Newbie with some questions
Discussion
After reading so many wonderful reviews of the Nobles I am about to visit our only US dealer for test drives in the GTO3R and the M400.
Since I will use this primarily (but not exclusively) as a track car, which is the better buy? I know that the 400 is designed for hard core trackday use, but I also realize that adding bigger blowers to the same 3.0 Duratec certainly leads to quicker engine wear.
Is the difference in performance between the 2 cars so outstanding that I must get the 400? I'm trying to seek a balance between cost of the car and ongoing maintenance versus the respective cars' track capabilities. For reference, my previous track car was a Ferrari 360 Challenge which I sold after 3 seasons due to its astronomical maintenance costs (anyone for a $1,000 alternator and $400 oil change?)
I'm also looking for any known reliability issues with either car. Any help would be appreciated. There are not many Nobles in the USA, so it's not like I can pop down to my corner mechanic and get all the details. Thanks.
Since I will use this primarily (but not exclusively) as a track car, which is the better buy? I know that the 400 is designed for hard core trackday use, but I also realize that adding bigger blowers to the same 3.0 Duratec certainly leads to quicker engine wear.
Is the difference in performance between the 2 cars so outstanding that I must get the 400? I'm trying to seek a balance between cost of the car and ongoing maintenance versus the respective cars' track capabilities. For reference, my previous track car was a Ferrari 360 Challenge which I sold after 3 seasons due to its astronomical maintenance costs (anyone for a $1,000 alternator and $400 oil change?)
I'm also looking for any known reliability issues with either car. Any help would be appreciated. There are not many Nobles in the USA, so it's not like I can pop down to my corner mechanic and get all the details. Thanks.
solly said:
After reading so many wonderful reviews of the Nobles I am about to visit our only US dealer for test drives in the GTO3R and the M400.
Since I will use this primarily (but not exclusively) as a track car, which is the better buy? I know that the 400 is designed for hard core trackday use, but I also realize that adding bigger blowers to the same 3.0 Duratec certainly leads to quicker engine wear.
Is the difference in performance between the 2 cars so outstanding that I must get the 400? I'm trying to seek a balance between cost of the car and ongoing maintenance versus the respective cars' track capabilities. For reference, my previous track car was a Ferrari 360 Challenge which I sold after 3 seasons due to its astronomical maintenance costs (anyone for a $1,000 alternator and $400 oil change?)
I'm also looking for any known reliability issues with either car. Any help would be appreciated. There are not many Nobles in the USA, so it's not like I can pop down to my corner mechanic and get all the details. Thanks.
At least you can go to your local ford dealer for things like halfshafts, power steering pumps etc. AND you can have a whole new engine for the cost of the Ferrari's 30K service and front pads/rotors! If in your shoes I would get the M400 as it is even more rare and should hold it's value better. The .15BAR difference in boost will have little effect on longevity. Be prepared for MUCH harder acceleration than the Ferrari. I was amazed on my test drive. Enjoy.
M400.
Remember that the M400 uses bigger turbos, so AFAICS they actually run at lower boost. I think the max is aroun 0.5bar on the M400 T28s (I'm still running mine in so can't be 100% sure) compared to 0.7bar on the 3R.
What that means in terms of engine longevity I don't know, but given Roushe set the engine up (they are the same people that did the new Ford GT engine according to an EVO magaizine article I read yesterday) I think they'll know what they are doing.
J
Remember that the M400 uses bigger turbos, so AFAICS they actually run at lower boost. I think the max is aroun 0.5bar on the M400 T28s (I'm still running mine in so can't be 100% sure) compared to 0.7bar on the 3R.
What that means in terms of engine longevity I don't know, but given Roushe set the engine up (they are the same people that did the new Ford GT engine according to an EVO magaizine article I read yesterday) I think they'll know what they are doing.
J
yep I'd get the m400 too
If you want to talk to US owners, some of them hang out here :
www.nobleforums.com/index.php?
AMG Merc said:
I own a 3R and I would get an M400...no contest.
Martin.
.. and what colour would it be El Jenkins?! :-)
Don't start my head spinning again, Rob. It's the hardest decicion I've ever had to make. For the many months I had to mull it over it was never going to be the same for any two consecutive weeks, and I ended up choosing the colour I first thought of anyway!
Martin.
But you must admit, it's nice having the only one. Gassing Station | Noble | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff