Let's hear about the reliable ones
Discussion
As we mainly use this forum to ask technical questions when things aren't going well I often feel the need to offset the possible negativity that can imply by raving about my cars daily performance,,, mainly in my own mind!
So who's really enjoying owning their Tvr ( any model) and how's it been running so far in 2016
Could be new owners tentatively going further afield as they build confidence in their cars or experienced owners who have fettled and modded and made good their cars over possibly many years,,
Let's hear it from the boys who can testify to the rest of us that they have huge confidence in their cars and feel they could check the oil and drive It anywhere and for any distance without to much concern.
There's a lot of people who have owned Tvr's for many years that probably don't bother posting much as their cars are so sorted,,
I have deep respect for the people and cars I've seen on here that are clearly re engineered with love and tech know how
So for a laugh will you boys get the pics out or just tell us how reliable you've made your Tvr.
You don't have to do big milage to know your cars top draw so all the low milage owners who at least keep the cars running and the wind in the old girls hair during summer months should also post.
This is just to offer some solace to those who strive to learn and discover what they can do to their Tvr's and are trying to believe there's an end goal.
Cars,, classic cars, all cars,,,,need constant maintenance and it's often a lonely road of self belief in yourself and the car that keeps you going when trying to run and maintain and forward the car,, expensive,
It's only by talking and seeing other owners cars on here did I discover what is possible with these great cars, the mods that we should consider etc etc, it was also the motivation and reality I needed to get a grip of what I should do and when,,
Tvr's are born,, Tvr's seem to be one of those few cars that sort of evolve,, you make it what it is as much as buy the finished article,,
Mines going through that evolution, it's a never ending cycle,,
Mines been running well for over 8 months now,,,
High milage and it's a 16 year old car,,
Wheel bearing
Water pump
Upper ball joint are the only maintenance issues I've had.
All very cheap parts so nothing I wouldn't expect on any car of this age.
How's yours running,,,
Am I right in thinking Tvr owners are superstitious,,,,
If so this thread will die on its head.
Show me/us your fantastic chassis and brake upgrades/ your funkie Ecu's and mods to enhance or make the car more reliable,, I'm not bothered about the power figures just how sweet it all seems,, in sync.
It don't have to be clean either.
The guys who get in and drive as much as they can, all weathers, long hauls,
Let's hear it for the painstaking work that you Tvr owners have done to maximixze your cars abilities.
Who's getting more from their Tvr than the public could ever imagine possible.
I'll start with my 4.6 Mbe monster. It's what I'd like to call sorted, well nearly,
I need a chassis but most the electrical gremlins are playing the game right now,,,, well actually most the electrical components in the engine bay are removed or replaced so little or no chance of them failing.
Super reliable at the moment.
So who's really enjoying owning their Tvr ( any model) and how's it been running so far in 2016
Could be new owners tentatively going further afield as they build confidence in their cars or experienced owners who have fettled and modded and made good their cars over possibly many years,,
Let's hear it from the boys who can testify to the rest of us that they have huge confidence in their cars and feel they could check the oil and drive It anywhere and for any distance without to much concern.
There's a lot of people who have owned Tvr's for many years that probably don't bother posting much as their cars are so sorted,,
I have deep respect for the people and cars I've seen on here that are clearly re engineered with love and tech know how
So for a laugh will you boys get the pics out or just tell us how reliable you've made your Tvr.
You don't have to do big milage to know your cars top draw so all the low milage owners who at least keep the cars running and the wind in the old girls hair during summer months should also post.
This is just to offer some solace to those who strive to learn and discover what they can do to their Tvr's and are trying to believe there's an end goal.
Cars,, classic cars, all cars,,,,need constant maintenance and it's often a lonely road of self belief in yourself and the car that keeps you going when trying to run and maintain and forward the car,, expensive,
It's only by talking and seeing other owners cars on here did I discover what is possible with these great cars, the mods that we should consider etc etc, it was also the motivation and reality I needed to get a grip of what I should do and when,,
Tvr's are born,, Tvr's seem to be one of those few cars that sort of evolve,, you make it what it is as much as buy the finished article,,
Mines going through that evolution, it's a never ending cycle,,
Mines been running well for over 8 months now,,,
High milage and it's a 16 year old car,,
Wheel bearing
Water pump
Upper ball joint are the only maintenance issues I've had.
