Does the Tuscan S have the same engine problems?

[Smooth Smith]

I have seen a Tuscan S with low mileage (15k ish) which has not had a rebuild. I am aware of the issues with the S6 engine but wondered whether the 'S' is known to have similar problems. Were the weaker parts in this model uprated to cope with the extra power?

I said I wouldn't buy a car without a rebuild for peace of mind but this is the right colour combo (I know I shouldn't buy on colour), has SH and has had the valve clearances checked.

Any advice appreciated.

Smooth

[Allandwf]

I was led to believe that post 2003 had better engine lifes.

Edited by Allandwf on Monday 6th September 16:38

[Smooth Smith]

Yes, I had read that also. This is an earlier car though, 2002.

[dpd3047]

The changes were iron guides as apposed to bronze and fophur coated valves
to run in iron guides chilled iron cams and better quality followers.

[Robertjp]

The components that prematurely fail / wear are no different between the s spec and standard spec engines, there in fact isnt much difference between them. I think it just adds up to different pistons, a slightly higher compression ratio and larger injectors.

The parts that you probably need to be aware of are the camshafts and finger followers first and foremost, but after this valve guides and stem seals.

As someone has said, the pre 03 cars has cheaper, inconsistent materials used in the camshafts and followers, they would wear rapidly and the typical failure was a shim popping out and going thru the engine until it reached the scavenge pump, jamming it snapping the chain and resulting in 0 psi pressure!! I say inconsistent because some early cars are going strong, this isnt clear cut.

Hope that helps, the main message with any pre 03 speed 6 that hasnt had a rebuild is to get it checked by a specialist

[G20RG B]

03 cars are certainly a better bet but not all pre 03 cars had poor quality parts, it was only when TVR changed to Indian suppliers that the quality suffered, as I understand it, and they changed suppliers fairly regular as they reached there credit limits.
A specialist should be able to tell what spec of cam/followers and wear you have, I have a 2003 SP6 30k miles been checked and given a clean bill of health I warm it up properly and It goes like stink, I don't expect any issues with it anytime soon and I never had any issues with my Tuscan 2001 either 28k miles when sold.
I was in the same boat ,car was in the correct colour /spec /condition and price I bought mine 1 year ago and have not regretted it at all. Although I did get a Cerb this time..

[Smooth Smith]

Yes, many thanks for the comments which are helpful.

I intend having an inspection done on anything I decide on but ideally wanted the peace of mind of a rebuilt engine. Although I have the money to look after it properly, I don't have a spare £5k burning a hole should the worst happen. I know there are no guarantees but it is minimising the risk with a rebuilt engine.

Andy

[nawarne]

I have an '04 Mk.1 just passed 36K miles. At the last 12K service, the garage (Dave Batty) advised that valve clearances were right on spec - I had a good'un.
A local chap with a T350 on an '03 plate had over 57K miles on the car - and nothing more than routine servicing.

I'd say that if you can speak with the folks that service the car, and get their opinion/records, - ie valve clearances, then that should indicate health of the top end.

Good hunting!
Nick