Conversions & Swaps LSX Engines in Non-LSX Vehicles
Sponsored by:
Sponsored by:

Noble LS1?

Old Nov 28, 2005 | 03:32 PM
  #1  
dailydriver's Avatar
Thread Starter
12 Second Club
 
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 4,273
Likes: 0
From: Bucks County, Pa.
Default Noble LS1?

Has anyone stuffed an LSx into a latest generation Noble yet?? Can it be done (this might be a stupid question)?
Reply
Old Nov 28, 2005 | 10:12 PM
  #2  
steveo346's Avatar
12 Second Club
20 Year Member
iTrader: (18)
 
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 2,124
Likes: 1
From: San Antonio,Tx
Default

what the heck is a noble?

Last edited by Scooter70; Nov 29, 2005 at 09:01 AM. Reason: there's no need for foul language
Reply
Old Nov 28, 2005 | 10:20 PM
  #3  
Azhigher's Avatar
12 Second Club
iTrader: (1)
 
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 723
Likes: 0
Default

(Gasp) www.nextcar.com.au/i.noble.m12.gto3r.04feb.jpg

Peep it
Reply
Old Nov 28, 2005 | 10:29 PM
  #4  
Killer_Bluebird's Avatar
TECH Enthusiast
iTrader: (23)
 
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 673
Likes: 0
From: North Olmsted, OH
Default

Originally Posted by steveo346
what the heck is a noble?
They are low production high priced "exotic supercars" . Here is their site http://www.noblecars.com/home.htm

Personally I would love to built one of these with an LS7 or a Twin Turbo 402 LS2.
http://www.factoryfive.com/table/sho.../sema2005.html

Last edited by Scooter70; Nov 29, 2005 at 09:02 AM.
Reply
Old Nov 29, 2005 | 07:32 AM
  #5  
firefighter's Avatar
TECH Resident
20 Year Member
 
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 807
Likes: 0
From: TAMPA by way of MIAMI!!!
Default

I ran into an ad for the nobles and sorta looked into them they look cool but they are small like Lotus Elise small. And they want you to use som Ford 4cyl turbo set up I even asked him about a LS1 and he kinda scoffed at it. The crazy thing is they sell you the car no motor/tranny and you have to get this specific motor put in and it's all from South Africa
Reply
Old Nov 29, 2005 | 08:59 AM
  #6  
Scooter70's Avatar
TECH Fanatic
iTrader: (1)
 
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 1,098
Likes: 0
From: Farmington Hills, MI
Default

South Africa is turning out some of the best "kit cars" in the world right now. (Google Superformance.) However, the Noble is certainly not a kit car in the traditional sense of the term. It is sold without an engine or transmission so that it does not have to be federalized to US government crash and EPA standards. However, I believe that in Europe you can buy one turn-key. The car was designed to use the Ford Duratec V6 with twin turbos. In the standard configuration, it puts out about 300hp.

I've sat in a Noble M12 and have driven a Lotus Elise. They are both very cool cars as long as you don't want to drive them daily. Both are bred for the racetrack and that's where they belong. Putting an LS1 into either would completely negate the inherent balance that was designed into the car.

BTW, my friend traded his Elise for a Mini Cooper S after 10 months. He couldn't see making payments on a $50k car that sucks to drive around town and that he's afraid to take on the track. Yes, he is a wuss.
Reply
Old Nov 29, 2005 | 10:31 AM
  #7  
firefighter's Avatar
TECH Resident
20 Year Member
 
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 807
Likes: 0
From: TAMPA by way of MIAMI!!!
Default

Scooter I'll tell ya whats nice... Is that '70 'Vette of yours. I got the fast cars "infection" as a little kid in a '73 with a turbo (my uncles) allways loved those cars. The wife wants a '78 just might have to ablige her and give it a LSx.
Reply
Old Nov 29, 2005 | 02:40 PM
  #8  
300bhp/ton's Avatar
TECH Addict
20 Year Member
Liked
Loved
 
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 2,660
Likes: 14
From: England
Default

STOP!!

The Noble is not Lotus Elsie sized nor is it a kit car and it doesn't use a 4 cylinder engine. And they are not made in S. Africa.

Lee Noble, founder and owner. He has a plant in S. Africa where the bodies are made. They also make many of the AC Cobra replica bodies too, for kits sold in Europe and the US. There are 300 employees there.

The engine, chassis, final body prep and paint are done in Britain at a small workshop of 30 people.

They are NOT kits in Europe but fully fledged supercars, which costs less than a Porsche 911, and compeat with TVR.

The latest variant of the M12 has a 3.0 Ford based V6 with twin Garrett turbos and pushes out 425bhp.

0-100mph in 8.1 seconds and top speed 180mph+.

In a straight line it will keep pace with a C6 Z06.

It has also been claimed as one of th BEST handling road cars ever. Recently one lapped the Rockingham circuit a FULL 4 seconds faster than a Ford GT (540bhp), driven by the same person (BMW test driver)no the same day.

