Potential TVR owner...from Japan!
Discussion
Hello Everyone!
I'm Ryan, an American service member stationed in Japan. I've been out here for about 3 and half years now. I've owner various cars throughout my life but I'm looking to make my next purchase a TVR. With the Draconian importation laws back in the states, a TVR was never a possibility for me until now. Japan has much more liberal import laws. I've always admired TVRs from afar but over the last month or so I've devoted alot of time into researching them.
My mate, a petrol head who grew up in the UK, thinks I'm bonkers. Needless to say, he's not a fan. I was finally able to go out and see a few for myself over the last couple weeks. He figured that would finally make me understand, as he is absolutely meticulous when it comes to build quality. On the contrary, I think I've really fallen for them now! The lines, the wacky interior, the intoxicating exhaust note....well, you all know what I'm on about.
The decision that I'm currently wrestling with is which one to buy. I'm a fan of the Cerb, that's what got me out looking in the first place. I just viewed one in Tokyo a couple days ago, 98' 4.2, 17,000 km. Had Nitrons, 18" TVR wheels, xenons and a custom exhaust that the dealer had fabricated. That particular dealer is one of the largest TVR dealers in Japan and had taken care of this car since new. The car was immaculate, all the outriggers were clean (no rust whatsoever) and the upholstery was spotless. The engine fired right up from cold with ~45 psi of oil pressure, IIRC. Needless to say, I was blown away by the sound as well
. I probably would have plunked down the cash on the spot had it not been Sage Green.
I also found a 99' Griffith 500. That one had only 14,000 km and was spotless too. Color was gorgeous, Starfire Mica Blue (I think) over a light tan interior with blue carpet. The Rover obviously didn't have the bark of the AJP but it was completely standard in it's defense. I like this car but if there was any flaw it would have to be with the "plain" interior. Compared to the other TVRs, it's pretty tame.
To complicate matters even further, I sat in, and fired up, a Tuscan. That didn't fail to put a smile on my face either! Love the dash layout in the Tuscan although I prefer the exterior looks of the T350C. The Speed six puts all other inline sixes I've heard to shame. I love how everything tingles and vibrates after you turn the key. I also prefer the pedal layout in the Tuscan. I can't help but kick the steering column when I depress the clutch in the Griff.
Man, this really isn't supposed to be this difficult!!! I guess it's easier to pick what I don't want. I don't want a Tamora, it's too "soft" looking and has a big rear end. Don't want a Chimaera either as that seems like a "lite" version of the Griff.(sorry guys!)
My budget is in the neighborhood of £20,000. Both the Cerb and the Griff I referenced above come right in at that. Remember, this is Japan. The T-cars are out of reach unless I import one from the UK. They range from £30,000- £40,000 on the used market out here. It wouldn't be too terribly difficult to import one anyway. I would have to go through a specialist in the UK that I could trust, as I would be buying it sight unseen. Additionally, the car would have to be inspected and emission tested here in Japan. Customs duties are 5% and of course freight. So all said, that would lower my buying power by ~£3,000 or so.
As for working on it, I'm no stranger to turning spanners. I built a FD3S RX-7 from the ground up which is currently in storage stateside. It made 600 RWHP and 580 RWTQ out of a Chevy LS7 V8 lump. My daily driver out here is a heavily modified Subaru Impreza STi Version 6. It's got an uprated 2.5 liter engine which the wife and I assembled. There is not a thing I haven't touched on that car. The missus has an almost standard Suzuki Cappuccino she tools around in. It's not much, but it's fun and gets 40 mpg and is maintenance free.
The other car sitting in my garage is a Nissan Skyline GT-R. This car is built to ridiculous spec and as one of my projects, it's finally "done". Built 2.7 liter, GT-45R turbo and too much to list here. It would take over £75,000 to come close to duplicating it in parts alone. Ideally, it would be trading garage spots with a very special TVR. If you know of anyone looking to part ways with that TVR and head over to the Nissan camp, please send them my way! Otherwise, a TVR will have to sleep outside until a proper home is found for my GT-R.
With all that said, I've never owned a British built car. I've had a couple of "knock-offs", LOL. We owned three Mazda Miatas in the past. One naturally aspirated, one we turbo'd and one with a Ford 5 liter V8 stuffed under the bonnet! They were great fun and real corner carvers. But never a "real" British car. I've heard the horror stories but I obviously like wrenching and think I'm up for the challenge.
Some guidance would be appreciated as no one else aside from my wife (a petrol head in her own right!) seems to get why I would want a car like this. If you've owned a few TVRs, and are a real petrol head like me, where should I start?
Cheers!
