Rob's 2001 TVR Tuscan
Discussion
Hey all,
Been a very long time lurker, like many on here. With my most recent purchase I thought I'd start a reader's car thread as I enjoy reading others and this car seems to be reasonably well liked / interesting enough for a thread! Had various cars over time including a 987 Cayman, 987 Boxster and a Honda S2000.
I also currently own an Integra Type R (DC5). Might put up a readers car about that if there's interest, I've been doing a fair amount of work on it (very amateur mechanic). I have a thread on ITR DC5 club website (http://www.itr-dc5.club/) but it's behind a login (need to join the forum) so not too many see it. I've got tonnes of good advice there from other owners.
Anyway, to the Tuscan.
It began in mid April when I saw the car advertised on this very site and contacted the owner. We exchanged a lot of emails and then whatsapps before doing the deal on 20th April. Of course we've been in lockdown for a long time. Even when the small relaxation on restrictions came, it didn't allow me to make the 3hr trip down to see the car and pickup. However a lot of trust and information had been exchanged so a quick transport broker website quote later and we set a date for it come to me, and it arrived exactly one month after I committed to buy it. That's a long time to wait for a car I've coveted since my now business partner had one in 2005!
Transport driver was great, if a little behind schedule on the day, so I had to apologies to the neighbours for the significant exhaust noise at 10pm on a quiet Wednesday evening.
Still, it was worth the wait. It's a brute of a machine in comparison to modern stuff and even the Integra (same age, both 2001) and I love it. Smiles per mile are indeed a good way to phrase it, with all the pops and crackles from genuine overrun and it's looks.
Here's a couple of photos. I'll be giving it a through checking out tomorrow (driven it a few times first for food based trips!)
It's been looked after by the previous owner for the last 6 years and ~36,000 miles and has had significant cash spent on it, which I'm pleased with. I've got no service history for the first 5 years of the car's life (be good to hunt it down somehow). An engine strip/fix in 2006 and a proper rebuild in mid 2017 / 15k miles ago puts me in a good place amongst a lot of other servicing and work. There's a bit of history 2007 to 2011, and then nothing until the current owner in 2014. I did also find this Pistonheads thread just today which would of been disconcerting if it wasn't for the most recent owner: https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...
More tomorrow after a good look around!
Been a very long time lurker, like many on here. With my most recent purchase I thought I'd start a reader's car thread as I enjoy reading others and this car seems to be reasonably well liked / interesting enough for a thread! Had various cars over time including a 987 Cayman, 987 Boxster and a Honda S2000.
I also currently own an Integra Type R (DC5). Might put up a readers car about that if there's interest, I've been doing a fair amount of work on it (very amateur mechanic). I have a thread on ITR DC5 club website (http://www.itr-dc5.club/) but it's behind a login (need to join the forum) so not too many see it. I've got tonnes of good advice there from other owners.
Anyway, to the Tuscan.
It began in mid April when I saw the car advertised on this very site and contacted the owner. We exchanged a lot of emails and then whatsapps before doing the deal on 20th April. Of course we've been in lockdown for a long time. Even when the small relaxation on restrictions came, it didn't allow me to make the 3hr trip down to see the car and pickup. However a lot of trust and information had been exchanged so a quick transport broker website quote later and we set a date for it come to me, and it arrived exactly one month after I committed to buy it. That's a long time to wait for a car I've coveted since my now business partner had one in 2005!
Transport driver was great, if a little behind schedule on the day, so I had to apologies to the neighbours for the significant exhaust noise at 10pm on a quiet Wednesday evening.
Still, it was worth the wait. It's a brute of a machine in comparison to modern stuff and even the Integra (same age, both 2001) and I love it. Smiles per mile are indeed a good way to phrase it, with all the pops and crackles from genuine overrun and it's looks.
Here's a couple of photos. I'll be giving it a through checking out tomorrow (driven it a few times first for food based trips!)
