RE: Engine Issues
Wednesday 11th August 2004
Engine Issues
Al Melling back on the scene
News emerged yesterday that TVR were reviewing their goodwill strategy with respect to engine rebuilds. To date, owners of cars that were 2-3 years old and out of warranty could often rely on TVR capping the repair bill to around £2000 if an engine rebuild was required.
Now, with TVR under new ownership this policy is being reviewed and dealers have been told to warn customers that they may be faced with the full bill for engine works in future if they don't have a warranty that will cover the cost.
Henley TVR were quick to react to the news and to release information about their recent tie up with Al Melling of the Melling Consultancy. Melling is an engine specialist and as many will know did much of the initial design work for TVR's engines.
Henley TVR issued the following statement yesterday:
| As you may be aware from the recent press reports, TVR has been acquired by Russian Businessman Nikolai Smolenski. One of the first signs of policy change is the period of grace given previously on the Speed Six Engine repairs, this has been withdrawn. As a result of this and in order to maintain the highest level of support to our clients we have appointed Melling Consultancy to assist in any repairs or difficulties they may be experiencing with their TVRs. Al Melling, who is the Principal in MCD is a highly respected world engine designer. With 25 years of experience including the principal design work in the TVR engines between 1992 and 1997. Adrian Doman of Henley Heritage would like to hear from anyone who is experiencing any engine problems. Please e-mail service @ henley-tvr.com with your contact details and we will keep you informed. |
Discussion
Probably because Wheeler decided the guy who fills the slot machines up on the seafront could finish the top of the engine off. Hence the fish fingers or needing a head design (pick your own story).
My question is, what exactly is Mr Melling going to do? Rebuild them himself? Or are they building up enough bodies to file some kind of lawsuit on TVR? and I assume there's profit in this for the dealer, so what's the angle?
Sorry to sound cynical, that's because I am. Naturally if this is for the good of the Speed Six then I support it conceptually.
My question is, what exactly is Mr Melling going to do? Rebuild them himself? Or are they building up enough bodies to file some kind of lawsuit on TVR? and I assume there's profit in this for the dealer, so what's the angle?
Sorry to sound cynical, that's because I am. Naturally if this is for the good of the Speed Six then I support it conceptually.
Targarama said:
My question is, what exactly is Mr Melling going to do? Rebuild them himself? Or are they building up enough bodies to file some kind of lawsuit on TVR? and I assume there's profit in this for the dealer, so what's the angle?
I was wondering this. From the press release, their intentions are none too clear.
AFAIK, what was sensible 'Melling' technology for race engines, could not simply be de-tuned, to be made sufficiently durable in road applications. So as I say, I'm not really sure why he's getting involved at this stage.
There are conflicting reports about that, but I heard that this was initiated by Wheeler before Smolenski took over the reins. Just happened to take a little longer to get it out in writing, hence only now has it been revealed. Smolenski could easily reverse the decision if wishes to.
The joint efforts of the factory and HH should work in unison to decimate the value of anything without a rover engine under the hood.
This is turn will skint current loyal owner base, whom will turn on their heels and with a 'never again' promptly buy M3, 911, New Boxster and New SLK.
Perhaps somebody will finally see the light and do an engine deal with mercedes, jaguar or ford to get a mass manufactured engine in the car.
That way a 10k car wouldnt prompt a sucking of air through teeth if offered for sale to a member of the trade, tiv dealers included.
Bennno
Its a shame as the SP6 is cracking engine, but decisions like this are likely to move owners to other brands, TVR die-hards to Noble, Marcos etc and the others to Porsche, Nissan (350Z not Micra!) etc.
I've noticed in my ownership repairs the jibes of unreliability have turned in engine blowing up jokes - and this can only make matters worse even though the general feeling is (from those in the trade) that they've improved massively in the last year and a half, but even so everyone who reads the car mags or does their research will be worried, especially on a 1-2 year old model.
Perhaps some other announcements might be due though that would change how we look at this one... How knows?
Incidentally, where would this leave those who have already had a rebuild?
