TVR/T350 Ownership Questions
Discussion
I think I have my heart set on a T350, just a few things I need to know before hand really. Currently I've a quick bmw which is super reliable, has abs, all the computer aided bits you want and is pretty frighteningly quick for what it is, a 1 series.
It's not raw enough for me though and as a huge car addict I think I am swaying towards TVR. I've done quite a bit of research, initially I was looking at the Tamora but it seems the T350 is a better car, plus I think the front is more attractive too. I have read about the engine rebuilds and the fact you need 5k put aside should that go wrong. I've also read about the £1200 for servicing costs, the need for checking the fluids regularly each week and the obvious warming up and down of the engine.
Am I missing anything? Can some TVR owners give me an indication into what the ownership is like, I am way off mechanic level however maintenance is something I want to learn and I feel I would thoroughly enjoy. If I did buy the car I would no doubt buy a super cheap run around like a 10 year old fiesta and then use the car maybe every weekend.
Can anyone give me any insights? The purchasing seems incredibly tricky as well, do you know of any companies that can send a TVR specialist with you for a fee to check the car before hand, obviously buying with no knowledge in this case and for this car sounds very dangerous!
Can't wait to hear from you all, and thanks in advance! Alex
It's not raw enough for me though and as a huge car addict I think I am swaying towards TVR. I've done quite a bit of research, initially I was looking at the Tamora but it seems the T350 is a better car, plus I think the front is more attractive too. I have read about the engine rebuilds and the fact you need 5k put aside should that go wrong. I've also read about the £1200 for servicing costs, the need for checking the fluids regularly each week and the obvious warming up and down of the engine.
Am I missing anything? Can some TVR owners give me an indication into what the ownership is like, I am way off mechanic level however maintenance is something I want to learn and I feel I would thoroughly enjoy. If I did buy the car I would no doubt buy a super cheap run around like a 10 year old fiesta and then use the car maybe every weekend.
Can anyone give me any insights? The purchasing seems incredibly tricky as well, do you know of any companies that can send a TVR specialist with you for a fee to check the car before hand, obviously buying with no knowledge in this case and for this car sounds very dangerous!
Can't wait to hear from you all, and thanks in advance! Alex
http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/t...
This is the sort of thing you should perhaps be looking at. TVR Power warrant their work, the 4.3 is an awesome engine.
This is the sort of thing you should perhaps be looking at. TVR Power warrant their work, the 4.3 is an awesome engine.
It is a big leap in terms of "rawness" so worth a drive in a few different TVRs (unless you already have or have experienced similar). That isn't meant as a derogatory comment - an E46 with a sports exhaust, CSL intake, coilovers and a few other bits for some would be raw. 
Servicing costs, I would say that is at the top end of cost but if you budget that per annum just for servicing (on 3-5k miles pa) then you aren't far off. Again, that is on the proviso that it is one that doesn't need work. My services have ranged from about £400 up to the most recent one which was just under £3k. However, that had loads of new stuff which was labour intensive such as diff bushes. The normal 12k service (inc tappets varies between £6-800.
Warm up routine is important, even if the previous owners did or didn't.
Engines are the most debated - some are fine, others go for no obvious reason but without tempting fate, mine has proved fine. I would now be getting to the stage where the chassis condition is just as important - 10+ years old, some prefer the naked look without waxoil or similar and not all can truly say "garaged all its life" "never seen rain" or "summer use only". For the latter, that means more rain than ever!
What is your intended use (mileage)?
Servicing costs, I would say that is at the top end of cost but if you budget that per annum just for servicing (on 3-5k miles pa) then you aren't far off. Again, that is on the proviso that it is one that doesn't need work. My services have ranged from about £400 up to the most recent one which was just under £3k. However, that had loads of new stuff which was labour intensive such as diff bushes. The normal 12k service (inc tappets varies between £6-800.
Warm up routine is important, even if the previous owners did or didn't.
Engines are the most debated - some are fine, others go for no obvious reason but without tempting fate, mine has proved fine. I would now be getting to the stage where the chassis condition is just as important - 10+ years old, some prefer the naked look without waxoil or similar and not all can truly say "garaged all its life" "never seen rain" or "summer use only". For the latter, that means more rain than ever!
What is your intended use (mileage)?
Edited by slimtater on Thursday 8th May 21:58
HypeM135i said:
So are 3 models in existance? A T350, a T350C and T350T, plus does the T350 have a V6 and the T350C have a V8? Confused 
Nope, just the C (coupe) and T (targa) - the letter sometimes gets dropped.Both 3.6 straight 6 unless been upgraded either at factory to 4.0 Red Rose or elsewhere - up to 4.5l normal maximum (unless you are rich n brave).
S6 engine rebuilds are silly expensive especially when you can buy a new 430bhp Ls3 engine for 5k, shame the cost to buy and install properly is 15k
To get the same Bhp from a S6 you are looking at 15k but you still don't get the torque of a Ls3,
Friend of mine has just bought a new engine for his 997Gt3 for 8k
To get the same Bhp from a S6 you are looking at 15k but you still don't get the torque of a Ls3,
Friend of mine has just bought a new engine for his 997Gt3 for 8k
Edited by WolfyJones on Saturday 10th May 15:04
WolfyJones said:
S6 engine rebuilds are silly expensive especially when you can buy a new 430bhp Ls3 engine for 5k, shame the cost to install properly is 15k
To get the same Bhp from a S6 you are looking at 15k but you still don't get the torque of a Ls3,
Friend of mine has just bought a new engine for his 997Gt3 for 8k
The character of the engines are apples and pears and to be honest (and as you say), bang per buck the LS option is cheap until you add on the install costs. I am not dismissing the conversion, more a case of that the S6 has moved on so far now you can keep a sense of originality and not feel short changed on the power front. I didn't even mention the Power 5l option!! To get the same Bhp from a S6 you are looking at 15k but you still don't get the torque of a Ls3,
Friend of mine has just bought a new engine for his 997Gt3 for 8k
known problem with the engines I believe,slimtater said:
WolfyJones said:
S6 engine rebuilds are silly expensive especially when you can buy a new 430bhp Ls3 engine for 5k, shame the cost to install properly is 15k
To get the same Bhp from a S6 you are looking at 15k but you still don't get the torque of a Ls3,
Friend of mine has just bought a new engine for his 997Gt3 for 8k
The character of the engines are apples and pears and to be honest (and as you say), bang per buck the LS option is cheap until you add on the install costs. I am not dismissing the conversion, more a case of that the S6 has moved on so far now you can keep a sense of originality and not feel short changed on the power front. I didn't even mention the Power 5l option!! To get the same Bhp from a S6 you are looking at 15k but you still don't get the torque of a Ls3,
Friend of mine has just bought a new engine for his 997Gt3 for 8k
I love the S6 engines but they are silly money
WolfyJones said:
slimtater said:
WolfyJones said:
S6 engine rebuilds are silly expensive especially when you can buy a new 430bhp Ls3 engine for 5k, shame the cost to install properly is 15k
To get the same Bhp from a S6 you are looking at 15k but you still don't get the torque of a Ls3,
Friend of mine has just bought a new engine for his 997Gt3 for 8k
The character of the engines are apples and pears and to be honest (and as you say), bang per buck the LS option is cheap until you add on the install costs. I am not dismissing the conversion, more a case of that the S6 has moved on so far now you can keep a sense of originality and not feel short changed on the power front. I didn't even mention the Power 5l option!! To get the same Bhp from a S6 you are looking at 15k but you still don't get the torque of a Ls3,
Friend of mine has just bought a new engine for his 997Gt3 for 8k
I love the S6 engines but they are silly money
Anyway, back on topic for the OP:
Lots of upgrades available!
slimtater said:
Sorry, I don't follow Wolfey? The example you gave was an LS3 at £5k + £15k to install so that's £20k for "just" 430. A 3.6 upgraded to 4.3 is about £9k and whilst granted it isn't at LS levels of power or torque, it makes a huge difference in the car.
Anyway, back on topic for the OP:
Lots of upgrades available!
Sorry, Ls3 engine and install for 15k, that's what I have been quoted by a respected garage,Anyway, back on topic for the OP:
Lots of upgrades available!
15k for a Ls 430bhp 430 lbft engine ( with a lot of extra work to fit and with new gearbox/parts ) included in price
20k for a S6 405bhp 390 lbft engine
15k for a S6 415bhp 370 lbft engine
10/13k for a S6 410bhp 340 lbft engine
7/8k for a S6 370bhp 300 lbft engine
Edited by WolfyJones on Saturday 10th May 15:15
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