JimSVO

Not sure yet about delivery but I will be getting another update soon. Thanks for the link!

My GBS ZeroGT build is under way. I just got the first photos of my actual chassis before going to powdercoat. I have had one modification to the basic chassis; I needed extra clearance on the RH side of the engine bay to clear the turbo package on my SVO 2.3l engine. When I met Richard Hall of GBS last month at Sonoma, CA, and we discussed my goal of fitting this engine combo and we arrived at the solution of creating a "dogbone" diagonal strut as part of the top chassis tube on the exhaust side of my engine. I've also mocked-up the location of the chassis tubes around my engine as it sits on the stand. Hopefully I can keep my metric and SAE measurements correct! Yesterday I drove down to Oregon to pick up the build trolly so that I can keep the chassis at a comfortable height and roll it around in my garage while I build it up. As I was driving down the Hood Canal on US 101, which is a particularly beautiful drive, I was dreaming about driving it in my new 7.

I wish I had been able to take one for a test drive but their display cars were pretty boxed in to the paddok, so no. It was good to be able to sit in both the standard and GT chassis, though, and get a real feel for the ergonomics. I definitely prefer the bigger toe box in the GT so I was able to make an informed choice. Also great to meet Richard and Paul and a couple of the owners that were also there. My powertrain choice really is the reason for my project in the first place. I owned a 1984 Ford Mustang SVO and I would still own it except it was totaled in an accident, I got T-boned by a teenager running a red light. I kept the engine and transmission with the hope of some day being able to build a new car around them. That day is almost here!

I met the GBP guys at Sonoma and got to try on a Zero. These are well engineered cars. I ordered a GT with slightly more room.

MV8 - yes, you nailed it. I do still have the oil cooler sandwich. For the intercooler/crossover I have not decided which way to go but both options are reasonable. The boost is limited to 14 PSI IIRC - it's been a long time!

Hey, that's cool vipergeek. I think your crate engine is an EcoBoost, right? Do you know what HP it's got? Mine is a long generation older, SVO 2.3l turbo, 1984 vintage. Only 175 HP in stock form. Still, a fun engine and I am looking forward to the build! - Jim

I am back from Sears Point after visiting with Paul, the west coast rep, and Richard. I did some test fits with both the standard Zero and the wider GT Zero and I definitely need the extra space in the toe box of the GT. The cars on display looked great and it was good to meet Richard and Paul, as well as a couple of other owners. I am going to proceed with a build order! We are going to work on some dimensions for fitting my 2.3 liter SVO turbo based on a 2.0 OHC Pinto-engined car they have at the factory.

I've been doing some talking with Richard at GBS about the Zero. I like what I see! They are going to be at a Miata club track day at Sears Point, Sonome, CA on the first weekend in November so I've made plans to go down there and get a test drive. If that turns out well then I'm going to go all-in and build a Zero around my 2.3 turbo SVO engine using the custom self-build kit.

My 65 Mustang is a K-code 289 HiPo, mostly stock. Came originally with the Toploader. The Shelby GT-350 was upgraded to the T-10.

I've been asked to show you all some of my cars so I hope this will be OK. Present 2018 Mustang GT, 1969 Triumph TR6, 1966 Plymouth Valiant Signet, 1965 Ford Mustang 2+2, 1970 BSA 441 Shooting Star Past 1984 Ford Mustang SVO, 1970 Ford Mustang Boss 302, 1969 Ford Mustang Boss 302, 1970 Triumph GT6+, 1962 Triumph TR4 1985 Yamaha FZ750, 1984 Suzuki GS550ES, 1974 Suzuki 125 Duster, 1969 CZ 250

LOL, OK!

Thanks, slowdude, GBS looks interesting. The product literature lists Pinto as an engine source - but not specifically the 2.3 - so i will contact them about my combo. I've looked at some of their videos with a summary of the Zero Gen 2 upgrades, which is a pretty good tour of the whole car. I'd like to hear from some of the GBS builders about their experiences. So, about me? I am a retired aerospace engineer and overall grease monkey. I have a long history with small British sports cars and still drive a TR-6. I also did motocross and motorcycle road racing, and still have a BSA 441 Shooting Star. I autocrossed with my TR-4. Later in life I did open track with my 69 Boss 302 Mustang. Besides the 84 SVO I've also restored a 70 Boss 302 (from a desert hulk), and currently drive a 65 Mustang K-code fastback, a 1966 Plymouth Valiant and a 2018 Mustang GT. I've maintained and modified all my toys on my own terms but I really want to do a full kit build-up now.

Hello all, I've just joined. I live in the PNW, Olympic Penninsula, WA. I've had a long standing desire to build a Seven that will use my 2.3l OHC Ford engine. It was from my 1984 Mustang SVO, which sadly no longer exists. I have the engine and T5 trans combo and would like to get started on a build. I wondered of any folks here have experience using that combo and what kind of feelings there are for the result? Any particular kit that would handle that combo? - Thanks - Jim