Ryan
I'm Ryan, an American service member stationed in Japan. I've been out here for about 3 and half years now. I've owner various cars throughout my life but I'm looking to make my next purchase a TVR. With the Draconian importation laws back in the states, a TVR was never a possibility for me until now. Japan has much more liberal import laws. I've always admired TVRs from afar but over the last month or so I've devoted alot of time into researching them.
My mate, a petrol head who grew up in the UK, thinks I'm bonkers. Needless to say, he's not a fan. I was finally able to go out and see a few for myself over the last couple weeks. He figured that would finally make me understand, as he is absolutely meticulous when it comes to build quality. On the contrary, I think I've really fallen for them now! The lines, the wacky interior, the intoxicating exhaust note....well, you all know what I'm on about.
The decision that I'm currently wrestling with is which one to buy. I'm a fan of the Cerb, that's what got me out looking in the first place. I just viewed one in Tokyo a couple days ago, 98' 4.2, 17,000 km. Had Nitrons, 18" TVR wheels, xenons and a custom exhaust that the dealer had fabricated. That particular dealer is one of the largest TVR dealers in Japan and had taken care of this car since new. The car was immaculate, all the outriggers were clean (no rust whatsoever) and the upholstery was spotless. The engine fired right up from cold with ~45 psi of oil pressure, IIRC. Needless to say, I was blown away by the sound as well
. I probably would have plunked down the cash on the spot had it not been Sage Green.I also found a 99' Griffith 500. That one had only 14,000 km and was spotless too. Color was gorgeous, Starfire Mica Blue (I think) over a light tan interior with blue carpet. The Rover obviously didn't have the bark of the AJP but it was completely standard in it's defense. I like this car but if there was any flaw it would have to be with the "plain" interior. Compared to the other TVRs, it's pretty tame.
To complicate matters even further, I sat in, and fired up, a Tuscan. That didn't fail to put a smile on my face either! Love the dash layout in the Tuscan although I prefer the exterior looks of the T350C. The Speed six puts all other inline sixes I've heard to shame. I love how everything tingles and vibrates after you turn the key. I also prefer the pedal layout in the Tuscan. I can't help but kick the steering column when I depress the clutch in the Griff.
Man, this really isn't supposed to be this difficult!!! I guess it's easier to pick what I don't want. I don't want a Tamora, it's too "soft" looking and has a big rear end. Don't want a Chimaera either as that seems like a "lite" version of the Griff.(sorry guys!)
My budget is in the neighborhood of £20,000. Both the Cerb and the Griff I referenced above come right in at that. Remember, this is Japan. The T-cars are out of reach unless I import one from the UK. They range from £30,000- £40,000 on the used market out here. It wouldn't be too terribly difficult to import one anyway. I would have to go through a specialist in the UK that I could trust, as I would be buying it sight unseen. Additionally, the car would have to be inspected and emission tested here in Japan. Customs duties are 5% and of course freight. So all said, that would lower my buying power by ~£3,000 or so.
As for working on it, I'm no stranger to turning spanners. I built a FD3S RX-7 from the ground up which is currently in storage stateside. It made 600 RWHP and 580 RWTQ out of a Chevy LS7 V8 lump. My daily driver out here is a heavily modified Subaru Impreza STi Version 6. It's got an uprated 2.5 liter engine which the wife and I assembled. There is not a thing I haven't touched on that car. The missus has an almost standard Suzuki Cappuccino she tools around in. It's not much, but it's fun and gets 40 mpg and is maintenance free.
The other car sitting in my garage is a Nissan Skyline GT-R. This car is built to ridiculous spec and as one of my projects, it's finally "done". Built 2.7 liter, GT-45R turbo and too much to list here. It would take over £75,000 to come close to duplicating it in parts alone. Ideally, it would be trading garage spots with a very special TVR. If you know of anyone looking to part ways with that TVR and head over to the Nissan camp, please send them my way! Otherwise, a TVR will have to sleep outside until a proper home is found for my GT-R.
With all that said, I've never owned a British built car. I've had a couple of "knock-offs", LOL. We owned three Mazda Miatas in the past. One naturally aspirated, one we turbo'd and one with a Ford 5 liter V8 stuffed under the bonnet! They were great fun and real corner carvers. But never a "real" British car. I've heard the horror stories but I obviously like wrenching and think I'm up for the challenge.
Some guidance would be appreciated as no one else aside from my wife (a petrol head in her own right!) seems to get why I would want a car like this. If you've owned a few TVRs, and are a real petrol head like me, where should I start?
Cheers!
