Griff owner considering a 350T - help needed

Griff owner considering a 350T - help needed

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Discussion

sprevett

Original Poster:

533 posts

217 months

Sunday 6th July 2014
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Guys, I've owned a Griff for years (and a wedge) but now my other half lusting after a 350T - we're looking at one tomorrow but I know rock all about these straight six cars and could do with some help. I live in South Wales, the car we're looking at is at Shmoo in Devon. We're both very impulsive and tend to buy the first thing we see! Any tips/hints much appreciated. Thanks, Steve

Don1

15,936 posts

207 months

Sunday 6th July 2014
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Loads of tips in FAQ. Some people have had very bad experiences in Devon. Not saying it's the same place...

But generally the cars are a step forward. Enjoy!

Edited by Don1 on Sunday 6th July 21:10

sprevett

Original Poster:

533 posts

217 months

Sunday 6th July 2014
quotequote all
Ok thanks Don

7 TVR

2,589 posts

167 months

Sunday 6th July 2014
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The development is easy to see when driven back to back as is the difference in engine characteristics, takes a while to get used to screaming the tits of the SP6 but its a cracking engine in a great chassis, i found the T to be frustrating in that it does not really offer open top motoring but does give you loads of road noise especially once you get over 80-90 mph, after driving both i decided i preferred the C both in styling and cabin comfort but thats just personal choice. In the two years i owned mine the prolonged messy fuelling stops where my only gripe and i'd definitely own another!

sprevett

Original Poster:

533 posts

217 months

Monday 7th July 2014
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Thanks. The fuel issue seems a bit of a faff, and why it wasn't fixed by the factory I have no idea! Personally a nice monza style filler cap would look alright but I assume might be very difficult to modify? Has anyone done such a mod?

M50GRF

136 posts

181 months

Monday 7th July 2014
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I have a T350c its the best TVR I've owned BUT I do miss a having convertible, service history is vital the Speed 6 takes some time to warm up and sounds like a bag bag nails when cold, air con is vital.
I bought mine from shmoo 2 and 1/2 years, ago he has quite a collection of cars there.
Mine could be up for sale soon

P.S
I live in South Wales



Edited by M50GRF on Monday 7th July 07:46

sprevett

Original Poster:

533 posts

217 months

Monday 7th July 2014
quotequote all
Hi Michael I am in Wick and make regular trips to Barry on my motorbike! I'm always torn between the bike and TVR when the sun makes an appearance..Andrea is also a biker and the 350 appeals to her I think as it sounds very similar to her GSXR750 which I heard has links to the six engine in its design?

Anyway thanks for the comments, and a C may well be an option to the T , we just need to have a proper look at both. We are going to shmoo tonight to see the T (also spectra flair silver which has to be one of the nicest colours of any TVR I've seen)

Steve

monty quick

230 posts

235 months

Monday 7th July 2014
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I went from a Chim 450 to a T350T.
Both are fantastic cars. I would suggest the comparison is between a GT (V8 torque, roof down motoring, etc.) and a true sports car (much better handling and road holding but needs revs and lots of concentration when pushing on). The T cars benefit from being a more modern design.
I have the T (Targa tops) which means you get more headroom when they are in place and still have the chance of wind in your hair motoring when they are off. However, as far as I can tell all Targa tops suffer from wind whistle at high speed. You can seal them (mine are totally silent even at 125mph) but then you tend to leave them on because you can't face the dozen attempts to get them silent again when you refit them!
If pushed to decide between the Chim or the T350 it would be an easy decision to go for the T350. However, if I could - I would own both!
Sorry to compare a Chim with a Griff but I have no experience of a Griff.

jrb43

793 posts

254 months

Monday 7th July 2014
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Had a Griffith, now have a T350T. My overall impression is that with the Griffith, the performance is potentially massive, with the T350, it's very very real. As others have said, you do have to get used to the massive accelerator travel and revving it beyond what seems sensible but it doesn't take long. With the T panels in, there is a fair amount of wind noise: I'm sure mine can be improved when I have a few hours with some new seals but I doubt it's ever perfect. With the panels out (and the windows appropriately lowered to equalise pressures), you get high speed open top motoring. The A/C in mine needs some attention which makes the T panels essential in the summer (both days of it), in a C you would want perfect A/C or it would be deeply unpleasant in Le Sarthe traffic etc.

jrb43

793 posts

254 months

Monday 7th July 2014
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A tip on the Speed 6 -
Coming from the Griff, you'll have got used to the purity of the V8 and will be deeply attuned to anything that sounds a bit off. The Speed 6 is much more difficult from that point of view. At idle, bent over the bonnet, it rarely sounds perfect - there can be a mixture of belt noises, ticking (that comes in benign and malignant forms) and other bits and pieces. Most of that disappears on the move, or more likely is concealed by exhaust noise. I would strongly consider getting a second opinion on the engine - even if it's just a local owner to come and listen. No dealer should deny you that. Otherwise, factor 4.5K for potential serious engine work or 9K for a full rebuild with warranty.

leef44

4,359 posts

152 months

Monday 7th July 2014
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sprevett said:
Guys, I've owned a Griff for years (and a wedge) but now my other half lusting after a 350T - we're looking at one tomorrow but I know rock all about these straight six cars and could do with some help. I live in South Wales, the car we're looking at is at Shmoo in Devon. We're both very impulsive and tend to buy the first thing we see! Any tips/hints much appreciated. Thanks, Steve
you have email

DonkeyApple

54,923 posts

168 months

Monday 7th July 2014
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I had a 4.3BV Griff (the Gerry Marshall factory one) for about 13 years and then bought a 3.6 T350T.

They are clearly from the same stable but the T350 is a better car and the engine is sublime. It's an amazing car.

If I was faced with the two cars again, I wouldn't hesitate for a single second.

























I'd buy the Griff back.

AOK

2,297 posts

165 months

Monday 7th July 2014
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It's just a pity you weren't looking for at's about 3 weeks ago as the Spectraflair car was up for sale privately on autotrader for a totally ridiculous £22k. Dissapeared unsurpringly a few days later and reappeared with Shmoo at £27k, or whatever it is up for.

RicSpeedSix

254 posts

165 months

pauldavies85

423 posts

185 months

Thursday 10th July 2014
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Then somebody can buy mine -sag :-)

sprevett

Original Poster:

533 posts

217 months

Friday 11th July 2014
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Thanks for the inputs guys, really appreciate it. Looking at another 'T' today and a Cerbera...... smile

jim.2007

182 posts

189 months

Monday 14th July 2014
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I have further reduced mine to 21.5k, being an 05 you can fill it with petrol without it running all over the back wing!!! I had a chim 4l before this and yes you don't get the burble but there is so much torque higher up in the speed sixes, I would go for one with a pre oiler ha ha! to make sure it doesn't go bang as they all suffered from oil starvation top end, mines a cat d for sale on here, just serviced, have a look it's a really good car. with lot's of extra's, I've got it it my mind I want to pay the mortgage off this year whilst I am forty, this is thew only reason I am selling!
Regard's
Jim

sprevett

Original Poster:

533 posts

217 months

Monday 14th July 2014
quotequote all
ok so we've settled on a Cerbera AJP8, but thanks guys for all the info. SP

sprevett

Original Poster:

533 posts

217 months

Friday 15th August 2014
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Big thumbs up to Ross at Shmoo who has been very helpful and accommodating with our requests to try various cars, and when a problem was identified on the Cerbera after delivery he sorted it promptly. In my view his stock is high quality and the service is very good and would therefore recommend him. It's nice when that happens... smile steve