Noble Real world performance
Discussion
Morning All. 
forgive the intrusion from a jap car driver, don't dispatch the posse yet 
Thought i'd drop a line or ten in here and see what you guys have to say, as this seems to be the only real active noble forum i can find thats actually got people who know a thing or two about their cars
Basically, i'm looking for a new car at the minute, and as much as i'd like the GT3RS i think if i'm to get one i'm going to need a stop gap car first. I've always like the nobles, and having just checked out the prices i'm shocked at how accessible they have become.
I'm currently driving a Nissan Skyline R33 GTR, which is running somewhere between 460 and 500bhp. I'd be looking to get a GTO3 as this might let me keep the skyline for a while longer. I know the GTR is quicker in a straight line, but i'm expecting the noble to demolish it in every other discipline, which i'm sure it's capable of due to it's power to weight ratio, and handling characteristics. Relax, i don't live and breathe jap
Anyway, what i'm interested to know is how the Noble performs in real world every day situations, in terms of reliability, and how it deals with things like speed bumps in particular (my estate is swarming with them
). The ride height looks forgiving for the nature of the car, but are they deceptively easy to "grind out"?
Also, how composed is the car when driving regularly, say on a mix of A and B roads. I'm looking for a bit of an all rounder with a penchant for track days i suppose, without going the all to obvious lotus or TVR route.
I've got around the 30k mark in mind initially, which seems to be able to get a nice GTO3.
Are there any things in particular to look out for thats specific with these cars when checking them out? I've done some searching around for a buyers guide but haven't had any luck so far, if anyone knows where i can get one i'd appreciate the info! I'm aware of the 2.5 litre 5 speeds occasional problems, but i'm guessing they were recitified for the 3's?
I've got a dealer about 30 miles from me so i'll no doubt be in touch with them, but hearing what i need to from actual owners would be preferable.
One final question, how are they for taller drivers? i'm 6'3
Sorry for the interrogation, but with Noble being a fairly small company i'm curious to explore as much as i can before comitting to one, as i'm sure most of you know from your buying days.
Appreciate any advice you can offer me, and apologies for the wordy post. Hope to join you all in Noble ownership soon!
Cheers
Stu
forgive the intrusion from a jap car driver, don't dispatch the posse yet Thought i'd drop a line or ten in here and see what you guys have to say, as this seems to be the only real active noble forum i can find thats actually got people who know a thing or two about their cars
Basically, i'm looking for a new car at the minute, and as much as i'd like the GT3RS i think if i'm to get one i'm going to need a stop gap car first. I've always like the nobles, and having just checked out the prices i'm shocked at how accessible they have become.
I'm currently driving a Nissan Skyline R33 GTR, which is running somewhere between 460 and 500bhp. I'd be looking to get a GTO3 as this might let me keep the skyline for a while longer. I know the GTR is quicker in a straight line, but i'm expecting the noble to demolish it in every other discipline, which i'm sure it's capable of due to it's power to weight ratio, and handling characteristics. Relax, i don't live and breathe jap
Anyway, what i'm interested to know is how the Noble performs in real world every day situations, in terms of reliability, and how it deals with things like speed bumps in particular (my estate is swarming with them
). The ride height looks forgiving for the nature of the car, but are they deceptively easy to "grind out"? Also, how composed is the car when driving regularly, say on a mix of A and B roads. I'm looking for a bit of an all rounder with a penchant for track days i suppose, without going the all to obvious lotus or TVR route.
I've got around the 30k mark in mind initially, which seems to be able to get a nice GTO3.
Are there any things in particular to look out for thats specific with these cars when checking them out? I've done some searching around for a buyers guide but haven't had any luck so far, if anyone knows where i can get one i'd appreciate the info! I'm aware of the 2.5 litre 5 speeds occasional problems, but i'm guessing they were recitified for the 3's?
I've got a dealer about 30 miles from me so i'll no doubt be in touch with them, but hearing what i need to from actual owners would be preferable.
One final question, how are they for taller drivers? i'm 6'3
Sorry for the interrogation, but with Noble being a fairly small company i'm curious to explore as much as i can before comitting to one, as i'm sure most of you know from your buying days.
Appreciate any advice you can offer me, and apologies for the wordy post. Hope to join you all in Noble ownership soon!
Cheers
Stu
Hello
right then, here goes !
firstly you've got to be aware of what a massively different drive these things are compared to a skyline. It will take you quite a while to be able to get from A to B faster in a Noble that you can already. Triple that if it's wet !
Speed bumps are not too much of a problem, just take care on ramps of steep inclines. This is made better by taking the splitter off (they aren't on the M400's anyway!)
As for road compliance, they're pretty good and in my humble experience they are one of the best at handling mid-corner bumps and such. As a direct comparison, at a recent Northants Run; Whizzy in his 911 996GT3 said he was really struggling when it got a bit bumpy compared to Jools in the Noble infront. TBH neither are a real bumpy B road classic ! Something like a Meganne 225 CUP would take an awful lot of keeping up with !
