by "Chris@Carlypso" (chriscarlypso)
Published 10/22/2017 at 11:04
by "Chris@Carlypso" (chriscarlypso)
Published 10/22/2017 at 11:04
No Tags
STARS: 43
After sufficiently abusing my Miata turbo, I wanted to purchase a different analog sports car now that I could afford a bit more. I had previously had a C5 Z06 and loved the tractability and durability of the car, but wanted something a bit more unique and special this time.
Here was my run-downs of must-haves.
1. Manual Transmission
2. No health and Safety Nannies (TC/Stability Control)
3. Unique and Fun
4. Can drive it like a maniac without fearing a repair is $10,000+
I had considered a few cars for my analog expedition and narrowed it down to a Gen II Viper GTS (Doug Demuro style), an early 1995 Ferrari 355 Spider, and a Noble M12 GTO-3R.
In the end - I ended up getting this one:
What do I like about it?
To use a cliche this is a “Point A to A” car. Its really useless as a car for going places, but a riot for enjoying yourself. Luckily that’s why I bought it.
Sounds Good: The sound is suprisingly nice. Gutteral and very mechanial overlayed with a Darth Vader coughing fit (the blow-off valves make all sorts of chatter).
Its Quick: Its faster than most other cars I’ve driven. This car makes a bit over 440 whp at about 1 BAR. It weights 2400 lbs.
Steering is great: The feel, weighting, and loading under cornering are fantastic. Much more inspiring than any Corvette I’ve driven.
Mechanicals are Cheap: The engine is mostly Ford Duratec parts, so small items like oil pressure sensors, etc are pretty reasonably priced. Some of the specialty items are harder to find, but not outrageously priced.
What do I dislike?
Shifter is vague: Getting the 1-2 shift when cold is annoying. Its a bit more rubbery and sloppy than I’d prefer. Its nothing like the S2000/Miata gold standards.
It scrapes on everything: Its too damned low for even getting into and out of my driveway. So I carry wood planks with me everywhere and plan on refinishing the front splitter annually.
What’s the strangest thing?
No one has any idea what is is, but lot’s of people assume they do and tell me about it. They’ll tell me its a nice Lotus/Lamborghini most often and insist on naming the model. Others will know its a Nobel than spout off facts unrelated to Noble “Same guy who designed the McLaren F1" or other random non-facts “Its made in Italy”.
!!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!!
"Powershiftmedia-ResidentDSMGuru" (matt-powershiftmedia)
10/22/2017 at 11:06, STARS: 4
May I kindly ask what this set you back? I’ve always had a love affair with these. Nice ride!
"vondon302" (vondon302)
10/22/2017 at 11:16, STARS: 1
To be honest I wouldn’t of known what it is either but I’ve added it to my search list.
Looks great btw.
You gotta give us a ballpark figure on price.
"LongbowMkII" (longbowmkii)
10/22/2017 at 11:25, STARS: 0
badass!
"awmaster10" (awmaster10)
10/22/2017 at 11:25, STARS: 0
And it’s green! I’m very jealous. Are you keeping the huge spoiler?
"My bird IS the word" (mybirdistheword)
10/22/2017 at 11:31, STARS: 1
I always forget about these. I think it’s a super purchase. I wonder about long term collectability, my gut says very .
Funny that people try so hard when they don’t know. Planning on any Rossion upgrades?
You can probably do something with that shifter and not feel too bad.
"PowderHound" (PowderHound)
10/22/2017 at 12:01, STARS: 0
Always loved these things! In theory at least. I’ve never seen or driven one. Consider me super jealous
"Sn210" (sn210)
10/22/2017 at 12:06, STARS: 0
Wow congrats! I’ve only ever seen one of these and it just happened to pull up next to me at a stop light
"Steve is equipped with Electronic Fool Injection" (itsalwayssteve)
10/22/2017 at 12:12, STARS: 0
Nice acquisition!
There are at least two Nobles in the Charlotte area as I’ve seen a dark blue and a dark gray one.
"DipodomysDeserti" (dipodomysdeserti)
10/22/2017 at 12:15, STARS: 2
Sweet Lambo dude!
"just-a-scratch" (just-a-scratch)
10/22/2017 at 12:21, STARS: 0
So much envy. I cannot handle it.
"66671 - 200 [METRIC] my dash" (66671)
10/22/2017 at 12:37, STARS: 1
Wicked! Definitely a unique ride, I’m not sure I’ve ever seen one of these in the wild before. Those are Hyundai/Kia rear lights right? BRG is also an awesome colour for it, congrats.
"415s30 W123TSXWaggoIIIIIIo ( •_•))°)" (415s30)
10/22/2017 at 13:49, STARS: 0
A neighbor of ours back home in Honolulu had one, it was the only one I saw but I am very used to seeing it.
"415s30 W123TSXWaggoIIIIIIo ( •_•))°)" (415s30)
10/22/2017 at 13:49, STARS: 0
A neighbor of ours back home in Honolulu had one, it was the only one I saw but I am very used to seeing it. Aren’t they made is South Africa or something?
