Really wanted to love a V8 but...

Really wanted to love a V8 but...

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Discussion

manracer

Original Poster:

1,544 posts

96 months

Monday 26th September 2016
quotequote all
I now feel deflated.

Recently I posted about wanting my first V8 while I can afford one comfortably so test drove a few: C63 AMG, mustang GT & RS4.. all cars were pretty new and exhaust note aside, I just feel underwhelmed. Now I know I'm likely to get a barrage of abuse but hear me out...

I've grown up with mostly front wheel drive turbo cars, most powerful being a 380bhp seat Loren cupra, 310bhp golf gti Pirelli etc, and thought I would enjoy the n/a v8, but I was left wanting more... Basically I think I need turbo boost in my life, I just love it,. So is the a v8 turbo'd car I should maybe try? Dont get me wrong, the RWD thing I'm fine with, had a Nissan 200sx and used to love that, I just feel like I'm at crossroads where I can have any car I want up to about £40k, not fussed about mpg but don't know where to turn...

vtecyo

2,122 posts

128 months

Monday 26th September 2016
quotequote all
Buy a Maloo.

unpc

2,831 posts

212 months

Monday 26th September 2016
quotequote all
Fair enough, we don't all like the same things and would be boring if we did. Personally I like a linear power delivery so that rules out turbos for me. I also like to wring an engine out from time to time but there's usually no point in a turbo.

Doesn't stop you being wrong though wink

Willy Nilly

12,511 posts

166 months

Monday 26th September 2016
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I've used several GM 350 V8's in various pickups and a 454, a couple of GM6.5 diesels, and old Ford may be Winchester V8(?), 6 Powerstrokes and 2 IH V800's (800 cubic inch). None of which I thought were anything to jump up and down about. The diesels in particular were all pretty useless, the V800's were at their best in marine applications on the end of a chain at the bottom of the sea. Utterly useless dogs of engines.

wormus

14,497 posts

202 months

Monday 26th September 2016
quotequote all
There are a few nice VXR8s in the classifieds including a very nicely sorted 7.0L LS2 owned by somebody we know. One of the fastest cars on he HSV forum with 680hp in NA form.

http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/v...

Edited by wormus on Monday 26th September 21:54

ILoveMondeo

9,614 posts

225 months

Monday 26th September 2016
quotequote all
Dunno if it's out of budget, try an XKRS,

fking brutal acceleration. Which I assume is what you're after, the massive lump of FI torque?

ETA xfrs probs a bit cheaper and closer to budget?

Same power train, less pretty (to my eyes) package.

Heartworm

1,922 posts

160 months

Monday 26th September 2016
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I found the change from my twin turbo supra to the Tuscan very strange for a long time, I did miss the sudden pull when the turbo kicked in, the Tuscan is much, much faster, but when you put your foot down it doesn't always feel it as it just pulls all the way.

SWoll

18,206 posts

257 months

Monday 26th September 2016
quotequote all
If you like FI, you like FI. Nothing wrong with that, no right or wrong here.

For the ultimate in turbo fun I'd suggest trying

997 Turbo (slightly over budget for early car but maybe possible)
Nissan GTR

Tuning options with both are huge. If you get bored Litchfield will get you 600BHP from the GTR for just over £3K..

philmots

4,630 posts

259 months

Monday 26th September 2016
quotequote all
XFR or F10 M5?

I love linear power, not keen on turbo elasticity. The supercharged XFR engine is unreal, but I am biased.

swisstoni

16,844 posts

278 months

Monday 26th September 2016
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Should sort out any deficiencies...


CABC

5,528 posts

100 months

Monday 26th September 2016
quotequote all
Each to their own. My fleet of 7 cars has no turbo in sight.
That will remain the case while NA is dwindling, I'll enjoy it while I can.
Interesting developments in hybrids with electric filling the turbo lag though,
Twin turbo big capacity engines are also enjoyable.
TFSI engines by contrast are just horrible.
I'm older and just enjoy using a gearbox.

rich888

2,610 posts

198 months

Monday 26th September 2016
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I think what you need is a bit of old school technology that relies on your right foot input to prevent it from flying off into the ditch backwards, rather relying on a plethora of modern-day nanny-state computers and 4x4 traction controls to save your day, and in the process reward you with a very bland and sanitised driving experience.

