Tuscan Advice

[Munkeyfeet]

I am sure it has been asked but having trawled back through many pages I couldnt see anything that answered the query.

I want a TVR as a second car. Having re-searched T350c's I had massive concerns over the engines and any that had put the Racing Green FFF engine in were out of my price range (£20k).

Is the Tuscan the same engine?

Any advice on not getting a dud?

[MARTEN]

Hi, yess both use the straight six engine, allthough a Tuscan with a rebuilt can be bought under 20k,
I bought my 2003 Tuscan S with an engine rebuilt done by TVR Power for 17.500 and still a year left of the warranty

This was all paid for by the first owner, he had kept every invoice from new,
couldn't ask for a better example, as no expense had been saved

regards, Marten

Edited by MARTEN on Monday 1st February 18:32

[beano500]

A good question.

Munkeyfeet said:

I am sure it has been asked ...

There's been plenty of discuassion over the years But you can be forgiven for finding it a minefield!

As it happens mine is up for sale after six years, and I have naturally been thinking of all the questions a prospective purchaser would come up with. Apart from talking to the previous owner, all we know that is documented is that the engine was "reworked" in Blackpool. I think you will generally find the same. If you find a very low mileage car that doesn't appear to have had anything done you might want to think carefully, but otherwise the early cars wouldn't have lasted so long if they were going to go, and the later cars (generally speaking) shouldn't be a problem.

But you also need to know intangibles like "how has the car been warmed up" - which I fear you can never know for sure!

[Munkeyfeet]

Thanks - it is a worry.

How should the car be warmed up? Should it also be allowed to warm down?

Is there any sign the engine is on its way out?

Any warranties that cover an engine going POP? Do those companies want to see the car before issuing a warranty?

[beano500]

Munkeyfeet said:

How should the car be warmed up? Should it also be allowed to warm down?

Warming up: the pistons need to expand, so usually they sound like a bag of spanners at cold. Keep them below 2,500 - 3,000 revs until warm - drive them, don't let them just stand. "Warm" is oil temperature reading above 60 degrees in my book. Then it'll sound different - you'll "know" it's warmed through, because it tells you - and you're off.....

Providing you have oil all round the engine, I don't think there's need to worry about warming down - it's not like a turbo. But you do want to let the engine run for a moment and check (dry sump) oil level after each run when still hot.

[TuscanNick]

OP, you have mail.

[TheGroves]

I have a Mk1 Tuscan and have put 50k on one of Dom's TVR Power rebuilds. Use it, treat it right, service it and the engines are great in my experience.