"415s30 W123TSXWaggoIIIIIIo ( •_•))°)" (415s30)
10/22/2017 at 13:49, STARS: 0
A neighbor of ours back home in Honolulu had one, it was the only one I saw but I am very used to seeing it. Aren’t they made is South Africa or something?
"RallyDarkstrike - Fan of 2-cyl FIATs, Eastern Bloc & Kei cars" (rallydarkstrike)
10/22/2017 at 14:09, STARS: 0
They look like facelifted 4th-gen Hyundai Sonata taillights.
"RallyDarkstrike - Fan of 2-cyl FIATs, Eastern Bloc & Kei cars" (rallydarkstrike)
10/22/2017 at 14:10, STARS: 0
Epic, love it....even looks like it’s British Racing Green? :P
As for the right height, would there be a suspension kit to raise it up just a little to give you more clearance? Or even one of those “raise the front bumper with the push of a button” kits to install on it?
"Jordan and the Slowrunner, Boomer Intensifies" (jordanwphillips)
10/22/2017 at 14:13, STARS: 1
It should make you happy that it has a Ford engine.
"66671 - 200 [METRIC] my dash" (66671)
10/22/2017 at 14:33, STARS: 1
Yeah that’s probably correct, I think they look good, too.
"Chris@Carlypso" (chriscarlypso)
10/22/2017 at 18:54, STARS: 0
Yup - Sonata lights. Like I said — cheap parts!
"Chris@Carlypso" (chriscarlypso)
10/22/2017 at 18:55, STARS: 1
Yup BRG! Its actually a Jaguar/Lotus Paint Code.
"Chris@Carlypso" (chriscarlypso)
10/22/2017 at 18:55, STARS: 1
Yup - Factory spoiler! It does nothing aerodynamically apparently, but provide perfect blockage of the rear view.
"Mechanically" (leegates)
10/22/2017 at 23:05, STARS: 0
Which generation was your Miata, and how would you compare the driver cockpit?
At 6'6", I’m curious if it’s an option. I made my NA Miata work, so fingers crossed...!
"CaptDale - is secretly British" (captdale)
10/23/2017 at 17:59, STARS: 0
I am quite jealous. The M12 GTO is part of my GTO oriented garage. How is the drive? I bet it is just perfect.
The BRG is a good color on that. What was the deciding factor for picking the Nobel?
"Chris@Carlypso" (chriscarlypso)
10/23/2017 at 21:47, STARS: 1
In most dimensions the Noble is WAYY bigger inside than my NA miata. The footwell is cramped is the one big downside.
"Mechanically" (leegates)
10/25/2017 at 21:56, STARS: 0
Size 14 cramped?
"Chris@Carlypso" (chriscarlypso)
10/26/2017 at 22:13, STARS: 0
Im size 15 lol!
"B_dol" (bdolan40)
10/27/2017 at 13:58, STARS: 0
Awesome! Will this make it out to track events as well? Your garage is pretty stellar these days.
"Chris@Carlypso" (chriscarlypso)
10/29/2017 at 17:39, STARS: 1
Yup - getting a tune/exhaust/oil cooler then out to MRLS.
"Theplatinumog" (theplatinumog)
04/22/2018 at 06:02, STARS: 0
I just bought one last week in California :) and I am a frequent track day participant. Laguna seca Tuesday and then T-hill Friday.
"Chris@Carlypso" (chriscarlypso)
04/22/2018 at 11:59, STARS: 0
Nice!!! Where in Norcal are you, we can have Noble cruise of 2. You’ll want to modify a 3R a bit before track use. Oil Cooler, Tires, and clear-bra are a must. The fiberglass gets pock-marked easily.
"Theplatinumog" (theplatinumog)
04/22/2018 at 14:23, STARS: 0
It is at turbohoses right now doing just that ;)
I decided I need an ASM belt in there before it sees any serious track time. Switching over to a European style intake, new pads, and cup 2's.
I live in the east bay area. You will be the only other Noble owner I know, but I am looking forward to tumbling down the rabbit hole. Keep me in mind for any shows, cruises, and especially track days!
"Theplatinumog" (theplatinumog)
04/22/2018 at 14:36, STARS: 0
I heard track axles are a must, and I am getting a set of those too.
Mine had a track pan and sump, would you still recommend an auxiliary oil cooler? I assume the answer is yes, because it gets hot at Thunderhill...
"Chris@Carlypso" (chriscarlypso)
04/22/2018 at 19:04, STARS: 0
Oil cooler is definitely needed.... Be aware these cars run low oil pressure too due to the “squirters” which are just drilled holes in the block. On a hot day its only 8-12 psi at idle.
"Chris@Carlypso" (chriscarlypso)
04/27/2018 at 11:08, STARS: 0
There’s also a noble owner in Pleasanton with single-turbo conversion, running upwards of 20psi. Terrifyingly quick.
"Chris@Carlypso" (chriscarlypso)
04/27/2018 at 11:08, STARS: 0
There’s also a noble owner in Pleasanton with single-turbo conversion, running upwards of 20psi. Terrifyingly quick.