It's been looked after by the previous owner for the last 6 years and ~36,000 miles and has had significant cash spent on it, which I'm pleased with. I've got no service history for the first 5 years of the car's life (be good to hunt it down somehow). An engine strip/fix in 2006 and a proper rebuild in mid 2017 / 15k miles ago puts me in a good place amongst a lot of other servicing and work. There's a bit of history 2007 to 2011, and then nothing until the current owner in 2014. I did also find this Pistonheads thread just today which would of been disconcerting if it wasn't for the most recent owner: https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...
More tomorrow after a good look around!
daniel-5zjw7 said:
wow Tuscans seem to be very popular all of a sudden! :-) that looks amazing, I love the colour combo!
Thanks it's stealth grey apparently, think it's a Focus RS colour.TR4man said:
Looking forward to reading of your exploits.
I’ve owned mine for two years this month and they are truly awesome cars.
Great stuff, I'll be needing all the advice I can get!I’ve owned mine for two years this month and they are truly awesome cars.
Had a little look around the vehicle today. First thing was taking the kids out in the car for their first time which they loved! The boy child spent about 20 mins just sitting in while I was messing around in the boot.
I spent a bit of time in the boot just hoovering it a bit and sorting a few bits. The previous owner 3D prints items and included some wiring caps for the lights, which I fitted. I know I can't advertise here even for others and I'm not - DM me if you want to know more. I think they look great, especially as I was missing one of the original ones.
The boot light was also sticking out at the top of the light and not sitting flush with the liner no matter how much jiggling was applied. So a bit of judicious stanley knife usage and a tiny notch was added and it sits nice and flush now. While I was there I ordered a new LED festoon bulb to replace the current incandescent one, should be here in a few days.
The clips that hold the rear screen have clearly been replaced with aftermarket ones (albeit good quality ones) as they are allen key, not thumb turns. It means always having an allen key to remove them. I'll see how often I want it out to see if there's a different fastener that can be used to make them thumb turn instead.
The rear screen doesn't perfectly fit - there's still a gap from the rubber to the screen so there's not a perfect seal from the elements, will check that out over time. You can see the screen itself is a bit tired. It has some stress marks and scratching. I'll try and clean it up first (including the original factory overspray!) and see how it goes. It is perspex after all.
The temperatures seem to be running right. This was after some enthusiastic driving showing the kids and sitting idling. The temps never reached 90 that I saw and the fans seem to be kicking in as they should. Sadly the speedo seems nuts: both the analog and digital speedos are wrong most the time and the analog is sweeping up and down. I'll check out the speed sensor near the rear wheel as I have read elsewhere it may need cleaning / adjusting. It even read 6mph on the digital when I was dead stopped
The pod binnacle is pretty loose which I'll look into pretty soon, you can see here it is separated from the ally housing:
While the service hatch was up I noticed the original colour a bit more. While I was there I also polished up the oil cap (why not!) and struggled to get a good reading on the oil. These are notoriously difficult compared to most cars due to the dry sump. I had a reading of nothing at all when shut off for a few mins (despite being hot) and when running, all over the place but above max. I'm sure I tried just shutting off and getting straight there, but will try again. Have ordered some oil anyway as quite a few Tuscans use oil and are designed to, so I read.
About 20 times today I've looked at the car and thought that it looked stunning. With the screen out and roof off even more so in my opinion. And the noise...
More to come! Advice always welcome.
I spent a bit of time in the boot just hoovering it a bit and sorting a few bits. The previous owner 3D prints items and included some wiring caps for the lights, which I fitted. I know I can't advertise here even for others and I'm not - DM me if you want to know more. I think they look great, especially as I was missing one of the original ones.
The boot light was also sticking out at the top of the light and not sitting flush with the liner no matter how much jiggling was applied. So a bit of judicious stanley knife usage and a tiny notch was added and it sits nice and flush now. While I was there I ordered a new LED festoon bulb to replace the current incandescent one, should be here in a few days.
The clips that hold the rear screen have clearly been replaced with aftermarket ones (albeit good quality ones) as they are allen key, not thumb turns. It means always having an allen key to remove them. I'll see how often I want it out to see if there's a different fastener that can be used to make them thumb turn instead.
