Rebuilds and No More Clutch worries
Discussion
Gents,
Thought I would share this with you.
Just been chatting with TVRCraft and Dave tells me he has ALL re-designed parts now in stock on the shelf, to completely rebuild from ground up the Speed 6 engine, (In fact enough of each component to rebuild many engines).
The last outstanding item. Cams have just arrived and are being offered Stage 1, 2 or 3 profiled (1 being mild, 2 with additional lift and 3 for race purposes). Additionally they have enough blanks to offer custom profiles. A pair of these cams are over 100 quid cheaper than TVR’s.
They are offering cylinder heads in stage 1 or 2 (2 being the ports and throats fully opened up and flowed). The Craft finger followers are also cheaper than TVR’s....and better.
Also off the shelf stock, they are offering their replacement clutch assembly (includes modifying your bell housing, new improved design slave hydraulic thrust mech and modified flywheel), all for less than 900 quid excl vat, excl fitting which will take around 5 Hrs… NO MORE CLUTCH WORRIES or failures at stupid 20K ish mileages.
Through my project I know it’s been an arduous and painful process for Craft dealing with specialist component manufacturers in order to get to this stage. One of the problems seems to have been that Craft are perhaps considered smaller and less important than the big car/big race team players and as such have had to take second place in some of the manufacturing. Other suppliers have posed erm… somewhat other irksome issues…however Craft engine rebuild times will now be down to a matter of weeks, rather than months.
Personally I believe its resounding news that there are more alternatives to the factory based/supported components and services.
Oh one more thing; Craft supply an extremely detailed breakdown of all component costs, parts used and most importantly, detailed work performed. So you can see where your money has gone and what you have gotten for it.
Regards
G
Thought I would share this with you.
Just been chatting with TVRCraft and Dave tells me he has ALL re-designed parts now in stock on the shelf, to completely rebuild from ground up the Speed 6 engine, (In fact enough of each component to rebuild many engines).
The last outstanding item. Cams have just arrived and are being offered Stage 1, 2 or 3 profiled (1 being mild, 2 with additional lift and 3 for race purposes). Additionally they have enough blanks to offer custom profiles. A pair of these cams are over 100 quid cheaper than TVR’s.
They are offering cylinder heads in stage 1 or 2 (2 being the ports and throats fully opened up and flowed). The Craft finger followers are also cheaper than TVR’s....and better.
Also off the shelf stock, they are offering their replacement clutch assembly (includes modifying your bell housing, new improved design slave hydraulic thrust mech and modified flywheel), all for less than 900 quid excl vat, excl fitting which will take around 5 Hrs… NO MORE CLUTCH WORRIES or failures at stupid 20K ish mileages.
Through my project I know it’s been an arduous and painful process for Craft dealing with specialist component manufacturers in order to get to this stage. One of the problems seems to have been that Craft are perhaps considered smaller and less important than the big car/big race team players and as such have had to take second place in some of the manufacturing. Other suppliers have posed erm… somewhat other irksome issues…however Craft engine rebuild times will now be down to a matter of weeks, rather than months.
Personally I believe its resounding news that there are more alternatives to the factory based/supported components and services.
Oh one more thing; Craft supply an extremely detailed breakdown of all component costs, parts used and most importantly, detailed work performed. So you can see where your money has gone and what you have gotten for it.
Regards
G
Interesting, thanks for the heads-up, I was thinking about my clutch lately and wondering whether to pre-empt a failure by upgrading now. My Tuscan has just over 18K miles on the clock.....is there any info on here showing anyone else's clutch upgrade costs historically with details of who did it and where they are? Would be good to know my options around here (Camberley area of Surrey)
Andy
Andy
It seems a long time since Feb 2005 when TVRCraft started to work on my car and at times it seemed that it would never be finished.
I was just reading Grahams post above, and realised that Dave, Alistair and the guys have achieved a huge amount :
When they started this project we couldn't even find any pictures of the engine internals.
No S6 engine parts were available to independants – not even a head gasket.
I suspect that no one outside TVR or TVR Power had stripped a S6 engine.
Now we have a couple of modified cars on the road, starting to clock up a significant mileages with more about to follow.
