Real world differences between the models
Discussion
Hi
I am thinking of changing from my current E92 M3 to a Noble m12. I have read most of the stuff on the net. My first question is, is there much real world difference between the 2.5 and 3l models. I realise some of the 3l come with a five speed gearbox but not necessarily with a limited slip diff. I have definitely enjoyed the active m diff in the BMW will I miss a lsd in a Noble?
Should I carry on saving up for a 3l model or just go for a well sorted 2.5?
Finally is there anyone in London or Kent willing to talk me around their well sorted car so I have a rough idea of what to look for? (in exchange for a couple of bottles of wine or a few beer tokens)
Should have said it will mainly be a weekend car with the odd driver training day/track day. I really want to get a car that doesn't loose a fortune in depreciation every time I come to sell!
Thanks in advance
Neil
I am thinking of changing from my current E92 M3 to a Noble m12. I have read most of the stuff on the net. My first question is, is there much real world difference between the 2.5 and 3l models. I realise some of the 3l come with a five speed gearbox but not necessarily with a limited slip diff. I have definitely enjoyed the active m diff in the BMW will I miss a lsd in a Noble?
Should I carry on saving up for a 3l model or just go for a well sorted 2.5?
Finally is there anyone in London or Kent willing to talk me around their well sorted car so I have a rough idea of what to look for? (in exchange for a couple of bottles of wine or a few beer tokens)
Should have said it will mainly be a weekend car with the odd driver training day/track day. I really want to get a car that doesn't loose a fortune in depreciation every time I come to sell!
Thanks in advance
Neil
Hard to make comparisons, everyone loves their own car. The only time we're all together is at a trackday and it seems to be waaaay more driver- than car-dependant.
I don't know how many, if any, people who've been lucky enough to drive well-sorted versions of each. I suppose Jetstream, and last time I was there I think they said they just advise to pick a budget and buy the best you can afford rather than targeting specific models.
The power obviously goes up with each step but there are arguments as to just how much they're needed in the real world, or indeed on track if you're prepared to carry more cornering speed.
I'm not sure I'd buy one without an LSD knowing how quickly and comprehensively I lunched mine after buying it. Don't know how likely you are to find one without an LSD but with a track sump anyway. A few of us have learnt the hard way how necessary those are!
I don't know how many, if any, people who've been lucky enough to drive well-sorted versions of each. I suppose Jetstream, and last time I was there I think they said they just advise to pick a budget and buy the best you can afford rather than targeting specific models.
The power obviously goes up with each step but there are arguments as to just how much they're needed in the real world, or indeed on track if you're prepared to carry more cornering speed.
I'm not sure I'd buy one without an LSD knowing how quickly and comprehensively I lunched mine after buying it. Don't know how likely you are to find one without an LSD but with a track sump anyway. A few of us have learnt the hard way how necessary those are!
Simples: If you intend to track it then you need the trackday sump option. This option was fitted to many at the factory and to some aftermarket. Note that some (but not all) aftermarket fitments required the chassis to be cut (a personal choice as to how a buyer feels about this and obvious on inspection). So, you'll be needing a 3R IMHO (with a 6-speed box/LSD). Good luck.
NeilC4S said:
Thanks for the responses, so in terms of the LSD that was only standard on the 3R, but most others cars are likely to have one?
Neil
Not really sure. The diff itself isn't that expensive, it's the labour of getting it in there because the engine needs to come out (or cut the chassis, as above). You'll have to see how many 2.5 owners respond. I think recent ones for sale have had them. I think I actually forgot to put it in my ad.Neil
I bought a 3R, it's an early one with 5 speed box, but with TDS and LSD. I have had scores of cars over the years and can honestly say I have never had anything as much fun in my life. I drive it just for fun as often as possible. Just did 850 miles to Le Mans and back, did not miss a beat and used no oil, no water, comfortable (well, reasonable so..) I'm in Hampshire but happy to talk you round it if you are down this way. You wont regret it, as everyone says, buy the most sorted one you can afford. The forum on here is amazingly helpful, the guys I have met at the Noble days I have been too have all been brilliant.
