beware speed six engines
Discussion
Most of these postings confirm my own suspicions. I'm another massive TVR fan just about to put my money down on a Tuscan. I'm now very unlikely to do so. What I can't work out is why TVR don't make a public statement about their Speed Six engines. Someone from the company must read these postings. I for one simply want the truth and if there is a problem that wouldn't necessarily put me off if was going to be addressed once and for all. All genuine TVR fans are happy to accept the cars for what they are gremlins and all, but would appreciate a bit of respect and honesty. Are all the problems in the past or do some still exist? If TVR won't reply, how about one of the TVR clubs taking up the cause to get a response....or even one of the car mags??
TVR aren't likely to make a public statement on the issue as that would draw wider publicity to the problem than desired.
The problems afflicted a number of engines over the summer and (IMHO) are extremely unlikely to occur in new cars. Go talk to your dealer, or a number of dealers or call the factory yourself.
There was a big problem but the issue is in danger of being blown out of all proportion by those with an axe to grind with TVR.
The problems afflicted a number of engines over the summer and (IMHO) are extremely unlikely to occur in new cars. Go talk to your dealer, or a number of dealers or call the factory yourself.
There was a big problem but the issue is in danger of being blown out of all proportion by those with an axe to grind with TVR.
Petrolted, you sound quite confident in that statement. Do you, or anyone else, have specifics about the problems that have been experienced?
I know the first problems were with the infamous faulty "finger followers", what problems have been experienced since then?
I personally think that they *will* get it sorted, if they haven't already. For myself, and other potential buyers, purchasing a Tuscan could be looked at as a bit of a gamble, especially with all the postings that get seen on here. But I doubt they'd be releasing the Tamora and the Tuscan S, both of which use Speed Six engines and both of which have had rave reviews in all the articles I have read about them, if all the engines were doomed for endless failure. It'd put them in a very bad situation if they did...
-andy-
I know the first problems were with the infamous faulty "finger followers", what problems have been experienced since then?
I personally think that they *will* get it sorted, if they haven't already. For myself, and other potential buyers, purchasing a Tuscan could be looked at as a bit of a gamble, especially with all the postings that get seen on here. But I doubt they'd be releasing the Tamora and the Tuscan S, both of which use Speed Six engines and both of which have had rave reviews in all the articles I have read about them, if all the engines were doomed for endless failure. It'd put them in a very bad situation if they did...
-andy-
I don't have specifics from TVR and my comments are merely based on discussions with many owners.
The problems have all reportedly been related to the faulty finger followers and stretching of exhaust valves. I've not heard of any other reasons.
Bear in mind that the Speed 6 engine has been around for some years now. The batch of failures over the summer hasn't been typical of the engine over its complete lifespan. Not to say that noone else has experienced problems of course, but thanks to a few lemons TVR's reputation for unreliability is once again in danger of being blown out of all proportion to the genuine ownership experience for most people.
The problems have all reportedly been related to the faulty finger followers and stretching of exhaust valves. I've not heard of any other reasons.
Bear in mind that the Speed 6 engine has been around for some years now. The batch of failures over the summer hasn't been typical of the engine over its complete lifespan. Not to say that noone else has experienced problems of course, but thanks to a few lemons TVR's reputation for unreliability is once again in danger of being blown out of all proportion to the genuine ownership experience for most people.
Can we please call a stop to this continued lambasting of the speed six engine. I have spoken to a great many people about the problems, including Peter Wheeler.
So for what it's worth here is my understanding of the problems;
Very early engines had the valve problems and were amended with a larger valved head.
The next occurance was the finger followers being under annealed which resulted in very few actual failures, but more often pitting and a breakdown of them. This resulted in engines being rebuilt as a precautionary measure because of particles going into the oil system.
A very very small number of engines have had shims break, this is probebly due to poor supplier quality.
On the whole the only DESIGN fault I am aware of was the valve problems that has now been redesigned. ALL the other faults have been a problem of poor quality components from a supplier. These have been rectified but due to the manufacturing process at TVR there is no easy way of identifying the afflicted engines therefore they are remedied as the faults appear.
No new cars should have the problems. It is important though to run new engines in properly as the manual shimed tappets take time to bed in and some hardening is done to the metal as the engine beds in.
This is only my knowledge on the subject, I have a S6 engine - yes I had faulty finger followers, replaced and rebuilt in a week. Yes my tappets have been done at 1k, 6k and I will expect will need doing at 12k. BUT there is no longer a design fault with the engine. Yes there may be still some faulty components waiting to fail, but these can easily be replaced.
Horror stories of 250 engines at Blackpool are totaly scaremongering and I feel have no credance at all. If you are still worried, speak to lots of dealers and the factory direct. But lets please stop harping on about problems that the cause has been solved on.
So for what it's worth here is my understanding of the problems;
Very early engines had the valve problems and were amended with a larger valved head.
The next occurance was the finger followers being under annealed which resulted in very few actual failures, but more often pitting and a breakdown of them. This resulted in engines being rebuilt as a precautionary measure because of particles going into the oil system.
A very very small number of engines have had shims break, this is probebly due to poor supplier quality.
On the whole the only DESIGN fault I am aware of was the valve problems that has now been redesigned. ALL the other faults have been a problem of poor quality components from a supplier. These have been rectified but due to the manufacturing process at TVR there is no easy way of identifying the afflicted engines therefore they are remedied as the faults appear.
No new cars should have the problems. It is important though to run new engines in properly as the manual shimed tappets take time to bed in and some hardening is done to the metal as the engine beds in.
