SR3 1300 or 1500 - advice please

[Prancing Hippo]

First time I have posted on PH so apologies if I mess this up somehow. I am looking for advice on whether to get a SR3 1300 or 1500. I have raced before but am an amateur (raced old 911 and Clio Cup). The car will be running in endurance races of 6 - 16 hours, with a view to building up to 24 hours. I have heard from some that the 1500 engine is less reliable, and would be interested to hear if this tru in other PHer experiences or not. Any other tips / advice between the two cars would be hugely appreciated! Thanks.

[splitpin]

I tend to judge a book by it's cover; last time I looked, the warranty on an RPE 1340 was 40 hours, whereas it was 30 hours on an RPE 1475 (1500)

So said, if a 1340 is off the pace in comparison (they are usually all 1500s in SR3s in RCC), it's an wholly academic point; you'll need to suss it (whether the performance of a 1300/1340 is sufficient - about 25 rwhp more with the latter, which is significant) out?

I suspect the operative word is 'durable' rather than 'reliable'.

[BertBert]

That's some serious (endurance) racing usage! I'd be inclined to phone RPE up and have a word with them and ask them what they suggest, they're pretty helpful!
Bert

[bloberoo]

Perhaps an SR5 /or an SL in a few years time? .

[splitpin]

bloberoo said:

..... or an SL in a few years time? .

Good thinking. I recollect something along the lines of a 90+ hour warranty on that engine?

Always a chance I dreamt that though.

[Prancing Hippo]

Many thanks everyone - your help is really appreciated. I have spoken to Radical and they were helpful.

Generally they said no difference in relaibility (or as Splitpin correctly pointed out durability) as long as engines maintained properly, and if bought from Radical engines would be fully re-furbed and effectively zero hours, HOWEVER, no guarantee on re-furbed engines.

I have found a 1500 I like the look of, but doing a little more home-work on it first...

[BertBert]

Prancing Hippo said:

HOWEVER, no guarantee on re-furbed engines.

That's strange. The sliding scale warranty does apply to RPE refreshed engines.

[Prancing Hippo]

BertBert said:

That's strange. The sliding scale warranty does apply to RPE refreshed engines.

Thanks. Will check again and update everyone.

[Simon T]

with 30 hrs between rebuilds that's a big ask of a Busa engine, it will do it but you'll spend a lot of time heaving it out and in again for rebuilds.

the SR3 is a slow as a slow thing on a slow day with a 1300 in it. why not go for an SR5 or even one of the Ford Turbo engined cars , I know they ave already done some fairly long enduro races and Turbo SR3s are mighty!

Best give 'em a call

Simon

[BertBert]

Simon T said:

with 30 hrs between rebuilds that's a big ask of a Busa engine, it will do it but you'll spend a lot of time heaving it out and in again for rebuilds.

the SR3 is a slow as a slow thing on a slow day with a 1300 in it. why not go for an SR5 or even one of the Ford Turbo engined cars , I know they ave already done some fairly long enduro races and Turbo SR3s are mighty!

Best give 'em a call

Simon

With a 24 hour endurance race, you'll need a spare for testing. What's the budget?

[Prancing Hippo]

Simon T said:

with 30 hrs between rebuilds that's a big ask of a Busa engine, it will do it but you'll spend a lot of time heaving it out and in again for rebuilds.

the SR3 is a slow as a slow thing on a slow day with a 1300 in it. why not go for an SR5 or even one of the Ford Turbo engined cars , I know they ave already done some fairly long enduro races and Turbo SR3s are mighty!

Best give 'em a call

Simon

Thanks Simon - now you've opened a bag of worms! ;-)

Great idea on SR5. Not researching that too and spoken with Radical. Cost a bit more in initial outlay, but if running costs are going to be lower that's fine. Been told that on short races will stand little chance against 1500's, but the focus for me is 6+ hour races so for the few sprints it would be in I do not mind as would still be a fun car. Far fewer for sale as well.

[BertBert]

Also on the suzuki engines you'll have to change the oil every two hours in the race!!!!!

[nigel greensall]

It may be worth talking with Radical about the suitability of the PR6 , i have won many VdeV Endurance races in a Prosport 1300 , including the 12 hours at Magny Cours , we found it a great car for long races because it is light and nimble so there are less tyre and brake changes needed, it is possible the latest 1340 motor would be the one to choose.
What length are the races and what refuelling will you have in the races .

cheers

Nigel

[BertBert]

Just out of interest, how do you deal with oil changes Nigel? Or is it ok without?

[Prancing Hippo]

nigel greensall said:

It may be worth talking with Radical about the suitability of the PR6 , i have won many VdeV Endurance races in a Prosport 1300 , including the 12 hours at Magny Cours , we found it a great car for long races because it is light and nimble so there are less tyre and brake changes needed, it is possible the latest 1340 motor would be the one to choose.
What length are the races and what refuelling will you have in the races .

cheers

Nigel

Thanks Nigel. Am after a 2 seater, but interesting line of thought and good to know. Currently doing 6-16 hour races, with refuelling as and when required. Currently in Clio Cup's so very roughly around the 2 hour mark plus a bit. Thinking about bigger tanks though to the extent the rules permit (work in progress!)

[nigel greensall]

SR3 it is then for a 2 seater ,this is also ideal for coaching and from looking at the results an overall win is possible. I am sure Radical will advise as to the best engine solution from their current range.