help needed for new s owner

[rnd]

I have just got a s2 and i have a host of questions for you all out there.
can i run it on 95 octane or 98 and i need a new exaust for it (as noisey as possible) but not straight through, so who should i go for. I want to use it for track days as well as every day use and i was thinking of a brake upgrade, has anybody any views on this (what make of discs and pads for the front and can i get upgrade shoes for the rear (were would i get them).
also thinking of a roll cage. Is it easly fitted and were would i get it from. I have 3 point harness are there "bolt points" like thr Chim PLEASE HELP
Ray D

[RichardR]

Hi Ray,

Welcome to the world of S ownership - a great place to be!

As for your questions, here goes....

- I run on 95 octance standard unleaded, but I know a lot of the guys like Shell Optimax, and I guess if you're planning on some harder driving then 98 octane might be beneficial.
- In terms of exhausts, Peninsilar (near Exeter) do a great V8 style split pipe system and looks and sounds fantastic. In terms of other advice, check out this recent thread for more general information.
- For info on TVR roll cages in general, check out this topic which discusses them in some length.

Can't really offer any advice on brake upgrades, but I'm sure someone else will be along soon who can help. I'd also recommend trying the forum search facility for answers to your questions. I've found all sorts of useful nuggets that way in the past.

Good luck with all the work, and enjoy the S!

Richard

[shnozz]

just a word of caution - check the db emissions before you part with a cash for an exhaust. you want noise but you want to do trackdays too. most will have around 100db limit (although you can always fit mufflers)

[GreenV8S]

Couple of places can fit a roll over bar, mine was supplied and fitted by Tower View bar (designed and made by RollCenter), I would expect most TVR specialists and dealers to be able to fit one for you. Bear in mind the design varies and some designs are not very good, restrict the rear vision, don't allow you to keep the original seat belts, restrict the seat position and so on. Mine is spot on in all respects.

Harness needs three mounting points, you can use the existing seat belt mounts for the bottom two (you will need to get a pair of 1.5" eye bolts, the standard 0.75" ones are too short). Rear mount would bolt straight into the rear stay of the roll-over bar. I always advise that a harness should only be used if you have roll-over protection. If you really want to use a harness ad really don't want a roll over bar, you will need to find your own way to attach the rear mounting. It *is* possible to do this but frankly I'll leave you to work out how because I think it is a very bad idea.

Exhaust is a tricky one because although it is nice to have a rorty exhaust, even a standard exhaust will struggle to meet the noise limits at some track days, and if track days are important to you it would be a shame not to be allowed to do them. I would suggest sticking with a conventional standard mild steel exhaust. (Stainless seems like a good idea but just don't seem to sound as nice, maybe because they are normally thinner?)

Brakes, take off the dust shields, fit good fast road pads and DOT 5.1 fluid, if you're replacing discs and drums by all means fit grooved (not drilled) parts. If necessary consider a 285mm big brake upgrade on the front but only if you keep cooking the brakes - most people don't. Above all learn to be kind to your brakes, brake progressively and learn to avoid braking by carrying more speed through the corners, when braking from high speed get into the habbit of easing off the brakes as the speed comes down rather than braking hard to the last moment, and plan your track day to have regular cooling down laps. Symathetic driving will make more difference than any upgrade.

Hope this helps,
Peter Humphries (and a green V8S)

[shpub]

For octane details see the unleaded FAQ on my website. www.tvrbooks.co.uk
There are no mounts for harnesses a la Chmp and so you will need a roll bar (roll cage is infront and round the sides). As Pete says, the Tower View ones are good - I have their Wedge and Griff one. www.t-v-r-services.co.uk

[Colin L]

RND tell the world how good your wife is. Go on tell them about how this great lady has let you buy an S, while being the proud owner of a 500 Chimaera and getting to keep both.
Well done that man.

Does she have any sisters??????

[Psychobert]

Good advice so far.. One thing to add about the exhaust; unless you've got to change it now, listen to a few if you can before you part with your cash. Its good to know what they are like at speed, (therefore blagg a few trips as copilot at a meet). Reason for this is that whilst its nice to have one that sounds good, it might get a little much depending on the type of driving you do, (I commute occaisionally and at motorway speeds mine is loud). I'm quite happy with that, (but then I'm a certified loon ). Worth thinking about it a little.. RTRacing haven't been mentioned but have a good reputation for such things too..

[rnd]

Thanks Colin. My secret is out now the "s bunch" wont'want to talk to a "Chim man" (only joking i hope). And now if the other half see's what you have said she will be looking "pay back" because she thinks all wives are petrol heads.
Unfortunatly i cant listen to other exausts because there are not to many in the other side of the water (we are a small but devoted bunch in tvrcc (NI). I have just ordered exaust from Peninsula, has any one got one and does it sound good. also ordered a brake upgrade from them. They say that they get them "groved and drilled" and "fast road pads/shoes" can anyone comment. talk soon
Ray D

[rnd]

Thanks RICHARDR clicked on your advice and it all sounded good (sorry about the pun).Mine is 1989 and i am assuming it does not have a CAT as i cant see it so it should make it even louder (i hope)

[tonystiny]

rnd said: I have just ordered exaust from Peninsula, has any one got one and does it sound good.
Ray D

Hi Ray,
I've got a peninsula exhaust on my S3. It sounds great and fitted well too. My only advise is get some skid plates welded to it. Due to the shape of the box it is very prone to damage. I had mine modified at a small engineering firm for a very reasonable price.

Regards,

Tony.