Silly Tuscan idea
Discussion
OK, to liven up this forum...
The only thing that might part me form the Griff, one day, is a road-going Tuscan racer. I don't want one of those already-converted ones with massively tweaked engines and plastic interiors. I fancy a new chassis and shell, Chevy 5.6 engine (as advertised elsewhere!) and - and this is the real difference - a proper interior and roof. I've heard that an S roof will fit - can anyone confirm this? And the interior would need to be from a late S or Griff. The result should be a storming road car that's no less practical than a Griff or Chimp. And unique!
Quotes on a postcard...
The only thing that might part me form the Griff, one day, is a road-going Tuscan racer. I don't want one of those already-converted ones with massively tweaked engines and plastic interiors. I fancy a new chassis and shell, Chevy 5.6 engine (as advertised elsewhere!) and - and this is the real difference - a proper interior and roof. I've heard that an S roof will fit - can anyone confirm this? And the interior would need to be from a late S or Griff. The result should be a storming road car that's no less practical than a Griff or Chimp. And unique!
Quotes on a postcard...
Does the factory supply the shells with cage as standard then? I confess I know nothing about it but am quite good at putting 2 and 2 together. (Though not Tuscans!). Perhaps you could keep the back part within the targa section, like other TVRs.
More info needed - on everything! (I suggested putting Griff headlights in a Chimp years before all these fancy headlight conversions took off!)
More info needed - on everything! (I suggested putting Griff headlights in a Chimp years before all these fancy headlight conversions took off!)
Now that looks interesting. Judging by the doorhandles and alloys I'd say that was a prototype of the road-going version, which was knocked into touch by the Griffith. The bonnet vents are wedge-like.
You can certainly see it's the 'missing link' between S and Griff. I think they look better with the rear spoiler though.
Does anyone know more about this car?
GrahamB - nice to know there's another bold soul out there! I just want to do a feasibility study and costing for now.
You can certainly see it's the 'missing link' between S and Griff. I think they look better with the rear spoiler though.
Does anyone know more about this car?
GrahamB - nice to know there's another bold soul out there! I just want to do a feasibility study and costing for now.
'4.5 AJP V8!'
Nope, Chevy 5.7 please! www.chevroletls1.com/ls1.htm
Dribble dribble!
>> Edited by simpo one on Friday 13th September 14:36
Nope, Chevy 5.7 please! www.chevroletls1.com/ls1.htm
Dribble dribble!
>> Edited by simpo one on Friday 13th September 14:36
'You may also struggle to get a new chassis and shell. Seem to remember hearing somewhere that the factory frowned upon the road going conversions.'
I'm sure they do - I sent them a couple of e-mails on this subject once but got no reply. But heck, the factory 'frowns' on everything, don't they? Bizarre - a company that made only road-going cars would 'frown' on racing versions! Dissaproving elders are just the sort of encouragement I need!
A secondhand car was suggested earlier as being much cheaper, though that would make it an ex-racer. I wouldn't want the engine or 'interior'. Perhaps another route is to get a smashed up Griff or Chimp (though with OK chassis) and put the shell on that. There are so many ways to skin this cat, there must be answer somehow. I guess you need (1) chassis (2) shell (3) engine (4) interior (5) someone clever enough to put it all together. Only the shell is the unique bit, as I see it.
Comments anyone? Volunteers??
I'm sure they do - I sent them a couple of e-mails on this subject once but got no reply. But heck, the factory 'frowns' on everything, don't they? Bizarre - a company that made only road-going cars would 'frown' on racing versions! Dissaproving elders are just the sort of encouragement I need!
A secondhand car was suggested earlier as being much cheaper, though that would make it an ex-racer. I wouldn't want the engine or 'interior'. Perhaps another route is to get a smashed up Griff or Chimp (though with OK chassis) and put the shell on that. There are so many ways to skin this cat, there must be answer somehow. I guess you need (1) chassis (2) shell (3) engine (4) interior (5) someone clever enough to put it all together. Only the shell is the unique bit, as I see it.
Comments anyone? Volunteers??
'What is the problem with an ex-racer? If you want a Tuscan RACER, it is your only option.'
I don't want a basketcase that's been tuned and tweaked to the eyeballs and been smashed up every weekend and held togther with gaffer tape.
I just like the look of Tuscans, in the same way that I have a Griff at the moment because I like it. I don't want an ex-racing Griff either.
'As for not wanting the engine or interior, you don't have a choice. A secondhand race car will not have an engine as the teams lease engines from TVR. Not sure you'll get a gearbox either. You might get a diff.'
If the engine is leased then it would go back to TVR, surely? This thing is going to have to go through to odd town now and again, and even I know that a race-tuned 500bhp engine etc is not good for that.
'The race car doesn't really have an 'interior' either. The fuel tank sits where the passenger seat would go in a road car and is covered by a skin. You will have to completely re do the inside of the car regardless.'
Yep.
'I thought you said you wanted a road -going Tuscan RACER.'
I use the phrase Racer to differentiate it from the 1960's Tuscan and the current Tuscan, that's all!
'If you are really serious about this then speak to someone who has already done it.'
Several people have got ex-racers, made some interior out of GRP and probably enjoy them very much. As far as I know, no-one's made a civilised one with decent interior and roof. It doesn't have to be any more powerful/faster than the Griff.
'Sounds like a pipe dream to me'
So was flying, in 1902. As I said earlier, I just want to work out (1) if it technically possible (2) if it is achievable with the parts available (3) how much it might all cost. That's not an unreasonable place to start is it?
I don't want a basketcase that's been tuned and tweaked to the eyeballs and been smashed up every weekend and held togther with gaffer tape.
I just like the look of Tuscans, in the same way that I have a Griff at the moment because I like it. I don't want an ex-racing Griff either.
'As for not wanting the engine or interior, you don't have a choice. A secondhand race car will not have an engine as the teams lease engines from TVR. Not sure you'll get a gearbox either. You might get a diff.'
If the engine is leased then it would go back to TVR, surely? This thing is going to have to go through to odd town now and again, and even I know that a race-tuned 500bhp engine etc is not good for that.
'The race car doesn't really have an 'interior' either. The fuel tank sits where the passenger seat would go in a road car and is covered by a skin. You will have to completely re do the inside of the car regardless.'
Yep.
'I thought you said you wanted a road -going Tuscan RACER.'
I use the phrase Racer to differentiate it from the 1960's Tuscan and the current Tuscan, that's all!
'If you are really serious about this then speak to someone who has already done it.'
Several people have got ex-racers, made some interior out of GRP and probably enjoy them very much. As far as I know, no-one's made a civilised one with decent interior and roof. It doesn't have to be any more powerful/faster than the Griff.
'Sounds like a pipe dream to me'
So was flying, in 1902. As I said earlier, I just want to work out (1) if it technically possible (2) if it is achievable with the parts available (3) how much it might all cost. That's not an unreasonable place to start is it?
OK, without the actual people who've converted one responding, I think this has gone as far as it can. It's up to me to speak with the various people mentioned and try to combine all their experiences into 'the way to do it'. Then I can cost it. And fair enough, if it's going to cost £30K, I won't do it.
Thanks also Griff2be - sounds like you've maybe thought about it yourself once? And Graham who would like one too! Apart from Fernhurst, who's recommended to check out the bits and assemble it? I'm bright but not a mechanic - just owner, driver and cheque-signer!
Thanks also Griff2be - sounds like you've maybe thought about it yourself once? And Graham who would like one too! Apart from Fernhurst, who's recommended to check out the bits and assemble it? I'm bright but not a mechanic - just owner, driver and cheque-signer!
Thanks Tim. Whatever happens it won't be tomorrow, as I'm happy with the Griff for now. Not caring for the latest Tuscan or Tamora, I had my eyes on the Jaguar F-Type, but now that's cancelled it looks like the Griff will stay for a while. And when I want to move on, at least I have an interesting option to consider!
Mike, now that's the sort of attitude I like.
