Difference between 2.5 & 3R

[burge124]

Hi

Went to see a Noble 3R today and was very impressed with the performance. Just wanted a comparison with the smaller sized engine. does the 40bhp or so make much difference?

Apart from the headlight is there any other differences?

thanks

[bernhund]

I personally think the difference in power on the road is minimal, though the 3R will feel different with the 6 speed box. In a nutshell, the other differences are where the weeknesses in the 2.5 have been improved upon. i.e unless you buy a 2.5 with uprated ecu and LSD added to original box, you'll be in for big bills!

[burge124]

The decision i have to make is

lower milage, air conditioning, possibly private reg, in a GTO

or

higher milage, but more power.

Does the 3R have both of those problems solved (ECU & LSD?)

[bernhund]

Gearbox and ecu are fine on 3R, however all Nobles will always have problems that can run away with your hard earned.
A private plate isn't really something to consider unless money is no object. Air con, though I believe wasn't standard, is in virtually every Noble and you will cook without it. As for mileage, I suppose it depends on what you consider high mileage. I probably have one of the highest mileages in a Noble at 49000, 2/3rds of which have been done in the last 2 years and apart from rebuilding the gearbox, I've not really had mileage related problems. Mines a 2.5 and I like the 5 speed box. I've got two other vehicles that have 6 speed boxes and I just prefer 5.

[mgbond]

bernhund said:

Gearbox and ecu are fine on 3R, however all Nobles will always have problems that can run away with your hard earned.
A private plate isn't really something to consider unless money is no object. Air con, though I believe wasn't standard, is in virtually every Noble and you will cook without it. As for mileage, I suppose it depends on what you consider high mileage. I probably have one of the highest mileages in a Noble at 49000, 2/3rds of which have been done in the last 2 years and apart from rebuilding the gearbox, I've not really had mileage related problems. Mines a 2.5 and I like the 5 speed box. I've got two other vehicles that have 6 speed boxes and I just prefer 5.

I think there are a few others a bit higher than 49k. Jools is +80 but has had 3 engines

[burge124]

It is a tough decision!

bernhund have you experience of driving the 3R? Is there much difference in the power on and off a track?

Im also looking into the future if I would like more power from the 2.5 how much is working with a upgraded turbo or does this just cause a lot of headaches?

[mgbond]

If its for track then i suggest you get the 3ltr just make sure it has track day sump and LSD.

Bondy

[andygtt]

i you plan to mod it later then it has to be the 3L as they can be tuned to a lot more power than the 2.5... for tracking you will need a sump and lsd else it wont last.

[Bizarro]

If you are not bothered about leather and updated headlights why not a GTO3 rather than 3R?

You will get a GTO3 for about 2K less than a 3R, spend £500 on a lsd and you're left with an additional 1.5k towards power upgrades. I would have thought you should be able to buy a GTO3 and upgrade to 400bhp for the same price as a standard 3R.