Engine re-build...bit by bit. Possible?

[donutsina911]

Hi All,

Shortly to collect a well used Tuscan S. For my own sanity, I'm looking at a full rebuild from one of the usual suspects, but a little research shows that the headline price (which is out of my range in one hit anyway) is unlikely to be the final bill!

Is it possible to do a rebuild step by step in a vaguely economical way, in something like £1k chunks? And if so, in what order?

Any help appreciated!

[donutsina911]

m4tti said:

Short answer is no, as they will want to remove the engine completely each time which, in itself will set you back approx 1k+ each time.

Ouch. So it's a case of saving up and praying in the meantime. Thank you!

[donutsina911]

m4tti said:

You could probably take preparatory steps like acquiring new oil hoses, clutch etc bit by bit to lessen the ultimate bill slightly, but then you may lose any discount you may get on those items doing it all in one hit from one supplier. Realistically budget about 8k for a standard rebuild.

Eight grand...st the bed. May be some time then!

[donutsina911]

Pursyluv said:

Here is your starting point price wise:-

http://www.powersperformance.co.uk/upgrades/engine...

Cheers. That was what I'd been looking at. Just wondered if it could be done in stages, but apparently not!

[donutsina911]

billynobrakes said:

Cheers. That was what I'd been looking at. Just wondered if it could be done in stages, but apparently not

Why would you want it done in stages, not only would it be in and out of the garage, you would have to change the same gaskets over and over again, get charged to take the engine out every time does not make sense, then the wear would be different and the most important bit, you will not get a warranty on a part built engine

As per my original post, because I don't have £5,400+VAT lying around...

[donutsina911]

clive f said:

are you mechanically minded and have the facilities to do the work yourself over the winter?

No and no

[donutsina911]

billynobrakes said:

donutsina911 said:

As per my original post, because I don't have £5,400+VAT lying around...

Sir

You asked a question I answered and gave good reasons you carry on and pay £1000 pounds when you can afford it,or just enjoy your car till it needs an engine rebuild and put by £1000 as and when you have it and hopefully by the time you have enough money saved up you can get the engine rebuilt with the usual suspects as per your original post

Good luck with your car and enjoy

No idea what you're on about....think the question was answered prior to your post., but thank you.

[donutsina911]

m4tti said:

Did racing green give you any indication of the engine health. To be honest I'd advise anyone buying one if these things to go in with a big fighting fund in reserve in case it goes tits up, even if it's a good one.

It's got a slight knocking...tappetts and some other bits are being done, so hopefully they'll know more once under the hood...I'm hoping that if it's done 70k without imploding, it's got enough miles in it to see me thru til rebuild time...eek. Could do a rebuild now, but would be painful!

[donutsina911]

Cheers fellas...bit late for walking away one less holiday this year then!

[donutsina911]

B3NNL said:

Your other option of course would be to buy a used engine from someone thats gone for an LS etc. They are out there and there are some good ones. You wont get the 3/5 year warranty of course, but you could get the replacement and fit it between £2k & £3k.

That's an interesting thought...thanks
In truth, I think I'm going to have to take a man up pill and just crack on, subject to RG inspection and seeing how the land lies..

[donutsina911]

glow worm said:

I don't get it ... you buy a car "trade" from Racing Green and its engine is ste , then you haven't the money to sort it. What's the rest of the car like chassis / brakes / interior ? What "trade" are you in ? it would appear not to be the car trade. I bet in a few years time your mates are saying " My mate bought a TVR , it was ste, cost him a fortune " ... Some people need a reality check .

Would you talk to someone like that face to face or are you just being clever behind a keyboard? Some on here have mastered tact and decency - you just come accross like a prick. My trade is irrelevant (although I ran the one of the largest motor finance companies in the UK).... I asked a genuine question, based on knowing that I'd need to spend money on the car (every aspect of it) and I've got the answer I needed .

[donutsina911]

chris watton said:

Personally, if it were my Tuscan S, I would try to get at least £12k together, be it savings, loans and/or Visa credit card. I have a feeling this is what it would cost (minimum) to get your Tuscan S back to rude health.

These cars, especially the power plant cannot be done on the cheap - it would only cost you more in the long run, and you'd hate the TVR experience because of it.

IMOHO, of course.

I think that's good advice...totting things up, £10k seemed the minimum...and it'll just mean a few sacrifices elsewhere later this year...sure it'll be worth it

[donutsina911]

An update (of sorts)....

I've freed up a bit of cash and am now seriously looking at engine options for the new year - I must have looked through probably every thread on here and still non the wiser...

1) Reliability is a must - hate the 'when will it blow' sensation every time I drive and I plan to do a fair few miles..
2) Not overly fussed about more power, although if I'm going to be dropping five figures on this car, it'd be nice to have a little bit more...
3) Price comes into the equation, only because I'd like to do other bits and pieces at the same time.

Options...

1) TVR Powers engine rebuild with warranty
2) Powers upgrade to 4.3
3) RG FFF with Syvecs and simplex chain

So, with £10k give or take a little, what would you go for?

[donutsina911]

m4tti said:

Yep you're wrong. The fff rebuild would constitue bottom end and a completely replaced brand new head unlike the 4.3. Some people like the 4.3, I prefer the engineering in the fff solution.

Donuts have you tried the fff demonstrator. If you haven't I would recommend you do. Have a look at the link in my profile you'll see all the parts used.

I've not M4tti...to be honest, RG are being quite slow about booking stuff in right now, so I'll try and co-ordinate a drive with them when they can squeeze in some workshop time for me.

[donutsina911]

m4tti said:

More than likely. I think they should be getting up to speed again now. Don't make any decision till you've tried their tuscan demonstrator. It's probably the best driving TVR on the planet.

Cheers Would you mind PM'ing me info on the cost of the work you had done? (appreciate I'd need to add a grand or two for engine lift) I'm guessing website list prices are a little different to actual costs!

[donutsina911]

Thanks for all the posts on here...

I will try and get to RG for a go in the demo car, but I think £12k + VAT will be beyond me if I also want to do the other bits and pieces on suspension, gearbox and cosmetics...

[donutsina911]

Just to update the thread, I've booked the Tuscan in to Powers for a standard rebuild in mid January.

I've decided to go down this route for a number of reasons - cost per bhp being one (I can't justify the extra £4k + it would take to ramp things up significantly) and the helpfulness of Dom on the phone and email dealing with a TVR newbie being the other main reason.

Whilst I'm expecting the bill to be more than the 'list' price, hopefully going down this route will also allow me to get a Dave the Trimmer interior makeover shortly after and get the suspension overhauled too V excited...

[donutsina911]

ShiDevil said:

Sounds like you went for the solid car option, I'm sure when it's all done you won't have any regrets wise choice with 3 upgrades instead of the 1

Hope so!

As Dom said, the first step is to make sure it starts, stops and goes round corners as it should and then I can start buggering about with cosmetics...can't wait to get it up there for some TLC