Discussion
Have recently sold my Cerbera 4.2 after around 15 months ownership. The previous owner spent around £7,000 in 4 years and drove under 1,000 miles. It was off the road for 4 years and then I spent almost £4,000 on upgrades, repairs and paint doing all the work myself other than the paint. I drove less than 1,500 miles.
The new owner has now found the clutch slave and master cylinders have given up so more big expense. That just leaves the starter motor then......
While I have never owned a straight six, I have been active in searching out my next TVR as the bug has definitely bitten me, and my thoughts were to have a Tuscan. At a recent show the owners of various models let me sit in their cars and get a feel for them. I love the Tuscan. I love the T350 more (but out of my price really).
I sat in a Griffith, which was my original choice 18 months ago, but heart ruled head and got the Cerbera. Now though, having been on this forum, the sixes scare me despite the rebuild warranties and so on. So, after sitting in the Griff, my mind is almost made up. No Tuscan, must be Rover engined and love the Griff's shape. Horses for courses as they say.
The new owner has now found the clutch slave and master cylinders have given up so more big expense. That just leaves the starter motor then......
While I have never owned a straight six, I have been active in searching out my next TVR as the bug has definitely bitten me, and my thoughts were to have a Tuscan. At a recent show the owners of various models let me sit in their cars and get a feel for them. I love the Tuscan. I love the T350 more (but out of my price really).
I sat in a Griffith, which was my original choice 18 months ago, but heart ruled head and got the Cerbera. Now though, having been on this forum, the sixes scare me despite the rebuild warranties and so on. So, after sitting in the Griff, my mind is almost made up. No Tuscan, must be Rover engined and love the Griff's shape. Horses for courses as they say.
Blimey it doesn't read well for the S6 engine ....... I've always fancied a T350 and I have someone who wants to buy my old 911. This will leave be with a fair wedge for a TVR if I take the gamble. The problem (at least with the S6) seems that unless its built around 2005 and on, its pretty poor on the reliability stakes.
I've seen advertised a 5K mileage T350 from 2003. I thought great, virtually brand new. But by the sound of it this would not be a good buy as its too old, and for a fella like me that likes to use his cars a lot (6k per annum) and most probs will need a rebuild by the time its done 25K miles.
Or am I mistaken?
I've seen advertised a 5K mileage T350 from 2003. I thought great, virtually brand new. But by the sound of it this would not be a good buy as its too old, and for a fella like me that likes to use his cars a lot (6k per annum) and most probs will need a rebuild by the time its done 25K miles.
Or am I mistaken?
Wozy68 said:
Blimey it doesn't read well for the S6 engine ....... I've always fancied a T350 and I have someone who wants to buy my old 911. This will leave be with a fair wedge for a TVR if I take the gamble. The problem (at least with the S6) seems that unless its built around 2005 and on, its pretty poor on the reliability stakes.
I've seen advertised a 5K mileage T350 from 2003. I thought great, virtually brand new. But by the sound of it this would not be a good buy as its too old, and for a fella like me that likes to use his cars a lot (6k per annum) and most probs will need a rebuild by the time its done 25K miles.
Or am I mistaken?
Add the cost of a 4.3 rebuild/upgrade by Str8six or Power to the price of the car and see if it still makes sense to you. Get it booked in shortly after you buy it and then enjoy several years [relatively I've seen advertised a 5K mileage T350 from 2003. I thought great, virtually brand new. But by the sound of it this would not be a good buy as its too old, and for a fella like me that likes to use his cars a lot (6k per annum) and most probs will need a rebuild by the time its done 25K miles.
Or am I mistaken?
] worry free (due to combination of rebuild quality and warranty). dod said:
Wozy68 said:
Blimey it doesn't read well for the S6 engine ....... I've always fancied a T350 and I have someone who wants to buy my old 911. This will leave be with a fair wedge for a TVR if I take the gamble. The problem (at least with the S6) seems that unless its built around 2005 and on, its pretty poor on the reliability stakes.