We (the S6 owners) have access to a full range of replacement engine parts. If we choose, we now have the option to avoid some of the known issues with the engines, go for power upgrades and keep them running independently of the parts supply from the factory.
At times it has been a frustrating journey, and at times they have taken a lot of stick, but is actually one hell of an achievement for an organisation like 'Craft to make in 18 months.
Well done guys – thanks to your perserverence the Speed 6 owner today is in a much better position today than he was in Feb 2005 !
I was just reading Grahams post above, and realised that Dave, Alistair and the guys have achieved a huge amount :
When they started this project we couldn't even find any pictures of the engine internals.
No S6 engine parts were available to independants – not even a head gasket.
I suspect that no one outside TVR or TVR Power had stripped a S6 engine.
Now we have a couple of modified cars on the road, starting to clock up a significant mileages with more about to follow.
We (the S6 owners) have access to a full range of replacement engine parts. If we choose, we now have the option to avoid some of the known issues with the engines, go for power upgrades and keep them running independently of the parts supply from the factory.
At times it has been a frustrating journey, and at times they have taken a lot of stick, but is actually one hell of an achievement for an organisation like 'Craft to make in 18 months.
Well done guys – thanks to your perserverence the Speed 6 owner today is in a much better position today than he was in Feb 2005 !
I've got a tvr craft rebuilt 4.5 cerby in my workshop right now for short induction and mapping, but as delivered it's made 370bhp .. seeing as most 4.5s make 330-340 and exceptional ones make 360bhp this one stands out as being somewhat better than TVR could make themselves. It's also as quiet as a mouse, you'd never believe it was a AJP8
Good to hear about the cam supply finally coming through, spoke to Dave the other day and he was a pleased bunny that it had finally all come together
Those race cams sound just the ticket for our race T350 engine they're building
wayyyyyyy heyyyyyyy
Good to hear about the cam supply finally coming through, spoke to Dave the other day and he was a pleased bunny that it had finally all come together
Those race cams sound just the ticket for our race T350 engine they're building
wayyyyyyy heyyyyyyy
Redtuscan said:
Red Rose:
When will your car be back on the road?
Once it is back on the road, please can you post regular updates. Can we have "A year in the Life of a Craft modified Tuscan".
Engine wise, if it is as reliable as a Toyota, then we will be reassured.
When will your car be back on the road?
Once it is back on the road, please can you post regular updates. Can we have "A year in the Life of a Craft modified Tuscan".
Engine wise, if it is as reliable as a Toyota, then we will be reassured.
Hi Redtusc
My car has been back on the road since 15 July.
I took a couple of weekend to run it in and resolve some minor problems (related to the long time off the road, not the engine), then headed off for a European jaunt (France – Switzerland – Italy – France – home).
It coped with traffic jams, motorways, mountains, chasing other Tuscans, Italian traffic, goat tracks and 38 degree heat without any problems. We used less than a litre of engine oil and achieved about 25 mpg.
It has now clocked almost 4,000 miles since the rebuild and all is well (except that I am working in Holland and can’t drive it).
Will keep you informed, but from the way it feels and sounds I don’t think there will be anything exciting to report !
Ian
Redtuscan said:
Once it is back on the road, please can you post regular updates. Can we have "A year in the Life of a Craft modified Tuscan".
Mine should be back on the road in 3 weeks, same time as Graham's. It's had the full non-supercharged modifications including uprated gearbox.
The main problems I'm expecting are from being off the road for 10 months. I'll try and post any updates then. Glad to see all the parts are finally here and owners of older Tuscans have genuine independant support/options.
cheeky said:
does anyone know how much a supercharged rebuild would cost (not that I need a rebuild, but it helps with my decision making for the future)?
For the TVRCraft route cost depends on a number of factors; there are different stages and mods you can opt for. For me I wanted long term reliability and opted for a low boost application and a total engine rebuild with all new designed components and a stronger gearbox. You are best speaking to Craft, discuss options and they will best advise you figures. One thing to bear in mind tho, this is NOT a cheap way to get BHP/torque and Craft will not entertain just bolting on a Supercharger to a standard S6.... going down that route it would'nt last very long and its not just because of the poor internal standard build, the additional heat is a limiting factor that needs to be addressed properly.
