Noble prices?? What to pay? DIY maintaince?
Discussion
Hi, after many years with Jdm cars, I’m looking to potentially invest in a noble.
I have my heart set on a m12 gto-3r, i think m400s are a little thin on the ground?
(Reasons for 3r over others, 6speed, 3lr, lights updates).
I am looking to DIY service, modify (not silly), and just maintain this lightweight machine to bring out on dry weather days.
How do these cars fair with rust? (I know panels are FG).
Wiring DIY fixable?
Engine reliability? Tunability? Boost increase and keep an eye on AFRs is standard form on most jdm engines, but on these?
Ecu options?
Prices seem to vary quite a lot, but the 3R currently on the classifieds, though top in price does tick a lot of boxes. Looking for M400 power for 3R prices.
However this car has been for sale for a quite a while, I’ve been trying to keep a look out for months for the right spec. Anyone know why it hasn’t sold?
I’d love silver, or grey ideally.
Reason finding these attractive, turbo, inexpensive engine (not your Porsche’s 10K+ replacement), super lightweight, unique and feel this a car I could maintain myself to certain degree as everything looks accessible.
Won’t bombard with a 1000 questions, just looking for some specifics I’ve found harder to find online.
Thanks
I have my heart set on a m12 gto-3r, i think m400s are a little thin on the ground?
(Reasons for 3r over others, 6speed, 3lr, lights updates).
I am looking to DIY service, modify (not silly), and just maintain this lightweight machine to bring out on dry weather days.
How do these cars fair with rust? (I know panels are FG).
Wiring DIY fixable?
Engine reliability? Tunability? Boost increase and keep an eye on AFRs is standard form on most jdm engines, but on these?
Ecu options?
Prices seem to vary quite a lot, but the 3R currently on the classifieds, though top in price does tick a lot of boxes. Looking for M400 power for 3R prices.
However this car has been for sale for a quite a while, I’ve been trying to keep a look out for months for the right spec. Anyone know why it hasn’t sold?
I’d love silver, or grey ideally.
Reason finding these attractive, turbo, inexpensive engine (not your Porsche’s 10K+ replacement), super lightweight, unique and feel this a car I could maintain myself to certain degree as everything looks accessible.
Won’t bombard with a 1000 questions, just looking for some specifics I’ve found harder to find online.
Thanks
I sold my silver 3R about a year ago after 3.5 years ownership. I'm not that great on the spanners but done intercooler/radiator upgrades and brake pads myself and made a point of a reputable dealer service stamp every year. It was standard when I got her but then upgraded various bits during my ownership to get to a nice 400hp re-map near the end. Car was quick no doubt about that! Get a car thats already had the various upgrades done, with receipts proving a lot of tlc. Apply to get on the fb page to Andy/Si, lot more going on there, if I remember correctly Si only recently put up that he knows of a 3R owner who might be selling, probably worth a shout, John
Prices for a 3R are between 35 and 48 now (though I'd think the selling price may be 3k lower than that top end). If prices are to rise anymore then it will be as the weather warms, so now is the time to buy! Try talking to Jetstream.
You'll see people always saying they've changed X or Y but this is mostly because they can-not because a standard car out of the box isn't great.
Generally, a Track Day Sump is advised, 6 speed LSD is the best spec. Standard rads can crack, most now have a replacement from pro-alloy.
Service is cheap if you do it yourself and get a good price on oil (8.5 litres on the TDS cars). Most parts have come from another car and people have identified most of them.
If you're going for more power, then an aftermarket exhaust can easily be £2,5k so if there's a choice then the car with one could be a better buy.
Remapping can be done from about £500- the ecu is locked so only certain tuners seem to be able to do them. Best to go with an expert such as Noble Motorsport who built the engines (though not actually related to Noble Automotive).
400hp with a standard exhaust/remap seems about the top end. Any further it's exhaust, valve timing, alternate turbos, intercooler. I'd guess to take a standard car from 350 to 500hp would be at least £6k.
Rust isn't generally reported, though water can sit on the aluminium floors against the rails- one or 2 cars have had parts of the rear frame replaced because of this.
You'll see people always saying they've changed X or Y but this is mostly because they can-not because a standard car out of the box isn't great.
Generally, a Track Day Sump is advised, 6 speed LSD is the best spec. Standard rads can crack, most now have a replacement from pro-alloy.
Service is cheap if you do it yourself and get a good price on oil (8.5 litres on the TDS cars). Most parts have come from another car and people have identified most of them.
If you're going for more power, then an aftermarket exhaust can easily be £2,5k so if there's a choice then the car with one could be a better buy.
Remapping can be done from about £500- the ecu is locked so only certain tuners seem to be able to do them. Best to go with an expert such as Noble Motorsport who built the engines (though not actually related to Noble Automotive).
400hp with a standard exhaust/remap seems about the top end. Any further it's exhaust, valve timing, alternate turbos, intercooler. I'd guess to take a standard car from 350 to 500hp would be at least £6k.
Rust isn't generally reported, though water can sit on the aluminium floors against the rails- one or 2 cars have had parts of the rear frame replaced because of this.
Edited by Green3R on Sunday 18th March 21:24
I bought mine 4 years ago now after much deliberation and waiting for several years. I am not very savvy about mechanics etc. but I enjoy reading everything on here about those that are (some of what they get up to is just remarkable). If there are two things about owning a Noble that have stood out (other than the given performance), one is that it has been exceptionally reliable, far better than expected (or from what I had gathered). I have done about 15,000 miles now over 4 years and without any problems at all (although a turbo rebuild and new engine mounts are on the horizon). This is also having been modified to produce 400hp (from modified intercooler, fuel pump and exhaust only). Secondly, the amount of interest and genuine good will from people from all walks of life is remarkable (and whilst a little embarrassing to begin with, you soon come to appreciate the warmth people have for these cars (very unlike other cars I have had). In addition parts are obtainable and a reasonable price, there are a lot of aftermarket parts available that are a real improvement and make the car easier to live with, and there is an awful lot of help and advice available from other owners (on FB and here), and perhaps the most important thing of all the car is a real hoot to drive, fast and furious (or pretty meek and mild too if you want it to be).
Don't hold back, buy well, and once you take possession you will only regret you hadn't caught on earlier!
Don't hold back, buy well, and once you take possession you will only regret you hadn't caught on earlier!
Mountune were never the production source for the enginge during the M12-M400 era. We/they were building on the M14/M15 engines (originally 24engines built, if I recall correctly) before Lee changed direction for the M600.
Edited to add that JNM built all engines for those cars.
Yellowshedd
Edited to add that JNM built all engines for those cars.
Yellowshedd
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