SR3 Lots of questions????

[Carl Goodwin]

Hi All I have been watching this section of the forum for some time and I have lots of question as a Newbie, I am currently looking at purchasing a SR3 supersport 2006 vintage running 1500 injection engine, big brake upgrade and basics aero body in reasonable condition for year that has been looked after by an privateer race team, Engine and gearbox were rebuilt by RPE in 2010 and the car has reportedly completed one race and 2 trackdays but not raced/used in last 18 months. My questions are as follows,

First things to look out for on this model/vintage
Spares that I should have ready
Replacement of filters, plugs and fluids are a given for me but what about the nuts/bolts on suspension and engine mounts,
Ideas of where to source replacement parts at reasonable cost other the Radical if not necessary
Suggestions welcome on who to use for rebuilds and ideas of cost
Basic gearing setup to get me started, typical tracks, donnington, oulton park, cadwell
Any how to guides that I could use for maintenance/setup other than the radical manual.

I'm sure there will be more but that should get me started.

Thanks for your help in advance.

[bloberoo]

Hello , is it Yellow and Red?, and viewed in past few days? , If so you can P.M me for testimony but I cant say anything on this thread as will be seen as advertising ...:-). Just to confirm little use since rebuild as a Previous Pilots Racing has been done in RS form only past few Months.
Will give you my Mobile No. if you wish..
No questions too small or too Big!
Regards, He who was unable to be there at viewing!!, Apologies.


P.s long running Forum Joke, how we struggled not to mention BertBerts Sr4../...1?
Chassis in inappropriate places, oh god not again Sorry !
Lets hope it Sold !!:-)

[BioBa]

I was a newbie when I purchased my SR3. I wish I would have asked your questions before buying mine. Things I would look out for now that I know more:
a) Make sure you get a full aging record of all parts in particular for an older car like the one you are looking at. You need to know exactly when what part was exchanged. Most safety related pars of the SR3 have an recommended life span after which they should be exchanged (you can get aging recommendations for most parts from Radical). In particular uprights (very expensive to exchange), rose joints and wishbones should have been aged. Any failure of those components at speed can be fatal. I nearly had a very bad accident when one of my uprights broke and I lost a wheel!
b) If the car has been driven very little for the last couple of years the tyres might still have plenty of rubber but would be hard and carry no grip. Most likely you will need to buy new tyres right away - expensive.
c) All maintenance records should be linked to engine hours. That way you get a much better understanding how many hours are really on the engine. Without that link how does anybody know what the true hours really are?
d) With an older car I also would definitely have a close look a the suspension bushes. Very time consuming (expensive)to replace.
e) Engine oil leaks. Without taking the rear diffuser off it is very hard to say if there are any oil leaks. You will need to warm up the engine and remove the diffuser and check for any possible leaks from underneath.
f) Check all fiberglass panels thoroughly(!) for cracks and good fit. Make sure all body clips are in good condition with no mounting rivets missing.
g) The brake system is very reliable and relatively cheap to fix. Check discs for heat cracks and wear on pads.
h) Check shocks for oil leaks. If it still has the old AVO shocks think about upgrading (= expensive).
I) My rear nik-link broke because it is very close to the exhaust and might get some heat damage. Check for any exhaust residue/heat damage on the rod.
j) Check that seat belts are within date. Expensive to replace.
k) Check that the fire extinguisher is within date.
l) In older cars the foam in the tank often breaks down. Check if it has been replaced or removed - expensive and time consuming if you have to do it.
m) Check for excessive fiberglass wear on the underside of the side pods, side skirts and front diffuser. Those components can be get damaged easily. Easy to repair but expensive to replace.

These are a couple important pointers to help you out. Good luck!

[splitpin]

bloberoo said:

Hello , is it Yellow and Red?, ............

Do you mean like mainly yellow with some red decals Patrick?; if so, I'm guesssing P&T A's?; if so won't be much wrong with that, both very genuine people, not some old tart constantly hawking a .........

[Carl Goodwin]

Thanks for the great response, the information provided is much appreciated as this will be my first experience of a proper race car and its requirements any advice is welcome.

please send me your contact details bloberoo for further information/discussion as it sounds like we are in the same place.

[bloberoo]

Yes Trevor, same page!. I know one of the chaps who looked after it very well, an absolute anorak with a endless line of awful forum jokes....:-).
RS upgrade looming if it doesnt sell!
Will let you know the colour of the Team Principals face when he hears.......
........this'll be the first he's heard of it....! :-)

[splitpin]

And when he's calmed down, tell him that as the young whipper-snapper can look after himself nowadays, duly RS'd, he should really get out more

[bloberoo]

Absolutely Right! . He really should, come to think of it so should I ( preferably on an Msvr Saturday!!).

[BertBert]

bloberoo said:

P.s long running Forum Joke, how we struggled not to mention BertBerts Sr4../...1?
Chassis in inappropriate places, oh god not again Sorry !
Lets hope it Sold !!:-)

Well very nice of you to remember my plight. It has indeed gone to a happy new home. I have a suspicion it might one day turn up as part of an SR1!
Sorry to derail the thread!
Bert