V6 or V8.??

[bridgdav]

Decisions decisions......I want an 'S' I've been looking for a few weeks now, done all the relevant stuff - joined TVRCC - bought 'THE BOOK' - read all the ramblings

Should it be the V6 or the V8 ?? What shall I expect - both Good and Bad.??

I haven't bought one yet! Any advice on that?

This will be my second car with limited mileage, costs and travelling to get the right one are not too much of an issue.

I am meeting Hants owners tonight @ H&C's, should get some sound advice from them as well.......

[Podie]

Love my V6 S3... but wish I could have afforded a V8S...

[mike j smith]

Depends on your budget really, The V6 is an excellent car which you should find reliable and cheap to maintain. The V8 will obviously be a little faster and sound better but will probably cost more to run and repair! I have a V6 S2 and it suits my needs for now, which is a third car just for the summer months sunshine!!! Happy hunting and one things for sure which ever model you choose you will enjoy it and certainly not regret it!

[RichardR]

Budget is probably the key deciding factor, both for purchase and running cost (maintenance and petrol). I'd love a V8 but I can realistically afford to run a V6.

Having said that, I wouldn't class it as too big a sacrifice!

[bridgdav]

Hi chaps
Sounds like most S owners would want the V8 (a bit tongue in cheek!)
Are the running costs dramatically different? I've up to about 10k to spend, what can I expect?

I can't wait to join the club.......

[M@H]

For 10k, buy a V6 for £6-£7,000 and have some spare for any problems that arise. £10k on a V8S is going to buy you the car (only just, and assuming you can find one) but no budget for problems.

Just My 2p IMO.

Cheers,
Matt.

[S3 Kieran]

Second that - all who have had both have said you need to step up a wallet size for the V8's, and insurance is a jump too.

Not only that - if you stretch to a V8S, how long will it be before you say "Ooh, for another grand I could get a Griff....?"

[Ren dao]

I had the same dilemma, eventually went for a V8 - it has cost quite some money up to now - although it was broken in to so that doesn't really count as running costs. I must say each morning when she fires up and I set off for the ten mile run to work I smile and think I made the right choice. AND I haven't thought yet about well I could get a griff or chimp - if youcan afford it and have the patience to look go for a V8 although the V6 is special too IMHO

[M@H]

Remember that the V8 is the Early Rover 400 unit, same as my Chim, so you have to run it on SU or Optimax.. plus you'll get anywhere between 15 and 25mpg max from it (mine will only do about 23 even if I'm really careful).. my S on the other hand would do 30mpg on unleaded. Consider Chimaera service prices from garages rather than S service prices too..

Cheers,
Matt.

[GreenV8S]

M@H said:

Remember that the V8 is the Early Rover 400 unit, same as my Chim, so you have to run it on SU or Optimax

This isn't true (OK yes it is the same as your Chimaera, but no you don't have to run it on high octane fuel).

[shpub]

All the 4 litre V8s are set up for super unleaded but they may (or may not) be happy on plain or need a timing adjustment. Depends on how wild a build the engines got!

[M@H]

GreenV8S said:

M@H said: Remember that the V8 is the Early Rover 400 unit, same as my Chim, so you have to run it on SU or Optimax This isn't true (OK yes it is the same as your Chimaera, but no you don't have to run it on high octane fuel).

they were set up for 98 RON super unleaded though, so unless you get it de-tuned or at least checked, you shouldn't be putting Unleaded in it really.

Edited to add.. shpub was here before me I see.. serves me right for not refreshing the thread..

>> Edited by M@H on Thursday 14th August 15:56

[bridgdav]

And I thought I was confused before......!!

All your replies are a great help - I think.

It seems that finding the right V8 will be my biggest challenge. Any suggestions apart from PH?
I have been given David Batty's name as a good source for inspection in the area maybe I sholud contact him?

It will be great to see anyone with their S's at Hen & chicks tonight.

Cheers. Dave

[lordb]

there were 5 V8S's for sale in this months TVR Sprint magazine; range 9900 to 11995. They are not as rare this month then.....
You need to be member to read it....so if your not, Email me and I'll scan the page and send it to you.

Cheers, Lordb
PS for what its worth, its not all power that matters, its the general experience of TVR motoring that does, and the V6 will give you loads of that, at a reasonable cost. IMHO

and I think the V6s sound better anyway......oops hornest nest coming my way.

>> Edited by lordb on Thursday 14th August 16:58

[S3 Kieran]

lordb said:

hornest nest coming my way.

Is that a typo? Should it read horniest nest coming your way? Lucky bd

[lordb]

soz typo......hornets!

[S3 Kieran]

I prefered my version

[lordb]

.....

[Pies]

Been there done all that, and very recently too.

The main thing is going to be your budget

Bhp approx 70 difference between 6 and 8 (book numbers) so actual could be closer

Insurance on a classic policy is very reasonable for a V8 depending where you live

My car runs very well on on ordinary unleaded but better on optimax

I have budgeted servicing/repair charges for the to be 80% dearer than the V6.

Best not to use all your car budget on buying the car and not have anything left for a major repair

Which ever one you get yo wont be dissapointed if you pick a good un in the first place

Happy hunting

[M@H]

lordb said:

and I think the V6s sound better anyway......

I agree


Matt.
(and his V8)