TuxMan said:
The 6 speed box has a LSD as std , the 5 speed box does not !!! if you find a 2.5 with a 6 speed box it should have a lsd . you have to cut the bottom chassis rail to change the sump to a track day sump and they were fitted as std in 3 R only !!
Ah sounds like I was lucky to have it all done with the engine out then!Quantum Steve said:
......I'm in Hampshire but happy to talk you round it if you are down this way......
Thanks for the offer I am rarely in Hampshire unfortunately.Does anyone know about the car at GL cars ltd
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Noble-M12-GTO-3R-/191556...
It seems to be very cheap and looking at the pics is a bit scruffy on the inside I can see the alloys are scuffed also. Although it coming up as HPI clear.
Morning,
I'm on London/Kent border and have a standard-ish 3R (no power upgrades). I've done any work needed myself so can talk you round it.
Updated gearshift mechanism, pro-alloy rad (standard ones can crack over time), tunnel cooling mod, fuel pump re-wire.
Plus, moved airfilters, made a front splitter, and changed the dash a little.
You'll find people have done loads of mods- which might give the impression that these cars need a lot of work. That's not true- there are a few mods that improve reliability/longevity, but for the mostpart they're just personal preference from colouring the wing mirrors up to making a new body!
Not sure of my movements over the next few weeks but send me a pm and perhaps we can meet up.
Andy
I'm on London/Kent border and have a standard-ish 3R (no power upgrades). I've done any work needed myself so can talk you round it.
Updated gearshift mechanism, pro-alloy rad (standard ones can crack over time), tunnel cooling mod, fuel pump re-wire.
Plus, moved airfilters, made a front splitter, and changed the dash a little.
You'll find people have done loads of mods- which might give the impression that these cars need a lot of work. That's not true- there are a few mods that improve reliability/longevity, but for the mostpart they're just personal preference from colouring the wing mirrors up to making a new body!
Not sure of my movements over the next few weeks but send me a pm and perhaps we can meet up.
Andy
A large majority of cars have been modified to some extent, either adding higher spec stock noble items things like LSD, or TDS or fettling minor weak points such as the fuel pump wiring... of cause some cars have just had their owners go mad on mods as the cars are very easy to 'fettle'.
I am firmly of the opinion that you should choose your budget then buy on condition... mileage or model is less important.
Of cause there are 3 destinct model price points now IMO.... GT0 with its 2.5 engine, GT03 and GT03r with their 3L engine, and the M400 with its tweaked 3l engine.
All models have held their prices in the last 8 years and in fact if anything they have slightly increased... I bought mine around 8 years ago and it would now cost you 5-10k more for the same car in same condition it was then.
My observation of the cars now is they are becoming a little more expensive to maintain due to cars being older and components wearing out or degrading over time... but this is no different to any car of same age.... it won't cost you ferrari money to maintain the car, but it will give you ferrari beating performance. I won't ever sell mine.
I am firmly of the opinion that you should choose your budget then buy on condition... mileage or model is less important.
Of cause there are 3 destinct model price points now IMO.... GT0 with its 2.5 engine, GT03 and GT03r with their 3L engine, and the M400 with its tweaked 3l engine.
All models have held their prices in the last 8 years and in fact if anything they have slightly increased... I bought mine around 8 years ago and it would now cost you 5-10k more for the same car in same condition it was then.
My observation of the cars now is they are becoming a little more expensive to maintain due to cars being older and components wearing out or degrading over time... but this is no different to any car of same age.... it won't cost you ferrari money to maintain the car, but it will give you ferrari beating performance. I won't ever sell mine.
kenloen said:
Green3R said:
Morning,
made a front splitter, and changed the dash a little.
Andy
interested in this, how, where from what?? any pics? made a front splitter, and changed the dash a little.
Andy
cheers Jason.
Have a look at http://www.pistonheads.com/GASSING/topic.asp?h=0&a...
front splitter is carbon fibre, with a lot of help from AndyGtt
NeilC4S said:
Green3R said:
Morning,
I'm on London/Kent border and have a standard-ish 3R (no power upgrades). I've done any work needed myself so can talk you round it.
Andy
Thanks for the offer I have sent you a PMI'm on London/Kent border and have a standard-ish 3R (no power upgrades). I've done any work needed myself so can talk you round it.
Andy
Neil
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