This is only my knowledge on the subject, I have a S6 engine - yes I had faulty finger followers, replaced and rebuilt in a week. Yes my tappets have been done at 1k, 6k and I will expect will need doing at 12k. BUT there is no longer a design fault with the engine. Yes there may be still some faulty components waiting to fail, but these can easily be replaced.
Horror stories of 250 engines at Blackpool are totaly scaremongering and I feel have no credance at all. If you are still worried, speak to lots of dealers and the factory direct. But lets please stop harping on about problems that the cause has been solved on.
I agree with the last post. Whilst arranging a factory visit recently, I hadf a chance to talk about the S6 engine problems, and it is the case that there were a batch of faulty camshafts, from an independent supplier, and these have unfortunately spoiled the Tuscan's reputation. Those problems are in the past, so shall we try to talk up rather than talk doiwn the cars we own?
quote:
I agree with the last post. Whilst arranging a factory visit recently, I hadf a chance to talk about the S6 engine problems, and it is the case that there were a batch of faulty camshafts, from an independent supplier, and these have unfortunately spoiled the Tuscan's reputation. Those problems are in the past, so shall we try to talk up rather than talk doiwn the cars we own?
damn right nubbin, if people look at this place they will never experience what we have. in my opinion the best looking car TVR have built with power to match, can still hear the knicker elastic snap and blow all my wages on fuel.
) that the new cars are going to be very solid.... It seems like there seems to be lots of un-substantiated rumours flying around at the moment. Its one thing to make comments, but lets have some solid hard facts before passing judgement.
Anyway, that supposed paragon of reliability had problems with its 2.8 litre six cylinder engines - yes, thats right BMW. They had a nightmare with them. Constantly going pop with the cylinder liner clamping the piston (probably not the correct term, but that is how it was explained to me). Now, not just talking about "250" engines here, but thousands! And they are supposed to be fantastic.... go figure.
Anyway, that supposed paragon of reliability had problems with its 2.8 litre six cylinder engines - yes, thats right BMW. They had a nightmare with them. Constantly going pop with the cylinder liner clamping the piston (probably not the correct term, but that is how it was explained to me). Now, not just talking about "250" engines here, but thousands! And they are supposed to be fantastic.... go figure.
I'm with apeebles - none of what has said has managed to put me off yet. I spec'd my car last week (though I'm still not sure about it!!! Dammit - too many options!) and can't wait for it to arrive. Its just that the "horror" stories leave you worrying a little...
Anyways, the last few days postings have definately cheered me up somewhat, and to be honest, reflect what I expected to happen. That is why I continued to go ahead with my Tuscan purchase - I'm confident that the 2 years warranty on the engine will leave TVR plenty of time to address all the reliability issues.
-andy-
Anyways, the last few days postings have definately cheered me up somewhat, and to be honest, reflect what I expected to happen. That is why I continued to go ahead with my Tuscan purchase - I'm confident that the 2 years warranty on the engine will leave TVR plenty of time to address all the reliability issues.
-andy-
quote:
Anyway, that supposed paragon of reliability had problems with its 2.8 litre six cylinder engines - yes, thats right BMW. They had a nightmare with them. Constantly going pop with the cylinder liner clamping the piston (probably not the correct term, but that is how it was explained to me). Now, not just talking about "250" engines here, but thousands! And they are supposed to be fantastic.... go figure.
Its not so much the engines go pop, it`s how TVR don`t seem to give a sh*t. BMW would probably give you a curtosy car and wouldn`t take ages fixing the engines. My AJP8 engine was at the factory for over 15weeks.
quote:
Can we please call a stop to this continued lambasting of the speed six engine. I have spoken to a great many people about the problems, including Peter Wheeler.
Is this the same Peter Wheeler who cannot be arsed to reply to personal letters sent to him from customers, wouldn`t believe a word he says. IMO of cause
Buy a TVR fokes, mine was probably a lemon, you have been warned though.
Edited by angrybeats on Friday 2nd November 06:35
If you want a 100% reliable car buy a 'tank'. Even BMW's & Mercs go SERIOUSLY wrong every so often.
The S6 is still fairly new. There are only about 700 (ish) tuscans on the road. So, as for having 250 at the factory... sounds like that person has been talking to a certain dealer in surrey (good source of sh*t).
My car (june 2000) has suffered from the stretching of valves resulting in 4 foot flames and an engine bay fire. It was rebuilt and is now as good as new. Im more worried about the wheels constantly denting than the engine, as replacing 4 wheels a year is costly as it is not covered by warranty.
On average for every week spent on the road it has spent 1 day in the dealer having minor hassles sorted out.
In hindsight, if I had waited and checked out the car after a handful had been made rather than ordering before it was even released, then I would not have bought one and waited for the tamora as I think it will be a better car.
My old Chim 500 was the best car I have ever had. Never met the AA and didnt even know the dealers first names.
The Tuscan is a great car to get noticed in. The number of thumbs up and constant stares on the road is great. The ability to blast away from virtually every other car is fantastic.
But then there is the constant stream of idiots in their company vectra's and porkers who want to play. They may be happy doing 110 on the M25, but I value at least some of my license.
Ive got to the point now where I simply pull away and then test the 100-0 time in front of them. They value their insurance more than I do, and hey if they manage to trash my car, I get the money back. Foolish thing I know, but hey its friday.
I think I'll save up for the new Lambo that comes out end of next year, at around 100k probably means I will need to rob a bank. At least the tuscan will provide a good getaway vehicle.
blah blah blah
-RR-
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