All very cheap parts so nothing I wouldn't expect on any car of this age.
How's yours running,,,
Am I right in thinking Tvr owners are superstitious,,,,
If so this thread will die on its head.
Show me/us your fantastic chassis and brake upgrades/ your funkie Ecu's and mods to enhance or make the car more reliable,, I'm not bothered about the power figures just how sweet it all seems,, in sync.
It don't have to be clean either.
The guys who get in and drive as much as they can, all weathers, long hauls,
Let's hear it for the painstaking work that you Tvr owners have done to maximixze your cars abilities.
Who's getting more from their Tvr than the public could ever imagine possible.
I'll start with my 4.6 Mbe monster. It's what I'd like to call sorted, well nearly,
I need a chassis but most the electrical gremlins are playing the game right now,,,, well actually most the electrical components in the engine bay are removed or replaced so little or no chance of them failing.
Super reliable at the moment.
N7GTX said:
While I am waiting for the oil to gravity fill the diff, thought I'd reply to this one.
My first TVR was a Cerb 4.2 which was relatively cheap and cost a bit to get right. Once it was all done, I sold it and this is my problem. I enjoy the challenge of repairing/fettling/renewing more than actually owning the car so once it is 'finished' I look to buy something else.
The Cerb sold very quickly and I was looking to buy another Aston but I kept looking at TVR ads and decided to buy this one with the sole intention of the turbo fit. I was also looking at putting an LS in it but that would have meant someone else doing all the work and I would have become bored with it. I even inquired with Lloyds about an LS in a Rover SD1 but the price frightened me a lot
Once the turbo was fitted it was time to upgrade the brakes, fit new tyres and currently in the middle of poly bushing all the suspension. New rear wheel bearings and new driveshaft CV joints so it is nearly complete.
Last year we drove from Yorkshire to the south coast and toured all over without a hitch. If the weather is dry we go out most weekends and only once did she break down, recovered by the AA. Just a bad earth connection on the fuel pump.
In 2 weeks we are doing the tour of Scotland going to John O' Groats and down the west coast so looking forward to some amazing roads. She (Handbrake) will be sat there constantly telling me to slow down or not overtake
Once the trip is over I will probably sell the car as there is nothing else for me to do apart from polish it. It is not because I don't like the car, its what I do. Another TVR? Probably not as age and health issues are slowing me down.
P.S. The TVR fraternity is definitely the most friendly and helpful of any I have come across.
I entirely get this,, when your planning ahead and fettling to avoid misfortune it's half the fun, once it's done your hobby becomes less of an interest, My first TVR was a Cerb 4.2 which was relatively cheap and cost a bit to get right. Once it was all done, I sold it and this is my problem. I enjoy the challenge of repairing/fettling/renewing more than actually owning the car so once it is 'finished' I look to buy something else.
The Cerb sold very quickly and I was looking to buy another Aston but I kept looking at TVR ads and decided to buy this one with the sole intention of the turbo fit. I was also looking at putting an LS in it but that would have meant someone else doing all the work and I would have become bored with it. I even inquired with Lloyds about an LS in a Rover SD1 but the price frightened me a lot
Once the turbo was fitted it was time to upgrade the brakes, fit new tyres and currently in the middle of poly bushing all the suspension. New rear wheel bearings and new driveshaft CV joints so it is nearly complete.
Last year we drove from Yorkshire to the south coast and toured all over without a hitch. If the weather is dry we go out most weekends and only once did she break down, recovered by the AA. Just a bad earth connection on the fuel pump.