The rear screen doesn't perfectly fit - there's still a gap from the rubber to the screen so there's not a perfect seal from the elements, will check that out over time. You can see the screen itself is a bit tired. It has some stress marks and scratching. I'll try and clean it up first (including the original factory overspray!) and see how it goes. It is perspex after all.
The temperatures seem to be running right. This was after some enthusiastic driving showing the kids and sitting idling. The temps never reached 90 that I saw and the fans seem to be kicking in as they should. Sadly the speedo seems nuts: both the analog and digital speedos are wrong most the time and the analog is sweeping up and down. I'll check out the speed sensor near the rear wheel as I have read elsewhere it may need cleaning / adjusting. It even read 6mph on the digital when I was dead stopped
The pod binnacle is pretty loose which I'll look into pretty soon, you can see here it is separated from the ally housing:
While the service hatch was up I noticed the original colour a bit more. While I was there I also polished up the oil cap (why not!) and struggled to get a good reading on the oil. These are notoriously difficult compared to most cars due to the dry sump. I had a reading of nothing at all when shut off for a few mins (despite being hot) and when running, all over the place but above max. I'm sure I tried just shutting off and getting straight there, but will try again. Have ordered some oil anyway as quite a few Tuscans use oil and are designed to, so I read.
About 20 times today I've looked at the car and thought that it looked stunning. With the screen out and roof off even more so in my opinion. And the noise...
More to come! Advice always welcome.
Thanks all. Yep I’ll have that a go on oil reading tips.
Thumb turn screws for the rear screen are only £9 from RaceTechDirect so seems rude not to. Though it makes it easier for anyone to get into the car I suppose. Still that’s why it’s got an immobiliser too.
Thumb turn screws for the rear screen are only £9 from RaceTechDirect so seems rude not to. Though it makes it easier for anyone to get into the car I suppose. Still that’s why it’s got an immobiliser too.
Edited by Rob-c33sg on Monday 25th May 20:33
Speed 3 said:
Be careful with the boot light. Most have them disconnected as the prox switch on the boot closing is notorious for poor shut, leaving the light on and flattening your battery.
The thumb screws are a must with the ally window clips. I got mine from an indie but the Racetech ones look fine.
I might be interested in those 3-D printed light cups, mine are looking a bit shagged.
I would also invest in a battery conditioner, it keeps the battery in good nick (obvs) but also prevents the 20th century alarm/immobiliser getting confused.
Tyre pressure is a key thing on the Tuscan, never put more than 22-23 psi in.
Thanks, I'd kept forgetting to check the pressures and just did - 32psi at the rear, bang on in front. Probably because the wheels have just been refurbed and put back on before it got transported to me. This might of been partly why it was a little 'wavy' at slightly higher speeds at the rear!The thumb screws are a must with the ally window clips. I got mine from an indie but the Racetech ones look fine.
I might be interested in those 3-D printed light cups, mine are looking a bit shagged.
I would also invest in a battery conditioner, it keeps the battery in good nick (obvs) but also prevents the 20th century alarm/immobiliser getting confused.
Tyre pressure is a key thing on the Tuscan, never put more than 22-23 psi in.
For cups check out the Facebook group 'TVR Tuscan owners and enthusiasts' and look out for Terry, there's a post from 9th May.
Battery conditioner yes I will need - probably Accumate as well regarded and good value. Just need a new plug socket up front of the garage.
Big Tomm said:
This is possibly the nicest looking Tuscan I’ve seen in a while. It may be the colour, can’t say I’ve seen one before.
I nearly bought one a few years ago, with the rose red engine. Unfortunately that ship has long since sailed as they’re a bit too strong for me at the moment.
Looks like a fantastic example, enjoy it!
Thanks very much! I'm not wild about the colour but many seem to like. Much more modern colour but I do like BOLD colours.I nearly bought one a few years ago, with the rose red engine. Unfortunately that ship has long since sailed as they’re a bit too strong for me at the moment.
Looks like a fantastic example, enjoy it!
I've been finding http://www.mytuscan.co.uk/ very useful and also the manual that's on there is good too (previous owner left me a printed copy in the car!)
