unstable at speed

[ajgabb]

I'm thinking about getting a Tuscan, let me rephrase that, I'm going to get one, even though i know I could be getting myself into a lot of trouble with the bank manager, but lets be honest there are some things in life that you just have to do, no matter what the consequences, and in my mind, that, is a Tuscan. I have spent hours reading your comments, thank you, but there is one thing I just don't understand never having driven one (I know! I should) but your stories of how great they are have made my mind up! The one thing that slightly terrifies me is this comment which i have read a few times "Tuscans can be unstable at high speed"
Now I had a Golf Mark II once, and that was unstable at speed, but I cant imagine its quite the same thing. How is it unstable? Surely motorway driving isnt unsafe if i'm being sensible (relatively anyway). And they don't just jump off the road now do they. ?
Can anyone help? Thanks in advance.

[kippax]

Never felt unstable at all in mine including high speed runs at fighting torque. Now all I need is a huge about turn in share prices to save mine from having to go.

H

[so called]

Mine is a Tuscan Mk1 (2000) without any of the add on improvements like the front skirt things and the tail spoiler,
but I have no problem with the handling on the Autobahn at 120 130mph.
The only problem I am seeing is movment of the small service bonnet due to the centre catch being broken and sometimes one of my roof locks "lets go" at high speed.
Appart from that it feels fine.

Not taken mine above 150mph so cant comment at higher speeds.

[Fume Troll]

I've never really felt they are unstable. Certainly the steering rack is very quick, which can lead to it feeling a little nervous. The standard dampers aren't very good either, so a lot of people change them out for aftermarket versions which seems to make a considerable difference.

The aero package on the Ss seem to improve stability and give a little less lift too.

Take some time to get used to it, you should be fine.

Cheers,

FT.

[saulk]

Unstable - Not really (just be careful when wet)

Edited by saulk on Thursday 24th January 08:14

[Whitey]

a proper geometry setup by someone that knows what they are doing will sort it out, combined with upgraded shocks if it's an early standard car.

As someone said, the steering is very quick, 1.7 turns lock to lock, so if you get used to that as long as the above is sorted it should be fine.

[anonymous-user]

ajgabb said:

I'm thinking about getting a Tuscan, let me rephrase that, I'm going to get one, even though i know I could be getting myself into a lot of trouble with the bank manager, but lets be honest there are some things in life that you just have to do, no matter what the consequences, and in my mind, that, is a Tuscan. I have spent hours reading your comments, thank you, but there is one thing I just don't understand never having driven one (I know! I should) but your stories of how great they are have made my mind up! The one thing that slightly terrifies me is this comment which i have read a few times "Tuscans can be unstable at high speed"
Now I had a Golf Mark II once, and that was unstable at speed, but I cant imagine its quite the same thing. How is it unstable? Surely motorway driving isnt unsafe if i'm being sensible (relatively anyway). And they don't just jump off the road now do they. ?
Can anyone help? Thanks in advance.

Unstable around 120 ish with the roof off. Taking the targa off defintitely gives front end lift. Scary, should you be so incined.

Note: I found this out at Croft, not on the road.

Note: That was in a Tuscan 2. I drove a Tuscan 1 at speed a while ago and found them almost undriveable as the rack was too quick and gittery. When the Tuscans first came out I remember HHC having some problems with people taking their demonstrator out and getting into trouble because of the rack. The Tamora showcased the new rack which has been fitted since (T350, Tuscan 2, sag, etc.).

Edited by anonymous-user on Thursday 24th January 11:32

[JamesSim]

Had no problems at 165 on the autobahn a few years back, stable and sustained this speed for quite some time, what was scary on one occasion was how quickly I got to 140, pulled out to overtake 3 articulated lorries and checking my speed when passing the third, would've been a jailing offence in the UK.
Also had some scary moments while bedding in new rear tyres, was like a drunk on ice anything close to 70mph.

Best regards,


James Sim.

[m3coupe]

I've not had mine over 100 or anything in the short time i've had it but it feels stable enough. Will feel better when i get the wheel and or balancing/tracking sorted. Know what everyones saying about the rack though. It changes direction really quickly and you can over correct the first few times you drive it.

Having had mine for a week now, I can only say go out and buy one, you won't regret it!

[tuscandom]

1 take the old shocks off and throw them in the bin
2 get a geometry set up with a tvr garage.
good shocks start at about £500 for a set of gaz,these are far superior to the standard bilstien shocks.
when i first had my tuscan it was all over the place it is rock solid now even at 170

[Ab Shocks]

Yes the Tuscans can be frighteningly unstable, it quite often comes down to a combination of a poor geometry set-up or duff dampers and springs.
Thankfully there are heaps of good indies out there and I would recomend a visit to get an opinion because whilst aftermarket suspension kits will improve your car, it may be just a question of getting all the wheels pointing in the right direction.

I've set up loads of Tuscans and I'm sorry to say that I have only had one car in that was anywhere near right,I think it had been set-up by Warren at Topcats and was pretty close to perfect, the rest were dog poo.

[so called]

Derek (Ab Shocks) did mine. Thank you Derek amazing improvement.

[shadey]

Yep, mine has standard shocks and no aero pack and is well unstable especially under hard braking...................I like it!!! (also helps to keep the wife from getting behind the wheel)

[Devil's Advocate]

There is no question that Tuscan high speed stability is nowhere near as good as comparable high speed motors (Porsche, Ferrari, Lambo...). At 165+ the front of the car goes very light ("S" spec is better because of front spoiler(s) but by no means good). Geo, suspension hardwear, ride heights and tyre specs/ sizes/ pressures can have a massive impact on how the cars feel/ behave but even the best set up cars are very lary so be very careful about where you try the for the big speeds. Tracks/ runways have much better surfaces generally so they tend to flatter the car whereas public highways (Germany or otherwise ) have imperfections that make the car behave rather differently.