Oh, and then there's the good old point that pretty much all the Noble guys will agree with... if you want to go faster from A to B, spend the money on yourself, not on the car
Don't let any of that put you off though ! Nobles are a truly awesome prospect for a daily driver coupled with track-days
right then, here goes !
firstly you've got to be aware of what a massively different drive these things are compared to a skyline. It will take you quite a while to be able to get from A to B faster in a Noble that you can already. Triple that if it's wet !
Speed bumps are not too much of a problem, just take care on ramps of steep inclines. This is made better by taking the splitter off (they aren't on the M400's anyway!)
As for road compliance, they're pretty good and in my humble experience they are one of the best at handling mid-corner bumps and such. As a direct comparison, at a recent Northants Run; Whizzy in his 911 996GT3 said he was really struggling when it got a bit bumpy compared to Jools in the Noble infront. TBH neither are a real bumpy B road classic ! Something like a Meganne 225 CUP would take an awful lot of keeping up with !
Oh, and then there's the good old point that pretty much all the Noble guys will agree with... if you want to go faster from A to B, spend the money on yourself, not on the car
Don't let any of that put you off though ! Nobles are a truly awesome prospect for a daily driver coupled with track-days
Edited by obes on Tuesday 13th February 12:20
Have a word with Conrad (C&C)www.pistonheads.co.uk/gassing/profile.asp?h=0&memberId=54980.
He moved across from a Skyline and will be able to give you his view of the transition.
Go and drive one its the only way to see if its for you but beware of the grin that will develop. Its very difficult to remove
worty
He moved across from a Skyline and will be able to give you his view of the transition.
Go and drive one its the only way to see if its for you but beware of the grin that will develop. Its very difficult to remove
worty
MeLLoN Stu said:
....I know the GTR is quicker in a straight line....
Maybe, then maybe not. Skyline is around 1500kg's and the Noble is more like 1000kg's. Power to weight and all that. Ok, in the wet the 4WD will be much better, but the Noble gets it power down really well in the dry. And if you visit Roush there are all sorts of options....
MeLLoN Stu said:
One final question, how are they for taller drivers? i'm 6'3
Not a problem. I'm 6'3 and have headroom to spare.
MeLLoN Stu said:
I know the GTR is quicker in a straight line.
Possibly. You're probably going to be much lower down in a GTO so it may well feel faster - I came from a 3000GT and was alarmed at the difference in experience. In a good way...
Edited by nobleguy on Tuesday 13th February 13:26
Hi my mate whom I drive with most of the time has a 33 GTR with over 420 bhp without Nos and in a rolling drag my 3R will pull on him in the wet and the dry if your careful !!
In all other aspects it wins hands down.
I also have a fairly sorted evo and the dry cornering performance is very similar as well so you wont be dissapointed.Just remember you dont have hi cas / ayc / abs to help you though !!
Steve
In all other aspects it wins hands down.
I also have a fairly sorted evo and the dry cornering performance is very similar as well so you wont be dissapointed.Just remember you dont have hi cas / ayc / abs to help you though !!
Steve
ThatPhilBrettGuy said:
MeLLoN Stu said:
....I know the GTR is quicker in a straight line....
Maybe, then maybe not. Skyline is around 1500kg's and the Noble is more like 1000kg's. Power to weight and all that. Ok, in the wet the 4WD will be much better, but the Noble gets it power down really well in the dry. And if you visit Roush there are all sorts of options....
A 460 - 500bhp R33 GTR will be quicker in a straight line, but not by much. GTR will launch much quicker though with the 4-wheel drive. Awesome car point-to-point.
Speed bumps not a problem, unless you are running lower than standard. Steep ramps more of an issue.
At 6'3 you'll have no problem fitting. M12s are designed for taller than average drivers, the Mrs (5'8) was never able to reach the pedals and drive the car, what a shame!
ThatPhilBrettGuy said:
seasider said:
ThatPhilBrettGuy said:
the Noble gets it power down really well in the dry.
Hi Phil Haven’t done much since last time
I'm thinking about using a bit of force I heard you've had little play so you can keep up
Great replies guys thanks. just what i wanted to hear really appreciate it.
Just for referance my GTR doesnt have AYC and hicas It's been on a little bit of a diet too.
Alas i'm not here to say which is better, totally different breeds of car and if i'm honest i want something that's a bit more exciting on nice runs out, with fellow PH'ers and the occasional trackday, though once rebuilt i'll be keen to get the GTR on track. Plus i'm the first to admit it will be a welcome change from driving the same jap crap all the time, there's only so much plastic dashboard i can take
Pleased to hear the height isn't an issue! Tried a cerbera on for size recently, not looking forward to the bill from the Chiropractor for righting my neck back through 90 degrees
I've driven a pretty diverse range of cars, mainly on the jap side but i look forward to the challenge of adapting to something new, which i'm sure will be far more suited to my style of driving on the road on those long days out than the GTR will.