Currently I am only aware of TVRCraft who are offering this upgrade, (Altho it is rumoured that another outfit are also attempting to acheive this with the S6, but its all a bit hush hush at the moment).
Regards
G
Yesterday I took a train to Salisbury and drove away a monster thats not quite breathing fire just yet, but hell is it interesting...
I didnt stall it either....not once in 242 miles but that clutch is interesting to say the least about 2 inches of total pedal travel it really is on and off. The gearbox shift is an extremely short throw and I quite like it. The engine itself is so much quieter than I remember there is no tappety sound even on cold start up and it just seems so much smoother at tick over. The blower sounds like a jet engine at all speeds and the car seems so much louder decatted than I remember....(altho it has been a year since I last drove it). We have decided to limit it to 5000rpm for now until it has been properly sorted on the dyno (its leaning out at 6K rpm and there is a slight hole at 3.5K rpm). The only niggle I have is that the starter motor is on its way out. It sometimes won't turn the engine over and other times its fine. Craft had this with another S6 and changed it out for a new one which sorted the problem. I believe its a BMW unit so thee will be one of those on my list of things to get.
The installation work is nothing short of ARTWORK Craft have done a lovely job of fitting it all in nice and neatly it really looks the dogs nads under the bonnet. Top marks to the lads there.
Plan is to get a little use and then take it back to Craft in the new year so it can be properly sorted. Craft are just too busy at the moment and I have become too impatient to leave it there over winter.
More later
Cheers
G
I didnt stall it either....not once in 242 miles but that clutch is interesting to say the least about 2 inches of total pedal travel it really is on and off. The gearbox shift is an extremely short throw and I quite like it. The engine itself is so much quieter than I remember there is no tappety sound even on cold start up and it just seems so much smoother at tick over. The blower sounds like a jet engine at all speeds and the car seems so much louder decatted than I remember....(altho it has been a year since I last drove it). We have decided to limit it to 5000rpm for now until it has been properly sorted on the dyno (its leaning out at 6K rpm and there is a slight hole at 3.5K rpm). The only niggle I have is that the starter motor is on its way out. It sometimes won't turn the engine over and other times its fine. Craft had this with another S6 and changed it out for a new one which sorted the problem. I believe its a BMW unit so thee will be one of those on my list of things to get.
The installation work is nothing short of ARTWORK Craft have done a lovely job of fitting it all in nice and neatly it really looks the dogs nads under the bonnet. Top marks to the lads there.
Plan is to get a little use and then take it back to Craft in the new year so it can be properly sorted. Craft are just too busy at the moment and I have become too impatient to leave it there over winter.
More later
Cheers
G
Glad to hear you're back on the road Graham. The new thrust bearings which Craft fitted on my 500 mile check up have made the clutch a lot more foot friendly. Was hoping to get out on the tarmac today, but my garage door cable has now snapped, leaving the car sort of trapped inside.
I now need someone to hold it open whilst I reverse out otherwise it will come crashing down!! New rollerdoor still 3 weeks away. Oh well, g/f is not working tomorrow so should escape the garage then. All the best
Al.
Cheers Al,
Drove the car back from Staverton today and it just gets better the power is addictive but 5000 rpm comes up so damn fast. I have just washed it off and put it away in the garage and my door is getting worse so I am ordering a roller door tomorrow from a company just up the road from me. Can't wait to get back home next weekend and play...weather permitting.
Take care
G
Drove the car back from Staverton today and it just gets better the power is addictive but 5000 rpm comes up so damn fast. I have just washed it off and put it away in the garage and my door is getting worse so I am ordering a roller door tomorrow from a company just up the road from me. Can't wait to get back home next weekend and play...weather permitting.
