more newbie questions

[mar]

Hi, I’ve just started looking for a GT0-3 and have been reading the posts for the last few days trying to find out as much info as possible before I commit to buy, my biggest concern is the apparent gear box problems with the 5 speed it’s not really putting me off but I would like to get an idea of how likely it is to fail and cost of repair or replacement and are there any other serious problems to look out for

Thanks
Andy

[joust]

It is fair to say a few have failed, but some of those seem to be related to the 'usage' of them.

If it does fail then it's probably better to get the 6 speed box fitted which from memory is £3-4k.

Repair would be in the normal price range for gearboxes depending on what went wrong, although fitting it is a bit of a pain so labour might be quite high.

However, I have to say that I haven't heard of a 5-speed box going bang for a long time, and I can't remember any car that's just been used on the road having any problems apart from the diff, but then if you have the LSD fitted that is much stronger anyway.

Given the price difference of 2.5l 5-speed it really shouldn't put you off them!

J

[MisterX]

My GTO-3 has a five speed box and has not had a problem.

[BrianJ]

A number of later GTO3's have the 6 speed fitted as original equipment.

[joolski]

I did over 30K miles in a 2.5L M12 with a 5 speed box. The gear box was fine, it was the diff it was using that caused the problems.

The 5 speed box is hooked up to an open diff. If one of the wheels spins up, all the torque is channeled to the spinning wheel. If you don't get your foot out of the throttle when the wheel regains grip it can damage the pinion gears.

I did this once when I hit a manhole cover when excelerating out of a junction when it was wet. The diff was under warranty and Noble replaced it.

No doubt that the LSD is going to resolve this issue, but in most situations you should be fine with the 5 speed + open diff.

--Jools

>> Edited by joolski on Wednesday 27th July 16:01

[m12_nathan]

joust said:

It is fair to say a few have failed, but some of those seem to be related to the 'usage' of them.

Don't let Andy walsh borrow your car when he has a le mans driver to beat

Agree with Justin, for road use they are good as gold, if you plan on tracking I'd look for one with an LSD, if not 6 speed + LSD.

[mar]

Thanks for the info, i'm going to go ahead and get one
It will get used quite regularly and just didn't want to paying for rebuilds every few thousand miles.

Andy

[joust]

No danger of that, 2.5's are pretty solid nowdays.

Take your time picking though, as with all cars, time spent looking is always rewarded.

J