Post for all V8 lovers
Discussion
How many of you (please, no offence to spd 6 owners)... how many of you could honestly say you would consider another marque (marcos?) rather than buy a new TVR, because at present TVR dont offer a V8 for us V8 lovers?
Personally, Im an AJP lover, couldnt imagine anything else now, and would seriously consider switching to something else in the future rather than buy a quieter less raucous sounding spd6 which pops more than it bangs, and farts more than it pops.
Im one of those nutters who would actually opt for a second hand 25k cerbie over a 50k saggyarse (not sure how much they cost), IF both were offered to me on a silver platter for free.
Ive said it before, sound is high up there on the list of reasons why I love TVR. Praps I stand alone in feeling V8 is the way forwards, and however nice and powerful and smooth it is, the spd 6 just isnt for me. Not now, not after another 200bph, it just doesnt sound right.
IF... IF the tables were turned, and the V8 were the 'aledgedly more unreliable' engine (whether it was sorted or not) I would still opt for the V8.
And if I stand alone thats cool. Im curious as to whether I do, or not. Please, no spd6 vs APJ/RV8 debate, assuming TVR are reading this, how badly do you want a V8 and... is there anyone other than me who would consider looking at another manufacturer who offered a V8, rather than 'upgrade' to the speed 6 when the time comes to buy a new TVR.
Personally, Im an AJP lover, couldnt imagine anything else now, and would seriously consider switching to something else in the future rather than buy a quieter less raucous sounding spd6 which pops more than it bangs, and farts more than it pops.
Im one of those nutters who would actually opt for a second hand 25k cerbie over a 50k saggyarse (not sure how much they cost), IF both were offered to me on a silver platter for free.
Ive said it before, sound is high up there on the list of reasons why I love TVR. Praps I stand alone in feeling V8 is the way forwards, and however nice and powerful and smooth it is, the spd 6 just isnt for me. Not now, not after another 200bph, it just doesnt sound right.
IF... IF the tables were turned, and the V8 were the 'aledgedly more unreliable' engine (whether it was sorted or not) I would still opt for the V8.
And if I stand alone thats cool. Im curious as to whether I do, or not. Please, no spd6 vs APJ/RV8 debate, assuming TVR are reading this, how badly do you want a V8 and... is there anyone other than me who would consider looking at another manufacturer who offered a V8, rather than 'upgrade' to the speed 6 when the time comes to buy a new TVR.
If I'm honest, it wouldn't bother me.
The Speed Six engine sounds pretty good.
The AJP8 sounds good too, but doesn't have a 'traditional' V8 burble anyway, due to the flat plane crank.
The old RV8 cars sound better than anything, IMHO, but I'm aware that the price you pay for the lovely noise is lower efficiency due to the non-flat plane crank and compromised firing order/exhaust phasing.
Depending on what mood your in, it's just as nice to have the hollow howl of a straight six as it is the burble/roar (delete according to revs!) of an old RV8.
All TVR's sound great, just in different ways!
The Speed Six engine sounds pretty good.
The AJP8 sounds good too, but doesn't have a 'traditional' V8 burble anyway, due to the flat plane crank.
The old RV8 cars sound better than anything, IMHO, but I'm aware that the price you pay for the lovely noise is lower efficiency due to the non-flat plane crank and compromised firing order/exhaust phasing.
Depending on what mood your in, it's just as nice to have the hollow howl of a straight six as it is the burble/roar (delete according to revs!) of an old RV8.
All TVR's sound great, just in different ways!
Martin_S said:
If I'm honest, it wouldn't bother me.
The Speed Six engine sounds pretty good.
The AJP8 sounds good too, but doesn't have a 'traditional' V8 burble anyway, due to the flat plane crank.
The old RV8 cars sound better than anything, IMHO, but I'm aware that the price you pay for the lovely noise is lower efficiency due to the non-flat plane crank and compromised firing order/exhaust phasing.
Depending on what mood your in, it's just as nice to have the hollow howl of a straight six as it is the burble/roar (delete according to revs!) of an old RV8.
All TVR's sound great, just in different ways!
I think that's what makes TVRs so special, in that they manage to produce such great sound and performance from whatever configuration/size they choose. If they ever go the flat 4 or V12 route, I'm sure the results would be pretty impressive both on the dyno and on the ear.
>> Edited by selmer on Wednesday 30th March 01:08
I hear what you say, but the AJP howls like a banshee with a red hot poker up its arse. Its great! So great, I cant stop thinking about building fires, and buying gaggles of banshees and red hot pokers to boot. Whilst the RV8 burbles for england, in a big way we all agree, the SPD 6, well... in my humble opinion, it just doesnt. And for people who like me, love the TVR sounds, V8, if we had the choice, is the way forwards.
What of these emissions regs then, I'll be the first to hands-up and admit I dont understand them. But if lambo and others are producing V10's why cant we manufacture V8's?
What of these emissions regs then, I'll be the first to hands-up and admit I dont understand them. But if lambo and others are producing V10's why cant we manufacture V8's?
I certainly wouldn't object if TVR resurrected the AJP8.
Apart from anything else, it seems a terrible waste for such a small company to have made the investment of developing an engine, then ceasing to use it so soon. If it costs more to manufacture (as I understand is allegedly the case), then fine - pitch it as a premium product for the people who want to pay the extra.
I still reckon the Speed 6 sounds gorgeous in its own right, though, so if TVR have compelling reasons not to reintroduce the AJP8 that we don't know about, then that's their business (pardon the pun!) and I can live with it.
There is an argument about the perceived reliability of the S6 vs. the AJP8 which might bolster the V8's case, I know, but you specifically (and wisely, I think) asked us not to go there.
>> Edited by Martin_S on Wednesday 30th March 01:43
Apart from anything else, it seems a terrible waste for such a small company to have made the investment of developing an engine, then ceasing to use it so soon. If it costs more to manufacture (as I understand is allegedly the case), then fine - pitch it as a premium product for the people who want to pay the extra.
I still reckon the Speed 6 sounds gorgeous in its own right, though, so if TVR have compelling reasons not to reintroduce the AJP8 that we don't know about, then that's their business (pardon the pun!) and I can live with it.
There is an argument about the perceived reliability of the S6 vs. the AJP8 which might bolster the V8's case, I know, but you specifically (and wisely, I think) asked us not to go there.
>> Edited by Martin_S on Wednesday 30th March 01:43
I'm undecided on this, I love the RV8 sound from a Wedge, V8S or Pre Cat Griffith, but found the Griffith 500's and Chimaera's lacking in the sound department compared to the older models.
I really like the S6 noise as well, much more than the RV8 noise made by Chimaera's and Griffith's, and I still haven't heard a sports exhaust that makes one sound like an older model either!
I really like the S6 noise as well, much more than the RV8 noise made by Chimaera's and Griffith's, and I still haven't heard a sports exhaust that makes one sound like an older model either!
dickymint said:In theory perhaps. Whats interesting is whether they will in reality. Why drop the AJP, if only go go back to a V8. What, redevelop one from scratch, or bottow one from another marque?
V8 engines are making a come back on new cars. IMHO its only a matter of time before TVR go back to it
Why not apply themselves, and sort out the AJP. Either emissions, price, development costs, 50% redesign of the engine if necessary... but to drop it hints too strongly (for me) that they have already made their mind up. Either we might get one, or slightly more probably we will not
So what of these V8 rumours, I wonder

It’s a shame they couldn’t have pushed through multivalve heads for the AJP8. I know there was a drive to save weight and development costs, while increasing low down torque. I just think that with the extra £ TVR now has behind it something could be done. Better emissions and more power are always a good combination. I suppose that increased complexity is not always a good thing.
Humm, come to think of it. GMC has $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$ and failed to produce multivalve heads for their new series of aluminium V8’s, so maybe it is a bridge too far.
For me it is performance / pound that dictates my choice of TVR motoring. No matter what people say about reliability TVR has always offered good value for money in that department and the newer cars appear to uphold the tradition.