The GT was also faster than a new Porsche 911 GT2, 507bhp BMW M5, Corvette C6 Z51 and several other FAST cars.


Reply
LS1 Tech Stories

The Best V8 Stories One Small Block at Time

story-0

Topdon ONE vs. Artidiag 800 BT2: Which is the Diagnostic Tablet For You?

 Pouria Savadkouei
story-1

Gas Monkey Built a 6-Wheel Ferrari Testarossa With a Corvette LT4 Engine

 Verdad Gallardo
story-2

7 Most Reliable High-Performance Engines GM Has Ever Built

 Verdad Gallardo
story-3

Amazing '71 Camaro Restomod Is Modern Muscle Car Under the Skin

 Verdad Gallardo
story-4

6 Common C5 Corvette Failures and What's Involved In Repairing Them

 Pouria Savadkouei
story-5

Retro Modern Bandit Pontiac Trans AM Comes With Burt Reynolds' Autograph

 Verdad Gallardo
story-6

Top 10 Greatest Cadillac V Series Performance Models Ever, Ranked

 Pouria Savadkouei
story-7

Top 10 Most Powerful Chevy Trucks Ever Made!

 
story-8

Hennessey's New Supercharged Silverado ZR2 Has 700 HP

 Verdad Gallardo
story-9

Coachbuilt N2A Anteros Is an LS2-Powered C6 Corvette In Italian Clothes

 Verdad Gallardo
Old Nov 29, 2005 | 03:41 PM
  #9  
93Polo's Avatar
TECH Fanatic
20 Year Member
Liked
Loved
iTrader: (5)
 
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 1,040
Likes: 12
From: Kennesaw, GA
Default

I sat in one and talke dto a slaes rep at a ALMS race. They have signed a contract with Ford to be the exclusive engine supplier. Also I believe they have to sell the car without a motor to get around regulations and register it as a kit car.

I've sat in both a Noble M12 and a Elise, the Noble has much more room than an Elise. I'm 6'2" and could sit in a Noble comfortably with a helmet on.

Last edited by 93Polo; Nov 30, 2005 at 08:58 AM.
Reply
Old Nov 30, 2005 | 02:01 AM
  #10  
crafty888's Avatar
Launching!
 
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 216
Likes: 0
From: Hong Kong
Default

Noble used to make a Chev engined car...... he is in fact the guy that developed the Ultima..... have a look here http://www.ultimasports.co.uk/history/
Reply
Old Nov 30, 2005 | 08:58 AM
  #11  
93Polo's Avatar
TECH Fanatic
20 Year Member
Liked
Loved
iTrader: (5)
 
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 1,040
Likes: 12
From: Kennesaw, GA
Default

Originally Posted by crafty888
Noble used to make a Chev engined car...... he is in fact the guy that developed the Ultima..... have a look here http://www.ultimasports.co.uk/history/
Lee Noble also worked for McLaren F1. The Ultima was available with Chevy power but never exclusively accepted Chevy power.
Reply
Old Nov 30, 2005 | 09:10 PM
  #12  
firefighter's Avatar
TECH Resident
20 Year Member
 
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 807
Likes: 0
From: TAMPA by way of MIAMI!!!
Default

Still too much for anything with a ford engine.
Reply
Old Dec 1, 2005 | 03:12 AM
  #13  
300bhp/ton's Avatar
TECH Addict
20 Year Member
Liked
Loved
 
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 2,660
Likes: 14
From: England
Default

Originally Posted by firefighter
Still too much for anything with a ford engine.
Prat.
Reply
Old Dec 1, 2005 | 07:05 AM
  #14  
chuntington101's Avatar
TECH Addict
 
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 2,866
Likes: 4
Default

300bhp/ton, haha iit clear that some people just dont get it! hey you see this weeks top gear? very nice quote aobut some of the french roads and the ford GT! made me smile anyway!!

PS, firefighter, you think the Saleen S7 (and the twin turbo one) or the Koenigsegg CCR are to exspensive for a ford plant to????
Reply
Old Dec 1, 2005 | 08:18 AM
  #15  
300bhp/ton's Avatar
TECH Addict
20 Year Member
Liked
Loved
 
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 2,660
Likes: 14
From: England
Default

Originally Posted by chuntington101
300bhp/ton, haha iit clear that some people just dont get it! hey you see this weeks top gear? very nice quote aobut some of the french roads and the ford GT! made me smile anyway!!

PS, firefighter, you think the Saleen S7 (and the twin turbo one) or the Koenigsegg CCR are to exspensive for a ford plant to????
Yo, yeah I did see Top Gear.

If I had the money I'd probably have a C6 Z06, but there's no denying the Ford GT looks fantastic!

