Custom rocker covers for 2.9 Cologne V6
Discussion
Has anyone out there used replacement rocker covers such as these from JR-Cast in Ireland? 
If so I am wondering whether they fitted okay and more importantly whether everything else that bolts on/next to the rockers still fitted as they are a completely different shape to the original fit. Other option is to take mine off and get them cleaned up and either chromed or powder-coated... Any advise or recommendations please?
Also do people thing 'replacing with custom' moves away from the originality of the car and thus devalues it or does it enhance and add value (probably depending on opinion of future potential buyer, not that I'm selling :-) ). What are the rules for concours competitions?
Cheers M
If so I am wondering whether they fitted okay and more importantly whether everything else that bolts on/next to the rockers still fitted as they are a completely different shape to the original fit. Other option is to take mine off and get them cleaned up and either chromed or powder-coated... Any advise or recommendations please?
Also do people thing 'replacing with custom' moves away from the originality of the car and thus devalues it or does it enhance and add value (probably depending on opinion of future potential buyer, not that I'm selling :-) ). What are the rules for concours competitions?
Cheers M
v8s4me said:
To respond seriously to your post, we do get there in the end, the short answer is...it is your car and you should do whatever you want to it to make it the way you want it to be, and stuff everyone else.
One of the nice things about 'S'-world to date is that most owners have put driving the and enjoying the cars first and this has often meant improving them to make that experience better eg. stainless or alloy expansion tanks, different seats, better lights/brakes/suspension. If these improvements have also resulted in cosmetic improvements as well, then so much the better. This has meant that "originality" has come a long way down the list for many owners. Unfortunately it seems that of late some people are buying an 'S' in the hope of making a killing because they are quite cheap relative to other sports cars of the period and so this issue (disease!) of "originality" is starting to creep into our little world.
The 'S' is a beautiful little car but the reality is that TVR cut a lot of corners and left many things for owners and dealers to sort out. A good example is the upper seat belt mounting. Moving this to a vertical position with a rose joint or bespoke bracket means the inertia reel actually works! And it will wind back in and so not take lumps out of the door sill when you close the door. Who in their right mind would prefer "originality" here? So you'll lose concours marks? So what? The 1 liter stainless or alloy expansion tanks many of us have fitted have solved the regular venting off and topping up the stupid little plastic tank routine. And so on and so on.
Anyway, enjoy your car and make it the way you want. You'll get all the help you need right here on the 'S' Forum. Happy thrashing
True words indeed... As I think I've already said somewhere on here I've had my S3 for 17 years (for 9 of which it was my everyday car used in all weathers) and its a beauty from the outside (I can handle a bit of polishing) but original under the bonnet and I just want to get it looking good all round now I'm in a position to do so with it being my 'fun 2nd car' ... I've not got a great deal of experience working under the bonnets of cars but certainly would like to get more hands on but as such I'm going to need some support and advice from those that have been there done it and have the T-Shirt, I think this forum and you guys who are regulars will be a great help. Meanwhile I look forward to meeting you at events in the future (already met a few at Millbrook last Sunday - I saw your lovely V8S J05EPH but didn't get to talk to you, my S3 was parked a few cars round from yours by the steps to the burger van!!). Thanks all in advance. One of the nice things about 'S'-world to date is that most owners have put driving the and enjoying the cars first and this has often meant improving them to make that experience better eg. stainless or alloy expansion tanks, different seats, better lights/brakes/suspension. If these improvements have also resulted in cosmetic improvements as well, then so much the better. This has meant that "originality" has come a long way down the list for many owners. Unfortunately it seems that of late some people are buying an 'S' in the hope of making a killing because they are quite cheap relative to other sports cars of the period and so this issue (disease!) of "originality" is starting to creep into our little world.
The 'S' is a beautiful little car but the reality is that TVR cut a lot of corners and left many things for owners and dealers to sort out. A good example is the upper seat belt mounting. Moving this to a vertical position with a rose joint or bespoke bracket means the inertia reel actually works! And it will wind back in and so not take lumps out of the door sill when you close the door. Who in their right mind would prefer "originality" here? So you'll lose concours marks? So what? The 1 liter stainless or alloy expansion tanks many of us have fitted have solved the regular venting off and topping up the stupid little plastic tank routine. And so on and so on.
Anyway, enjoy your car and make it the way you want. You'll get all the help you need right here on the 'S' Forum. Happy thrashing
Edited by TVRHasgo on Thursday 23 July 16:08
Edited by TVRHasgo on Thursday 23 July 22:09
phillpot said:
What sort of "Concours" competitions are you thinking of entering? Non original parts certainly wouldn't be an issue at low key events like SCH.
But if you're going for some high level "open to all comers" much grander events where they dip the oil (check for cleanliness) and lick the inside of the tailpipe, there may be classes for 100% original and "tastefully improved/modified" ?
Not necessarily even going to enter my S3 into any competitions, but would just like to get it to the point where it could be worthy to go in a concours event, (low key or otherwise with staff wearing high-viz), rather than at the moment where MILF's (sorry I meant MUMS, my spelling is terrible) tell their kids to stay away from my car as they're get their clothes dirty if they get too close!! But if you're going for some high level "open to all comers" much grander events where they dip the oil (check for cleanliness) and lick the inside of the tailpipe, there may be classes for 100% original and "tastefully improved/modified" ?
v8s4me said:
Thank you 
maybe we'll get to chat if you're at Blenheim?
I think I lost so many points for non-original parts I had a negative score at the end
HOWEVER, if you want to park near the catering facilities, enter the concours
Is that the Festival of Transport, Bank Holiday weekend? If so I hope to be there all being well. maybe we'll get to chat if you're at Blenheim?I think I lost so many points for non-original parts I had a negative score at the end
HOWEVER, if you want to park near the catering facilities, enter the concours On the 2.9 Cologne V6 Rocker Covers (1990 S3) does anyone know what sized diameter hole is needed adding to the cover for the crankcase breather assembly please? Have decided to order a set from "JR Cast" but need him to add the hole for the breather set up (alternative I suppose is to get him to add a smaller 'pilot hole' then I can always enlarge to whatever I want.
Richard Kitchen - Did you get yours for your S (2.8 Essex) from John at JRCast (if so are you happy with the quality)?
Cheers
Martin
Richard Kitchen - Did you get yours for your S (2.8 Essex) from John at JRCast (if so are you happy with the quality)?
Cheers
Martin
Reopening this thread as my shiny rocker covers (See photo - Commissioned in the end from JR Castings in Ireland) are now ready. Okay I know there's been a fair bit of discussion in the past about alternator brackets to allow for shiny rocker cover upgrades (Thanks Richard J) but I was wondering if anyone out there, that has been down this road (with a 2.9 Cologne V6 engined S3), has a fully dimensioned engineering drawing / sketch so I can get a new bracket fabricated in advance to minimise the amount of time my car is off the road whilst I change to the shiny cast rocker covers? Also I assume I would need a new belt as well... Any tips (part number + supply) please on what belt I'll need so I can get that in advance as well. 
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