Took off the main bonnet today to have a look around. All looking good in general. There was a rusty looking joint that looked a bit like a steering column but I didn't take a picture and now I can't find a pic online either. Pretty deep in the engine bay. Like two U elements together. You can just see it in the pic below to the right of the coolant tank I think. I'll grab a pic next time I'm there. Did a general tidy up but still more to go and a lot more polishing of the metal areas needed.
Front discs and pads are all in good order (should be they're very new!)
Polished the cans
And fixed the binnacle. Just pushed in, so I'm guessing it'll pop out again but feels solid for now.
The steering wheel look great, though I'm unconvinced how it feels when driving especially when it's a quarter turn in and you're holding the flat bottom
Next steps will be some rear tyres (Eagle F1 Asymmetrics or Michelin PS4s seem the two main contenders). They are 6 years old at the rear. 5 years old at the front. Front has quite a bit of grip left so I'll keep an eye on them.
I'll also continue the clean and tidy up. The seats are in dire need of a redo. I've seen there's a good trimmer in Milton Keynes who seems good value, but it would probably take a while. My inner bolster is off the main seat body and leather very worn. Outer bolster is split
Much to do! I did just sit in it for a few minutes this evening. There's a distinctive smell about Tuscan's that I love!
Took off the main bonnet today to have a look around. All looking good in general. There was a rusty looking joint that looked a bit like a steering column but I didn't take a picture and now I can't find a pic online either. Pretty deep in the engine bay. Like two U elements together. You can just see it in the pic below to the right of the coolant tank I think. I'll grab a pic next time I'm there. Did a general tidy up but still more to go and a lot more polishing of the metal areas needed.
Front discs and pads are all in good order (should be they're very new!)
Polished the cans
And fixed the binnacle. Just pushed in, so I'm guessing it'll pop out again but feels solid for now.
The steering wheel look great, though I'm unconvinced how it feels when driving especially when it's a quarter turn in and you're holding the flat bottom
Next steps will be some rear tyres (Eagle F1 Asymmetrics or Michelin PS4s seem the two main contenders). They are 6 years old at the rear. 5 years old at the front. Front has quite a bit of grip left so I'll keep an eye on them.
I'll also continue the clean and tidy up. The seats are in dire need of a redo. I've seen there's a good trimmer in Milton Keynes who seems good value, but it would probably take a while. My inner bolster is off the main seat body and leather very worn. Outer bolster is split
Much to do! I did just sit in it for a few minutes this evening. There's a distinctive smell about Tuscan's that I love!
And before I forget, a weird noise has appeared.
This is key in, electrics on. Fuel pump primes, then stops and this noise starts. What is it? Seems to just keep going! Any thoughts?
https://vimeo.com/422559755
This is key in, electrics on. Fuel pump primes, then stops and this noise starts. What is it? Seems to just keep going! Any thoughts?
https://vimeo.com/422559755
so called said:
First, congrats on a great looking Tuscan.
Second, sounds like the ventilation fan to me.
I bought my first Tuscan, a year 2000, in 2006.
I wrote it off in 2009.
I bought my current a month later and she is still sat on my drive 11 years and many miles later.
Lots of trips to southern Europe.
That's a cracking looking car. Second, sounds like the ventilation fan to me.
I bought my first Tuscan, a year 2000, in 2006.
I wrote it off in 2009.
I bought my current a month later and she is still sat on my drive 11 years and many miles later.
Lots of trips to southern Europe.
And ventilation fan - spot on! I just got in to check it out and remembered I was checking out the fans and air con on my last drive (cold...ish) and switched the air con off and left the fan on one green light. Switch it off and the sound went away, Back on, returned. Thank you sir - not weird at all. Maybe a bit loud but that could be 'TVR' I guess and with the engine on you wouldn't have a chance of hearing it I imagine. We'll see next drive.
Done a bit more driving today. Having a bit of a 'mare with the oil level (see https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&... for that one).
Also the doors wouldn't unlock from the inside just after starting, but then decided to start working by the time I got back from a 45 minute or so drive through some nice lanes. Not booting it much, more just cruising today and trying to get to the know the car more. Confidence is building as miles continue, which is good!
Also took a few pictures just before getting back:
The boot badge is a little hard to push so I'll have a go at having that off so I can get another washer or similar in there to try and push the microswitch sooner for an easier opening time.
Next steps are to book it in (probably at Powers Performance) for it's 12k service and some waxoil.
Also the doors wouldn't unlock from the inside just after starting, but then decided to start working by the time I got back from a 45 minute or so drive through some nice lanes. Not booting it much, more just cruising today and trying to get to the know the car more. Confidence is building as miles continue, which is good!
Also took a few pictures just before getting back:
The boot badge is a little hard to push so I'll have a go at having that off so I can get another washer or similar in there to try and push the microswitch sooner for an easier opening time.
Next steps are to book it in (probably at Powers Performance) for it's 12k service and some waxoil.
Greenbot35 said:
I saw a tuscan tonight out in my mg, sounded awesome. Such a rare sight these days.
I did have an MGB once - it didn't get very far due to time, had to sell it on in the end as I was paying for a lockup to store some old metal with a seized engine!MB140 said:
OP,
Depending on where your based. I know you mentioned Milton Keynes earlier in the thread. There is a member on here who does leather care and restoration on here. Offers free advice etc. Helped a guy out with a white m5 interior.
Goes by the name of Kermit the frog or Kermit and sexy Sarah I think. Posts quite often so should be easy to find. Think he is Mansfiel based. Might be worth messaging him. (PS I don’t know him or have any financial link to his business, I just know he offers good free advice to fellow PH).
PS lovely car. I’m just not brave enough to run a TVR as I don’t have the mechanical know how. Good look with your TVR. I look forward to following your thread.
Thanks will have a look around based on that. I'm in Staffordshire but it's not far to anywhere really.Depending on where your based. I know you mentioned Milton Keynes earlier in the thread. There is a member on here who does leather care and restoration on here. Offers free advice etc. Helped a guy out with a white m5 interior.
Goes by the name of Kermit the frog or Kermit and sexy Sarah I think. Posts quite often so should be easy to find. Think he is Mansfiel based. Might be worth messaging him. (PS I don’t know him or have any financial link to his business, I just know he offers good free advice to fellow PH).
PS lovely car. I’m just not brave enough to run a TVR as I don’t have the mechanical know how. Good look with your TVR. I look forward to following your thread.
keith2.2 said:
Fantastic looking car! Congrats!
I had a Chimaera - and was contemplating swapping it for a Tuscan, but then wrote the bloody thing off. Unfortunately as time has worn on (5 years ago now!) the great memories have receeded and I'm left only with the abject torment of owning one of the older TVR's. I'd love to think I'll get a Tuscan at some point but in all liklehood it'll be a *whispers* 911.
Kudos to you!
I had a Boxster and Cayman (same generations) and they were very capable. But not exciting. I may have gone too far the other way here!I had a Chimaera - and was contemplating swapping it for a Tuscan, but then wrote the bloody thing off. Unfortunately as time has worn on (5 years ago now!) the great memories have receeded and I'm left only with the abject torment of owning one of the older TVR's. I'd love to think I'll get a Tuscan at some point but in all liklehood it'll be a *whispers* 911.
Kudos to you!
Andy665 said:
Looks really great in that colour.
Apparently the boot badge utilises two little springs, one on each of the spindles. The owner of mine replaced them with some squishy rubber grommets that seem to do a really good job of making the action a little more precise. My boot badge also has a washer glued to the back to make a better connection with the microswitch but you may be able to sort it simply by winding on a bit more of the nut, really quick and simple job
Good info Andy thanks, I like the idea of squishy grommets sounds about right. Will take it apart and have a gander. The light has come for the boot anyway to make it white and LED.Apparently the boot badge utilises two little springs, one on each of the spindles. The owner of mine replaced them with some squishy rubber grommets that seem to do a really good job of making the action a little more precise. My boot badge also has a washer glued to the back to make a better connection with the microswitch but you may be able to sort it simply by winding on a bit more of the nut, really quick and simple job
A care package arrived for the Tuscan today from the previous owner, who found some bits lying around his garage / lockup!
