s3 - update and more advice please!

[theonlys3onexmoor]

Hi all.
First, a quick update and thanks for all the tips thus far!

Seat belts sorted - Peugeot 205 (but 5 door ones)
Seat belt receptors sorted - 7 inch ones from Fiat Punto Sporting.
Boot release switch sourced from RS components, very quick service. Maplins very helpful but only 1.5 amp in stock and 3 amp needed, hence RS. components.

Next load of requests for help....

Which coolant is recommended?
Which plugs?
Which engine oil is best?
Which are the best rocker cover gaskets - Ford ones? Part number?
Which donor vehicle for fuseholders and are spares necessary?
Upgraded H4 headlight bulbs - what is recommended?

I fitted a new rear boot strut (as the old one is a bit "tired") from a Bora/VW Golf 4. But it needs an elephant to sit on the boot in order to close it! And when it does catch, the lid sits proud on offside. Solution?

Thanks a million in advance!

[v8s4me]

theonlys3onexmoor said:

....I fitted a new rear boot strut (as the old one is a bit "tired") from a Bora/VW Golf 4. But it needs an elephant to sit on the boot in order to close it! And when it does catch, the lid sits proud on offside. Solution?....

Fit a weaker strut. Loads to choose from on eBay. Go for one from a small hatchback, with a very light tail-gate.

[mk1fan]

Oil thread recently. 'Castrol GTX' on page 2 of the S forum.

Rocker cover gaskets well covered. 'Rubber Gasket' Cork items readily available on evilbay. Blue Hymol helps seal them.

Can't remember the spark plugs. Iridium plugs are well regarded in the V8 side of the TVR fold.

Headlamp upgrades. I fitted some LED units to replace the corroded units as they work very well. Replacement bulbs like Osran Nightbreaker are good but the TVR wiring is a touch skinny for high wattage bulbs. That's why I like LED. Not sure there is space in the headlamp bowls to accommodate the rear part of the LED bulbs. There is a long thread in the chimp cage about LED bulbs.

Google search for led bulbs tvr chimeara pistonheads should take you there.

[phillpot]

theonlys3onexmoor said:

I fitted a new rear boot strut from a Bora/VW Golf 4.............. Solution?

Solution 1: keep wasting time and money buying various struts off Ebay till you find one that does the job.
Solution 2: buy the correct one


Genuine Ford rocker cover gaskets are best, if you can still find some, they have little spacer things in them to stop them crushing down to nothing.

As has been suggested, I've bought some rubber ones, only been off once since fitting but look quite re-useable.



A bit of Forum Searching should answer all your other queries, all well covered subjects

[MisterTee]

Lots of debate on which oil to use. I've just changed mine and used Valvoline VR1 20/50 mineral oil which gives good oil pressure.

You will need one of these too!

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Ford-Granada-2-9I-2-9-24...

Andy