In 2 weeks we are doing the tour of Scotland going to John O' Groats and down the west coast so looking forward to some amazing roads. She (Handbrake) will be sat there constantly telling me to slow down or not overtake
Once the trip is over I will probably sell the car as there is nothing else for me to do apart from polish it. It is not because I don't like the car, its what I do. Another TVR? Probably not as age and health issues are slowing me down.
P.S. The TVR fraternity is definitely the most friendly and helpful of any I have come across.
Having only had my Tvr 4 odd years and two of those were off the road, I'm still in that phaze of just enjoying the mods and work so far completed,,
As a hobby I see these cars as a great investment in my free time,, what else would I do,,, get in bother that's what
The Tvr is a great way to enjoy your free time if your into Wealding spanners about.
It's been a focus for me over these last years as things have upped and downed in life, the downs have been harsh, my car is a way to keep my sanity, if I can stay calm over the car I can cope with most things I reckon.
I'm loving these pics of some of the finest Tvr's around and an inspiration,
Epic,, it sure is Mac 
Dom's already cleaned me out so turbos can wait
I've decided to learn about my Mbe Ecu install properly first as I don't know it's arse from elbow and that's not a good thing,, what I have learned is it's bloody good at its job.
Keep em coming boys,,
I've managed 9000 miles in the last 8 months can anyone beat that from any year!
My record was 10,000 miles in the first year of ownership so I'm well on the way to smashing that record this year hopefully.
Dom's already cleaned me out so turbos can wait
I've decided to learn about my Mbe Ecu install properly first as I don't know it's arse from elbow and that's not a good thing,, what I have learned is it's bloody good at its job.
Keep em coming boys,,
I've managed 9000 miles in the last 8 months can anyone beat that from any year!
My record was 10,000 miles in the first year of ownership so I'm well on the way to smashing that record this year hopefully.
I'm off to Zolder in the morning helping a mate out, really want to take the car,,, just so she's been to that track,, felt the place,,, it's spooky and Villes spirit hangs over the place,, it's going to be emotional for me!
It's almost like taking the car would soothe my soul somehow,,
Peters story (Phazed) just fantastic stuff,,, 40,000 miles in the Green one,, respect is going through the roof
Peake torque,,, that's what this thread is all about,,, bloody marvellous stuff.
I think I've started this thread to get a little motivation and focus back myself,,
I sometimes think this is stupid ( spending spending spending ) on my Tvr but I'm just slowly enjoying the rewards of some huge upgrades and reliability changes that are allowing me some grace and a chance to enjoy the car like it's bloody brand fire new,,,
The upgrades have cost but and its a big but,,,
The last 9000 miles have cost me oil changes and plugs, the other bits and pieces can't be more than 200 quid,
Get the car up to standard then it's drip costs to keep her running drop right off.
I used to feel so out my depth coming on here, still do but by just reading these great comments and accurate advice I've learnt enough to get by, I'm not competent enough to change Ecu's without some torture so I've spent a lot with Tvr Power to achieve many of my goals,, thats probably cost me about 3.5 K more than if I'd scratched about and done it hook or crook but I'm feeling vindicated that I went with proven tech and an engine builder who makes em faster than the numbers suggest without risking the components to much, there's some great people in the Tvr world and I thank them for being in business to help us keep running.
Hearing some of the comments here is just confirming my recent thoughts,,, risky business saying this but I've been looking at the car and struggle to think of stuff that needs doing,, serious things I'm talking about,,,
I seem to have got past that feeling of impending doom, realise that with good maintenance and replacement of worn parts I'm getting a car that's simple enough, easy enough to work on,, and when things are working properly the car has a synergy that's quite outstanding,, it feels at one with itself let alone with the driver,, I've done some shock setting changes recently and the cars loving it,,, it has this brilliance I can't describe but it just is,,, it does everything with ease when it's set up correctly,, I drive it almost every day yet it leaves me a gasp,,, it's way ahead of so many cars around me that cost similar 20K to get my car this good??? But it's way better to me than almost any other car of its ilk,
I think I'll just marry the car at this rate
It's almost like taking the car would soothe my soul somehow,,
Peters story (Phazed) just fantastic stuff,,, 40,000 miles in the Green one,, respect is going through the roof
Peake torque,,, that's what this thread is all about,,, bloody marvellous stuff.