First, I replaced the boot light with a nicer LED white one, less drain if the boot ever goes wrong:
Anyway the care package. A TVR tool box, most the tools, some more spare bulbs, a new door micro switch, a boot strut and the nuts replaced by lockers.
Does anyone know what tools are missing in the lid, the tools at the bottom? I know one is an adjustable spanner of course. I'm not sure the tyre pressure tool is original doesn't quite 'fit'.
The box responded to a good clean up too
First, I replaced the boot light with a nicer LED white one, less drain if the boot ever goes wrong:
Anyway the care package. A TVR tool box, most the tools, some more spare bulbs, a new door micro switch, a boot strut and the nuts replaced by lockers.
Does anyone know what tools are missing in the lid, the tools at the bottom? I know one is an adjustable spanner of course. I'm not sure the tyre pressure tool is original doesn't quite 'fit'.
The box responded to a good clean up too
Dodging the rain this weekend, I thought it was time to get the charging sorted. As many will know, the Tuscan's battery is situated behind the passenger front wheel. It's not the most accessible place on earth should it go flat, or have issues. TVR fitted an Anderson Power connector that could be used to start the car in such an event. Sadly, from a lot of my reading, these are prone to shorting out because they get full of road debris due to their position (pointing at the road). This can lead to engine bay fire. Here's mine:
As you can see, it is indeed covered in road debris. The previous owner thought this had been removed / disconnected, but it's still there. It soon became:
I've opted to go for an Accumate solution. They have a lot of good reviews and are a bit cheaper than a CTEK. I went for the unit itself, a 4m extension lead and a weatherproof eyelet connector.
To fit the eyelet connector means working with the battery posts. You can see here the current M8 bolts and nuts were pretty corroded. One also had a square bolt head, not a hex, which was slightly harder to persuade.
You can also see in that picture several holes for retaining screws to keep the battery cover on. This is because one of the proper retaining bolts had sheared off at some point in it's life (3rd from the left), and no one had removed it yet. That's a job for another day!
You can also see to the left of the battery some heat shielding. This is due to the exhaust manifold / exhaust running right next to the battery, on it's way to the back of the car. Poor battery.
Still, after a bit of cleaning, the battery was ready to go back in. I also flattened out the second positive eyelet (with pliers) that comes from the car body as it was a bit twisted. It was also dirty so gave it a scrub, to try and ensure a good connection.
Popped to Screwfix for some M6 bolts. These are narrower than the M8s that came off, but the M8s wouldn't go through the Accumate eyelets, plus they were rusted to death. Some stainless bolts and nuts went on, to try and stave off the corrosion.
The Accumate is now busy conditioning the battery, with the garage door shut. I've not seen it go green yet, and have seen a couple of warnings on the dash about voltage so hopefully we'll see success. Or maybe the battery is on it's way out. At least it'll be easy to replace after all this!
Went for a drive when all was done and it started fine (though the fuel pump priming sounds very different now - much noisier) and all was working inside.
The general condition of the frame / suspension looks OK considering the mileage and confirmed it's got the Gaz Mono shocks:
Next jobs are to (in no order):
Any feedback welcome!
As you can see, it is indeed covered in road debris. The previous owner thought this had been removed / disconnected, but it's still there. It soon became:
I've opted to go for an Accumate solution. They have a lot of good reviews and are a bit cheaper than a CTEK. I went for the unit itself, a 4m extension lead and a weatherproof eyelet connector.
To fit the eyelet connector means working with the battery posts. You can see here the current M8 bolts and nuts were pretty corroded. One also had a square bolt head, not a hex, which was slightly harder to persuade.
You can also see in that picture several holes for retaining screws to keep the battery cover on. This is because one of the proper retaining bolts had sheared off at some point in it's life (3rd from the left), and no one had removed it yet. That's a job for another day!
You can also see to the left of the battery some heat shielding. This is due to the exhaust manifold / exhaust running right next to the battery, on it's way to the back of the car. Poor battery.
Still, after a bit of cleaning, the battery was ready to go back in. I also flattened out the second positive eyelet (with pliers) that comes from the car body as it was a bit twisted. It was also dirty so gave it a scrub, to try and ensure a good connection.
