Teach me about Wedges

[delays]

Dear all,

I've been looking at Wedges as an accessible route to TVR ownership, spotting a few around the £2.5k mark in various conditions. This has, understandably, fuelled thoughts of ownership - however, I know very little about these cars.

Can someone explain the model range to me? I understand there are 4cyl, 6cyl and V8 variants - but which is which? I assume the 4cyl is the least thirsty of the three, but what MPG can I expect? And generally - when looking for one, what are the weak points/things to look out for? And finally - is there a club website with a fount of knowledge/classified ads that I can trawl should I continue my fascination?

Thanks in advance to all!

[pwd95]

Hi Iain, you'll be wanting a look in here then....

http://www.tvrwedgepages.co.uk/welcome.html

Quite simple creatures really. Make sure the chassis is good & solid, all the electrics (well most of them) work. Make sure it's not blowing any oil, losing water etc. Pretty much how you'd check any other car really.

Edited by pwd95 on Thursday 20th October 09:29

[Lean Machine]

Welcome to ‘The Academy of Further Wedgeucation’. I can only speak as a Wedge owner and can only describe the experience as addictive. Once a Wedge owner always a Wedge owner, or the experience of withdrawal symptoms. This is my fourth TVR and the third Wedge. When I sold my first Wedge I was absolutely devasted and started to look for another. I am happy with the Wedge I have now (Yellow 400 SE V8) and this group of lads are very friendly and helpful on this forum. Anything you want to know just ask and your prayers will be answered. Mind you, if you don’t want to get your hands dirty, buy a Porsche. So there you have it. Read all about it and make your decision.
Tony.

[mrzigazaga]

I can second the comment about them being addictive!!..Ive only had one for just over a year and its like a part of me now..I can actually say its the first car ive ever actually loved..Mine was a bit of a basket case but perseverance is paying off and as people will tell you on here dont buy the first one you see or hear for that matter as its easy to be convinced by a rumble from a V8..Always have a good look at the chassis, Especially the outriggers..They run along the side of the car under the side skirt or sill..You can feel some of it but its the bits you cant see..If you can make sure its one of the boxes that are ticked then you are halfway there..A treated chassis is a big plus..The RV8s are pretty bullet proof but they can still have their issues..The V6, As i found out is a good engine but can have some annoying issues..Anything that has sat in a garage for ages will need some serious going over..Keeping an eye on this forums classifieds would be a good start as some of the cars are from peeps off here and they have spent time and money doing most of the jobs and generally keep a good record of what has been done..Good luck in your wedge quest..Ziga

[dixiebabes]

Same as what the lads have said above may all your miles be loud.

Dix

[combine]

delays said:

Dear all,

I've been looking at Wedges as an accessible route to TVR ownership, spotting a few around the £2.5k mark in various conditions. This has, understandably, fuelled thoughts of ownership - however, I know very little about these cars.

Can someone explain the model range to me? I understand there are 4cyl, 6cyl and V8 variants - but which is which? I assume the 4cyl is the least thirsty of the three, but what MPG can I expect? And generally - when looking for one, what are the weak points/things to look out for? And finally - is there a club website with a fount of knowledge/classified ads that I can trawl should I continue my fascination?

Thanks in advance to all!

MPG whats that ?

[mrzigazaga]

combine said:

MPG whats that ?

Massive..Pleasing..Grin..Or if your in a south london pub on a sunday for dinner you will probably hear someone saying "More Pie Guvnor"..

[JMF894]

I find the wedge forum on PH the best source of help and advice. For me a the only wedge is a V8 but that's just me.

If you have a little mechanical understanding, lots of patience, and access to this forum, you'll be fine!



Jimbo

ps: if you need to ask about mpg perhaps a wedge is not your thing

[delays]

JMF894 said:

I find the wedge forum on PH the best source of help and advice. For me a the only wedge is a V8 but that's just me.

If you have a little mechanical understanding, lots of patience, and access to this forum, you'll be fine!



Jimbo

ps: if you need to ask about mpg perhaps a wedge is not your thing

Wasn't expecting firm figures - my brother's newly-acquired 944 is bankrupting him re: fuel costs, wondered if there was any indication along the lines of "heinous" or "not bad, considering".

Gumtree's thrown up a couple locally... must. Resist.

[pjtvr390se]

delays said:

Wasn't expecting firm figures - my brother's newly-acquired 944 is bankrupting him re: fuel costs, wondered if there was any indication along the lines of "heinous" or "not bad, considering"..

At a guess, for a V8 something between a third and a half of the mpg of your Punto if driven moderately, a lot less for spirited driving. Serious hooning might get you close to or even into single figures, mine does but it is a toy and not a daily driver! I couldn't live with the fuel consumption if it was my only car.

[rocky65]

Only had mine a short time .Bought it to restore.worked on mostly italian cars in the past which can be a real pain in the ....the wedge, well they have took may bits from many cars, which can make sourcing parts interesting but not necessarily hard.They still remain however a individual car,always loved em.

[adam quantrill]

mrzigazaga said:

people will tell you on here dont buy the first one you see or hear for that matter..Ziga

Buy the first one you see.
Then buy the second one you see...
Then.... ;^)

[KelWedge]

MPG Well I get more than I did, but its not much, its loud, if I could fix a bucket on the back to catch the fuel spit out it might do more. You get to Grin a lot, love them, nothing comes close.
Weak points well after you buy one, its you

[PoleDriver]

If your first concern is about MPG you need to ask yourself if you really want a TVR?

[delays]

pjtvr390se said:

At a guess, for a V8 something between a third and a half of the mpg of your Punto if driven moderately, a lot less for spirited driving. Serious hooning might get you close to or even into single figures, mine does but it is a toy and not a daily driver! I couldn't live with the fuel consumption if it was my only car.

As expected then. MPG wasn't really high on the list, merely a consideration to work out what it would be like to live with the car!

There's a FHC nearby with the 4cyl Pinto engine - although listed as a "project" without MoT, tax or brakes. I'm attracted to these for insurance reasons, however I take it they're rare for a reason?

[Mr Tank]

delays said:

There's a FHC nearby with the 4cyl Pinto engine - although listed as a "project" without MoT, tax or brakes. I'm attracted to these for insurance reasons, however I take it they're rare for a reason?

Hi

Well they did only make 16 pinto engine FHC so it's one of the rearer "wedges" but one of, if not the slowest!
But for insurance reason if you have to start at the bottom you do. It would be a good leaning curve and you can always go up an engine size as and when you can!

Andy

[350zwelgje]

If you like to read, there is only one book out there that describes maintenance, models and owning it, we call it the wedge bible with lots and lots of information. It is written by Steve Heath. He has a website where you can find more details.
And yes there is a TVR car club, but for wedges you have found THE wedge 'club' on here.....

Happy hunting,

Rob

[mrzigazaga]

Insurance can be an issue but in all honesty i owned a m reg rover 420 gsi which cost me over £1200 per year for TPFT....My 280i costs £400 for fully comp..Even that is slightly high but im well chuffed..Road rage is non-existent in a wedge..Ive had people say "What a lovely car" even when im standing there waiting for the RAC..Although i havent had to call them for a while..(Hope i havent just tempted fate)..They make kids scream..Old folk jump and girls wet their knickers..Once you get one you will slap yourself and say "Why didnt i do this ages ago"???..There is one major factor..They look fast and if you get a small engine you will be asking the same questions as i did after a week..So if you can get a V8..Get it..The smile will be that much bigger..Ziga

PS:Im not knocking V6 as i have one and its pretty quick..I just want more more more...

[combine]

MPG = miles per grin ?

[wooly350i]

Treat a wedge like a high maintainance but gorgeous woman ( or boy in these odd times ),the spending will dent your bank balance a lot but when out with it/her you'll feel like the dogs nuts. (not literally coz that could be mucky)