GTO3 or 3R

[sean_goodman]

i really need to concider the differences between the two, i would naturally prefer the 3R and my budget would allow me to get one

however

as some of you will have read on my other post, i will be bringing the car to germany and will need to convert the headlights to produce a LhD pattern. looking at the two models i reckon the GTO3 would give more chance of me finding a headlight perhaps from a standard production car that would fit straight into the hole on the front clam. even if this was only for "test Day" with origional lights going back in shortly after.

i need to way up the odds and work out which model is it possible to sort the light issue out on, if this means the GTO3 is simpler is it such a bad thing that i buy a GTO3 and not a 3R

as far as i can see from here the main differences are headlights, soundproofing, diff and gearbox.

sound proofing i dont care about, do i care / worry about the diff and gearbox though???

any headlight experts around??

[obes]

in a word... yes !

Regardless of 5 or 6 speed, the original fixed diff will fail if you give it punishment, particularly if you're doing track days. Otherwise, there is barely any difference if you get a sorted 2.5 or 3 with the LSD and track sump. Just watch out for the Magnetti Marelli ECU's on the very early ones.

The lights are easy to fiddle with on the 2.5 and 3 I would have thought it wold be pretty easy to get some LHD ones

Edited by obes on Tuesday 15th May 14:22

[alex s]

sean_goodman said:

i really need to concider the differences between the two, i would naturally prefer the 3R and my budget would allow me to get one

however

as some of you will have read on my other post, i will be bringing the car to germany and will need to convert the headlights to produce a LhD pattern. looking at the two models i reckon the GTO3 would give more chance of me finding a headlight perhaps from a standard production car that would fit straight into the hole on the front clam. even if this was only for "test Day" with origional lights going back in shortly after.

i need to way up the odds and work out which model is it possible to sort the light issue out on, if this means the GTO3 is simpler is it such a bad thing that i buy a GTO3 and not a 3R

as far as i can see from here the main differences are headlights, soundproofing, diff and gearbox.

sound proofing i dont care about, do i care / worry about the diff and gearbox though???

any headlight experts around??

I have a GTO3, I personally would look for a 3 with a upgraded box and LSD, the lights can be changed at a later date to the 3R ones,as I am in the process of doing and a couple have had done (twerlies was done by the previous owner, Broad has his done a few months ago!) Also if you get one with the upgraded box ask if it has the M400 gear linkage as this makes it a far nicer gearchange than a 3R.
Plus with the money you save you can make it quicker than a (standard) 3R/M400.

[sean_goodman]

yeah i reckoned the GTO3 lights would be easier to get at from the pictures. from what i can see i reckon they could be removed and a pair of lights from a German something or other the same diameter could be droppped in for testing purposes. might need to make an interface cable for origional loom to temp lights but that wouldnt be a problem. if i can get through the test i would be happy to refit uk lights straight after lol.

looks a bit more tricky on the 3R

am leaning towards a GTO3 as i wont be tracking it, it will be a second car for fast road use. with regards to leather most i have seen have leather or alcantar as an extra anyway.

i wonder what car donated the 3s headlights?????? maybe they available as LhD of something silly

really

obes said:

in a word... yes !

Regardless of 5 or 6 speed, the original fixed diff will fail if you give it punishment, particularly if you're doing track days. Otherwise, there is barely any difference if you get a sorted 2.5 or 3 with the LSD and track sump. Just watch out for the Magnetti Marelli ECU's on the very early ones.

The lights are easy to fiddle with on the 2.5 and 3 I would have thought it wold be pretty easy to get some LHD ones

Edited by obes on Tuesday 15th May 14:22

[Humpy]

Did they make LHD GTO 3.0s? Perhaps the factory could point you in the right direction on lights, or even supply them.

Between a 3.0 or 3R? If you like things more refined I'd go for a 3R (subject to LHD country light issues). However, I'd go for a 3.0 because I like as much connection as possible - the sound of the engine etc. There's less sound proofing (weight) and I'd move the air-intakes behind the bulkhead too (if not there already) purely for the full Darth Vader effect As they say - whatever floats your boat.

