3.6, 4.0 or 4.0S?????

[shortlad]

I'm currently looking at getting a Tuscan and trying to work out which one is the best for me.

I drove a Tuscan S at the TVR Centre but they sold it before I could sell my Chimaera so I started to re-think.

So having driven a 4.0S will I notice much/any difference between the 3 different engines?

The 3.6 seems to come out the cheapest and the 4.0S the most expensive which I guess is all to do with how much they were when they were new?

Any opinions would be greatly received.

Cheers

[anonymous-user]

The 4.0 S was in theory 30 or 40 BHP more than the standard tune engines. The 4.0 was in theory 360 BHP and the 3.6 350 BHP. The S spec was in theory 390 BHP. The 4.0 is in theory torquier than the 3.6. I had a 4.0 and then a 3.6. I am convinced the my 3.6 is quicker than my 4.0 and certainly seems "revvier". I also had a drag with a 4.0 S and he didnt close the gap on me.

I seem to recall that on the rolling roads the SP6 performed well against what TVR claimed (whereas the Rover engines generally came up short) but that some "standard" engines were better than claimed and some "S" engines fell slightly short.

I think the short answer is to get one with a good engine, whatever the spec.

[fimbo]

totally agree with unrepentant - I tried several 4.0 Tuscans before buying a 3.6 (which I bought for reasons other than engine size) without noticing any difference in performance. I doubt many people would be able to pick a 4.0 from a 3.6 - that was certainly my experience. I doubt you plan to drive it like a dragster so I would worry less about engine variant and more about the other things that with any handbuilt sportscar you need to be careful about, including how the car has been looked after. I can't pass comment on the S variant as never tried one (didn't like the spoiler or light cluster arrangement).

[pete]

I drove all the variants I could get my hands on why looking for mine, and in the end bought a late 2003 3.6. In my experience the 3.6 felt a bit sweeter and "revvier" than the 4 litres, but maybe lacked a little torque. Very hard to say when you factor in differences from close ratio gearboxes etc, and the fact that every one was handbuilt and they all feel different! Engine had almost nothing to do with my eventual choice, other than the fact that it drove smoothly, pulled like a train, had done 19k without a rebuild, and didn't bang and clatter like a cement mixer :-)

In the end, I would recommend you simply drive each car you like the history, spec and colour of, regardless of engine size or S versus non-S. When you drive the right one you'll know it's for you!

Good luck,
Pete

[glow worm]

Make sure you check the DVLA registration before you buy...make sure it's registered as a PLG and not got a CO2 emmision rating...otherwise it will cost you.

[shortlad]

Thanks for the advice folks, I'll have a drive of a couple of cars when the time comes.

Now, I just need to sell the Chimaera.

[tvr5000]

Had a stock 4 ltr at first and felt around same speed as my chim 500 but with different characteristics. When it broke had an S spec fitted and the difference is very noticable. You'll pick out the difference between all if their a well sorted example. But if you get anything other than an S you may always be thinking 'What if?'

[scooterscot]

The engines are very much a matter of luck we have seen standard 4 litres which are better than the S.The 3.6 has more advanced valve timing which makes them feel a little sharper, I think you will find that there is a lot of variation depending on how well the valve timing is done and how good the tolerances match up.

[shortlad]

scooterscot said:

The engines are very much a matter of luck we have seen standard 4 litres which are better than the S.The 3.6 has more advanced valve timing which makes them feel a little sharper, I think you will find that there is a lot of variation depending on how well the valve timing is done and how good the tolerances match up.

Makes me feel like I should have them on a rolling road to decide which car to get.