Greetings!

Greetings!

Author
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ripskin

Original Poster:

66 posts

108 months

Sunday 5th April 2015
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Hi all,

I am A new member and initially I was dead set on buying a cerebra, but upon going to the Virginia Water meet on Saturday, I saw the cerebra but was not blown away like I thought I would be, but I WAS blown away with the tuscans, Particularly A nice chap called Graham's Blue tuscan. (PM me graham as I forgot your user name!)

So now I need to reset and re-learn all the things about Tuscans like I did in preparation for buying a cerebra. I have found a great website called mytuscan.co.uk (I'm sure you guys know it) and I am currently reading up and drooling over pictures.

Any help advise is welcome as I was previously looking at common faults, things to look at and be aware of with the AJPV8 but now I need to learn about the SpeedSix. Some picture from Tuscan owners on here would be awesome!
anyway,
Hello to you all. smile

Edited by ripskin on Sunday 5th April 21:13

so called

9,074 posts

208 months

Monday 6th April 2015
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Hi Ripskin, welcome to the Tuscan side.
Only just woke up this morning so nothing to offer just now.
Will come back to you when my brain has re-congealed.
Tony.

fullpull

260 posts

166 months

Monday 6th April 2015
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Cerebra? confused
Will this be the new model from TVR Manufacturing Ltd.? Sounds promising to me. wink

nawarne

3,088 posts

259 months

Monday 6th April 2015
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OK,
www.mytuscan.co.uk is a good starting point to get a feel for the Tuscan.

You've probably noticed there is a dedicated forum for the Speed 6 engine on Pistonheads. The Speed 6 is probably much better supported now in terms of spares etc compared to the AJP V8.

If you can get hold of a copy, Graham Varley's book - "The Sagaris Manual" is worth a browse/buying. The drive train details are all relevant, it's really bodywork and ancillaries that differ between the two cars.

Nick

ripskin

Original Poster:

66 posts

108 months

Monday 6th April 2015
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fullpull said:
Cerebra? confused
Will this be the new model from TVR Manufacturing Ltd.? Sounds promising to me. wink
HaHa, apple auto correct got it wrong again wink

Thanks guys, I will keep digging, I have spoken to a few people since the change of mind and have heard quite a few nasty stories of engine rebuilds into the thousands, and a fair few incidences where a Tuscan has been bought only to need a rebuild of engine or worse!

Are these rumours validated? Are these engines really that bad? I was told previously that the AJP V8 was bad but apparently the speedsix is even more unreliable? stories of insufficient oil feeds leading to catastrophic failures etc.

So I am asking those that know, and people that actually have Tuscans right now and use them (you guys wink )

I currently have a Nissan skyline and it has been without a doubt the most reliable car I have ever owned (touch woodsmile ) So I do not expect the same level of reliability or build quality due to it being a hand build TVR with little R&D of parts pre production etc but in my view thats all part of the fun. (it is only gonna be a weekend car at the end of the day).

Guys please give me some pictures for eye candy!!

wongthecorrupter

2,382 posts

170 months

Monday 6th April 2015
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hi,brought my tuscan red rose 3 years ago.the car has had a tvr power rebuild in 2007.it has now covered 25 k since rebuild
It does not use any oil or water, 3 years on this care still keeps me on my toes, pics to follow









ripskin

Original Poster:

66 posts

108 months

Monday 6th April 2015
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wongthecorrupter said:
hi,brought my tuscan red rose 3 years ago.the car has had a tvr power rebuild in 2007.it has now covered 25 k since rebuild
It does not use any oil or water, 3 years on this care still keeps me on my toes, pics to follow



Awesome, can't wait for pictures, So if you don't mind me asking, why did it need a rebuild?? and how much was the rebuild? how many miles did it cover before it need the rebuild? (Sorry for all the questions smile )

Is it inevitable that all speed six engines will need rebuilding?

Jack.

R7EBO

501 posts

141 months

Monday 6th April 2015
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I think it's safe to assume that pretty much every early speed 6 will need a rebuild at some point. I'm no mechanical expert so I can't give you detailed explanation but it's pretty much down to a lack of oil being supplied the back end of the engine combined with poorly cast, cheap parts from India. From what I've found anyway. Having said that I personally know 2 of my mates that have done 45k & are still going strong...

I bought mine 3 years ago completely blind as a neglected heap with zero previous knowledge of anything to do with TVR's, apart from the fact the Sagaris was/is my dream car! Really I knew nothing about them at all or even any history of the car itself, I bought it because let's face it at £5k who can say no?! I intended to get it running, run it for a month & sell it on to make a few quid but it quickly got under my skin & is now going to be a life-long companion!