Either way the ATB/LSD diff is a must IMO. The track sump is advisable in some people's opinion and a definite if tracking it at all (Germany - Nurburgring perhaps?). Also, don't forget the M400 fuel pump and loom modification whatever you get.

[saucyboy]

Surely you should be able to get a left hand drive set (3r/M400) from 1G Racing in the states?

James

Edited by saucyboy on Tuesday 15th May 20:44

[JLSELAN]

U.S. cars are delivered to 1G from the factory in SA as LHD cars, so the source of the parts you might need is the builder, HiTech (Superformance) in SA.

[ajg31]

I am sure you could buy a pre built one from the states and import it. It must meet the SVA testing?

[gadgeroonie]

i've got a gto-3 but it already had the 6 speed box / LSD and track day sump

its got a more purist feel and sound to it and none of the misty poor lighting you get with the 3R (plenty of 3r's don't seem to get misty lights)

i was tempted to convert it to the 3R lights but have had a long think about it and actually prefer the older style headlights now

[piston vodka]

Hi,I purchased a pair of very similar if not the same light units to replace the morette quad lights in my car they were cibie and i just contacted them direct. Try google for their number. Im 99% sure they will be able to supply LHD ones as they do make them, they cost between 35 and 45 pounds each cheap as chips!. GOODLUCK

[sean_goodman]

saucyboy said:

Surely you should be able to get a left hand drive set (3r/M400) from 1G Racing in the states?

James

Edited by saucyboy on Tuesday 15th May 20:44

i sent 1G a mail and never got an answer

[sean_goodman]

JLSELAN said:

U.S. cars are delivered to 1G from the factory in SA as LHD cars, so the source of the parts you might need is the builder, HiTech (Superformance) in SA.

thanks for the lead i will try and look them up

[sean_goodman]

ajg31 said:

I am sure you could buy a pre built one from the states and import it. It must meet the SVA testing?

really want a RhD car as it will be simpler to sell in UK as and when i want to if on (or if).

thanks though

[sean_goodman]

gadgeroonie said:

i've got a gto-3 but it already had the 6 speed box / LSD and track day sump

its got a more purist feel and sound to it and none of the misty poor lighting you get with the 3R (plenty of 3r's don't seem to get misty lights)

i was tempted to convert it to the 3R lights but have had a long think about it and actually prefer the older style headlights now

yeah i am starting to lean this way as well,

[sean_goodman]

piston vodka said:

Hi,I purchased a pair of very similar if not the same light units to replace the morette quad lights in my car they were cibie and i just contacted them direct. Try google for their number. Im 99% sure they will be able to supply LHD ones as they do make them, they cost between 35 and 45 pounds each cheap as chips!. GOODLUCK

is your car a noble? will try and look the firm up thanks

[sean_goodman]

piston vodka said:

Hi,I purchased a pair of very similar if not the same light units to replace the morette quad lights in my car they were cibie and i just contacted them direct. Try google for their number. Im 99% sure they will be able to supply LHD ones as they do make them, they cost between 35 and 45 pounds each cheap as chips!. GOODLUCK

great idea thanks, have had a look and they supply round units in LhD format in 7" 6" 5.75" and 5", surely one of these would fit the GTO3 for size?

not sure about mounting of the unit in the noble shell but am pretty sure something would be managable

i hope lol.

so i reckon i will once the skyline is sold (hopefully end june as i have a buyer sorted out i just need to sort a few logistics out getting it back from germany to the UK) be in the market for a tidy GTO3 with leather / alacante and the gearbox / diff mods done.

let the search begin

[sean_goodman]

so, i have spoken to the factory and can confirm.....

GTO 3, a replacment light from Hella or Cibie, round in LhD will drop straight in

GTO3R it is possible to remove the light covers and turn the reflector inside the light unit to transpose the 15 degree upstand to the other side. this has been done in the past for cars destined for Italy etc.

so, seems that 3R is a no cost option and 3.0 about 50 quid for a pair of lamps from cibie.

think i will look for a 3R in my price range and keep an open mind about a modified 3.0 which has Diff and Box done.

thanks for all your input guys

expect to see a post in the wanted section soon lol