How about a manual rear wheel drive 5.4 litre V8 Porsche 928 GTS, values are rising ahead of the 40th anniversary next year so you shouldn't lose too much money if you buy a decent one. They top out at just over 170mph unless they have been tweaked. Comes complete with well balanced handling and very high levels of roadholding though will ultimately bite on the limit, you need to respect what you are driving. A true Jekyll and Hyde personality. Not for the faint hearted!

How about a drive round the Nordschleife track in a Porsche 928 S4 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HgwHOu_b7KU

Jimmy Recard

17,540 posts

178 months

Monday 26th September 2016
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Jaguar's supercharged V8s seem to meet all of your criteria!

Impasse

15,099 posts

240 months

Monday 26th September 2016
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An Esprit V8 will soon put the roasting on your peanuts.

caelite

4,273 posts

111 months

Tuesday 27th September 2016
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You should try one of the modern 'downsized' twin turbo v6s on the market. A lot of these, whilst not a v8 rumble, can muster a very pleasant roar you just cant get with a 4 banger, they also keep that kick in the arse power delivery you get from the turbo.

fivepointnine

708 posts

113 months

Tuesday 27th September 2016
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In your budget I do not think you can beat a used GTR...there is a nice one for sale near me for £39k. I have had many V8 cars, and my 348bhp V6 NA car is more exciting to drive. Only V8 I had with "personality" was a 1968 Ford F100 with a built Thunderbird FE big block in it (400+hp).

jayemm89

4,001 posts

129 months

Tuesday 27th September 2016
quotequote all
I expect a lot may have to do with the fact these are comfortable German barges, which will mask their speed very well. They're about making comfortable but rapid progress.

A turbo'd hot hatchback is much rawer and will give a greater "sensation" of speed, not necessarily more speed.

jayemm89

4,001 posts

129 months

Tuesday 27th September 2016
quotequote all
Impasse said:
An Esprit V8 will soon put the roasting on your peanuts.
Interesting you say that, I felt the Esprit was very underwhelming in the engine department, certainly as standard

RobM77

35,349 posts

233 months

Tuesday 27th September 2016
quotequote all
Most super saloons, such as the cars you drove, are designed to be refined and comfortable, rather than exciting. They're company cars for successful businessmen who want a turn of speed. The RS4 in particular I found utterly dull and dreary, as not only does it have this saloon car design brief, probably moreso than the others, but coking issues and 4WD rob it of power - it felt 330ci fast to me, if that. I drove a 30k mile two year old one, so it wasn't even that worn out.

Don't also forget that a rear drive or 4WD chassis with proper suspension will cope with power an awful lot better than a souped up FWD hatchback. Most of the 'exciting' feeling you get with a hot hatch is because the chassis was primarily designed to have 100bhp and carry kids and shopping.

The other thing is that one of the V8's primary selling points is how smooth they are (or can be, with the right firing order etc); in America they're standard in luxury cars for this reason, or at least they were for many years. A flat plane crank AJP V8 in a Cerbera for example is a completely different kettle of fish, or a high revving Ferrari V8 for another example.

I think you perhaps need to broaden your test drive choices somewhat, for example to include TVRs, or you may find an SLK55 AMG or SL55 AMG more to your taste than the C63 (both have a wonderful sound when revved). If you absolutely have to have a saloon, then how about a Vauxhall VXR8? With the right induction and exhaust they can sound wonderful, and they're a bit more raw than the cars you test drove.

Edited by RobM77 on Tuesday 27th September 10:06

anonymous-user

53 months

Tuesday 27th September 2016
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I think compared to an overpowered FWD turbo hatch then competence of a proper performance saloon or sports car might feel a bit sensible and boring hehe

You want to try something that can only just cope with the power. Might I suggest an XKR 5.0 or an XFR 5.0?