1.8T VAG engined Noble M12
Discussion
Hi all..
As some of you might be aware I've just go myself a 2.5 M12 that I am going to rebuild and after much homework on the forum it seems the cars have amazing handling and driving characteristics but not so great reliabilty when used hard on track. To this affect I was wondering what anyone in the knows thoughts are on converting the car to a VAG 1.8T (Audi TT) derived engine and gearbox? Plans would be to run a fully forged engine with big turbo conversion running between 450 and 500bhp with Quaife 6 speed gearbox. I already have most of the parts to perform the swap and would do the work myself. As far as I can see I would benefit from a tried and tested/reliable power plant that was originally intended to be force inducted (albeit not so much!), lower running temps, better mpg when driven sensibly and a significant weight reduction which should hopefully help the cars balance/handling?
What are your thoughts and has anyone had any experience of different engines in a Noble? I'm aware the engine might not sound as sexy but the overall reliability should make up for that..
My pal runs a Mk1 Scirocco with a 600bhp 1.8t that has similar performance to a Veyron over a 1/4 mile (10secs!) so there's plenty of potential! What do you guys think?
As some of you might be aware I've just go myself a 2.5 M12 that I am going to rebuild and after much homework on the forum it seems the cars have amazing handling and driving characteristics but not so great reliabilty when used hard on track. To this affect I was wondering what anyone in the knows thoughts are on converting the car to a VAG 1.8T (Audi TT) derived engine and gearbox? Plans would be to run a fully forged engine with big turbo conversion running between 450 and 500bhp with Quaife 6 speed gearbox. I already have most of the parts to perform the swap and would do the work myself. As far as I can see I would benefit from a tried and tested/reliable power plant that was originally intended to be force inducted (albeit not so much!), lower running temps, better mpg when driven sensibly and a significant weight reduction which should hopefully help the cars balance/handling?
What are your thoughts and has anyone had any experience of different engines in a Noble? I'm aware the engine might not sound as sexy but the overall reliability should make up for that..
My pal runs a Mk1 Scirocco with a 600bhp 1.8t that has similar performance to a Veyron over a 1/4 mile (10secs!) so there's plenty of potential! What do you guys think?
a...four cylinder Noble??? 
In all honesty I've had a few thoughts about what other engines might fit in case of a catastrophic failure. I'm more about cornering and noise than outright straight-line acceleration so I was thinking more like a 5-cyl or a VR6, both probably too heavy to work that well though.
In all honesty I've had a few thoughts about what other engines might fit in case of a catastrophic failure. I'm more about cornering and noise than outright straight-line acceleration so I was thinking more like a 5-cyl or a VR6, both probably too heavy to work that well though.
Trouble with DSG is you need to retain the original main/gearbox ECU which means you either need to "fool" the ECU into thinking the rest of the car is there (I think there is one for Opal engines, but not seem similar for VW) or you have a lot of work on your hands trying to replicate it.
It is possible to turn the engine around and put it in line with a sequential gearbox (there is one Noble where this has been done) which would probably be a lot less work and give a better result.
But then if you just want a track day car, why not buy a Juno.....
J
It is possible to turn the engine around and put it in line with a sequential gearbox (there is one Noble where this has been done) which would probably be a lot less work and give a better result.
But then if you just want a track day car, why not buy a Juno.....
J
I like the duratec but already know the 1.8t inside out and have loads of good contacts to help along the way plus most of the parts and a choice of gearboxes plus the tuning potential is great.
As for the DSG, I've driven a few cars with it and as good as it is I felt you had to wring the cars neck to get the best and the thought of a automatic doesn't do it for me. If I could afford a Ferrari, etc it would always be a manual
As for the DSG, I've driven a few cars with it and as good as it is I felt you had to wring the cars neck to get the best and the thought of a automatic doesn't do it for me. If I could afford a Ferrari, etc it would always be a manual
I would have thought you need the larger capacity for the more linear power delivery and drivability on track (assuming track is your aim), a 1.8 with 500bhp will be a bit of a dog to drive below 5k rpm. Like driving an evo FQ400, nothing, nothing, nothing, boom. Not for me but good luck with it if you do go ahead.
djdubs said:
I like the duratec but already know the 1.8t inside out and have loads of good contacts to help along the way plus most of the parts and a choice of gearboxes plus the tuning potential is great.
As for the DSG, I've driven a few cars with it and as good as it is I felt you had to wring the cars neck to get the best and the thought of a automatic doesn't do it for me. If I could afford a Ferrari, etc it would always be a manual
Ferrari no longer do manuals apparently.As for the DSG, I've driven a few cars with it and as good as it is I felt you had to wring the cars neck to get the best and the thought of a automatic doesn't do it for me. If I could afford a Ferrari, etc it would always be a manual
I definetely can't afford a new one anyway! As for the graph above, your right the power is very linear and similar to that of the M12 in my short experience with the Noble.. Certainly no laggier anyway. The current engine setup I have is in a Mk1 Golf running 370bhp and it's an absolute animal..
once it's rolling! Just putting this engine in the Noble now would be fantastic with the added traction but plans are to use
the existing engine but a new exhaust
manifold and turbo to reach about 450, 600bhp is also relatively easily achievable but this might create too much lag as you say
As for the graph above, your right the power is very linear and similar to that of the M12 in my short experience with the Noble.. Certainly no laggier anyway. The current engine setup I have is in a Mk1 Golf running 370bhp and it's an absolute animal.. once it's rolling! Just putting this engine in the Noble now would be fantastic with the added traction but plans are to use
the existing engine but a new exhaust
manifold and turbo to reach about 450, 600bhp is also relatively easily achievable but this might create too much lag as you say
joust said:
Trouble with DSG is you need to retain the original main/gearbox ECU which means you either need to "fool" the ECU into thinking the rest of the car is there (I think there is one for Opal engines, but not seem similar for VW) or you have a lot of work on your hands trying to replicate it.
It is possible to turn the engine around and put it in line with a sequential gearbox (there is one Noble where this has been done) which would probably be a lot less work and give a better result.
But then if you just want a track day car, why not buy a Juno.....
J
Absolutely, Got It In One It is possible to turn the engine around and put it in line with a sequential gearbox (there is one Noble where this has been done) which would probably be a lot less work and give a better result.
But then if you just want a track day car, why not buy a Juno.....
J
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JBliss said:
WHY???????
you would at least do the 4.2 v8..
you would at least do the 4.2 v8..
rb5er said:
Blasphemy. Can you not get an engine with character, the car deserves one.
I wondered how long it would be before I got shot down! 
I`d love to do the V8, that would be absolutely awesome but not sure it would fit..? Gassing Station | Noble | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff