the 280i or the 350i
Discussion
sorry to drop in on this forum,
at the moment I have a 1979 TVR 3000 s,have become a real Tvr- fan so far,and
considering to buy a second one,not a 3000 s,but a (tasmin) 280i or a 350i,
I know a tasmin is not a 3000 s,but I do like the model!
wich one is the better car?
v6 against v8?
average value for a running,no showroom car(280i- build 1984/350i- build 1984)?
thanks for any help,
Rudy
(Belgium tvr-fan)
at the moment I have a 1979 TVR 3000 s,have become a real Tvr- fan so far,and
considering to buy a second one,not a 3000 s,but a (tasmin) 280i or a 350i,
I know a tasmin is not a 3000 s,but I do like the model!
wich one is the better car?
v6 against v8?
average value for a running,no showroom car(280i- build 1984/350i- build 1984)?
thanks for any help,
Rudy
(Belgium tvr-fan)
To be as honest and objective as possible, it's pretty much swings and roundabouts, and whatever you can find in good nick.
V8's are quicker, but heavier on gas, and there's 8 of lots of stuff instead of 6.
V6's are probably easier to work on (Yeah, Ok you can argue..but I've seen enough comments on here!)
Parts avaialbility are probably equal (?).
The later wedges have better interiors and better looking bumpers (IMHO).
V6's still sound fabulous, as well as some shatteringly noisy V8's.
I reckon V6 injection is simpler than the V8 (again you can argue)
They are all good to drive, and all have their foibles (e.g. headlamp pods !)
I really like my 2.8, but want more POWER, so lust after a V8, but not all THAT much...
V8's are quicker, but heavier on gas, and there's 8 of lots of stuff instead of 6.
V6's are probably easier to work on (Yeah, Ok you can argue..but I've seen enough comments on here!)
Parts avaialbility are probably equal (?).
The later wedges have better interiors and better looking bumpers (IMHO).
V6's still sound fabulous, as well as some shatteringly noisy V8's.
I reckon V6 injection is simpler than the V8 (again you can argue)
They are all good to drive, and all have their foibles (e.g. headlamp pods !)
I really like my 2.8, but want more POWER, so lust after a V8, but not all THAT much...
Parts availability on the V8 is absolutely no problem and the tuning possibilities are endless and well proven (if you have the money, but note that standard parts are generally cheap); from what I understand some V6 parts are getting scarce. I can get 30 mpg from my V8 on a run, normally 22/23 ish in town, not sure on a V6 but I suspect you'll want a 5 speeder.
I'd also look for non-trailing arms, power steering (I know, I know...wimp) but most importantly; buy on careful ownership and fundamental condition! And that doesn't mean a good paintjob and a retrimmed interior.
Having said all that the early cars have a certain early eighties charm!
I'd also look for non-trailing arms, power steering (I know, I know...wimp) but most importantly; buy on careful ownership and fundamental condition! And that doesn't mean a good paintjob and a retrimmed interior.
Having said all that the early cars have a certain early eighties charm!
Edited by The Hatter on Monday 22 October 09:41
hallsie said:
wedgeinald said:
You should hear my 280i on over run....
Yep!and Mine..
...Reminds me of a girl i once knew....
..Good luck with whatever you choose...ZigaAct Daft said:
Nothimg will make you smile more than a V8 on over run
Yeah, have to agree there, my 390 SE sounds awesome 
Go for a V8 (I have owned a 350 and now a 390) and I agree, the bigger the engine the better
Although compaired to zig's 280 my 390 sounds like an electric car !!!
There are a couple in the classifieds on here at the moment depending on your budget..There is a nice red limited edition up for grabs..Most wedges that come up on here are usually known and worth asking about..In general though a good chassis is a must, Although sometimes you will see what looks like a good clean chassis but if the sills on the sides of the car have not been removed prior to cleaning and protecting then you could be looking at new outriggers which can be costly!..Taking someone with you who know's wedges would be a wise move but in essence these cars..(Not all)..can be a little temperamental..Even a well sorted one..But then thats the fun of owning a wedge...Ziga
Actually I would argue a little... DON'T get a 5 speeder, as the gearboxes aren't nearly as robust as the earlier 4 speeders, and TVR put a lower ratio rear diff in for the 5 speeder, so there ain't that much difference.
I can understand some V6 bits may be getting harder too, wasn't sure. Had no problems here (NZ) for Bosch injection bits and engine gaskets, water pump (apart from a slight wait).
I can understand some V6 bits may be getting harder too, wasn't sure. Had no problems here (NZ) for Bosch injection bits and engine gaskets, water pump (apart from a slight wait).
I've had both.
The earlier 4 speed 280s are likely to have no PAS, which is a pig at low speeds (parking, garage forecourts etc) and will have inferior trailing arm rear suspension.
You'll want a V8 anyway later.
350i is a great compromise...not much different on fuel to a 280, sounds fantastic, quite a lot quicker and reliable unstressed engine. Same sort of cost to insure on classic car insurance (ie cheap). Get as late a model as you can afford.
Make sure the clutch isn't slipping, as it's an awkward job on both models.
The earlier 4 speed 280s are likely to have no PAS, which is a pig at low speeds (parking, garage forecourts etc) and will have inferior trailing arm rear suspension.
You'll want a V8 anyway later.
350i is a great compromise...not much different on fuel to a 280, sounds fantastic, quite a lot quicker and reliable unstressed engine. Same sort of cost to insure on classic car insurance (ie cheap). Get as late a model as you can afford.
Make sure the clutch isn't slipping, as it's an awkward job on both models.
and here I can neatly link two threads together......
The bulkhead bush conversion on my early 280 made a *HUGE* difference to the heavy steering at low speeds, even without PAS. Surprised me for such a simple change !
Serious question - is that trailing angled arm suspension all that worse then the later 'straight' type trailing arm ? I know it's hard on the bushes, but I haven't noticed any bad behaviour (or am I lucky/too conservative ?).
The bulkhead bush conversion on my early 280 made a *HUGE* difference to the heavy steering at low speeds, even without PAS. Surprised me for such a simple change !
Serious question - is that trailing angled arm suspension all that worse then the later 'straight' type trailing arm ? I know it's hard on the bushes, but I haven't noticed any bad behaviour (or am I lucky/too conservative ?).
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