Tucking away or using over winter ?

[lucozade]

As I'm sure most of us are, I'm toiling over the idea of using my 3R over winter. I do have another car to use but I'm getting tempted to sell it and bank the cash.

Has anyone used one over the winter period ? Any valuable input to give ?

Also on a similar subject is anyone else leaving theres out in the elements, i.e. no cover ?

[gotapex]

Don't have mine yet, but it should get here in November. I plan to use mine throughout the freezing cold 50-60 degree F Southern California winter. I know it's cruel driving through this frosty tundra, but I won't be able to stand not driving it. Worse comes to worse, I'll drive my other car if it starts sprinkling, or, God forbid, drops into the 40's.

>> Edited by gotapex on Friday 8th October 00:46

[NoLimits]

Well, cars (especially such a "driver's car" as the Noble) are meant to be driven ... right?

But, I can understand being picky about choosing the right car for the right time.

Would I drive the low, crazy fast, rwd Noble in the rain, snow, ice, tornado, etc etc? ... NO WAY. Maybe rain ... for mischievous experimentation and frolic ... but seldom.

However, if it is cold and dry ... hop in ... heat the tires up ... and drive it like you stole it!!! ... without hurting anyone or getting in trouble with the law.

All engines LOVE cold air ... especially forced induction engines.

We just had our first week of 40 degree night-time weather (Va, USA) ... opposed to our 80 degree with 100% humidity summer typical.

I had to adjust my manual boost controller 3 times ... on my supra ... to keep from fuel cut and tune for new climate.

I hopped in and pegged the boost past 15psi initially (ahh, the fear of detonation combined with the joy of boost) ... even though it was hitting only about 11psi max in the less dense air a few days ago.

Tuned it to hold 15 psi and had a whole lot of fun.

Tuned it to a conservative 10-11psi and took it home.

The performance difference, in the cooler climate ... is definitely noticeable. Fun.

I'd recommend driving it if it is dry and cold and you feel like it.

>> Edited by NoLimits on Friday 8th October 04:47

[stuh]

lucozade said:

As I'm sure most of us are, I'm toiling over the idea of using my 3R over winter. I do have another car to use but I'm getting tempted to sell it and bank the cash. Has anyone used one over the winter period ? Any valuable input to give ? Also on a similar subject is anyone else leaving theres out in the elements, i.e. no cover ?

Absolutely! Mine has been used through 3 winters.

It's worth it just to see other drivers reactions as you drift around snowy country lanes

Also, as NoLimits mentions, that cold air in the turbos really puts fire in the cars belly. Additionally the wet road traction is staggering for a RWD car.

Only problem i ever had was with demisting the windscreen, the alcatara absorbed a lot of moisture and this combined with the less than stellar performance of the windcreen blowers meant a bit of wait before driving off.........

>> Edited by stuh on Friday 8th October 07:51

[MisterX]

lucozade said:

As I'm sure most of us are, I'm toiling over the idea of using my 3R over winter. I do have another car to use but I'm getting tempted to sell it and bank the cash. Has anyone used one over the winter period ? Any valuable input to give ? Also on a similar subject is anyone else leaving theres out in the elements, i.e. no cover ?

Last winter I used the car farless frequently as it obviously handles less well in the wet. Don't actually recall any significant snowfall round here. Car is kept in garage when not in use - if you choose to 'lay it up' for the winter then you will certainly need to use tricklecharger and that's a no-no out of doors I would guess. Garaging helps keep insurance cost down as well.

[ThatPhilBrettGuy]

MisterX said:

Last winter I used the car farless frequently as it obviously handles less well in the wet.

Handles just as well but just less grip I find, but I get your point.

Mine's outside all the time. I don't think I'll use it in the show though. Big tyres, low weight...been there, haven't done that if you know what I mean.

Cheers

Phil

[m12_nathan]

Mine is left outside and used all year round, although I didn't use it in the snow.

[joust]

stuh said:

Only problem i ever had was with demisting the windscreen, the alcatara absorbed a lot of moisture and this combined with the less than stellar performance of the windcreen blowers meant a bit of wait before driving off.........

Turn the air-con on.

Air con with the heat turned up is very very effective at clearing screens - air-conditioning systems de-humidfy the air and so when it hits the mist it is able to absorb the moisture.

J

[JimNoble]

It also helps to maintain your aircon system! (so the seals don't dry out)

Jim

[A.C.G.]

As luck would have it, I'm selling my car cover I've only used the once (to take the photo's on the advert) so if you want to keep your car in pristine condition them feel free to make me an offer...

Details here: www.pistonheads.com/sales/list.asp?p=1&s=361

[rob234]

I used my Exige for the past 3 years most of the winter months. It was quite a laugh, variable road conditions make for fun! I did drive it in snow once, really good doughnuts, not much stopping power!

Collecting my M400 in March, i'm not convinced that will be so forgiving given the amount of power to weight!