Z
Humm, come to think of it. GMC has $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$ and failed to produce multivalve heads for their new series of aluminium V8’s, so maybe it is a bridge too far. For me it is performance / pound that dictates my choice of TVR motoring. No matter what people say about reliability TVR has always offered good value for money in that department and the newer cars appear to uphold the tradition.
Z
I have heard rumours of a V8 from very credible sources but this has been for the last 12 months or so. The longer it drags on the less likely I am to believe in it.
If the AJP is so expensive there are a number of good V8's they could buy in - didn't seem to be an issue before.
Personally I'm nowhere near as keen on the S6 (we have had a Tuscan on loan for the last 2 weeks)as it doesn't sound as throaty and the induction noise can be annoying so I'll stick with the Griff. I also don't think it provides the acceleration thrill nor does it seem as quick.
Would be tempted by the T2 but not with that engine.
FFG
If the AJP is so expensive there are a number of good V8's they could buy in - didn't seem to be an issue before.
Personally I'm nowhere near as keen on the S6 (we have had a Tuscan on loan for the last 2 weeks)as it doesn't sound as throaty and the induction noise can be annoying so I'll stick with the Griff. I also don't think it provides the acceleration thrill nor does it seem as quick.
Would be tempted by the T2 but not with that engine.
FFG
Agree that V8 is the way to go. Recently sold my Griff 500 (mistake!) and really miss the V8 burble, torque, and especially with the roof off. Can't beat it. Having looked at several alternatives - including the newer TVR's - decided on an SL55. Big V8, sounds wonderful, roof comes off, and it has a telly!
When i was 16, i heard a V8 Wedge, the sound was the most wonderful car noise i had ever heard!
Now in my mid 30's, i still adore the V8's & think it's so sad that TVR have turned their back on it.
I'm sure the Speed 6 has lots of fans, but from a noise point of view, ( & i have driven several), it is nothing like. My daily driver is an Alfa V6, very nice too & to many, one of the nicest sounding engines in the world! I think its 'alright', but i'm afraid compared to my old pre-cat Griff, & my present de-catted Cerb, it dosn't come close!
TVR is so many things to us enthusiasts, generally the noise is on everyones list. Noise is probably at or near the top of mine!
So come on Blackpool, bring back the V8
Now in my mid 30's, i still adore the V8's & think it's so sad that TVR have turned their back on it.
I'm sure the Speed 6 has lots of fans, but from a noise point of view, ( & i have driven several), it is nothing like. My daily driver is an Alfa V6, very nice too & to many, one of the nicest sounding engines in the world! I think its 'alright', but i'm afraid compared to my old pre-cat Griff, & my present de-catted Cerb, it dosn't come close!
TVR is so many things to us enthusiasts, generally the noise is on everyones list. Noise is probably at or near the top of mine!
So come on Blackpool, bring back the V8
I'd stick with the RV8 if I were changing at all. Its a classic engine, and sounds wonderful. A SEAC got me hooked on the sound a long time before I ever bought a TVR.
Effortless performance without the need for monster revs does it for me, ultimate performance is less important.
The S6 and AJPv8 can sound fantastic, but just don't have that mellifluous burble the Rover lump does so well.
For what its worth a GT750 with Piper 3-1 comes pretty close (to the RV8) in terms of aural bliss. Again, I don't care that the 3-1 limits performance, the noise is just calico ripping perfection.
Effortless performance without the need for monster revs does it for me, ultimate performance is less important.
The S6 and AJPv8 can sound fantastic, but just don't have that mellifluous burble the Rover lump does so well.
For what its worth a GT750 with Piper 3-1 comes pretty close (to the RV8) in terms of aural bliss. Again, I don't care that the 3-1 limits performance, the noise is just calico ripping perfection.
victormeldrew said:
For what its worth a GT750 with Piper 3-1 comes pretty close (to the RV8) in terms of aural bliss. Again, I don't care that the 3-1 limits performance, the noise is just calico ripping perfection.
Off thread - there is somthing very nice about the sound of a three cylinder mortorcycle. 4 strokes like the old Jotas and Tridents also had a beautiful note.
>> Edited by daftlad on Wednesday 30th March 13:19
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