"Ask Phil" Blog – Radical Sportscar Registry

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

Post author:CharleyH
Post published:March 18, 2023
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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…

Read more about the article 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

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

Post author:CharleyH
Post published:March 6, 2023
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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…

Read more about the article 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.

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.

Post author:CharleyH
Post published:February 17, 2023
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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.

Read more about the article 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.

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.

Post author:CharleyH
Post published:February 1, 2023
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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…

Read more about the article 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)

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)

Post author:CharleyH
Post published:January 14, 2023
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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…

Read more about the article 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)

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)

Post author:CharleyH
Post published:August 5, 2022
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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…

Read more about the article 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)

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)

Post author:CharleyH
Post published:October 20, 2021
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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…

Read more about the article 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)

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)

Post author:CharleyH
Post published:September 27, 2021
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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…

Read more about the article Ask Phil #10 – Hi Phil, I have the 2013 Radical SR8 VIN 207. Using a new PC Laptop, the Radical ECU cable, and downloaded Life ECU 2.15.40, but when I connect to the SR8 (Life PTMon), it does not find the device. Any suggestions and assistance is appreciated. Vafa Fouroohi

Ask Phil #10 – Hi Phil, I have the 2013 Radical SR8 VIN 207. Using a new PC Laptop, the Radical ECU cable, and downloaded Life ECU 2.15.40, but when I connect to the SR8 (Life PTMon), it does not find the device. Any suggestions and assistance is appreciated. Vafa Fouroohi

Post author:CharleyH
Post published:May 13, 2021
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Hi Vafa, Always best to try to avoid the technological route and ask what was the last thing the human did, or did not do. That thought has helped me…

Read more about the article Ask Phil Question # 9 – Hi Phil, I have bought a Prosport 1300 rms 215(one of the last ones?). I believe it was one of several cars sold to Mantorp park driving school in Sweden. I will drive it for the first time this year. Would it be advisable to test it with neutral wing and the front canards off to learn the cars balance with less downforce? I have never driven anything this fast, or mid engined on track before. Regards, Jonas Maurstad (@maurstad) from Norway

Ask Phil Question # 9 – Hi Phil, I have bought a Prosport 1300 rms 215(one of the last ones?). I believe it was one of several cars sold to Mantorp park driving school in Sweden. I will drive it for the first time this year. Would it be advisable to test it with neutral wing and the front canards off to learn the cars balance with less downforce? I have never driven anything this fast, or mid engined on track before. Regards, Jonas Maurstad (@maurstad) from Norway

Post author:CharleyH
Post published:February 8, 2021
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Dear Jonas, Thanks for your question. If you have never driven slicks and wings before, it’s best to start with at least medium downforce. The dive planes and rear wing…