GBS Zero Build

[Fossil]

Thought Id start by introducing myself
Names Colin, my car club friends call me Fossil (I am the oldest in the group at age 44 hahaha) I am from Vernon BC Canada, been lurking on here for a while. I have been into Lotus, especially Super 7’s since I was a kid. And after waiting almost 40 years I am finally able to build me very own.

I have purchased the kit from GBS (Great British Sports Cars) in the UK back in December of 2019. It is a Generation 2 GBS Zero GT Chassis. I got it imported into Canada last year in August, I had a few setbacks so haven’t gotten started building till recently. So far the rear suspension and differential have been installed hoping to get the rear brakes mostly done by the end of this long weekend.
I got the basic kit From GBS with the addition of the windshield and wiper system, Chassis harness and quick ratio steering rack, I believe it is a 2.4:1 ratio. The chassis is a Mazda Miata based kit. And will be running a 1.8 with 5 speed. The differential is from an 01 Miata and is Limited slip with 3.90:1 ratio!
As I progress I will be adding more info and Pictures.

[ohmite]

Bravo Colin,
I’ve been salivating over the GBS kit for years. Drove one with a Miata 1.6 with bike carbs and was very impressed. In the interim I bought an almost finished Locost project with an Rx-7 drivetrain. I will be watching your progress with great interest.

Thank you for taking the time to post your project.
Cheers,
Eric

[hfmaxi]

oooooo. The GBS is probably my favorite of the kits. Looking forward to this build.

[Rennkafer]

Love the GBS cars, if I were building a kit, it would be theirs. Will be interested to see how this goes.

[Rennkafer]

Love the GBS cars, if I were building a kit, it would be theirs. Will be interested to see how this goes.

One thing I'm curious about, it doesn't appear to have any way to adjust rear camber/toe. Is that the case or am I just not seeing it?

[JAMADOR]

Very cool.

Rear alignment does appear to be fixed, from the photos I can see.

[Rennkafer]

Rear alignment does appear to be fixed, from the photos I can see.

Ya that wouldn't be a plus... have to go back and look at GBS's website and see if it's an option or something. Non-adjustable suspension isn't something I'd live with.

[Fossil]

Thank you everyone!

With the basic kit the rear is not adjustable, but they do offer 2 options for an adjustable rear, first is camber bushings, You can find them on Kit spares website. The second is a whole new set of Rear Arms that incorporates Heim Joints. something they engineered just 2 years ago so still not on kit spares yet. I have both the standard rear that's not adjustable and the updated rear arms, paid an extra $500, but since Heim joints are not rated for street use, just Off road us only, I have had to put back on the standard arms, one of my set backs! I had the upgraded rear already on the car and was told I had to remove if I want to pass Inspection, A friend of mine is an Inspector and is watching my build as well As my Friend said the Inspector, who ever I go with, will fail my car automatically if they see Heim Joints on steering or suspension components, it is in the Inspection rules. That is unless someone can come up with a street legal Heim Joint, ie has to pass DOT testing, not much I can do here. I have attached picks of both options below.

[Rennkafer]

Interesting, where are you from that heim joints aren't allowed? And one other curiosity, why use the 6 speed rear differential with the 5 speed gearbox?

[Fossil]

I am from Vernon BC Canada, as for the Differential that was what was available locally and is a Torsen LSD and was a descent price, the 5 speed is just a personal preference. Plus some builders said that certain years of 6 speed have fitment issues.

[Miatav8,MstrASE,A&P,F]

I always prefer bush to heims, especially in a corrosive environment. Sealed DOT joints while higher friction and heavier, are much better, apples to apples.

[Rennkafer]

I am from Vernon BC Canada, as for the Differential that was what was available locally and is a Torsen LSD and was a descent price, the 5 speed is just a personal preference. Plus some builders said that certain years of 6 speed have fitment issues.

Ah, I'm just South of you in Western WA. The 6 speeds are definitely larger and heavier than the 5 speeds, had both in my track Miata.

[Fossil]

Well got a little more done over this long weekend. Rear brakes are now on and park Brake is installed, not fully adjusted as I have to still get braided lines made up, hope to have those done by next week some time. I also did not want to use spacers to take up the gap between the lower shock and Miata upright so made custom ones from my 3d printer then had friends CNC shop make the final product.

[Fossil]

I always prefer bush to heims, especially in a corrosive environment. Sealed DOT joints while higher friction and heavier, are much better, apples to apples.

Yeah I am currently looking to see if there are alternatives to the Heim joints. Would like to use that fully adjusted rear end Legally.

[RoyzMG]

I'm a little confused. Is that really a Miata rear differential. I'm used to seeing the large "bat wing" ears at the top of the differential.

Roy