I've seen advertised a 5K mileage T350 from 2003. I thought great, virtually brand new. But by the sound of it this would not be a good buy as its too old, and for a fella like me that likes to use his cars a lot (6k per annum) and most probs will need a rebuild by the time its done 25K miles.
Or am I mistaken?
Add the cost of a 4.3 rebuild/upgrade by Str8six or Power to the price of the car and see if it still makes sense to you. Get it booked in shortly after you buy it and then enjoy several years [relatively I've seen advertised a 5K mileage T350 from 2003. I thought great, virtually brand new. But by the sound of it this would not be a good buy as its too old, and for a fella like me that likes to use his cars a lot (6k per annum) and most probs will need a rebuild by the time its done 25K miles.
Or am I mistaken?
] worry free (due to combination of rebuild quality and warranty). 
Still have a bit of a crave for one though. Just can't decide on Targa or non Targa though
S6 now is just as reliable as any comparable engine.
Mine has been 10 years and 70k miles since a rebuild and it isn't alone in that. Power offer 100k mile 5yr warranty which is almost the same as Kia do.
I'm not just 'trying to protect residuals' either as I'm not selling it.
The S6 is a fantastic engine and to me the benefits outweigh the potential risk. If you want to be cautious then you should probably rule out lots of engines with known issues including Porsche, Lotus, Ferrari, Lambo, Maserati and V8 TVRs too. If you want a proper giggle look at the rebuild costs for some of them!
Mine has been 10 years and 70k miles since a rebuild and it isn't alone in that. Power offer 100k mile 5yr warranty which is almost the same as Kia do.
I'm not just 'trying to protect residuals' either as I'm not selling it.
The S6 is a fantastic engine and to me the benefits outweigh the potential risk. If you want to be cautious then you should probably rule out lots of engines with known issues including Porsche, Lotus, Ferrari, Lambo, Maserati and V8 TVRs too. If you want a proper giggle look at the rebuild costs for some of them!
I have been emailing someone who sells TVRs this morning and he seems to say the if a car has had a rebuild from 2003 onwards then they should be a lot better.
There are obviously a lot more things to think about but the rebuild seems to be the main thing to look out for.
A lot of thinking to do. I have also looked at RV8 TVRs and whilst nice don't have the same appeal to me as the Tuscan. I might have to try and drive a few before I make a definite decision.
There are obviously a lot more things to think about but the rebuild seems to be the main thing to look out for.
A lot of thinking to do. I have also looked at RV8 TVRs and whilst nice don't have the same appeal to me as the Tuscan. I might have to try and drive a few before I make a definite decision.
BigGingerBob said:
he seems to say the if a car has had a rebuild from 2003 onwards then they should be a lot better
whilst true it's also true for just about any engine ever produced. As time goes on the manufacturer and then the specialists learn about the engine, see which parts fail, which performance modifications make a difference etc. For the Speed 6 people have argued about external oil feeds, solid or hollow camshafts, knock sensors; there's no end to it - a good rebuild from 2013 should be better than a good rebuild from 2003.robsco said:
mikal83 said:
robsco said:
I wasn't aware of such a thing?
sorry smart arse, meant 430Thanks for the clarification, FFG.
It's a fairly common indication that if your SP6 has reached around 24000 without a rebuild, then its usually going to go full distance. They tend to let go at around 10-15K miles. My first one had done over 26000 and was showing no signs of wear when I sold it, but the second one let go at around 14000 miles. If rebuilt with reputable parts then it should be good for loads of miles. That nicely verified what I had learnt previoulsy.
Had my late 2002 original engine Tam for three years and never had a problem. Buy with knowledge & help from someone who knows, follow the start up procedure and use a TVR specialist for service. If the motor dies then off to TVR power for a rebuild and the value of the car goes up substantially.
I don't know any other car which gives so much for the money and makes every drive an event - love em!
I don't know any other car which gives so much for the money and makes every drive an event - love em!