I've noticed in my ownership repairs the jibes of unreliability have turned in engine blowing up jokes - and this can only make matters worse even though the general feeling is (from those in the trade) that they've improved massively in the last year and a half, but even so everyone who reads the car mags or does their research will be worried, especially on a 1-2 year old model.
Perhaps some other announcements might be due though that would change how we look at this one... How knows?
Incidentally, where would this leave those who have already had a rebuild?
Tripps said:
Its a shame as the SP6 is cracking engine, but decisions like this are likely to move owners to other brands, TVR die-hards to Noble, Marcos etc and the others to Porsche, Nissan (350Z not Micra!) etc.
I've noticed in my ownership repairs the jibes of unreliability have turned in engine blowing up jokes - and this can only make matters worse even though the general feeling is (from those in the trade) that they've improved massively in the last year and a half, but even so everyone who reads the car mags or does their research will be worried, especially on a 1-2 year old model.
Perhaps some other announcements might be due though that would change how we look at this one... How knows?
Incidentally, where would this leave those who have already had a rebuild?
I think the massive improvements have not happened, flashers 03 t350 had to have some engine out work in the first 4,000 miles and my ex 03 t350 was seen billowing white smoke with a hole the size of your first through the engine block....
Bennno
From the recent sprint feature on Ravenscroft .. he said that the initial design was done outside of TVR (MCD / Melling) and after problems he (Ravenscroft )was tasked with fixing those problems.
Henley - could be just trying to get another opinion from Melling on Ravenscrofts mods .. or they might be after a redesign with a view to offering an alternative head for sale .. who know but time will tell.
Henley - could be just trying to get another opinion from Melling on Ravenscrofts mods .. or they might be after a redesign with a view to offering an alternative head for sale .. who know but time will tell.
bennno said:
I think the massive improvements have not happened, flashers 03 t350 had to have some engine out work in the first 4,000 miles and my ex 03 t350 was seen billowing white smoke with a hole the size of your first through the engine block....
Bennno
Whereas our 03 engine hasn't had any problems...
Well its perfect at the moment 
Happily I have a waranty on my Tusc, and should the engine need rebuilding then either the waranty company or the Dealer will be paying for it not me.
I bought mine from Henley-TVR.... so I've got all angles covered.
On a more serious note, all manufacturers have problems with their cars that manifest themselves after the initial 12 months waranty. Some are quite good about it and others wash their hands of it. In all cases it's up to the individual to fight their case and make the manufacturer stand up for their responsibilities. The dealers have a responsibility too as their agents and should back the customer in any claim made against the manufacturuer.
Just my opinion you understand.
David
I bought mine from Henley-TVR.... so I've got all angles covered.
On a more serious note, all manufacturers have problems with their cars that manifest themselves after the initial 12 months waranty. Some are quite good about it and others wash their hands of it. In all cases it's up to the individual to fight their case and make the manufacturer stand up for their responsibilities. The dealers have a responsibility too as their agents and should back the customer in any claim made against the manufacturuer.
Just my opinion you understand.
David
dvpeace said:
On a more serious note, all manufacturers have problems with their cars that manifest themselves after the initial 12 months waranty. Some are quite good about it and others wash their hands of it. In all cases it's up to the individual to fight their case and make the manufacturer stand up for their responsibilities. The dealers have a responsibility too as their agents and should back the customer in any claim made against the manufacturuer.
Just my opinion you understand.
David
Spot on, I agree 100%. That is exactly the state of play at this moment. Relationships with dealers are important - it works both ways.
shnozz said:
what kind sentiments. I am sure those speed 6 owners currently despairing now wish that bloke had managed to kick your door in and nick your Skoda.
It wasn't an unkind sentiment, I was being ironic. I want to see TVR in British hands and being run a little more with the long suffering owners in mind.
I was pointing out that everyone saying "everything will be fine" is clearly wrong, and expecting owners to fork out the full amount on an engine under 3 years old is pretty appaling. I truly hope that this isn't a sign of things to come.
>> Edited by Witchfinder on Wednesday 11th August 17:40
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