I think I've started this thread to get a little motivation and focus back myself,,
I sometimes think this is stupid ( spending spending spending ) on my Tvr but I'm just slowly enjoying the rewards of some huge upgrades and reliability changes that are allowing me some grace and a chance to enjoy the car like it's bloody brand fire new,,,
The upgrades have cost but and its a big but,,,
The last 9000 miles have cost me oil changes and plugs, the other bits and pieces can't be more than 200 quid,
Get the car up to standard then it's drip costs to keep her running drop right off.
I used to feel so out my depth coming on here, still do but by just reading these great comments and accurate advice I've learnt enough to get by, I'm not competent enough to change Ecu's without some torture so I've spent a lot with Tvr Power to achieve many of my goals,, thats probably cost me about 3.5 K more than if I'd scratched about and done it hook or crook but I'm feeling vindicated that I went with proven tech and an engine builder who makes em faster than the numbers suggest without risking the components to much, there's some great people in the Tvr world and I thank them for being in business to help us keep running.
Hearing some of the comments here is just confirming my recent thoughts,,, risky business saying this but I've been looking at the car and struggle to think of stuff that needs doing,, serious things I'm talking about,,,
I seem to have got past that feeling of impending doom, realise that with good maintenance and replacement of worn parts I'm getting a car that's simple enough, easy enough to work on,, and when things are working properly the car has a synergy that's quite outstanding,, it feels at one with itself let alone with the driver,, I've done some shock setting changes recently and the cars loving it,,, it has this brilliance I can't describe but it just is,,, it does everything with ease when it's set up correctly,, I drive it almost every day yet it leaves me a gasp,,, it's way ahead of so many cars around me that cost similar 20K to get my car this good??? But it's way better to me than almost any other car of its ilk,
I think I'll just marry the car at this rate
Just got back from a brill weekend at the infamous Zolder circuit in Belgium.
Four days without driving the Tvr so I've been looking forward to it,, my drive home from my mates place just now,, ohhh heaven, jeez it's loud, better suspension than I give it credit, gosh they are fast ar'nt they
Mac, your words ring true to me in a very big way, for me to invest a couple of thou is a tough challenge let alone many more than that!
Every penny you spent if it's a few quid on new plugs or many thousands is a worthwhile investment if you are doing your best to firstly enjoy your Tvr and secondly slowly make it the fine car we already know it is.
Mathew Poxons Griff is a testament to his commitment, his driving with skill and precision was also a joy for me when following him at Hetthel test track, we both worked our cars in such a way we both sort of showed this deep respect to the cars and eachother whilst for me anyway having this fantastic Griff dancing around in front of me,, considering the value of the darn funny looking things it was like magic in a way, such an iconic car with funkie exhausts and this short sexy assed back end, I was really enjoying just watching it,, to be on a track with a proper fast Griff is a very very special thing,,
For Matt to share the track with our Chimaera's is a very very very special thing.
I've spent the weekend around some fine cars, it just makes me see more and more just how fine all our Tvr's are.
We are lucky lucky people.
Four days without driving the Tvr so I've been looking forward to it,, my drive home from my mates place just now,, ohhh heaven, jeez it's loud, better suspension than I give it credit, gosh they are fast ar'nt they
Mac, your words ring true to me in a very big way, for me to invest a couple of thou is a tough challenge let alone many more than that!
Every penny you spent if it's a few quid on new plugs or many thousands is a worthwhile investment if you are doing your best to firstly enjoy your Tvr and secondly slowly make it the fine car we already know it is.
Mathew Poxons Griff is a testament to his commitment, his driving with skill and precision was also a joy for me when following him at Hetthel test track, we both worked our cars in such a way we both sort of showed this deep respect to the cars and eachother whilst for me anyway having this fantastic Griff dancing around in front of me,, considering the value of the darn funny looking things
it was like magic in a way, such an iconic car with funkie exhausts and this short sexy assed back end, I was really enjoying just watching it,, to be on a track with a proper fast Griff is a very very special thing,, For Matt to share the track with our Chimaera's is a very very very special thing.