Take care
G
Hi Ian,
Thanks for the kind words, its been a long wait but having gotten behind the wheel and driven it, its been well worth it. I really can't imagine what another 2500 rpm is going to feel like on top of the current 5K limit. Given the road conditions at present it is quite enough at present. Had a bit of a disaster later this afternoon, with the roof on and the windows up the rear screen blew out at approx 90 mph and shattered on the road. luckily no one was following ....looks like one of the catches has failed. Need to order a new rear screen now ... ho hum
Take care
G
Thanks for the kind words, its been a long wait but having gotten behind the wheel and driven it, its been well worth it. I really can't imagine what another 2500 rpm is going to feel like on top of the current 5K limit. Given the road conditions at present it is quite enough at present. Had a bit of a disaster later this afternoon, with the roof on and the windows up the rear screen blew out at approx 90 mph and shattered on the road. luckily no one was following ....looks like one of the catches has failed. Need to order a new rear screen now ... ho hum
Take care
G
Andy, Glad you liked the pics.
Yesterday up Norf it was a beautiful sunny afternoon (probably not as sunny as Kuala Lumpur tho) and I just had to scrub off some rubber. Roof off, rear screen out and a jacket on..... headed up the A1 north to Sea Houses and came back down the coast route. The car just seems to get better and better but the 5000rpm limit comes up so damn fast. 2nd gear full throttle is a definite NO NO the tyres break traction a little too easy, but it is controlable. 3rd gear is the full on loud pedal and that turbine sounds awesome, the standard Tuscan gets plenty of attention but this one catches the ear before eye. There's a noticable increase in vibration through the chassis on light throttle at 1700-1850rpm trundling along in traffic and the brass bush on the gearbox input shaft can make a stange squeal sometimes when you float the biting point on the clutch, it sounds odd (a bit like a rubber belt slipping). I guess the vibration is down to the bigger and heavier TKO box. I have to think about selecting 5th than with the other gears but I expect this will smoothen out as the box is run in. The engine is so smooth and mechanically quiet. No tapping or rattling at all even from cold start. The starter motor was giving me a problem hot starting, basically it would not turn the engine over at all when hot, after about 30 minutes it was fine. I bought a new starter motor from tvrparts.com, have not gotten round to fitting it, but I noticed yesterday that the starter motor is better than it was. It does now turn the engine over when its hot....I will have to see how this goes. The clutch is getting easier as well, I have stalled the car once since picking it up and that was trying to pull away from the lights leaving the hand break on...dohh. Yes sir this is one hell of a TVR and it aint properly sorted yet....ohhh mammy.
If ever you need that Cerb of yours sorting Andy I can recommend the very capable engineering services of TVRCraft.
Catch you later dude and go easy on the sun tan....!
G
Yesterday up Norf it was a beautiful sunny afternoon (probably not as sunny as Kuala Lumpur tho) and I just had to scrub off some rubber. Roof off, rear screen out and a jacket on..... headed up the A1 north to Sea Houses and came back down the coast route. The car just seems to get better and better but the 5000rpm limit comes up so damn fast. 2nd gear full throttle is a definite NO NO the tyres break traction a little too easy, but it is controlable. 3rd gear is the full on loud pedal and that turbine sounds awesome, the standard Tuscan gets plenty of attention but this one catches the ear before eye. There's a noticable increase in vibration through the chassis on light throttle at 1700-1850rpm trundling along in traffic and the brass bush on the gearbox input shaft can make a stange squeal sometimes when you float the biting point on the clutch, it sounds odd (a bit like a rubber belt slipping). I guess the vibration is down to the bigger and heavier TKO box. I have to think about selecting 5th than with the other gears but I expect this will smoothen out as the box is run in. The engine is so smooth and mechanically quiet. No tapping or rattling at all even from cold start. The starter motor was giving me a problem hot starting, basically it would not turn the engine over at all when hot, after about 30 minutes it was fine. I bought a new starter motor from tvrparts.com, have not gotten round to fitting it, but I noticed yesterday that the starter motor is better than it was. It does now turn the engine over when its hot....I will have to see how this goes. The clutch is getting easier as well, I have stalled the car once since picking it up and that was trying to pull away from the lights leaving the hand break on...dohh. Yes sir this is one hell of a TVR and it aint properly sorted yet....ohhh mammy.
If ever you need that Cerb of yours sorting Andy I can recommend the very capable engineering services of TVRCraft.
Catch you later dude and go easy on the sun tan....!
G
Gassing Station | Tuscan | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff