Mk1 variations - the nitty gritty

[Dischordant]

Hi guys - I know there are some factual variations in the difference between the Mk1, Mk1 Red Rose, Mk1 S early and late models. Thanks to mytuscan I've gathered the following:

Red Rose gave Airconditioning, larger front brakes and bigger bore engine.

The S having bigger bore engine producing more BHP than standard (pre 2003: 380-390bhp, post 2003: 400bhp), better suspension setup, gas-discharge headlights, close-ratio gearbox, larger drilled-disc brakes at front, airconditioning, front splitter, rear spoiler, different rear light layout from standard, 18" alloys, DAB radio, 'Tuscan S' badge at back.

Now I was wondering how much of a difference the additions make.

If you were buying a standard Tuscan 1 or the Red Rose - what upgrades are the "Must haves" you'd be looking to fit/upgrade?

Trying to work out the financial viability of a standard Tuscan vs an S and how much I'd end up spending on it to get it "just right" =).

Thank you very much for your feedback - my only experience of driving a Tuscan so far was a 4 day hire of a standard mk1 so I don't have any of my own experience to call on.

Cheers!!!

Darren

Additional to save me making a seperate post: - I much prefer the Tuscan 2 steering wheel to the Tuscan 1 - is it possible to purchase and fit to a Tusc1?

Edited by Dischordant on Thursday 16th August 02:42

[Cockey]

I think the most important thing to sort out is the handling, therefore new shocks (Gaz Gold Pro or Nitrons are the most popular), 3mm front wheel spacers, front splitter (for higher speed stability), and if you really want, a rear spoiler. With those additions I think the car will be pretty well sorted

[Night Rider]

When you say ‘bigger bore engine’ the actual engine is still 4.0 litre, It’s the exhaust that has a larger diameter than the standard Tuscan.

[Dischordant]

Good point night rider - did not know that =)

[Dischordant]

Cockey said:

I think the most important thing to sort out is the handling, therefore new shocks (Gaz Gold Pro or Nitrons are the most popular), 3mm front wheel spacers, front splitter (for higher speed stability), and if you really want, a rear spoiler. With those additions I think the car will be pretty well sorted

So cost wise...1k for shocks 400 for splitter, 50 for spacers?

So about 1500 ish? At the moment S's seem to sell for a good couple of k or more than the standard so this means either are pretty viable just need to find the right colour scheme now and the obligatory engine rebuild and the dream will become a reality =)

I want a Tusc 2 larger rear spoiler (the "water catcher" but I won't be using it in the rain) anyhow so will have to purchase that irrespective of the version I buy.

Equally I will probably buy a ACT large bore end cans as heard here http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Am5yu-kFqug&fea... as currently the best sounding tuscan imo (though I guess I'd need to hear in real life first!)

[Light n Hairy]

The specs and nobs/whistles are really very unimportant IMO; condition and history are everything.

Once you have one you will be so overwhelmed learning about the car and enjoying it that I wager you will forget any ideas of 'upgrades'; at the very least, hold back on those things for the first few months when you may face some bills for upkeep or repairs.

On any public road it will be very hard to tell the difference in performance between a normal one, a red rose and an S, assuming each one is in fine fettle.

There is one change that should have been made on any well looked after one by now: shocks- Nitrons/Ohlins/Bilsteins all round instead of the standard ropey shocks. The difference is night and day and the change quite necessary IMO. Arguably, airconditioning is useful but by no means necessary.

[Dischordant]

Really appreciating the input - thanks guys =)

[Corkys]

TBH, you buy a Tuscan on condition, what mods and the state of the engine, more than you buy whether it is an std model or an "S", whichever model you choose they all will be fast enough, and that includes mk2 3.6 models. They don't lack power.

You won't enjoy the extra power if it doesn't handle well.

Edited by Corkys on Friday 17th August 14:07

[Robertjp]

Priorities:

Engine rebuild from Str8 Six or TVR Power (a few others doing this too but the two mentioned have the best reputation)
Uprated shocks and good geo set up (the year of the car affects whether spacers, wishbones, steering rack height etc will need changing for the optimum combination)
Good condition chassis
Air conditioning (for me this was pretty important – don’t use it much but would miss it if it wasn’t there)

Nice to haves (but certainly not essential):

Recent clutch
The ‘right’ sized tyres (some research needed here but there is generally an accepted good size)
Good interior and paint
Roller bearing throttle bodies & replaced throttle pots
Raceproved rear window clips and later larger rear screen
Recent brake pads and / or disks
Flip Bonnet conversion
Gear stick heat sink
Recent LCD display replacement
Marine fuel hose upgrade between tank and pump
Recent engine mounts
Uprated starter
Recent battery
Decat (reduces chassis hot spots leading to corrosion)

[Dischordant]

Great list thank you Robert!

Thoughts on a Tuscan that has done 40k+ miles but has had an engine rebuild? Are there many other parts that will start to go at that mileage or when an engine is rebuilt does it solve the majority of the parts that are likely to go?

Many thanks!

[m3coupe]

Dischordant said:

Great list thank you Robert!

Thoughts on a Tuscan that has done 40k+ miles but has had an engine rebuild? Are there many other parts that will start to go at that mileage or when an engine is rebuilt does it solve the majority of the parts that are likely to go?

Many thanks!

In most peoples opinion, the engine being rebuilt by a reputable dealer is a must! The likes of power are giving warranties on their work which should give a bit of peace of mind but it all depends how it was serviced since, how it was driven etc! Just because it's had a rebuild, doesn't mean it won't break, especially if owned by a poor owner!

After that there is plenty of things to spend your money on but really, is there a better way of spending money than on a TVR?

[Djdan]

I have an S, didnt plan to have one, just liked the rear wing. Personally i feel the S's will always maintain there value better than a standard tuscan as they are that bit rarer, beware of imitations tho!