It was a very steep learning curve & I've had to replace what feels like 90% of the component parts, but then I use it as my daily & it really wasn't treated very well at all in the past. Luckily I had a fair amount of history with it and sure enough it had to have a rebuild (by TVR) at just under 10,000 miles under its first ownership in January 2003. Unfortunately it is going to need to be done again as it was rebuilt using rubbish parts again & I'm told that I have 2 valves which are closing up and are approaching the limit of adjustment (they need to be well kept and regularly fettled with to keep them running nicely, valve adjustments, shims etc etc). But I don't want to even think about that!

The ones that have been rebuilt by specialists such as TVR Power, Str8six amongst others are much, much better according to most on here, so if you get one that's already done then you shouldn't have too much to worry about on that front. You will have to be prepared to replace various other components such as throttle cables, door encoders, various sensors & what not which from my experience are pretty much to be looked upon as consumables, but bare in mind these cars aren't new anymore. Indeed mine turns 15 next month!

I'm sure they don't all have the problems I've had with mine though, if you'd seen the state it was in you'd see why, its a minor miracle it ever turned a wheel again under its own power! But I've done 23,000 miles in 3 years & it's spent a good 12 months + of my ownership off the road, yet it's running better than ever now & goes like stink!!

I'd say study the mytuscan page over & over before you even think about buying one. The more knowledge you have the better prepared you'll be when viewing & that is very important. Also if you can speak to owners face to face, or find your local club meet & go speak to them - they'll be more than willing to advise you. Then just find one you like, do your research & check its history. It's worth remembering though if things do go wrong there are LOADS of specialists out there, all of which in my experience cannot do enough to help you. & everything can be fixed beer

R7EBO

501 posts

141 months

Monday 6th April 2015
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Oh, & this is my lady...

stevieeg

269 posts

129 months

Monday 6th April 2015
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First one purchased in May 2013. Thought I'd done right by getting a low mileage example... In 7 months covered 7,000 miles and cost 7,000 in upkeep beyond petrol and insurance: Engine blew and was replaced with a donor from a car doing an LS conversion, Front splitter detached and ate itself under the car so a new one and that funky, expensive paint, Clutch slave cylinder went and was replaced along with a new clutch... I spent more evenings than I care to remember watching the sun go down at the roadside. Then in early Jan 2014 on the way back from a trip to the Scottish highlands the rear suspension collapsed sending me up a verge and into the hands of TVR Glen.







So... I waited a few months. Looked at a few 911s and Z3 Coupes... at leasing an f-type for ridiculous monthly payments.... Couldn't get excited about any idea really. Then suggested to my other half we get another Tuscan. She was mad enough to be excited by the idea (probably part of the reason we'll be getting married in a couple of months). New one is a high miler, and in the last year has covered 7,000 miles and cost... well... a bit. 12K service and a new slave cylinder is not buttons if you don't do them yourself.

But it's worth it. I'm getting far more pleasure out of this than I would if I was spending £1000 a month leasing something that's comparatively lukewarm. If you like them and get them, get one. Be prepared for the possibility of some big bills, but remember that they probably won't dent your enjoyment. Good luck with finding a good one!





Edited by stevieeg on Monday 6th April 23:24

tvrchim500

156 posts

205 months

Tuesday 7th April 2015
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This is my Tuscan 2. Good luck with your search.

ripskin

Original Poster:

66 posts

108 months

Tuesday 7th April 2015
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R7EBO ---- She is gorgeous! lovely colour, very....vibrant smile what have you called her??
Seems like 5 grand was far too cheap, although at least you now know her intimately wink and you have a great end result. I am very adept at most aspects of car repair as as it has been my hobby since I was a kid. Also I am a electromechanical engineer now working in the electronics trade so I don't mind getting stuck in, But saying that there are still things I wouldn't/couldnt do myself (i.e.; engine rebuild) as I do not currently have the space/time/tools to do it properly, and my means would not allow me to fork out 5-10 grand for a rebuild after purchase. So I will definatley need one with a solid engine, Other things I can manage myself and enjoy doing it (hopefully) wink


stevieeg ---- WOW you have spend some money!! So the "bad" expirience didn't put you off owning one? Do you use it everyday?

Its crazy 7 grand in 7000 miles in just nuts to my mind, seems like these are much worse than the cerberas tongue out Does your new one have the benefit of a rebuild also?

tvrchim500 ---- I can't see your picture pal smile

de Sade

64 posts

200 months

Wednesday 8th April 2015
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Jack go for it,Cerbera or Tuscan,you only live life once.I have had both,the Cerbera's oil pump broke and destroyed the engine (4.2) and the Tuscan has been perfect including driving down to Tuscany and back (had to be done lol).The early speed 6 engines were a little fragile but I would imagine most have been updated but as always check the history.Pound for pound there is little to rival these cars,an event every time and mostly a good one smile.Btw Stevieeg car came up beside me last weekend and yes it is a super colour even when dirty lol.
Bruce

stevieeg

269 posts

129 months

Wednesday 8th April 2015
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ripskin said:
stevieeg ---- WOW you have spend some money!! So the "bad" expirience didn't put you off owning one? Do you use it everyday?

Its crazy 7 grand in 7000 miles in just nuts to my mind, seems like these are much worse than the cerberas tongue out Does your new one have the benefit of a rebuild also?
It really wasn't what I'd hoped for, but it was like the perfect storm of all of the common known issues happening in succession... with a few extras thrown in. If there is a worse story I've yet to hear it. I really think this is as extreme as it COULD get.

And given all that, I'm not trying to put you off. After months of deliberation I felt my ONLY option was to get another one. I really missed the shock and awe that much.

New one has 92K up and had a Racing Green rebuild 4 years ago at 66K. I firmly believe these cars appreciate being used regularly. Maybe it's just to make myself feel more secure... whatever.

You can't be that unlucky twice, right?!?

ripskin

Original Poster:

66 posts

108 months

Thursday 9th April 2015
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de Sade ---- I agree, once around the track and all that smile I am gonna get one, but really wanna do my research and get a good one, so I'm on the learning curve at the moment. Even at this early stage, I'm certain I want a rebuild or late model. for engine reliability.


stevieeg ---- I hope you can't be that unlucky twice my friend ! tongue out It's nice to know that you have had a plethora of problems it has not dampened your spirits.

So, Preferable things;

Engine rebuild
Shock/springs replaced or uprated.
Geometry done.
No chassis rot.

Say, Anyone who when the next meet is? I heard its once a month in bracknell at a pub? any more details? As I want to pop along.




RichNeale1982

29 posts

129 months

Thursday 9th April 2015
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I got my 2002 Tuscan nearly two years ago with 54k miles on the clock and she'd been well used. Needing a bit of tlc I got a major service including all the valves sorted, timings etc etc and even splashed out having the wheels refurbed. I've used her at least twice a week since, come rain or shine without any major issues. Now just over 60k miles on the clock I still get excited every time I start her up. A respray at the end of this year and a full retrim next, there's certainly a few more pennies to be spent along with any issues I encounter, but reliability has not been an issue for me, and I too am a firm believer that they should be used regularly, and that was a major factor when I finally took the plunge. Mines had A rebuilt at 24k miles, and drives beautifully 26k miles on. Look for a good chassis and a good history and you'll be fine.

Edited by RichNeale1982 on Thursday 9th April 21:24

ripskin

Original Poster:

66 posts

108 months

Saturday 11th April 2015
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RichNeale1982 ---- Your Tuscan is amazingQ what colour is that?


Thanks for the advice, It is exciting to know that they respond well to being used more smile not just saved for sunny sundays.

I will follow your advise and look for a good chassis. I wonder if there are any key areas to look for on the chassis?? I know out riggers are common like cerebras but any "danger" areas I should look for?

Also, If I get a MK1 with rebuilt engine and uprated suspension, surely there then won't be hardly any difference between that and the "s" or MK2? aside from a couple of styling points. Or am wrong? as I personally prefer the MK1 looks.

Thanks!! smile

RichNeale1982

29 posts

129 months

Sunday 12th April 2015
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Apparently it's chameleon blue. It's the same spec as the one in the film swordfish. If u have a crazy car like a Tuscsn surely gotta have a crazy colour. I'm a welder by trade, so chassis problems not really a issue but it's easy to check and they all vary greatly. Areas around the exhaust or where it gets hot particularly vulnerable. Good luck with the search. U won't be disappointed when u finally get one.

Speed 3

4,482 posts

118 months

Sunday 12th April 2015
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ripskin said:
RichNeale1982 ---- Your Tuscan is amazingQ what colour is that?


Thanks for the advice, It is exciting to know that they respond well to being used more smile not just saved for sunny sundays.

I will follow your advise and look for a good chassis. I wonder if there are any key areas to look for on the chassis?? I know out riggers are common like cerebras but any "danger" areas I should look for?

Also, If I get a MK1 with rebuilt engine and uprated suspension, surely there then won't be hardly any difference between that and the "s" or MK2? aside from a couple of styling points. Or am wrong? as I personally prefer the MK1 looks.

Thanks!! smile
Agree with use it and don't be put off by mileage. Rebuild is great if you can afford it yourself or its priced right, but there are quite a number of later Mk1's and contemporary Tamora/T350 that are fine on their originals. Mine's on 53k and behaving itself. Chassis problems are rare on the Tuscan, but again later the better, just check out on a ramp. I agree on the looks of the Mk1 over the Mk2 despite the incremental driving improvements. Mines also got Nitrons and they work well. I have a hazy memory of reading the Mk2 had lower geared steering rack but stand to be corrected. It can be quite go-kart in that department despite it being a sizeable car.

Macey

1,326 posts

192 months

Monday 13th April 2015
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The next Berkshire TVR meet is on the 21st April from 7pm onwards, I'm normally there in my leggy Tuscan plus at least a couple of others.

Peacock Farm,
Pub Restaurant
Peacock Lane
Bracknell
Berkshire
RG12 8SS