Popped to Screwfix for some M6 bolts. These are narrower than the M8s that came off, but the M8s wouldn't go through the Accumate eyelets, plus they were rusted to death. Some stainless bolts and nuts went on, to try and stave off the corrosion.
The Accumate is now busy conditioning the battery, with the garage door shut. I've not seen it go green yet, and have seen a couple of warnings on the dash about voltage so hopefully we'll see success. Or maybe the battery is on it's way out. At least it'll be easy to replace after all this!
Went for a drive when all was done and it started fine (though the fuel pump priming sounds very different now - much noisier) and all was working inside.
The general condition of the frame / suspension looks OK considering the mileage and confirmed it's got the Gaz Mono shocks:
Next jobs are to (in no order):
- Further clean the interior
- Look at that boot switch for easier operation.
- The speedo is also still nuts so need to look at the speed sensor. That's probably the next job. The digital readout is half what the analog readout is. Analog, when working (most the time!) seems correct. Might mean the pod is shot but we shall see. It sure does vibrate a lot over the bumps.
- Scrub the rust off the rear disc hubs and paint them black
- Get some PS4s for the rear
Any feedback welcome!
Speed 3 said:
Code E (&C) are common faults that don't really mean anything. The pod does a cross check at start-up between the digital sensing and the mechanical "shutters" that show fuel and temp levels. There are little microswitches inside the pod with fine arms that fail easily. I've done them a couple of times on mine and now given up. Whole thread about it here:
https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...
Not sure what code K indicates.
Much appreciated. They all do that, sir https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...
Not sure what code K indicates.
A few minor updates!
I have discovered the wonder of a magic sponge. I have been using some from Flash - £1 each (B&M) and I went through about 6 of them to do all the vinyl on the car and also have a small go at the seats (backs and the leather). These have surprised me. I don't normally believe these 'magic' products. After I'd used some vinyl care and interior shampoo and seeing it have little effect, I thought it'd be worth a go. They are pretty close to magic!
Here's a couple of before and after shots. I was surprised just how grubby the interior was. Being creme you'd think it'd show it up and I was surprised how much came off even on clean looking areas.
The interior is now looking much fresher. I did all around the stereo (took out the stereo to get it all) and also took the leather strips out from around the stalks which were very dirty too. A satisfying job.
While doing the back of the seats I found this:
A gigantic pool of water both sides. This wasn't long after the storms we experienced. I imagine when I put the roof / rear screen back on, it must have been slightly out and so it leaked like a sieve. The good news is that it's a TVR (how often do we say that!). Under that bit of carpet is just fibreglass. If this was my 987 Boxster, an ECU would have been fried. As it was, a lot of microfibre clothes soaked it all up and then the car was aired to dry it out. A lot of water came out! It's rained a few times since and down the seats has been OK. The rear parcel shelf gets a wet patch though so I'll try and find the source of that one.
The Accumate has continued to do a fine job charging the battery. Especially considering I drove off with it still attached (got very lucky there it seems, no damage anywhere). The Tuscan also keeps starting without issue, gives a voltage warning for a second, but hasn't failed to start yet or sound sluggish.
I've finally sorted the oil level, so will now keep an eye on it as it needed 1.75 litres, which feels like an awful lot to be out by. I've got it booked in with Sportmotive a bit north of me in August for it's overdue 12k service and a general look over.
Lastly, I painted the rear hubs and top of the discs. They were really letting the rear down so a quick wire wheel off, some Hammerite, and all was well. I think the Tuscan looks almost as cool on Axle stands.
While the rear wheels were off I took them to get some new rubber - Eagle Asymmetric 5s in this case in 245/40 guise. They have some serious tread.
The only other thing to report is that it seems very nervous at national limit speeds. It feels like it pulls to the right if I come off the accelerator after a squeeze and doesn't always feel planted under braking. I'll ask Sportmotive's thoughts. Might also take it for alignment see if that helps / is off. Any suggestions welcome, as it's spoiling the owning experience right now to not fully 'trust' the car. I know they're not known for being the best handling car the world has ever seen, but that's different to being unpredictable in my eyes.