I've spent the weekend around some fine cars, it just makes me see more and more just how fine all our Tvr's are.
We are lucky lucky people.
A friend of mine races in the Mazda Super Cup and Zolder was added this year as part of the race championship,
It's a real track, watered down a tad but a real drivers track and the boys in all the races including two classes of very fast Caterhams were utterly balls out.
To see fit young men get out even the Mazda's after a 20 min race drenched in sweat, sort of gives you a clear idea of how competitive it is.
The boys at the front I mavel at, great company and they rag the living crap out of their cars.
My friends 52 years old( fit) but we struggle to compete,, combination this weekend the car having a slow engine and slightly loose rear wheel bearing and in my opinion slightly to low a ride height.
It's so competitive if you get anything wrong you just drop away, and we struggle to get the best out of the car but heck it's great fun.
Wheel bearing must have started to fail in practice but we didn't have a spare pressed into a hub so we just had to run with it, very disappointing as we had been 4th in practice at one point and the car was really fast!
By the end of the meeting the n/s rear wheel had about 1.5 mm of free play so it's going to upset the balance and effect the driver.
Waffle but we didn't do nearly as well as we should so I have to clear that up
Driver Garry Townsend car 223 if anyone's interested in looking the series up.
ETA engine was the real problem,, usually if your close enough behind you get a drag from the car in front,,
Engines not performing at the top end,, people are dragging behind us as we seem to stay static behind the car in front,, second race it was clear to see as we were racie and going forward yet just couldn't get the gains when close up,, tyres get very hot, you start slipping back then with no tow the lap times plummet, driver tries even harder, tyres go away completely, it's proper hard racing.
It's a real track, watered down a tad but a real drivers track and the boys in all the races including two classes of very fast Caterhams were utterly balls out.
To see fit young men get out even the Mazda's after a 20 min race drenched in sweat, sort of gives you a clear idea of how competitive it is.
The boys at the front I mavel at, great company and they rag the living crap out of their cars.
My friends 52 years old( fit) but we struggle to compete,, combination this weekend the car having a slow engine and slightly loose rear wheel bearing and in my opinion slightly to low a ride height.
It's so competitive if you get anything wrong you just drop away, and we struggle to get the best out of the car but heck it's great fun.
Wheel bearing must have started to fail in practice but we didn't have a spare pressed into a hub so we just had to run with it, very disappointing as we had been 4th in practice at one point and the car was really fast!
By the end of the meeting the n/s rear wheel had about 1.5 mm of free play so it's going to upset the balance and effect the driver.
Waffle but we didn't do nearly as well as we should so I have to clear that up
Driver Garry Townsend car 223 if anyone's interested in looking the series up.
ETA engine was the real problem,, usually if your close enough behind you get a drag from the car in front,,
Engines not performing at the top end,, people are dragging behind us as we seem to stay static behind the car in front,, second race it was clear to see as we were racie and going forward yet just couldn't get the gains when close up,, tyres get very hot, you start slipping back then with no tow the lap times plummet, driver tries even harder, tyres go away completely, it's proper hard racing.
Edited by ClassiChimi on Monday 6th June 11:29
Hi FoxTVR430
Haha, just realised your in Belguim, yes it's a history filled amazing place to me,, been before and I always pay homage to Jilles,
The organisers are great, it's so relaxed yet organised, every night you've got cyclists using the place which is also ace, youngsters with all their kit on, brilliant.
The spirit of all those great drivers who've grasped that circuit hangs in the air and it clearly inspires the drivers of today to do great things.
Walking the track when it's all quiet, the trees, the public road literally on the other side of the wall/ tyre barrier,, just a wire fence,,, it's bravery personified and it was a privilege I think for all the British drivers who drove there this weekend.
