors libras