As for the French, well.... ummm. At least they have some impressive driving roads. I'm arranging a road trip to drive down to that same bridge. Hopefully in late Spring if the weathers good enough.
Reply
Old Dec 1, 2005 | 08:38 AM
  #16  
93Polo's Avatar
TECH Fanatic
20 Year Member
Liked
Loved
iTrader: (5)
 
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 1,040
Likes: 12
From: Kennesaw, GA
Default

Originally Posted by Scooter70
South Africa is turning out some of the best "kit cars" in the world right now. (Google Superformance.) However, the Noble is certainly not a kit car in the traditional sense of the term. It is sold without an engine or transmission so that it does not have to be federalized to US government crash and EPA standards. However, I believe that in Europe you can buy one turn-key. The car was designed to use the Ford Duratec V6 with twin turbos. In the standard configuration, it puts out about 300hp.

I've sat in a Noble M12 and have driven a Lotus Elise. They are both very cool cars as long as you don't want to drive them daily. Both are bred for the racetrack and that's where they belong. Putting an LS1 into either would completely negate the inherent balance that was designed into the car.

BTW, my friend traded his Elise for a Mini Cooper S after 10 months. He couldn't see making payments on a $50k car that sucks to drive around town and that he's afraid to take on the track. Yes, he is a wuss.
It would be interesting to see how the balance would change with an LS1. There maybe very little change from a OHC V6 with twin turbos to a LS1. The 3rd gen RX7s do not change very much from a small 13B TT.

The biggest complication in the coversion I believe would be adapting a transverse mount trans to the LS1. The funny thing is at Petit Le Mans I bumped into Bigcat3? who lurks on the board and has a 914 LS1 swap under construction. We were discussing this conversion.
Reply
Old Dec 2, 2005 | 10:43 AM
  #17  
firefighter's Avatar
TECH Resident
20 Year Member
 
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 807
Likes: 0
From: TAMPA by way of MIAMI!!!
Default

Originally Posted by chuntington101
300bhp/ton, haha iit clear that some people just dont get it! hey you see this weeks top gear? very nice quote aobut some of the french roads and the ford GT! made me smile anyway!!

PS, firefighter, you think the Saleen S7 (and the twin turbo one) or the Koenigsegg CCR are to exspensive for a ford plant to????


Uhhhhm yeah.


I don't care how much you polish Ford gear it'll still be a turd. Yeah ya gotta respect it but still a turd.
Reply


Thread Tools
Search this Thread

All times are GMT -5. The time now is 03:05 AM.

story-0
Topdon ONE vs. Artidiag 800 BT2: Which is the Diagnostic Tablet For You?

Slideshow: We take a close look at the ONE and Artidiag 800BT2 diagnostic tools from Topdon and the reasons to buy one over the other.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-05-28 11:05:11


VIEW MORE
story-1
Gas Monkey Built a 6-Wheel Ferrari Testarossa With a Corvette LT4 Engine

Slideshow: The controversial Ferrari F6 swaps its original flat-12 for a Corvette Z06-derived LT4 V8 and sends power to four rear wheels through a custom-built drivetrain.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-26 18:23:54


VIEW MORE
story-2
7 Most Reliable High-Performance Engines GM Has Ever Built

Slideshow:These GM engines didn't just make huge power, they survived abuse, boost, track days, and six-digit mileage with a reputation for refusing to quit.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-21 16:45:27


VIEW MORE
story-3
Amazing '71 Camaro Restomod Is Modern Muscle Car Under the Skin

Slideshow: This heavily modified 1971 Camaro mixes classic muscle car styling with a fifth-generation Camaro interior and modern LS3 power.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-12 18:06:42


VIEW MORE
story-4
6 Common C5 Corvette Failures and What's Involved In Repairing Them

Slideshow: From wobbling harmonic balancers to failed EBCMs, these are the issues that define long-term C5 ownership and what repairs typically involve.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-05-07 18:44:57


VIEW MORE
story-5
Retro Modern Bandit Pontiac Trans AM Comes With Burt Reynolds' Autograph

Slideshow: A modern Camaro transformed into a retro icon, this limited-run "Bandit" build blends nostalgia with brute force in a way few revivals manage.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-21 13:57:02


VIEW MORE
story-6
Top 10 Greatest Cadillac V Series Performance Models Ever, Ranked

Slideshow: Cadillac didn't just crash the high-performance luxury vehicle party, it showed up loud, supercharged, and occasionally a little unhinged...

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-04-16 10:05:15


VIEW MORE
story-7
Top 10 Most Powerful Chevy Trucks Ever Made!

Slideshow: Top ten most powerful Chevy trucks ever made

By | 2026-03-25 09:22:26


VIEW MORE
story-8
Hennessey's New Supercharged Silverado ZR2 Has 700 HP

Slideshow: Hennessey has turned the Silverado ZR2 into a 700-hp off-road monster with supercharged V8 power and a limited production run.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-03-24 18:57:52


VIEW MORE
story-9
Coachbuilt N2A Anteros Is an LS2-Powered C6 Corvette In Italian Clothes

Slideshow: A one-off sports car that looks like a vintage Italian exotic-but hides a C6 Corvette underneath-just sold for the price of a new mid-engine Corvette.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-03-23 18:53:41


VIEW MORE