Bushes all round for 400SE

[Unders]

I recently bought a TVR 400SE. It just has a few problems that need sorting. One of them being the bushes are badly perished. Does anyone know where I can buy a set from?

The next problem is the seized clutch. Gearbox is coming off tomoz to see what its like.

[ed_crouch]

Will need to pull the engine out to get the gearbox off!

Worth doing though as you can sort a few things whilst youre at it.

[Unders]

Thats gonna be fun! Oh well it will keep me busy I guess.

I have zero experience with these engines so all advice is welcomed.

[grahamw48]

Buy the best quality clutch you can afford....should be Borg and Beck for the 400. Griff 500 (LT77 box) will also fit if you want belt and braces.


Oh, and welcome to Wedgedom !

See also: http://www.tvrwedgepages.co.uk

Edited by grahamw48 on Friday 10th April 23:20

[JR]

Unders said:

I recently bought a TVR 400SE. It just has a few problems that need sorting. One of them being the bushes are badly perished. Does anyone know where I can buy a set from?

You can buy them from www.superflex.co.uk/ (although I found them to be a on the soft side) or www.powerflex.co.uk/products/Cortina+Mk4%2C5-210/1...

Julian Lane did a lot of work developing the correct rating to suit people's needs. He may still have some: www.pistonheads.com/gassing/profile.asp?memberId=4...

[JR]

Unders said:

The next problem is the seized clutch. Gearbox is coming off tomoz to see what its like.

Fair play to you if you want to inspect the 'box but it sounds to me like that plastic piston has jammed and so does not necessitate removing the 'box. Happy Easter, Jonathan.

[Unders]

JR said:

Unders said:

I recently bought a TVR 400SE. It just has a few problems that need sorting. One of them being the bushes are badly perished. Does anyone know where I can buy a set from?

You can buy them from www.superflex.co.uk/ (although I found them to be a on the soft side) or www.powerflex.co.uk/products/Cortina+Mk4%2C5-210/1...

Julian Lane did a lot of work developing the correct rating to suit people's needs. He may still have some: www.pistonheads.com/gassing/profile.asp?memberId=4...

That link is for Cortina bushes. Are they the correct ones that fit? Sorry if it sounds like a silly question but I really wouldn't know what is interchangeable/adaptable for these cars. All I know is that a lot of ford parts where used.

[Unders]

JR said:

Unders said:

The next problem is the seized clutch. Gearbox is coming off tomoz to see what its like.

Fair play to you if you want to inspect the 'box but it sounds to me like that plastic piston has jammed and so does not necessitate removing the 'box. Happy Easter, Jonathan.

Would rather avoid the hassle of taking the gearbox off if I could. What would you suggest I could try first to free it?

Just so you know a little more about the car...
The car had been sat for about a year and a half before I bought it. Since buying it I have restored the paintwork from green/pink to its original shiny red colour. The interior was completely moldy and I'm part way through cleaning that up although a couple of carpets may end up being replaced. The walnut dash has peeled away and split in places. The engine started first time without any problems when I put a new battery on, and wow she sounds amazing!!! It was that moment that I was truly hooked on this car!
A few pics can be seen here of the progress so far http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=235632&i...

[shpub]

Unders said:

That link is for Cortina bushes. Are they the correct ones that fit? Sorry if it sounds like a silly question but I really wouldn't know what is interchangeable/adaptable for these cars. All I know is that a lot of ford parts where used.

The front suspension uses Ford Cortina upper and lower wishbones. I recommend using the rubber Ford OE bushes on the wishbones as they have the right flex characteristics that the suspension needs to move correctly. The rear suspension is not Cortina BTW and is Wedge specific. I usually have them in stock.

[shpub]

While the gearbox can be moved back on the car, it can't be dropped out unless the engine is either moved forward by about 8 inches or removed completely.

[taz turbo]

If the clutch plate has become stuck to the flywheel face, which isn't that uncommon after being layed up, put the car into 1st start it and go for a little drive, a little engine engine braking and a little acceleration normally does the trick. All on private roads of course!

Regards,

Chris.

[Unders]

taz turbo said:

If the clutch plate has become stuck to the flywheel face, which isn't that uncommon after being layed up, put the car into 1st start it and go for a little drive, a little engine engine braking and a little acceleration normally does the trick. All on private roads of course!

Regards,

Chris.

I like this suggestion. A friend of mine suggested something similar. Will have to try this first. Luckily my garage is down a long private lane.

Never managed to get to look at the car today. I heard that a TVR club was visiting the Island and there was a trackday today they would be at so had to go and have a skeet.

[blaineuk]

i take it you are in the isle of mann, hope to take mine over there one day, have friends in kirk michael that we try to visit oce a year, your car is looking good, rebushing is a pain but worth it.

[Unders]

Yep I'm on the Isle of Man. Cant wait to get the TVR on the road so I can take it round the TT course!

[blaineuk]

will get my mate to keep a look out for you, we hope to be over in the summer may see you riding about.

[Unders]

I'm hoping to have her on the road ready for TT when the road goes one-way. Let me know when your over, I haven't seen another Wedge over here. Would be good to meet up.

[blaineuk]

will do, mine is under going a body off rebuild, very slowly but will get it done one day

[TVRleigh_BBWR]

Other option, is to put the car in 4th. push in the clutch, and brake, and try to start with the HT lead off, this may brake the seal.

[Unders]

Thanks, will give that a try this weekend. Will let you know if it works,

[Brap_Brap]

shpub said:

Unders said:

That link is for Cortina bushes. Are they the correct ones that fit? Sorry if it sounds like a silly question but I really wouldn't know what is interchangeable/adaptable for these cars. All I know is that a lot of ford parts where used.

The front suspension uses Ford Cortina upper and lower wishbones. I recommend using the rubber Ford OE bushes on the wishbones as they have the right flex characteristics that the suspension needs to move correctly. The rear suspension is not Cortina BTW and is Wedge specific. I usually have them in stock.

Is this the same setup as an 1987 390se?

I'm going to need the bushes for the front tie bars, but I'm also
going to need the tie bars themselves. Do you know anyone who stocks those?
I'm guessing a UK Ford dealership is where I should look?