Thankyou Zolder
Haha, just realised your in Belguim, yes it's a history filled amazing place to me,, been before and I always pay homage to Jilles,
The organisers are great, it's so relaxed yet organised, every night you've got cyclists using the place which is also ace, youngsters with all their kit on, brilliant.
The spirit of all those great drivers who've grasped that circuit hangs in the air and it clearly inspires the drivers of today to do great things.
Walking the track when it's all quiet, the trees, the public road literally on the other side of the wall/ tyre barrier,, just a wire fence,,, it's bravery personified and it was a privilege I think for all the British drivers who drove there this weekend.
Thankyou Zolder
Edited by ClassiChimi on Monday 6th June 11:47
FoxTVR430 said:
Yes it is a great place.
I have spent many evenings there cycling around at some dizzy speeds in a group, or much slower out of the group (a few years ago mind you )
I have also enjoyed a driver experience day there a well.
I'm dreaming of what it would be like in the Tvr,, really challenging,, I have spent many evenings there cycling around at some dizzy speeds in a group, or much slower out of the group
(a few years ago mind you ) I have also enjoyed a driver experience day there a well.
My friends really into his cycling and mentioned it's 4 minutes something for the lap record on a pushbike,,, that's insane fast.
And here's mine after an epic 1000 mile drive in less than 24 hours to St Tropez.
Pity my French girlfriend wasn't as reliable as first thought.
And another when up in the hills near Plan de la Tour early morning in November, quiet roads and that V8 burble,,
I plan to take my eldest son down to the south of France and let him play the piano in some French Cafe,,,
We'll have a string of gigs in no time
Working holiday so to speak,,,, stranger things have happened. Ha
Great Pics Mac, your car enjoys your ownership by the looks of that.
,Pretty pointless really Mac, coffee and plenty of water,, and a headache for two days afterwards,,, I'd do it with more aplom next time. I actually had plenty of stops and rested when I felt tired,,,,, which was never new MBE installed so my ear was permanently on the engine note,,, it was one of those mad drives to a far flung lover for the heck of it.
You only live once,, we're here for a good time not a long time etc etc
I still have the pictures
I found my car burbled along for hundreds of miles at a time and held a steady temp and never got hot. Like a truck
new MBE installed so my ear was permanently on the engine note,,, it was one of those mad drives to a far flung lover for the heck of it. You only live once,, we're here for a good time not a long time etc etc
I still have the pictures
I found my car burbled along for hundreds of miles at a time and held a steady temp and never got hot. Like a truck
That's had me howling, can't say as I noticed many hills when in the car
That's some economy that is,,
We managed 13 mpg I'm the Yankie motor home on the way to Zolder, with an enclosed trailer behind,, I was impressed
Considering we carry enough spares to build a car,,,, except a rear hub with a bearing pressed in it,, doh!
Enjoy while you can Peter, weathers been good in the Uk but changeable as normal,
Aren't the roads just great, a good old Trany camper van, I bet it's still a blast to hold it back,,
Down hill I reckon you need your wits about you.
That's some economy that is,,
We managed 13 mpg I'm the Yankie motor home on the way to Zolder, with an enclosed trailer behind,, I was impressed
Considering we carry enough spares to build a car,,,, except a rear hub with a bearing pressed in it,, doh!
Enjoy while you can Peter, weathers been good in the Uk but changeable as normal,
Aren't the roads just great, a good old Trany camper van, I bet it's still a blast to hold it back,,
Down hill I reckon you need your wits about you.
That van might be s
t but that yellow car isn't, fantastic looking thing.
My cars been on the school run duties all week, we leave early then I take a detour home so it gets a proper run.
Told my son this evening I thought I'd heard a mis fire so I needed to go out for a run out
There's no such misfire I just wanted any excuse,,
t but that yellow car isn't, fantastic looking thing. My cars been on the school run duties all week, we leave early then I take a detour home so it gets a proper run.
Told my son this evening I thought I'd heard a mis fire so I needed to go out for a run out
There's no such misfire I just wanted any excuse,,
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