Contemplating buying a wedge

[16vwestie]

Have decided that my Westfield is going at the end of the summer and I am going to (finally) get a V8, preferably in a wedge. Having done a full engine conversion on the Westie from pushrod carb'd, distributor'd motor to 16v, twin cam, throttle bodies and ECU'd motor, I am convinced of the merits of modern electronics. Reading the forum, it seems most people are still running the original Rover/TVR plenum and injection system. Has anybody experimented with throttle bodies and aftermarket ECU's? At the moment the "budget" way of doing this is via motorbike throttle bodies and a megasquirt DIY ECU,any thoughts on this for the V8? One last thing, is messing around with a wedge's "originality" a big no-no amongst the TVR fraternity?

Thanks

[chassis 33]

Speak to Phil www.pistonheads.com/gassing/profile.asp?h=0&memberId=27870
He builds MS systems for those less capable than himself, he's also put a set of TB's on his 5l TVR based Dax engine.

As for modifying Wedges, you'll soon learn what's acceptable, more noise , more power , no chav-ness

Regards
Iain

[grahamw48]

I don't think originality is much of an issue where the Wedges are concerned, except in the case of particularly rare models, such as the 2 plus 2s, SEACs, etc.
Of course probably no car was the same when leaving the factory anyway, due to customer
options, variation to spec due to parts availability, etc.

Also, I believe the Wedges must have had a wider range of engines fitted as STANDARD than any other TVR model, going right through from 2 litre Pinto to 5 litre V8.

At last years BBWF, there were cars with 2 litre 4 pot Cossies, 2.9 litre V6 Cossies, and 5 litre Griff transplants too, apart from the normal range of motors.

I would urge you to try to get along to this years meet if you're contemplating purchasing, as you'll never be able to see such a gathering of Wedges in one place (127 last year).

I'm sure the more knowledgable contributors will be able to advise on engine mods, but yes, it will have been done, and certainly by one or two of the racing boys.

Definately buy one though....you won't be disappointed

[leorest]

DO IT!
From the perspective of originality and modding. The 350 series two is a good starting point as it has the later rear suspension which is more rugged. They made more of the 350 so not so rare.
Before you start thinking of increasing the power/torque, the front brakes need throwing away and you probably should have the driveshafts re-manufactured to the latest spec which up-rates the UJs massively and a bargain too at only a few hundred sovs. I've not done the brakes on mine yet so I can't advise on price or which company to go for but one in particular has allegedly provided poor customer service (purely based on what I've read on the net!).

Search this forum and Major Mods for loads of useful stuff.
Ask lots of questions here and you are sure to find what you need. We like nothing more than to talk Wedge!
Prices seem at an all time low at the moment so snap one up before they start to go up again! The end of the summer might be too late.
All the best and just to summarise.... JUST DO IT
Leo

Forgot to mention you need to buy Steve Heath's bible. He's SHPUB on here and often offers sound advice. He has a Wedge that is more modified than most

Edited by leorest on Tuesday 13th June 10:44

[gandalf]

Take a peek at www.tvrwedgepages.co.uk/ and most of all get yurself to Big Bad Wedge Festival at Ettington next month! Full details can be found on PH and TVR Wedge Pages

[mightymouse]

[combine]

If you are anywhere near Leics. I will take you for a run in a v8 wedge , then you will know how much noise to put up with !

[number 7]

16vwestie said:

Has anybody experimented with throttle bodies and aftermarket ECU's? At the moment the "budget" way of doing this is via motorbike throttle bodies and a megasquirt DIY ECU,any thoughts on this for the V8? Thanks

I went for a Motec system not long after I bought my current Wedge, and although I wasn't cheap, it was the best thing I've done to the car. I never investigated throttle bodies, and from what I read, they can be tricky to install and set up. I don't think you need them, unless for a racer. I've kept the standard plenum, but plenty of other mods to generate 300 bhp and 325 lb ft of torque from "only" 4.3 litres. And its still totally driveable on the road, even for SWMBO.

7.