I'll have to make a trip to my "local" dealer and try and sort a test drive, but they've definately parked themselves at the top of the list now
Thanks for the tips and responses, really appreciate it, any further comments welcome of course, trying to bombard myself with information on them
Out of curiosity will anybody be taking theirs to le mans? I'm hoping to pick one up beforehand, if so i'll take that and prey to the gods of reliability
really appreciate it. Just for referance my GTR doesnt have AYC and hicas
It's been on a little bit of a diet too. Alas i'm not here to say which is better, totally different breeds of car and if i'm honest i want something that's a bit more exciting on nice runs out, with fellow PH'ers and the occasional trackday, though once rebuilt i'll be keen to get the GTR on track. Plus i'm the first to admit it will be a welcome change from driving the same jap crap all the time, there's only so much plastic dashboard i can take
Pleased to hear the height isn't an issue! Tried a cerbera on for size recently, not looking forward to the bill from the Chiropractor for righting my neck back through 90 degrees
I've driven a pretty diverse range of cars, mainly on the jap side but i look forward to the challenge of adapting to something new, which i'm sure will be far more suited to my style of driving on the road on those long days out than the GTR will.
I'll have to make a trip to my "local" dealer and try and sort a test drive, but they've definately parked themselves at the top of the list now
Thanks for the tips and responses, really appreciate it, any further comments welcome of course, trying to bombard myself with information on them
Out of curiosity will anybody be taking theirs to le mans? I'm hoping to pick one up beforehand, if so i'll take that and prey to the gods of reliability
Edited by MeLLoN Stu on Tuesday 13th February 15:06
MeLLoN Stu said:
Out of curiosity will anybody be taking theirs to le mans? I'm hoping to pick one up beforehand, if so i'll take that and prey to the gods of reliability
LeMans.... Oh yes. Here is the posse from last year.
Other than my air con giving up the ghost, it was a trouble free run. There were loads of Nobles there last year.
There will be a few this year too......
--Jools
LoL i'm used to Jap crap reliability (no i haven't got a poorly engine at the minute honest ).
Nah in all seriousness i just want something that's turn key fun, not TVR fun where you play mechanical roulette
Good to hear they're a sturdy car, they'll need to be if my past history is anything to go by, i seem to have the worst luck, though it might be a result of me having lots and lots of fun
As there's no real alternatives been offered wherever i've asked, the noble seems about bang on the money, exactly what i want, exactly the right price range, looks good, goes good, scope for some tinkering, and can handle a rampage across europe once or twice a year Like i said before, Sold
Bank managers going to love me this week, on the brink of buying a new bike too
). Nah in all seriousness i just want something that's turn key fun, not TVR fun where you play mechanical roulette
Good to hear they're a sturdy car, they'll need to be if my past history is anything to go by, i seem to have the worst luck, though it might be a result of me having lots and lots of fun
As there's no real alternatives been offered wherever i've asked, the noble seems about bang on the money, exactly what i want, exactly the right price range, looks good, goes good, scope for some tinkering, and can handle a rampage across europe once or twice a year
Like i said before, Sold Bank managers going to love me this week, on the brink of buying a new bike too
I too came from a Jap 4WD to a Noble (Modded Celica GT4). You'll probably miss the 4WD traction in the wet and the confidence it gives you when giving it the beans out of a corner. But the positive turn in and lack of understeer will probably make up for it.
Ground clearance has never been a problem for me, and the speed bumps round here are like the Maginot Line.
Reliability. Car has never failed to start and never broke down. Has needed a new radiator and new cat though in 2 years. Done during servicing.
One other thing worth mentioning is how easy the car is on brakes and tyres. I noticed on my GT4 that due to being nose heavy the front tyres would scrub up on the track after a few laps. In contrast I've had these tyres for nearly 2 years with a couple of track days and erm, some ethusiatic driving and they still have 6mm. (maybe I drive too slow but my girlfriend doesn't think so)
330 mm discs front and back so the car stops fine, no problem with brake pads so far.
Ground clearance has never been a problem for me, and the speed bumps round here are like the Maginot Line.
Reliability. Car has never failed to start and never broke down. Has needed a new radiator and new cat though in 2 years. Done during servicing.
One other thing worth mentioning is how easy the car is on brakes and tyres. I noticed on my GT4 that due to being nose heavy the front tyres would scrub up on the track after a few laps. In contrast I've had these tyres for nearly 2 years with a couple of track days and erm, some ethusiatic driving and they still have 6mm. (maybe I drive too slow but my girlfriend doesn't think so)
330 mm discs front and back so the car stops fine, no problem with brake pads so far.
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