GTO3 or GTO3R?

[LazyRoss18]

Looking to purchase one early next year, so doing lots of research in the meantime. What I would like to know is if you had the choice which car would you choose? Are there any GTO3 owners that wish they had an R? And likewise are there any 3R owners who wished they had a 3?

Thanks

Ross

[nigelw]

3R ...never regretted it ...track sump , 6 speed , prefer the wheels , lamp lens misting is annoying though ! ....

[NickyTwoHats]

Generally these cars are so well modified / sorted that the model number is misleading.

I prefer the suspension set up of the 5 speed cars

[JBliss]

NickyTwoHats said:

Generally these cars are so well modified / sorted that the model number is misleading.

I prefer the suspension set up of the 5 speed cars

i didnt think the suspension was any different 5 to 6 speed?

[slipstream 1985]

i wanted the gto clam as i think it looks better. however if it s a couple of 1000 between the 2 cars and both are standard id go for the 3r for the upgrades. IF a gto or gto3 has all the upgrades then it comes down to serviceing millage and colour imo as the price should be relativly similar

[andygtt]

if the GT03 has an LSD and TDS there is little to choose between the 2 cars... 3R has different headlights and Leather if these are desirable to you then choice is made.

Some 3R's didnt have a 6 speed box and some GT03 did have a 6 speeder... so make sure you check!!!!

If you want to heavily mod the car to over 500bhp then you will want a 6 speed car as 5 speed cant take as much power as 6 speed.

Mine is a GT03 and I upgraded to a 6 speed box due to power and added a TDS and a few other mods.

[JBliss]

just like Andy, mine is a GTO-3 but now has the 6 speed box, TDS etc.

I believe Jetstream may have a nice GTO3 with all the 3r goodies on it for sale.

[LazyRoss18]

Thanks for the replies lads, is there a large performance difference between the 2? The 3R's extra weight seems like the only downside however reading a recent thread on here are the quoted weights optimistic in the first place?

[wessexrfc]

LazyRoss18 said:

Thanks for the replies lads, is there a large performance difference between the 2? The 3R's extra weight seems like the only downside however reading a recent thread on here are the quoted weights optimistic in the first place?

When I was looking my impression was that the 3R front looked more modern and more aggressive than the 3. If you wanted to update with side scoops then the 3R is more coherent with the M400 as the fronts are the same, as are the wheels, but as others have said there is little in it. Buy on spec and quality BOL

[Gadgeroonie]

nigelw said:

3R ...never regretted it ...track sump , 6 speed , prefer the wheels , lamp lens misting is annoying though ! ....

i think this is the main issue with the 3r style lights

[Scooby P1]

I like the 3R lights, does look more modern. Also like the wheels but there are bad stories about them cracking whereas none for the 3.
Mine is a 3 with TDS, 6 speed and LSD all factory fitted so I feel lucky.

There's a rumor that people modify theirs whatever spec.....I never was going to.. But then again, does carbon infils, splitter, mirror covers, fuel pump upgrade, remap, tunnel mod and intercooler (last two imminent) count?

[SwankBaton]

Gadgeroonie said:

i think this is the main issue with the 3r style lights

Tis only physics, just need to vent the rears / seal up in low humidity. Bit of Rain-X Anti-fog on the inside helps, applied with coat hanger / cotton wool combo

[joust]

JBliss said:

i didnt think the suspension was any different 5 to 6 speed?

Suspension is the same, but weight is different. He's not the first person to comment that the 5-speed has sweeter handling (Clarkson being another).

J

[andygtt]

joust said:

JBliss said:

i didnt think the suspension was any different 5 to 6 speed?

Suspension is the same, but weight is different. He's not the first person to comment that the 5-speed has sweeter handling (Clarkson being another).

J

cars handling on the limit changes when you add an LSD as they slide more progressivelly with an open diff... how many 5 speeds have an open diff?

claimed weights are optimistic... differences in 5 speed and 6 speed is probably more to do with setup and fact they had open diffs... the handling of my car didnt change between the 5 speed and 6 speed but is much better now I have decent shocks and setup.

[playalistic]

andygtt said:

cars handling on the limit changes when you add an LSD as they slide more progressivelly with an open diff...

Noble being mid engined I don't think the LSD would have such a profound effect given the weight near the rear axle. I'd say most people get the diff just because the open ones are known to eat themselves up.

I wouldn't necessarily agree with your point that once the inside wheel lets go it is more "progressive" though. Sure you get some trace of understeer when the diff locks but given the inherent "about to slip" moment of the car this can be dialled out with some more loud pedal anyway

[andygtt]

I did 30k with the open diff and changed to an LSD... it didnt make a huge difference but was easier to 'drift' with the LSD.

some love an open diff, some hate it and prefer an LSD.... Im in the LSD school.

for comparison and Ultima is almost uncatchable with a LSD on track, if the back slides it spins.... but an open diff allows a little more window to catch it.

Im betting it was after Clarkson 'enjoyed' the open diff 5 speed car that Lee decided an LSD was a much... bet the car came back in bits lol

[LazyRoss18]

I do agree that I prefer the headlights of the R, is misting a common occurence then? I havent even test drove one yet so may need to actually try one out, doubt a dealer will let a 21 year old loose in one however

[951]

LazyRoss18 said:

I do agree that I prefer the headlights of the R, is misting a common occurence then?

Mine don't

[sean j g]

+1 mine don't either

[SwankBaton]

sean j g said:

+1 mine don't either

Just dont crack them open on a humid day !
I made the mistake of sunshine only repairs lol