Ask the Radical Factory #6 – There’s a lot of conjecture around use of noise killing cans like Supertrapps, decibel devils, and so on. Some people say they are not good for prolonged use due to the back pressure, others say it’s fine but will cut power dramatically. Are they ok to use, and if so, for how long? Are there any you’ve tested out in the field which work, and could you recommend any? Thanks, Raj (@rojid)
Hi Raj Correct, there is a lot of conjecture around this subject and exhaust tuning in general. A common belief which is key to this subject is that some back pressure is a good thing and is required to make good low to mid-range torque, this is a fallacy. Think of the engine as an […]
Ask the Radical Factory Question #5 – Can the Radical version of the Aim SW4 steering wheel used on the SR10 be adapted for use on earlier SR3 and SR8 cars with the Life ECU?
To use the full capabilities of the SR10 steering wheel in and SR3 or SR8 would not be practical because significant rewiring would be required. However, the steering wheel can be hooked up and used as a dash by connecting the Can high, Can low, power, and ground. This will provide visibility of the items […]
Ask the Radical Factory Question #4 – Hello, I Have a new to me a 2009 sr3 (chassis #438). Two questions I have are where about in the setting range for the dampers is a good place to start for a high speed fairly smooth track (CTMP (Mosport) in Canada)? The dampers are the intrax racing with the single adjustment knob at the top car has medium Nik link bars front and rear. Second what set up difference change between the Michelin and Hankook radical tires? The car came with a set of each, and I am free to run either in the club racing that I am doing. cheers, Corey Bradburn
Hi Corey, as you know the optimal suspension setup is dependent on driver style, weather, and track conditions. The latest Radical SR3 Owner’s Manual (SR3 XXR) describes good Initial suspension set up for dry and wet conditions. These set-ups work well as a starting point for most drivers at most tracks, and the Radical Handling […]
Ask the Factory Question #3 – Buongiorno, I am writing from Italy and am the owner of two radicals. I would like to have information on the construction date of the SR4 031 and Prosport 066 chassis. Grazie, Giuseppe Bellini
Hi Giuseppe, your SR4 (chassis number 31) was built in December 2004 and is considered a 2005 model, and your Prosport (Chassis number 66) was built in early 2000, likely February.
Ask The Factory Question # 2 – I have a 2017 RXC Spyder with a Ford EcoBoost twin turbo engine and noticed that the water pump is starting to go out. Can the water pump be replaced without pulling the motor and drive line? Jeff P.
Hi Jeff, yes, the water pump on your car can be changed without removing the engine. Your local dealer will be able to supply you with the required parts.
Ask the Factory Q#1 – I am writing to you from Japan. I work in automotive maintenance. I am working on a Radical SR4 engine that will not start. The fuel pump and ignition coil are not working either. I want to check if the engine control module is working properly. Can I have a wiring diagram for the Radical SR4 (Chassis No: SR4 00082j) Best regards, Atsushi K.
A: Hi Atsushi, attached is a copy of the Wiring diagram that will help you with your car. The SR4 you are working on shares the same engine wiring harness as the SR3, so the attached SR3 wiring diagram should be very helpful in troubleshooting your issue. Additionally, plugging into the Life ECU and using […]
Ask Phil #14 – Hello Phil, I have a question regarding HD axles for an SR3 RS or RSX. Unfortunately, as you know, we cannot purchase any specifics parts for these axles from Radical, only complete units. Several of us have sourced the tripods to GKN, but we cannot find the specific inner CV hub that was used… Can you guide us in the right direction? Thanks in advance for your assistance. David I. (@hawkster)
Hi David, Hope you are well. The inner tripod housing with the splined input shaft was originally from Ford Sierra European model at least) and diff size was 7” The early model Sierra was 6.5”, most popular and bigger spline section was 7”, and much larger “Scorpio” model was 7.5” (much larger). Hope this […]
Ask Phil #13 – Phil I have a 2019 RXC 600R with 3.5L eco boost and have been using non leaded non ethanol 97 octane renegade racing fuel that was approved by the factory. My supplier only orders this fuel twice a year and I am about to exhaust my present supply. Is it reasonable to use a premium fuel 92 octane unleaded with Boostane Pro to bring octane to at least 97 octane? Boostane Pro does have some ethanol in it from my research and to this point I have not used ethanol or leaded fuels. Thanks for your advice. Gary H. (@ghaas)
Hi Gary This is quite a late model question for me , however, as we are still doing later systems in our new world there is some basic guidance. The real answer to this one is to see the engine data. It has a good chance to cope with those changes, with knock sensors protecting […]
Ask Phil #12 – Hi Phil, my car is an early Radical SR8 (2005) which runs the “closed” MBE ECU that can’t be programmed. Is it possible to buy a similar “Open” MBE ECU. I want to do a few performance upgrades to the cylinder heads and was worried about the effects since the ECU can’t be programmed Could you also recommend the best options for an upgrades and power gains? Regards Josh Broome (@jwb)
Hi Josh, That’s quite an early SR8, first question is current spec? Presumably 2.6 motor, and does it have “plenum” intake or 8 separate throttle bodies? If it’s still on early plenum – there is your most cost effective and biggest hike in free revving and response, for 8 throttle bodies. If it’s 2.6 on […]
Ask Phil #11 – Hi Phil! I’m curious as to the background of the SR5. The car seems like a great idea to me. A lower stressed engine that would be great for track days where the owner isn’t as concerned about getting every last bit out of power to weight. However, it seems it never really took off. I’d like to know what were the thoughts behind the SR5 and why you think it never caught on? The car was also available as a roller and able to accommodate a Sadev which I found to be something Radical doesn’t typically do and was wondering if they were trying to tap a new market with this approach? My interest comes from owning SR8 Chassis 42 as a roller and looking to swap in a Honda K24 and a Sadev transaxle. Thanks! Joe (@JoeP)
Hi Joe, SR5 design and build was initially driven from the European market racing series. We were looking to increase sales by expanding into other categories. Several things were moving in European sales. The VdV endurance series, run by the Eric Van der Vyver organization, was a very successful series in early 2000’s. It was a […]