Thanks for reading!
PS one thing I didn't do was check the speed sensor while the wheels were off! I was reminded of this as I was (apparently) going 150mph earlier being an old clio.
I have discovered the wonder of a magic sponge. I have been using some from Flash - £1 each (B&M) and I went through about 6 of them to do all the vinyl on the car and also have a small go at the seats (backs and the leather). These have surprised me. I don't normally believe these 'magic' products. After I'd used some vinyl care and interior shampoo and seeing it have little effect, I thought it'd be worth a go. They are pretty close to magic!
Here's a couple of before and after shots. I was surprised just how grubby the interior was. Being creme you'd think it'd show it up and I was surprised how much came off even on clean looking areas.
The interior is now looking much fresher. I did all around the stereo (took out the stereo to get it all) and also took the leather strips out from around the stalks which were very dirty too. A satisfying job.
While doing the back of the seats I found this:
A gigantic pool of water both sides. This wasn't long after the storms we experienced. I imagine when I put the roof / rear screen back on, it must have been slightly out and so it leaked like a sieve. The good news is that it's a TVR (how often do we say that!). Under that bit of carpet is just fibreglass. If this was my 987 Boxster, an ECU would have been fried. As it was, a lot of microfibre clothes soaked it all up and then the car was aired to dry it out. A lot of water came out! It's rained a few times since and down the seats has been OK. The rear parcel shelf gets a wet patch though so I'll try and find the source of that one.
The Accumate has continued to do a fine job charging the battery. Especially considering I drove off with it still attached (got very lucky there it seems, no damage anywhere). The Tuscan also keeps starting without issue, gives a voltage warning for a second, but hasn't failed to start yet or sound sluggish.
I've finally sorted the oil level, so will now keep an eye on it as it needed 1.75 litres, which feels like an awful lot to be out by. I've got it booked in with Sportmotive a bit north of me in August for it's overdue 12k service and a general look over.
Lastly, I painted the rear hubs and top of the discs. They were really letting the rear down so a quick wire wheel off, some Hammerite, and all was well. I think the Tuscan looks almost as cool on Axle stands.
While the rear wheels were off I took them to get some new rubber - Eagle Asymmetric 5s in this case in 245/40 guise. They have some serious tread.
The only other thing to report is that it seems very nervous at national limit speeds. It feels like it pulls to the right if I come off the accelerator after a squeeze and doesn't always feel planted under braking. I'll ask Sportmotive's thoughts. Might also take it for alignment see if that helps / is off. Any suggestions welcome, as it's spoiling the owning experience right now to not fully 'trust' the car. I know they're not known for being the best handling car the world has ever seen, but that's different to being unpredictable in my eyes.
Thanks for reading!
PS one thing I didn't do was check the speed sensor while the wheels were off! I was reminded of this as I was (apparently) going 150mph earlier being an old clio.
Speed 3 said:
A full Geo is a must to get the handling as good as it can be. There will still be a tendency to tramline on imperfect surfaces but it shouldn't be wandering to one side.
Having just had a wallet lightening £2,600 12k service on mine (which has been fastidiously looked after), be prepared for a lot of age related items starting to appear. Apart from a new rad (£600) that bill compromised a whole host of minor pipework, unions and bushings in the suspension, fuel and brake lines.
I hope mine doesn't come to that! Soon going to find out. I'll get a geo sorted. Will give them a call first make sure they have the Tuscan on their list!Having just had a wallet lightening £2,600 12k service on mine (which has been fastidiously looked after), be prepared for a lot of age related items starting to appear. Apart from a new rad (£600) that bill compromised a whole host of minor pipework, unions and bushings in the suspension, fuel and brake lines.
M22s said:
Lovely car OP & a nice little read too.
Thanks very much!Nic20v6 said:
I recognised the car straight away.. I've just bought the house which has the sold board around the corner on Stag (small world), When me and Mrs. 20v6 went for the viewing we seen your collection and I said "seems like the neighbours will be used to louder cars" looks absolutely fantastic sir.
Superb - looking forward to you moving in - come and say hello!Gassing Station | Readers' Cars | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff