Real world difference between 350 Sport and 380+

[Paza3]

Hi Guys

I am looking at the idea of a S3 Exige next, and it appears that anything post 350 sport is a good idea due to its development along this period. I currently have a Mac 650s which am selling with the idea of going for one of these next. I have had 3 x 2s Exiges over the years so familiar with the brand. (S2 N/A, S, and S with hanger 300s conversion)

I wanted to understand was there a noticeable difference between say a 350 Sport vs 380 or even 410 in the real world? I don't track these days so its more countryside drives and European trips etc.

A lot of reviews mention the exhaust being a key factor +/-, I'd ideally want to 380+ exhaust set up as a friend a few years back had a Evora 400 and it sounded sensational at full chat in the Swiss mountains ,alternatively is it relativity straight forward to upgrade a 350 Sport system?

Thanks in advance.

[Paza3]

JamesQ said:

I’ve been fortunate to own an Exige 350, Mac 650s, Mac600LT and now an Exige 420. To summarise between them. Exige 350 was excellent but exhaust was a little lame and I felt it lacked top end power. I did think about upgrading exhaust which is quite straightforward but decided to sell it after 4 years with virtually no financial loss. The Mac 650s was ballistic but a little remote and fragile. Great exhaust sound (sports exhaust). It broke down and cost a lot of money and I decided to move it on. I was then very fortunate to own the 600LT for two years. Undoubtedly a great car but ultimately Mac ownership was too expensive for me and so now back to an Exige 420. It has very meaty low down torque with no throttle lag and so in everyday road driving feels at least as fast as the Macs. Not quite the same top end but still surges upto the red line noticeabley stronger than the 350 did. I have fitted the exhaust switch and when you are in the mood the unvalved exhaust note below 4,000 rpm is very satisfying. 4,000-7,000 rpm V6 scream is good but I preferred the Macs in the upper range. The 410/420 is a little less practical than the 350 with poor rear vision and a manual strut for the rear boot. It’s best as a weekend or special occasion car. It will be a lot more reliable than a Mac and cost a lot less to run. Coming from a Mac, a lightly used 410 (or a new 420) would be my recommendation.

Hi JamesQ

Thanks for the feedback its super useful, I think the appearance of the 410 is quite an upgrade too and a lightly used one would probably be sensible. It seems the difference on the used market is (350) 55ish or (410)66-70ish. Probably once you factor some carbon goodies and a new exhaust you're not going to be too far away.

My Mac experience has been really positive to be fair, two seals that have needed replacing in 5k miles I've had a really positive experience, however they are not the cheapest cars to run this is true.

I think I probably need to go test drive some variants once I am in a position to move forward.

[Paza3]

Thanks for all the feedback, its really helpful

[Paza3]

Well guys good news, my Mclaren looks to be sold and collected tomorrow.

If anyone knows of any 350, 380 or 410's do drop me a pm.

Thanks in advance

[Paza3]

Thanks GaryF

I've actually gone and put a deposit on the DT Performance 380, it was too good a deal to turn down really.

The specification and additional options are epic.

I've gone back and done my due diligence on the various groups and forms and I am happy with what I have found to date. They are also offering a compressive warranty on the car.

Booked to physically see her on Monday!

[Paza3]

I intend for it to be fully investigated, fundamentally I will have a very comprehensive warranty covering all parts and labour on the car for an agreed period and a 2k mile road trip planned around Spain and Portugal to test in out at the end of June, if there are any issue its going to shake them out. I plan to get a full bore investigation and compression tests etc and anything else that is advisable. If any of that proves to be unfavourable it would simply be retuned under the statutory provisions in place, the law is pretty simple and Tom seems a pretty decent chap with a good reputation so I have no concerns.

Assuming all is well, as its running in a "safe zone" 6.5 psi I'd be quite comfortable going forward as it offers a very compelling package, seeing its at the same value point as a standard 380, but with near 30k of extras!

Edited by Paza3 on Thursday 26th May 20:27

Edited by Paza3 on Thursday 26th May 20:27

[Paza3]

Rocketreid said:

Sounds like you have it all covered,

The weak point is the clutch and the gearbox. If it had the 430 Clutch then all good. At that power forged internals are advisable or you just factor in you may need a rebuild if tracked hard in future but less likely for just road use

However I believe this car may have been tracked !

Hi chap, whatever info you do have could you send me a PM? just seeing how everything aligns to my understanding.

Thanks

I don't intend to track the car, however interested in the best prevention, I was looking at the hanger 111 gearbox oil cooler kit seems a pretty sensible enhancement to keep temps at 100, and not that expensive.

EDIT: I am no longer proceeding with the car. Still looking for a 380 or 410.

Edited by Paza3 on Thursday 26th May 22:05

Edited by Paza3 on Friday 27th May 12:30