Some Questions!

[Ikemi]

I've always had a thing for the Noble M12. Just over a year ago, I posted this ...

http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?t=853...

... although unfortunately I wasn't in a position to buy. Circumstances have now changed and I'm hoping to acquire one either by the end of this year (via finance), or next Summer (own outright). However before I start saving, I'm going to arrange a test drive either this weekend or next, to see if I fall for the M12

I'm interested in handling, acceleration and noise; 3 points that really do it for me in terms of driver involvement and experience. I have a couple of questions though, some of which might be a little 'chav'

1. Is the 3L noticeably faster than the 2.5L?
2. Are there any benefits of owning the 2.5L over the 3L?
3. Is a low £20K car going to be trouble?
3. What's the best sounding exhaust? Has anyone removed the cat? If so, any vids?
4. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Ura_kCfdI0&fea... ... What BOV would I need to recreate this sound?
5. What tyres would you recommend? Prices?
6. What are the most common issues with the M12?

I've spotted one on Autofficina that looks pretty sorted. Shame about the timing. If it's still there in several months time though ...

Any help is much appreciated!

[Ikemi]

Anyone?

[playalistic]

Here goes...

Ikemi said:

1. Is the 3L noticeably faster than the 2.5L?

As standard - probably not much faster in the real world. The 2.5 in stock form is lighter than the 3 & 3R so evens out somewhat. More tuneable though.

Ikemi said:

2. Are there any benefits of owning the 2.5L over the 3L?

Not really. But it depends if the car is stock.

Ikemi said:

3. Is a low £20K car going to be trouble?

Again, depends. Get an independent inspection or buy off someone here.

Ikemi said:

3. What's the best sounding exhaust? Has anyone removed the cat? If so, any vids?

Subjective. I have the BCS exhaust which sounds nice and passes most trackday limits. Some have the Hayward & Scott, Roush or custom jobs.

Ikemi said:

4. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Ura_kCfdI0&fea... ... What BOV would I need to recreate this sound?

Forge BOV but any other BOV would suffice.

Ikemi said:

5. What tyres would you recommend? Prices?

Track tyres Toyo R888 or Yoko AO48. Road tyres anything from PS2 to Vredesteins. I have the Vredesteins and find them plenty grippy both wet and dry.

Ikemi said:

6. What are the most common issues with the M12?

2.5 should have ECU replaced with the MBE unit.
Cars with the 5 speed box eat the open diff so make sure it has 6-speed preferably and definitely do not buy without an LSD fitted.
Fuel pump wiring needs replacing to higher guage.
Cracked manifolds.
Leaky floors where the rivits pop out due to water ingress.
Chassis corrosion if the car has been kept outside uncovered or used a lot in the wet and untreated.

Ikemi said:

I've spotted one on Autofficina that looks pretty sorted. Shame about the timing. If it's still there in several months time though ...

Any help is much appreciated!

That car belongs to a member here and looks to be a great example. A lot of your questions can be answered fully with some careful searching. Pays to research as there are some duffers around. One that has had the common issues addressed will be a great purchase though and can actually be reliable (shock horror) if correctly maintained.

[SwankBaton]

playalistic said:

A lot of your questions can be answered fully with some careful searching

This.

Well done for answering though.

[Ikemi]

Thanks Playalistic for the comprehensive answer! Much appreciated! In the mean time, I'll continue searching