Contour Enthusiasts Group Archives Forums Modifications Duratec Performance Duratech Mods in Noble M12 GTO

I'm very curious as to what modifications (especially to the bottom end re: oiling) Lee Noble has made to our beloved Duratech for use in his fantabulous Noble M12 GTO (twin turbo, 310 hp). Wouldn't this be a fantastic ride to see on our shores?

Noble M12 GTO

PM Terry - He he seen it and the shop. Probably can still find info by using the search.

BTW - 310HP from twin turbos sounds weak to me... Well actually it sounds beautiful (search the net for a "Top Gear" video on it ) but you get the point...

DavidZ's 3L SVT made ~300HP (normally aspirated)

S/C SVT's make well over 325HP (275 FWHP) (WorldTour's is over 350HP)

No reason why the "projected" single turbo kit won't make 300+ HP, maybe more intercooled!

Whats up,

I've wondered the same stuff, so I fired off some emails... Below is the first one I could find:

----
Dear Joe Mello

Many thanks for your e-mail and your interest in the Noble M12 GTO.

With regards to your questions the answers are as follows :-

1) We have made no internal modifications to the MTX75 transmission.

2) Compression has indeed been lowered to a ratio of 9:1 and we have used
steel con rods.

3) There is not yet available a service manual and replacement parts
catalogue.

4) We are still considering exporting the M12 GTO to the USA - where we have
had a lot of interest - but we are currently working flat out to fulfill our
existing large order book in the U.K. A left hand drive version of the M12
GTO will be available shortly.

Regards

Lee Noble
MAnaging Director

----- Original Message -----
From: "Joel Mello"
To:
Sent: Wednesday, November 14, 2001 6:31 PM
Subject: M12 questions


> Hello,
>

[snip]

>
> First off, what internal modifications were made to the MTX75
transmission?
> This transmission is known to be a fairly weak part in the US spec
> Cougar/Contour market, as well as the UK's Mondeo.
>
> I've seen references to the compression being lowered from the factory
> 10.5:1 (or so) to a more tolerable 9:1 ratio. This was apparently done
> through the addition of custom pistons. Are these available?
>
> Is there a service manual and replace part catalog available for mechanics
> attempting to service this vehicle?
>
> I appreciate your time, and look forward to your response. Are you still
> considering exporting this vehicle to the USA? I read some press about
the
> possibility of building a left hand drive (US spec) model a while ago.
Has
> any progress been made in this area?
>
> Thanks,
> Joel Mello
>
> ----
> Joel Mello
> IT Director
> Foremost Industrial Exchange
> (818)
>
>