Roll Call

[alec dudfield]

This is embarrasingly one of the very slowest forums on PH. So I thought a roll call appropriate, to make it more interesting what do you think of your car(s) and what would improve them? I'll start I guess.

Alec Dudfield Racing Team Owner Radical SR3 (2)
The cars deliver a staggering level of performance. They are 'high maintenance' when driven constantly on the limit. My biggest criticisms are operational costs and reliability. Improvements: a front undertray and nose installation that does not disintegrate under mild duress. Gear linkage that does not permit excessive mechanical force to be transmitted directly into the gearbox, bending selector forks.

Look forward to hearing your replies.

Alec

[Paul T]

Hi Alec, guess the slow response was expected given the way the site is used! I've got a clubsport (chssis 27) which has now done a full season of SEMSEC. 750MC & 1 Radical round. Car is great but high maint. Think its prob. true to say you cant go quicker fore less money but they are costly to run on a regular basis. One plus from this year has been the change to Matatador tyres, they last ages on the clubsport with no real dropoff whereas all the Avon runners I've come up against are on new tyres every meeting.

It was noticable at the Radical meet I did that there were v/few private runners, its not so suprising then that the site is poorly attended, am considering running the car in the Radical champ. but this will mean more expense as it really needs dry sumping & later wheels/suspension. Then the question arises do I sell it & buy a Prosport for the same outlay?

[alec dudfield]

Paul T said:

.... am considering running the car in the Radical champ. but this will mean more expense as it really needs dry sumping & later wheels/suspension. Then the question arises do I sell it & buy a Prosport for the same outlay?

The Prosport is a good car, IMHO the 2002 car being the best all rounder Radical have made,(others will disagree). I'd be loathe to plough additional cash in to the clubsport if I could find a Prosport at the right money.

Regards, Alec.

[Paul T]

I get the immpression that the factory dont run the Prosport with the 1500cc engine so as not to be quicker than the SR3?

[TonyF]

Hi Alec and Paul, IMHO I would go for the prosport (I did) and i"m glad I did aswell, had the clubsport and enjoyed it very much then had a race in a prosport at croft last year with mick mercer and the difference in grip etc was astounding over the clubsport and vowed that one day I would buy one and race it. This year, I decided to go for the new SR4 and although many could not get on with it I found it....ok. Now have a 2002 prosport and to date have done 3 trackdays with it and have been bang on the pace going by this years times at races (yes I know you shouldn"t time at a trackday but what the heck! )
Looking forward to racing it next year with my son in the radical powertec cup + britsports etc.
So yes I agree with alec, it is the best car to get!
Regards
Tony.

[Paul T]

Now trying to find a good Prosport, why is the 2002 car rated as the best and whats different about the rear suspension?

[nildram]

2002 has Nik link rear, which isn't as nice as the old conventional bar (so I'm told). However, I think from 2002 they beefed up the uprights significantly. Ideally you want a 2001 car that has been raced and so has had the upgraded uprights...

[orangeradical]

just seen the forum for Radical. I race a 2001 Prosport,which i sometimes share with Nick Padmore in Britsports. The car is absolutely fantastic,once it is set up properly, easy to maintain and drive. Like most of these cars they need regular maintanance, which can be time consuming. this summer powertec built me a 1500cc engine, to the same spec as the sr3, have only managed 1 10 lap sprint race at silverstone with it but i have to say the car is absolutely awesome.

[dannylt]

Oops - just spotted this thread - I remember asking Ted to create this forum since the other one (sr3owners.com?) was completely dead.

I bought my car early 2002, and the new owner just picked it up a few days ago. It was a amazing experience, and I'm glad I was lucky enough to have one.

Plus points - Incredible speed, ease of maintenance, fantastic service from Radical. Memories from driving on the road.

Negative points - having to store your trailer 5 miles away from the car sucks (for me), relatively high maintenance and fiddle factor. Too fast for track days. Inappropriate for gooning. Actually too extreme for road use!

I'd love to race one, but not until I have more time and my new family is a little older. Maybe an SR4? Until then, a small torquey 260+ bhp R500 will do for some hooliganism - and makes a much better road car!

[AndrewD]

I thought you bought your car in 2003

[dannylt]

I can't count

[nildram]

Agreed on the track day front. Still enjoying using the Elise on track days. About to go for the supercharger for that (already got a Honda engine), so that might be too quick for track days soon...

My advice to a Radical owner who can't afford to go racing would be to get a race license and do some test days. You can then overtake on both sides, and are more likely to be out with faster machinery and more experienced (but less sensible) drivers.

[dannylt]

Hi Adrian!

I would recommend against the supercharger - I think with 200bhp of Honda the Elise is perfect, after that I'm sure brakes & suspension will need yet more work and become a money pit Still, when does being sensible prevail? And if you get it I'd love a ride!

[nildram]

As you know, Danny, I've had the same thoughts. But, the braking and lack of LSD are the only real issues that it may present, and both are solvable. Reliability seems to not be an issue, and it's hard to say no to an extra 100bhp for 4 grand...