Please help me identify the model of this TVR S

[Spin]

Hi, About 6 or 7 weeks ago I posted some info on this forum about a TVR in Australia that I was thinking about buying. The owner is now back and I have been able to look at the car and get some more details. The car was imported from Japan in 2007 and has about 30,000Km on it. The details I have obtained from the engine plates are:
Vehicle ID = SDLDSC2PONEO11941
Eng Number = D1424-21
Body Code = P422-B519B
On the engine block there was also a number = SVG529 and D1424-21

The car has air con but its not working. The license papers say its a 1987 but that could have been recorded incorrectly when imported from Japan.
The doors look like the larger S3 type to me.
In my previous post someone said it was the 2.9L Cat version and possibly a S3C. It has the S3 dash. I am thinking it might be either an S2C or S3C. With the above info and the pics below can the year and model of this car now be determined? Thanks Spin

[ketvrin]

Looks like an S3c to me

later dash
no AFM's
Later Ford Brake reservoir

its definitely not an S2 (waits to be shot down in flames)

Not sure how to spot an S4C ? rear discs ?

have you looked at Pies site ? http://www.tvrsseries.com/

looks nice...

K;)

Edited by ketvrin on Friday 30th April 12:34

[mep12345]

ketvrin said:

Looks like an S3c to me

later dash
no AFM's
Later Ford Brake reservoir

its definitely not an S2 (waits to be shot down in flames)

+1

ketvrin said:

Not sure how to spot an S4C ? rear discs ?

Rear Discs
Wider Track (look at trailing arms just behind hubs - "flat square bit" about 15mm instead of 5mm
Front wishbones longer due to wider track
Bonnet doesn't have the scoop but has cut outs down crease by wings (although there are some of these on older ones too)

There may be more but these are what I'm aware of

Mark

[Bonefish]

certainly an S3c or later. All identical to my S3c, with exception of alternator and wash bottle. In a different location to uk spec, to accomodate the a/c i would assume. Give away is no air flow meters, so you should find a lamda sensor in each branch of the exhaust just after it goes from 3 to 1.
Though not a given but does the bonnet have a intake scoop over the plenum ?, one factor it not being an S4.

[Spin]

Thanks for the feedback. Yes I have seen that TVR series site. The car has an intake bonnet scoop and drums on the back so looks like S3C? Spin

[S4Dave]

Bonefish said:

certainly an S3c or later. All identical to my S3c, with exception of alternator and wash bottle. In a different location to uk spec, to accomodate the a/c i would assume. Give away is no air flow meters, so you should find a lamda sensor in each branch of the exhaust just after it goes from 3 to 1.
Though not a given but does the bonnet have a intake scoop over the plenum ?, one factor it not being an S4.

In the S4 the battery is in the boot (or it is on mine ) so I would say it looking like an S3 or S3C

[Barkychoc]

I'm only looking on my phone but it looks the same as that Japanese model Andrew did a sprint article on last month - I think is was an S3c Super Sport or something - an export model anyway with aircon. Pretty rare by all accounts.
Whats the Japan climate like? If its always good then presumably chassis will be mint.

[ketvrin]

Spin said:

Thanks for the feedback. Yes I have seen that TVR series site. The car has an intake bonnet scoop and drums on the back so looks like S3C? Spin

whats happening with the roof there Spin ? looks like a series of screwheads and is that a single roof panel ?

maybe its just my eyes ?

K

[Spin]

Yes chassis is in excellent condition. No rust whatsoever.
The car is not quiet in such pristine condition as you see in the photos as the current owner has used it in a couple of rallies. Those photos were taken when it was first imported from Japan around 2007. Needs a few things done but mainly things like air con, window seals, glove box closer, some paint blemishes, leaking soft top at front frame, rough running due to poor relay connections, loose wing mirror,door seals damaged in places, but all repairable. The car is very expensive (A$28K)as all TVRs are in Australia. So expensive in fact that it is difficult to justify the price. Could bring one in from UK for less but a 4000 pound car would probably cost around A$15K to $20K all up landed. Spin

[Bonefish]

as an aside...always thought minilites would look good on an S ......3c

Edited by Bonefish on Friday 30th April 13:19

[Spin]

ketvrin said:

Spin said:

Thanks for the feedback. Yes I have seen that TVR series site. The car has an intake bonnet scoop and drums on the back so looks like S3C? Spin

whats happening with the roof there Spin ? looks like a series of screwheads and is that a single roof panel ?

maybe its just my eyes ?

K

The soft top is in two parts. Front part has a lot of press studs across the front top and it also clips at the rear to a fold down rear section. Is that what they should be like? It does leak at the front where it meets the windscreen. Spin

[Spin]

This is a view of the soft top from the rear where you can clearly see the press studs. Is that what it should be like? Spin

[Roy C]

Spin said:

Vehicle ID = SDLDSC2PONEO11941

S3C was made between 1990 and 1993.
On my car, the manufacturing year code was the 9th digit. However, this car has an extra digit to mine (the "C": does it = cat?), so I suspect the year code could be the "N".
L=1990
M=1991
N=1992
0=1993

[Roy C]

Spin said:

This is a view of the soft top from the rear where you can clearly see the press studs. Is that what it should be like? Spin

No. It's not a soft top, it should be two GRP targa panels.

They are in Section B of the factory Parts List: 11a & 12a Targa Panels:
http://www.tvrsseries.com/tvrparts/parts.htm

Edited by Roy C on Friday 30th April 13:55

[Roy C]

Spin said:

Body Code = P422-B519B

P422-B519B is "Crystal Black" (Nexa 2K)

Here's the paint code list:
http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...

[Spin]

OK thanks RoyC. The year still is a mystery then? And the "soft top" is completely incorrect? No wonder it leaks. Are those panels available and what would they cost? I am wondering if any other framing is necessary and if it can be put back to the correct original type? There is no chance this is what an export version had is there? Does anyone have a pic of what they should be like? Hope you dont mind me asking so many questions. spin

[ketvrin]

Not a great picture and not the best price either but anyway...

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/TVR-S-SERIES-FOLDING-ROOF-SE...

HTH

K

ps - keep asking mate

[Roy C]

Spin said:

The year still is a mystery then?

...unless someone on here with an S3C can confirm it.

Spin said:

And the "soft top" is completely incorrect? No wonder it leaks. Are those panels available and what would they cost? I am wondering if any other framing is necessary and if it can be put back to the correct original type?

There is no extra framing. The panels are supported by the channel above the screen and another on the rear section. There should be four slots in each to locate the lugs on the panels. Sorry no pics, I sold mine.

[Spin]

Thanks guys, looks like it can be put back to original and solve the water leaks in the process! The only issue would be taking out the press studs at the front and repairing the holes. If only this car was a better deal price wise. Will wait and see what happens with it I guess. Thanks for all the help. Spin

[Barkychoc]

You can't solve the leaks - only slow them down