Posiible future owner! A few questions!
Discussion
As the title says, i'm currently seriously considering moving on to Tuscan ownership!I will probably be looking at buying towards the end of the year & spending somewhere in the region of £15-£20k.
What should i be looking to get for this sort of money?
I currently own a 400bhp Mazda RX7 twin turbo so am no stranger to the world of "rebuilds".
Is there a average life span before a rebuild is often required, and what are the main causes?
Finally, has`anybody owned both a 3rd gen RX7 & a tuscan?
How do they compare?
Thanks in advance for any help!
(if anybody's interested here's a pic of my RX)
What should i be looking to get for this sort of money?
I currently own a 400bhp Mazda RX7 twin turbo so am no stranger to the world of "rebuilds".
Is there a average life span before a rebuild is often required, and what are the main causes?
Finally, has`anybody owned both a 3rd gen RX7 & a tuscan?
How do they compare?
Thanks in advance for any help!
(if anybody's interested here's a pic of my RX)
My mate had an earlier wedge shaped convertable RX7 twin turbo jobbie that suffered from 'turbo wobble' or something. I loved it though it was a real flying machine.
With regard to Tuscans and SP6 engines, you will get a variety of opinions. A good way to start is simply to read old threads, there are plenty on the subject.
For what is worth, here are Tuska's golden rules, although i'm sure someone will be along shortly to put you straight.
1. Early Tuscans are great value just now, good time to buy. However, 2000 and 2001 engines are very fragile. Early rebuilds weren't up to much, but vastly improved after Jan 2003. I would seek out one that has had a post 2003 rebuild. I would NOT buy a car that has NOT had a rebuild!!
2. Your rebuild should be by someone who knows what they are doing. If not TVR Power, then research the engineer. Talk to people.
3. Suspension. Pants on the early cars. Not much better on the latter ones. Source a car that has had retro adjustable shocks fitted. Mine are Nitrons, but others like Gaz or Ohlins are well thought of on here. Unmodified suspension can lead to plenty of trouser changing moments.
4. Clutches. They do go. If you can find a car where it has been done, then so much the better.
5. Dont waste money on extended warranties. Instead, try to have a slush fund. (mine is 5k) Earns good interest and would cover most major repairs. There are lots of horror stories of warranties simply not paying out on engine problems. They call the bad oil way design 'wear and tear'.
6. Enjoy!!
With regard to Tuscans and SP6 engines, you will get a variety of opinions. A good way to start is simply to read old threads, there are plenty on the subject.
For what is worth, here are Tuska's golden rules, although i'm sure someone will be along shortly to put you straight.
1. Early Tuscans are great value just now, good time to buy. However, 2000 and 2001 engines are very fragile. Early rebuilds weren't up to much, but vastly improved after Jan 2003. I would seek out one that has had a post 2003 rebuild. I would NOT buy a car that has NOT had a rebuild!!
2. Your rebuild should be by someone who knows what they are doing. If not TVR Power, then research the engineer. Talk to people.
3. Suspension. Pants on the early cars. Not much better on the latter ones. Source a car that has had retro adjustable shocks fitted. Mine are Nitrons, but others like Gaz or Ohlins are well thought of on here. Unmodified suspension can lead to plenty of trouser changing moments.
4. Clutches. They do go. If you can find a car where it has been done, then so much the better.
5. Dont waste money on extended warranties. Instead, try to have a slush fund. (mine is 5k) Earns good interest and would cover most major repairs. There are lots of horror stories of warranties simply not paying out on engine problems. They call the bad oil way design 'wear and tear'.
6. Enjoy!!
The best bit of advice should you choose to get one is to make sure you follow the warm up procedure before you give it the full boona...
Start up,
Drive gently keeping below 2000rpm until engine reaches 40DEG
Then keep below 3500rpm until engine reaches 60deg.
It,s generally agreed that it is better to drive the car during the warm up procedure than leaving it "running" on the drive.
Check oil regularly.
Tuscans are wonderfull cars but treat them with respect they can bite...hard!!
Look for one with a recent engine rebuild and if its also had a recent clutch thats a bonus( cost about 1K).
there are however lots of great cars out there that have not had a rebuild and are still going strong that are well worth concidering.....must have followed the warm up procedure!!..
Happy hunting
Start up,
Drive gently keeping below 2000rpm until engine reaches 40DEG
Then keep below 3500rpm until engine reaches 60deg.
It,s generally agreed that it is better to drive the car during the warm up procedure than leaving it "running" on the drive.
Check oil regularly.
Tuscans are wonderfull cars but treat them with respect they can bite...hard!!
Look for one with a recent engine rebuild and if its also had a recent clutch thats a bonus( cost about 1K).
there are however lots of great cars out there that have not had a rebuild and are still going strong that are well worth concidering.....must have followed the warm up procedure!!..
Happy hunting
Mine will be up for sale later in the year, but may be slightly over your budget, so get in touch if you think you might be able to stretch a tiny bit further.
It's currently having an engine rebuild (at 38k miles), and I'll be getting the clutch replaced at the same time, so the two main areas of worry will be sorted, plus the extended warranty will be valid for another 5 or so months
It's currently having an engine rebuild (at 38k miles), and I'll be getting the clutch replaced at the same time, so the two main areas of worry will be sorted, plus the extended warranty will be valid for another 5 or so months
Just confirming the previous responses.
The re-buid issue is an interesting one, many 2000, 2001 and 2002 cars have not required re buids (a straw pole was conducted here on PH) with surprising results ie not as many early car rebuilds as expected. I guess understandibly mostly those with bad experiences post on the forums.
I purchased a warranty with mine and have had a considerable amount of work (preventative) done over the time and convered without a problem, others I know have had serious issues.
As for engine wear I have had mine checked when the head is off (I know that it is not a guaruntee) and there was no sign of wear the finger followers were fine (usually problem with early cars).
Treat it with respect, warm the oil and you will love the experience.
The re-buid issue is an interesting one, many 2000, 2001 and 2002 cars have not required re buids (a straw pole was conducted here on PH) with surprising results ie not as many early car rebuilds as expected. I guess understandibly mostly those with bad experiences post on the forums.
I purchased a warranty with mine and have had a considerable amount of work (preventative) done over the time and convered without a problem, others I know have had serious issues.
As for engine wear I have had mine checked when the head is off (I know that it is not a guaruntee) and there was no sign of wear the finger followers were fine (usually problem with early cars).
Treat it with respect, warm the oil and you will love the experience.
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