Some of you may have heard about Z Cars going bump some time ago. Well the business has a new owner and has started it back up. He has managed to source the jigs for the libra rear wishbone conversion and he's also looking into making the hayabusa engine cradle that they fit in minis available for the GTM coupe, pretty sure there's a Honda K20 option too... Thought this may be of interest...

Busa engine in a Coupe?

That sounds like a fun project!

Knowing Z Cars it also sounds VERY expensive!

Yeah, will wait and see on the pricing as it's a completely new owner. But if I remember rightly the libra kit was about £1500 which to me is just too much, and then the VAT on top kills it. Could probably sell my Mk2 wishbones and brackets etc but still pricey. He's not got the jigs back yet but will see what he says when he's looked into it more. That's why I text you about the shocks as I wasn't sure if new protech rears were included in that price.

No the shocks aren't included.

When the kit was done it was before Protech changed from the thin extension. Not sure if that will cause an issue.

Funnily enough I spoke to z cars yesterday as I'm really interested in their rear suspension (I have the early 8 bracket balljoint version). Chris seems optimistic that they have the jigs and can build this again so if anyone is interested, get in touch with them as they could make a batch (maybe a bit cheaper?). New number for them is 01233 226122; now based in Ashford, Kent.


They are also currently putting their hyabusa conversion in a Rossa and he sent me some pictures - I'll post them when I get home later - looks tasty.

It was David rose I spoke to, as far as I'm aware he's the new owner??

Hopefully it can A be reproduced and B be affordable. I'm interested but I won't be dropping £1500 on it

Yeah, Dave's the new owner and Chris is a consultant I think, he's definately involved anyway..

Looking forward to getting a cost, 1.5k is quite eye watering I agree.

Some images of the z cars hyabusa conversion below together with some shots of the Rossa its being fitted in:







Looks like the Rossa that was at the Silverstone Classic a while back? Is it a club member??

Below are the initial details Chris sent to accompany the photos above:

The framework is almost identical in the gtm conversion just has a slightly wider wheel track
Kit comprises engine and gearbox mountings to accept hyabusa engine and quaife z cars gearbox

Full stainless exhaust with repackable silencer
Gear cable
Rear suspension arms
Rear brakes
Driveshafts
Shocks and springs
All rosejoints and fixings
Two aeroquip brake pipes
Silicone water pipes to get from hyabusa to gtm std water system

The car we are converting has a roll cage fitted but if you dont have a cage or dont want one we would make a small fixing frame which would run up the rear bulkhead and triangulate forwards down each side of the seat low down which would offer some side impact protection as well as hold the frame

It'll be a nice car when its done I'm sure. Anyone who's interested, get in touch with them on 01233 226122

They also want to see if the conversion will go in a coupe and need to know the distance between the coupe rear bulkhead and the rear axle centreline? If anyone can get this measurement and pass it on to me I'll let them know when I call about rear suspension for my Libra.

Cheers

Jamie