Ask the Radical Factory #9 – Hi there I have 2 sr3’s with Life ECU’s (a 2009 and a 2010) that are new to me. I am unable to get ecu data off both cars, so I think it’s something I’m doing. I go thru the prompts and make up the file for the Life data for the car. The computer is properly plugged into the car, main switch on, ignition on. I go to where it says auto read, or just read, all seems to work and comes up with the download screen but then at the bottom I’m meet with a red message: > “no logged data to download happens on both cars what am I doing wrong? Aim data works fine. From Jack A. in Australia
Hi Jack, this message most likely means the battery in the ECU has died and the ECU is unable to save the logbook or previous data after shutting off. This is relatively common on older cars, and Radical offers a service to replace the battery. One thing that you can do to confirm it is […]
Ask the Radical Factory #8 – Hey guys, after sustaining some minor front end damage recently, I’m looking to change my nose cone from a SR3 SS (Gen 1 – Chassis 150) over to a SR3 RS (Gen 2) shape. Will the Crash box underneath need to be changed also? And will the later nose cone line up with the other bodywork panels? Regards, James P
Hi James, The SR3 RS (Gen 2) low hoop nose (2009 – 2010) can be made to line up with the bodywork on your car. However, the most straightforward way to accomplish this is to change the crash box, front splitter, splitter mounts, tow ring, and brake duct mounts to the 4 pin style used […]
Ask the Radical Factory #7 – I bought a SR3RSX 2016, I started it and during warm up it was at 80C on the temp. I gave it a couple small revs prolly up to 4 K , the dash display completely turn red at about between 2500 & 4000 Rpm.it was operating properly at idle or up to 2000 Rpm. I just shut it down to find out what is the issue. Can you advise. Thank you, Ken F
Hi Ken, congratulations on your purchase! On an MXL2 dash the alarms are user configurable, and from the factory they are programmed to turn the display red when certain parameters are not met. From factory the alarm will have activated when the engine oil temperature was not above 45 degrees Celsius yet, causing the display […]
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 […]