Hi there mate,
I am looking for a 997 and have a mint T350 Same as the one for sale at Track V Road.
Lazer Blue.
I am looking for a 997 and have a mint T350 Same as the one for sale at Track V Road.
Lazer Blue.
Wozy68 said:
Blimey it doesn't read well for the S6 engine ....... I've always fancied a T350 and I have someone who wants to buy my old 911. This will leave be with a fair wedge for a TVR if I take the gamble. The problem (at least with the S6) seems that unless its built around 2005 and on, its pretty poor on the reliability stakes.
I've seen advertised a 5K mileage T350 from 2003. I thought great, virtually brand new. But by the sound of it this would not be a good buy as its too old, and for a fella like me that likes to use his cars a lot (6k per annum) and most probs will need a rebuild by the time its done 25K miles.
Or am I mistaken?
I've seen advertised a 5K mileage T350 from 2003. I thought great, virtually brand new. But by the sound of it this would not be a good buy as its too old, and for a fella like me that likes to use his cars a lot (6k per annum) and most probs will need a rebuild by the time its done 25K miles.
Or am I mistaken?
Well I may need to up my budget a little to get a really decent one. I have found one for just over £20 that has just had an engine rebuild. It's the Red Rose at Racing Green.
Of course I am looking at all I can, I won't be able to go and see any for a few weeks though. The mint green one at James Agger also looks good and it is much less money.
Fat8ob, that sounded like an offer to sell yours!
Of course I am looking at all I can, I won't be able to go and see any for a few weeks though. The mint green one at James Agger also looks good and it is much less money.
Fat8ob, that sounded like an offer to sell yours!
Have been watching this with interest... I had a Chimaera 500 and about a year ago moved to a Cerb 4.2, have to say I miss the Chimaera a lot. The Cerbera just does not feel as special, although it does feel faster. This could be due to the fixed roof, the lack of viability or a less throaty engine.
I am therefore looking at moving back to a Chim or perhaps a Griff... they just seem more 'traditional British sports car'...
I am therefore looking at moving back to a Chim or perhaps a Griff... they just seem more 'traditional British sports car'...
env said:
Have been watching this with interest... I had a Chimaera 500 and about a year ago moved to a Cerb 4.2, have to say I miss the Chimaera a lot. The Cerbera just does not feel as special, although it does feel faster. This could be due to the fixed roof, the lack of viability or a less throaty engine.
I am therefore looking at moving back to a Chim or perhaps a Griff... they just seem more 'traditional British sports car'...
Same here, I have about 15k to splash on summit nasty this winter, ( figure I'll get the best price for a "summer" rag top then). Had a chim and it just wasnt differant enough. Maybe a tuscan or a griff will be...Or maybe theres another 15k car that will??!! I am therefore looking at moving back to a Chim or perhaps a Griff... they just seem more 'traditional British sports car'...
The Surveyor said:
fatjon, your experiences matches a lot of Cerbera owners I know, the AJP8 engine is actually pretty reliable, it's everything else that bolted to it which lets it down be that starter motors, electrics, exhaust manifolds, clutches, induction systems. Maybe its the heat in the engine bay? Otherwise everything else is normal TVR.
As a balance, my S6 Tuscan has been pretty good overall, a couple of clutches and general wallet busting servicing only and 60k miles of wonderful re-build free fun.
The AJP8 has its own Achilles Heel: the auxiliary drive shaft. Once the Woodruff key goes you loose oil pressure and cooling. And the only way to fix it, even assuming no other damage has been done, is a full rebuild.As a balance, my S6 Tuscan has been pretty good overall, a couple of clutches and general wallet busting servicing only and 60k miles of wonderful re-build free fun.
Don't forget that all TVRs from the Cerb onwards use the same clutch. I agree that exhaust manifolds are very poorly made, but they are amazingly light which compliments the AJP8.
Gassing Station | General TVR Stuff & Gossip | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff