Topcats Tuscan LS7
Discussion
Well, thought it worthy posting that the first Topcats Tuscan LS7 has beed completed. I picked the car up on the 12th Sept. A week of running in miles (including a quick jaunt around Bruntingthorpe on a ride drive day), followed by an oil change and then off on a 1000 mile hoon around the mountain passes of Northern Spain - just got back this week.
Early impressions are extremely positive - all I'd hoped for and more. The car is happy to burble along and then when you put your foot in it flies regardless of what gear it is in...quite literally breathtaking. The conversion feels totally resolved and thankfully the chassis seems to be able to manage the not insignificant power. The LS7 is a monster: bags of torque, very flexible and can rev maniacally when asked. Wow.
Early impressions are extremely positive - all I'd hoped for and more. The car is happy to burble along and then when you put your foot in it flies regardless of what gear it is in...quite literally breathtaking. The conversion feels totally resolved and thankfully the chassis seems to be able to manage the not insignificant power. The LS7 is a monster: bags of torque, very flexible and can rev maniacally when asked. Wow.
Looks great, congratulations! Couldn't imagine a better way to run in the engine than taking a full on road trip. Any more pics of the engine bay/fitting? Have you made any changes to the exhaust, bigger bore etc, and do you miss the S6 sound?
Oh, and it was your profile pic that made me decide to get a mk2.. just love the Reflex Charcoal colour!
Simon is a good friend of mine and I can testify to his committment and enthusiasm throughout this monster project - and thereafter, the performance of this beast on the aforementioned road trip which he and I spent some time planning together earlier this year. He doesn't know I am posting this but it seems timely to feedback actual practical experience of this car early on in this thread, having watched the various twists and turns of a complex conversion with great interest.
I have owned my own SP6 3.6li Mk 1 Tuscan for the last 6 years (and a 4.6l V8 Mustang until recently), so am more than well placed to comment on comparable performance with an independent viewpoint. Suffice to say, on one particular day in Spain, I decided to compare and contrast my own car vs Simons going at a healthy pace on a lovely open hill road. I was working the gears hard to keep my nose in front and was mighty impressed to see the LS7 Tuscan sweep by with what seemed limited effort and with some considerable grace
Ultimately, this project has been undertaken by someone who really uses and enjoys their Tuscan to the full. The LS7 conversion won't be to everyones preference, but Simon - and TopCats - have effectively reinvented his TVR and given it a major longevity boost in virtually every aspect. The conversion has in no way impacted upon its driveability on very challenging "drivers" roads over continuous hard days, and its power is irrefutably immense.
I have owned my own SP6 3.6li Mk 1 Tuscan for the last 6 years (and a 4.6l V8 Mustang until recently), so am more than well placed to comment on comparable performance with an independent viewpoint. Suffice to say, on one particular day in Spain, I decided to compare and contrast my own car vs Simons going at a healthy pace on a lovely open hill road. I was working the gears hard to keep my nose in front and was mighty impressed to see the LS7 Tuscan sweep by with what seemed limited effort and with some considerable grace
Ultimately, this project has been undertaken by someone who really uses and enjoys their Tuscan to the full. The LS7 conversion won't be to everyones preference, but Simon - and TopCats - have effectively reinvented his TVR and given it a major longevity boost in virtually every aspect. The conversion has in no way impacted upon its driveability on very challenging "drivers" roads over continuous hard days, and its power is irrefutably immense.
Will try and cover some of the questions...
Sorry - don't have any more pictures of engine bay but will do some over the next couple of weeks.
The exhaust is completely custom built by Topcats all the way through with a larger bore and new end cans. The conversion is very comprehensive - I'm sure I'll miss something but from memory: new diff ratios, strengthened driveshafts, TKO600 box, new clutch, the LS7, fly-by-wire throttle, new hoses, new air intakes, a lot of fabrication, GM ECU, new ancilliaries and some other clever stuff!
I, of course, now have a new soundtrack. At idle or gentle throttle it has a real burble - not dissimilar to a friend's Chim with a trick exhaust - but when you get up the rev range (6500+) it sounds wild! Not a lot of overrun (think the engine may be a bit too clean!?) but I'm sure some exhaust/ECU work can soon sort that out...
Sorry - don't have any more pictures of engine bay but will do some over the next couple of weeks.
The exhaust is completely custom built by Topcats all the way through with a larger bore and new end cans. The conversion is very comprehensive - I'm sure I'll miss something but from memory: new diff ratios, strengthened driveshafts, TKO600 box, new clutch, the LS7, fly-by-wire throttle, new hoses, new air intakes, a lot of fabrication, GM ECU, new ancilliaries and some other clever stuff!
I, of course, now have a new soundtrack. At idle or gentle throttle it has a real burble - not dissimilar to a friend's Chim with a trick exhaust - but when you get up the rev range (6500+) it sounds wild! Not a lot of overrun (think the engine may be a bit too clean!?) but I'm sure some exhaust/ECU work can soon sort that out...
Simons Tuscan is truly awesome and anyone considering doing this should rest assured that the power is very useable and instant, when asked for. The tyre choice needs to be considered and the fact that the roads were clear and very dry was another bonus for us all. A power to weight ratio greater than a Veyron and looks to die for. Nice one Simon and Top Cats, I was truly impressed. BTW, the rear of the Tuscan is a pretty one! Didn't see much else of it in five days! Hopefully Sams videos will do it justice.
Here's to the 2012 hoon, wherever it may be. Respect!
Here's to the 2012 hoon, wherever it may be. Respect!
Nothing wrong with the speed six James - it remains a fabulous engine and served me faultlessly for 4 years/30k+ miles.
I'd developed the handling of the car with all the usual stuff over the last 4 years and was very happy with it, but after last year's trip round the alps I took the decision that the time was right to have a look at trying something different which would give me a step on. To cut a long story short, I couldn't get excited about anything else (apart from stuff that was way over budget or had exhorbitant depreciation as soon as you put any miles on) and realised I wouldn't be able to part with the Tuscan anyway!
So talked to all the renowned S6 engine guys - enormously helpful and straightforward and a credit to the marque - but in the end, given confidence by the pioneering efforts of some guys on here doing their own conversions, the experiences of Paul Black with his Sag, and my previously excellent dealings with Topcats, I decided to take this route.
I'd developed the handling of the car with all the usual stuff over the last 4 years and was very happy with it, but after last year's trip round the alps I took the decision that the time was right to have a look at trying something different which would give me a step on. To cut a long story short, I couldn't get excited about anything else (apart from stuff that was way over budget or had exhorbitant depreciation as soon as you put any miles on) and realised I wouldn't be able to part with the Tuscan anyway!
So talked to all the renowned S6 engine guys - enormously helpful and straightforward and a credit to the marque - but in the end, given confidence by the pioneering efforts of some guys on here doing their own conversions, the experiences of Paul Black with his Sag, and my previously excellent dealings with Topcats, I decided to take this route.
Edited by spartridge on Friday 30th September 10:01
Wasn't me out last night Timja - was out on Wednesday though.
Haven't driven a C6 or Z06 Matt
Not sure I can make TitT7 Mike as I was planning to get to the PH event at Silverstone and catch up with the guys racing in the 24hr. Have sent you a mail asking for directions etc though just in case.
It's not cheap Tony and probably best to talk through details with Warren at Topcats directly or e-0mail offline, but you can build a case to make it stack up (if you are creative!)
Haven't driven a C6 or Z06 Matt
Not sure I can make TitT7 Mike as I was planning to get to the PH event at Silverstone and catch up with the guys racing in the 24hr. Have sent you a mail asking for directions etc though just in case.
It's not cheap Tony and probably best to talk through details with Warren at Topcats directly or e-0mail offline, but you can build a case to make it stack up (if you are creative!)
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