Ryan
Personally I'd go for a Griff out there, mainly due to the potential problems surorunding the S6 and AJP parts, though this does depend just how good the dealer you mentioned is. The RV8 is a very easy engine to work on and also to get parts for, as already mentioned remove the precats and also straight through the rear box and you'll get the V8 sounding fantastic.
On a side note - that Skyline is in a word - STUNNING!
On a side note - that Skyline is in a word - STUNNING!
Zippee said:
Personally I'd go for a Griff out there, mainly due to the potential problems surorunding the S6 and AJP parts, though this does depend just how good the dealer you mentioned is. The RV8 is a very easy engine to work on and also to get parts for, as already mentioned remove the precats and also straight through the rear box and you'll get the V8 sounding fantastic.
On a side note - that Skyline is in a word - STUNNING!
That was one of the points the wife and I discussed during the ride home. Rover parts would certainly be easier to come by in the long run. Probably not fair to compare markets but the Griff is more in line with UK pricing given the condition and mileage too. Although it's only averaged about 800 miles a year since new, which could turn out to be a bad thing due to lack of use.On a side note - that Skyline is in a word - STUNNING!
Ryan
The best line I have seen on a ph post for a long time........
OP - MK1 Tuscan is the best mix of noise, power, sense of occasion - but I admit to a small bias
Potential Owner from Japan said:
It's got an uprated 2.5 liter engine which the wife and I assembled.
I am telling my wife tonight that she just isnt trying hard enough!OP - MK1 Tuscan is the best mix of noise, power, sense of occasion - but I admit to a small bias
blueg33 said:
The best line I have seen on a ph post for a long time........
OP - MK1 Tuscan is the best mix of noise, power, sense of occasion - but I admit to a small bias
My wife chipped her nails the other week laying bricks for a new back door step at home.Potential Owner from Japan said:
It's got an uprated 2.5 liter engine which the wife and I assembled.
I am telling my wife tonight that she just isnt trying hard enough!OP - MK1 Tuscan is the best mix of noise, power, sense of occasion - but I admit to a small bias
(I work away all the time) so, although impressed with a mechanical wife, I'm keeping quiet.
Yes, Skyline looks great.
I love the Cerbera but as said would probably go for the RV8 Griff. (Named after an American racecar driver if it helps fro you to connect with the car even more).
Good luck.
Edited by so called on Thursday 24th February 16:49
Edited by so called on Thursday 24th February 16:51
For me it's a Griff because I wanted a convertible. But I also love the Cerb and Tuscan. Ultimately though it's your choice looks like you've got a few nice examples to pick from which makes it all the more difficult.
If you need help road testing them, I'll be in Tokyo next week for 9 days
If you need help road testing them, I'll be in Tokyo next week for 9 days
Holy crap.
Ryan, please tell me thats the "Hot Staff" built 33 GTR? A.k.a one of, if not the nicest skyline on the planet.
Rumour was that it went to an American service member based in japan so it looks likely.
From the looks of things, you have taken the gold off the LM's lips, changed the turbo air intake, taken the chrome off the RB26 cam cover changed the wing mirrors back to standard (thank god!) and stitched NISMO into the headrest or changed the R34 seats??
Hope you see this message, I'd love to hear more about it.
Cheers,
Brad.
Ryan, please tell me thats the "Hot Staff" built 33 GTR? A.k.a one of, if not the nicest skyline on the planet.
Rumour was that it went to an American service member based in japan so it looks likely.
From the looks of things, you have taken the gold off the LM's lips, changed the turbo air intake, taken the chrome off the RB26 cam cover changed the wing mirrors back to standard (thank god!) and stitched NISMO into the headrest or changed the R34 seats??
Hope you see this message, I'd love to hear more about it.
Cheers,
Brad.
Of those it's got to be the Cerb, the AJP8 is special, the rover V8 may feel a little flat after a few weeks. Re colour; you could always convince yourself you're at home with the colour as its full name is Californian Sage Green. It's also an Aston Martin colour found on DB6's, although I'm not totally convinced the TVR hue isn't bit too dark.
I'm with Zippee on this. Obviously my biased opinion is go for the Griff. However if I try to be impartial then what Zippee said makes perfect sense. The RV8 is a very simple beast with readily available parts so may be a good option over in Japan.
Would love to see a closer pic of the switchgear on the dash of the Griff you've seen too. Looks very interesting.
Nice Skyline too
Would love to see a closer pic of the switchgear on the dash of the Griff you've seen too. Looks very interesting.
Nice Skyline too
brad.noble said:
Holy crap.
Ryan, please tell me thats the "Hot Staff" built 33 GTR? A.k.a one of, if not the nicest skyline on the planet.
Rumour was that it went to an American service member based in japan so it looks likely.
