Discussion
....not as many as upgrade from the 3R to the M400. Can't recall all the differences between 3 and 3R (but I can guarantee someone will), but headlamp fairing and wheels are the obvious ones - I believe the 3 has a 5 speed box whereas the 3R has the 6 speed getrag box with Quaife sliffery diff. Also leather interior for 3R. The box and diff are the only things that would make the 3 a 'lesser' car from a driving perspective, although again I can't recall any difference in performance between the 2 models.
Many of these debates (and I've had many myself) are almost purely academic - buy any of the of the M12 models and you'll love it
Many of these debates (and I've had many myself) are almost purely academic - buy any of the of the M12 models and you'll love it
Some of the 3's were fitted with the LSD and six speed box as well. The 3R is the heavier car as they had to reinforce the front clam around the new headlamp cluster design. then you have all the extra sound proofing etc on the 3R which also add's to the weight.
I think the decision choice between the 3 and the 3R is largely a comestic one i.e do you want the wheels, faired in headlights and leather interior etc' The GTO3 is the slightly quicker car but I'd doubt anyone could notice the difference.
I think the decision choice between the 3 and the 3R is largely a comestic one i.e do you want the wheels, faired in headlights and leather interior etc' The GTO3 is the slightly quicker car but I'd doubt anyone could notice the difference.
Hi Dan,
Wasn't me mate.
I hope to get a noble in 6 months or so, and would like to stretch to the 3R if I can otherwise i will settle for a GTO3. I will be chuffed whichever one I get.
I drove a GTO3 at Mole Valley a year ago, but didn't think I could use it as an everyday car. I am getting a crappy 4*4 now though so that I can use the NOble as an evening / weekend blast.
So is the difference really just styling (wheels etc) with the 3R?
ta,
Flatfour.
>> Edited by flatfour on Sunday 9th October 10:52
Wasn't me mate.
I hope to get a noble in 6 months or so, and would like to stretch to the 3R if I can otherwise i will settle for a GTO3. I will be chuffed whichever one I get.
I drove a GTO3 at Mole Valley a year ago, but didn't think I could use it as an everyday car. I am getting a crappy 4*4 now though so that I can use the NOble as an evening / weekend blast.
So is the difference really just styling (wheels etc) with the 3R?
ta,
Flatfour.
>> Edited by flatfour on Sunday 9th October 10:52
From what I can recall....
M12 GTO - 2.5L engine, standard diff, 5 speed.
M12 GTO3 - 3.0L engine, standard diff, 5 speed. Although I think that later models had a 6 speed.
M12 GTO3R - 3.0L engine, LSD, 6 speed .
M400 - 3.0L engine, LSD, 6 speed (suspension and stearing changes, as well as increased BHP).
You can't really go wrong with any of them, they are all good enough to blow your socks off!
The only issue these days will be sourcing 2.5L engines, as Noble motorsport are not making any more, so if you are going to use the car heavily the 3/3R/M400 option might be your best bet.
--Jools
M12 GTO - 2.5L engine, standard diff, 5 speed.
M12 GTO3 - 3.0L engine, standard diff, 5 speed. Although I think that later models had a 6 speed.
M12 GTO3R - 3.0L engine, LSD, 6 speed .
M400 - 3.0L engine, LSD, 6 speed (suspension and stearing changes, as well as increased BHP).
You can't really go wrong with any of them, they are all good enough to blow your socks off!
The only issue these days will be sourcing 2.5L engines, as Noble motorsport are not making any more, so if you are going to use the car heavily the 3/3R/M400 option might be your best bet.
--Jools
flatfour said:On the limit, yes. It stops the inside wheel lighting up which means all the power gets 'spun away'.
Does the LSD make a big difference to the handling?
On the road there is a train of thought that goes that LSDs are slightly tricker in the wet than a non-LSD car, but I've never found it any harder (I had a LSD added to my 2.5, but then perhaps I drive like a woss in the wet on the road
) On the track the LSD transforms the speed you can come out of corners.
J
I'd go for a GTO-3 with a 6SP box and Track Sump then spend the saving over a 3R on upgrades. Thus ending up with a more capable car over all.
If a 2.5 comes up at the right price don't ignore it, if its cheap enough fitment of a 6SP box isn't extortionate and 350bhp is easily available from the 2.5. Also the lack of engine supply from JNM/Noble isn't a problem, we can rebuild a current engine or build a new engine from scratch if required - although using a failed 2.5 as an excuse to go to a 3 litre would be a good idea as the cost difference is fairly minor.
If going for a 3 litre car I would strongly urge you go for one with a 6SP box. The 5SP tends to be a little fragile when dealing with 350 ftlbs.
Best Regards
Matt
If a 2.5 comes up at the right price don't ignore it, if its cheap enough fitment of a 6SP box isn't extortionate and 350bhp is easily available from the 2.5. Also the lack of engine supply from JNM/Noble isn't a problem, we can rebuild a current engine or build a new engine from scratch if required - although using a failed 2.5 as an excuse to go to a 3 litre would be a good idea as the cost difference is fairly minor.
If going for a 3 litre car I would strongly urge you go for one with a 6SP box. The 5SP tends to be a little fragile when dealing with 350 ftlbs.
Best Regards
Matt
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