As I said above, I'm not ready to move on the Tuscan plan yet as I'm still happy with the Griff, and unfortunately for your cunning plan the engine is fine too! But if it should blow up and be irreplaceable then I'll certainly call you. In fact I think 500 engines are gettig scarce now so it's probably only a matter of time before your hybrid happens!
As I said above, I'm not ready to move on the Tuscan plan yet as I'm still happy with the Griff, and unfortunately for your cunning plan the engine is fine too! But if it should blow up and be irreplaceable then I'll certainly call you. In fact I think 500 engines are gettig scarce now so it's probably only a matter of time before your hybrid happens!
'simpo one - griff owner of evo mag fame I presume!'
Indeedimundo: my 15 minutes of fame seems to be lasting!
Sounds to me that it would cost at least £25K to build yourself a road going tuscan racer but probably £30K for a comfortable and well finished one.
I was afraid of that. That means another £10K to find, and what with global recession, taxes, stockmarket etc I'm not feeling rich at the moment.
'Also - you would presumably want to sell it on one day?! I woulndt have thought many would be interested if it didnt have the original racer chassis.'
Interesting point. Resale for such cars could be difficult. I know one shouldn't consider boring things like that but it is a factor. Perhaps an ex-racer would be a better prospect - with 'provenance' etc - that a bastard one. I'd still want the decent interior and roof, but at least it would have a history. Ho hum! Still, until I get bored with the Griff I can stay pondering.
Indeedimundo: my 15 minutes of fame seems to be lasting!
Sounds to me that it would cost at least £25K to build yourself a road going tuscan racer but probably £30K for a comfortable and well finished one.
I was afraid of that. That means another £10K to find, and what with global recession, taxes, stockmarket etc I'm not feeling rich at the moment.
'Also - you would presumably want to sell it on one day?! I woulndt have thought many would be interested if it didnt have the original racer chassis.'
Interesting point. Resale for such cars could be difficult. I know one shouldn't consider boring things like that but it is a factor. Perhaps an ex-racer would be a better prospect - with 'provenance' etc - that a bastard one. I'd still want the decent interior and roof, but at least it would have a history. Ho hum! Still, until I get bored with the Griff I can stay pondering.
'Oh simple one, don`t know about the Griff boring you but you sure are boring me.'
Wahaay! - Mike Luder shows us his imaginative streak by changing 'Simpo' to 'Simple'!! That's just so funny, so imaginative, I haven't heard anything like it until since I about 6. Your're a funny man, Luder, you should be on telly with an act like that!!!!
How many times have I said 'if you haven't got anything contructive, helpful or nice to say, don't say anything'? I look at threads that to be seem to be timewasting to me - nothing more than banter between IT folk, or someone saying 'Is a 500 better than a 4.0?' I could stick a stroppy comment in - but I'm a bit more grown up than that.
I *like* the idea of a road-going Tuscan and so I stuck my head over the parapet and asked the questions. Everyone except one person was helpful. Other people don't have the courage to face the riducule of people like Luder. (I could change that to a silly version of the name but will refrain). You have obviously followed the thread, yet have contributed nothing except an insult. What makes you so
clever anyway?
Wahaay! - Mike Luder shows us his imaginative streak by changing 'Simpo' to 'Simple'!! That's just so funny, so imaginative, I haven't heard anything like it until since I about 6. Your're a funny man, Luder, you should be on telly with an act like that!!!!
How many times have I said 'if you haven't got anything contructive, helpful or nice to say, don't say anything'? I look at threads that to be seem to be timewasting to me - nothing more than banter between IT folk, or someone saying 'Is a 500 better than a 4.0?' I could stick a stroppy comment in - but I'm a bit more grown up than that.
I *like* the idea of a road-going Tuscan and so I stuck my head over the parapet and asked the questions. Everyone except one person was helpful. Other people don't have the courage to face the riducule of people like Luder. (I could change that to a silly version of the name but will refrain). You have obviously followed the thread, yet have contributed nothing except an insult. What makes you so
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