From the looks of things, you have taken the gold off the LM's lips, changed the turbo air intake, taken the chrome off the RB26 cam cover changed the wing mirrors back to standard (thank god!) and stitched NISMO into the headrest or changed the R34 seats??
Hope you see this message, I'd love to hear more about it.
Cheers,
Brad.
Brad -Ryan, please tell me thats the "Hot Staff" built 33 GTR? A.k.a one of, if not the nicest skyline on the planet.
Rumour was that it went to an American service member based in japan so it looks likely.
From the looks of things, you have taken the gold off the LM's lips, changed the turbo air intake, taken the chrome off the RB26 cam cover changed the wing mirrors back to standard (thank god!) and stitched NISMO into the headrest or changed the R34 seats??
Hope you see this message, I'd love to hear more about it.
Cheers,
Brad.
Without trying to stray too far off topic, yes it is the Hot Staff (
) GT-R. The mate who thinks I'm bonkers for wanting a TVR is Miguel from Newera Imports. He originally sourced the car for me and we have become great friends since. He's a true petrol head! The GT-R has undergone quite the transformation since I have owned it. It's spec was ridiculous before, as you remember, but I have also changed:Aesthetics:
- Nismo 400R rear bumper swap (it had the standard bumper before)
- Wheels changed to 19x10 Work VS-XX
- Also have a set of original white Nismo LM-1s in 18x10 (400R)
- Nismo Carbon fiber intercooler guide (400R)
- Both Seats changed to Nismo 400R version
- Nismo titanium shift knob (400R)
- Mirrors back to standard as you noted
- Goofy headlight eyelids and Hot Staff decals removed
- Smoked Nismo sidemarkers added
- New shifter gaiter, red stiched
- Brand new set of red stitched Nismo floor mats added
- Nasty aluminum hood latches replaced with Aerocatch latches
- and I have an original Nismo steering wheel but it's not fitted
Engine:
- Complete top end rebuild conducted. It broke a valve spring about two months after I bought it. It didn't drop the valve (thank god!). So I dropped the head off with Tomei and had them check the deck for flatness, 5 angle valve job and a brand new set of Tomei Type C(?) valve springs. They also recommended replacing the offending valve so that was changed too.
- ARP head studs fitted
- New Tomei 1.5mm head gasket
- Changed the intake manifold to the beautiful Hypertune surge tank with a single 90mm throttle body
- Greddy exhaust manifold bead blasted, checked for cracks than HPC coated in black for heat reduction
- Precision built Garrett GT45R turbocharger, spec'd by me. Expect in the neighborhood of 1000 rwhp ~2.5 bar of boost on C16
- Precision T4 turbo blanket fitted (cuts down on heat!!)
- "GT cooling mod" added with custom aluminum fill tank.
- Complete fuel system revamped as I was not happy with the fuel system. Aeroquip SS hose and fittings, twin Aeromotive filters, Hypertune dual feed fuel rail, Aeromotive regulator, 1200cc injectors
- Custom intercooler piping to suit the new turbo and intake manifold welded up by Bee-R Power builders in Yokohama. Same for downpipe flange.
- ECU changed from a very old Motec M4 to a Power FC D-Jetro. I really didn't want to have to find a DOS 6.2 based laptop to tune my car!
- And because of that, brand new Nissan engine harness(es) fitted
- AEM peak/hold injector driver box added (much better idle!)
- ATI Harmonic balancer to replace the stock one
- Custom 5" polished aluminum intake with K&N air filter
- Chrome was peeling on the rocker covers so a new set were sourced and painted in Mazda Silverstone Metallic (my trademark )
- Custom Carbon Fiber oil catch can setup fabricated by me. I hate the JDM "aquarium hose" look, so tacky...
- Custom Innovate wideband O2 gauge fitted inside a 60mm Defi black face gauge housing (matches the others!)
- Optima yellow top battery fitted
- Spare set of Nismo Bilstein coilovers (400R spec) not fitted, but in my possession
It was all road mapped and tuned by me @ 1.2 bar of boost for Japanese fuel. Full boost is achieved at 4400 RPM now (used to be a lazy 5000 RPM with the smaller T88!). Redline is set up for 9000 RPM although I haven't spun it past 8000 RPM. It pulls like a freight train now! The GT-R has yet to be reeled in by anything prowling the streets of Japan. And it's hurt a few people's feelings along the way who were running cars built by some well know shops
The rest of the specs from when I bought it can be found here:
http://www.neweraimports.com/soldcarDetails.jsp?ca...
Sorry, not trying to turn this into an advert! But it is an amazing car that I'm really proud of. I'm just done with this project and it's time for a change. I think a TVR is right up my alley as I have always fancied a small car with too much hp
. Thanks for the compliments, back to TVRs for now!Ryan
Edited by Ryan23 on Friday 25th February 01:14
Mr MoJo said:
I'm with Zippee on this. Obviously my biased opinion is go for the Griff. However if I try to be impartial then what Zippee said makes perfect sense. The RV8 is a very simple beast with readily available parts so may be a good option over in Japan.
Would love to see a closer pic of the switchgear on the dash of the Griff you've seen too. Looks very interesting.
Nice Skyline too
Here's the rest of the pics. I thought the toggle switches in the dash were a bit odd as other pictures I've seen of Griffs had a rocker type of switch. This particular car is advertised as the "Blackpool 340" edition, which in my best estimation, means it was a UK derived TVR Griffith 500 that was marketed/sold by TVR of Japan. Would love to see a closer pic of the switchgear on the dash of the Griff you've seen too. Looks very interesting.
Nice Skyline too
Ryan
Edited by Ryan23 on Friday 25th February 01:41
I have a Griffith and I'm a big fan of toggle switches for the dashboard, but the dash on that Griff is an abomination.
It looks home made out of ply with the MIL bar cut into pieces and inlaid.
It must be the MK2 version too, or the blanked off rocker switch holes wouldn't be there.
Replace that bloody mess with either a veneer version - assuming you still have a metal backing plate behind that mess - if you want the traditional British look or a turned aluminium dash if you want the old racer/bang up to date look and the interior of the car will be transformed.
I don't particularly like ali dashboards but with the Alcantra door inserts it might look good in that Griff because depending on the ali you use you can make it look quite up-to-date.
The numberplate hole at the back would lead me to guess that Griff wasn't imported from the UK as only cars intended for Japan had the square recess.
Best of luck with the search and whatever car you decide on please come back and give us an update of life with a TVR in Japan.
It looks home made out of ply with the MIL bar cut into pieces and inlaid.
It must be the MK2 version too, or the blanked off rocker switch holes wouldn't be there.
Replace that bloody mess with either a veneer version - assuming you still have a metal backing plate behind that mess - if you want the traditional British look or a turned aluminium dash if you want the old racer/bang up to date look and the interior of the car will be transformed.
I don't particularly like ali dashboards but with the Alcantra door inserts it might look good in that Griff because depending on the ali you use you can make it look quite up-to-date.
The numberplate hole at the back would lead me to guess that Griff wasn't imported from the UK as only cars intended for Japan had the square recess.
Best of luck with the search and whatever car you decide on please come back and give us an update of life with a TVR in Japan.
Edited by Barreti on Friday 25th February 08:04
I know what you mean about Tiv Prices in Japan, been checking the Jap auto sites for a while (still have that scratch for an NSX) and noticed that the Tuscans were going for around the same price as a late NSX!
Now I know a guy who imports cars from Japan but can he export them....
Oh and very nice R33.
Now I know a guy who imports cars from Japan but can he export them....
Oh and very nice R33.
Lovely looking Griff, apart from the dash and the steering wheel 
I am going to agree with Barretti regarding the dash. Looks like a home made job (whether it is or not) to me. The finish is like a piece of cheap 1980s furniture and the switches look like they've been thrown at it and left where they landed. As for all the coloured lights next to each switch 
Regarding the B340 Blackpool Edition name, I believe it was what the Griff 500 was called for the Jap market. Standard 500 with a different name for a different market.
There's been one for sale in the US for ages.
eta. Here it is : http://www.wirewheel.com/1998-TVR-GRIFFITH-500-BLA...
There is a thread on here about it on here somewhere I seem to recall.
I am going to agree with Barretti regarding the dash. Looks like a home made job (whether it is or not) to me. The finish is like a piece of cheap 1980s furniture and the switches look like they've been thrown at it and left where they landed. As for all the coloured lights next to each switch Regarding the B340 Blackpool Edition name, I believe it was what the Griff 500 was called for the Jap market. Standard 500 with a different name for a different market.
There's been one for sale in the US for ages.
eta. Here it is : http://www.wirewheel.com/1998-TVR-GRIFFITH-500-BLA...
There is a thread on here about it on here somewhere I seem to recall.
I am surprised you rule out the Chimeara as being a "lite" version of the Griff as the cars are exactly the same under the bodywork except for perhaps suspension which will have/need to be replaced by now anyway, you do know you can get a 5.0 litre Chim same as the the 5.0 litre Griff?
If of course you prefer the shape of the Griff then fair enough, each to their own.
If of course you prefer the shape of the Griff then fair enough, each to their own.
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