Tuscan additions

[davemac250]

To start, I have tried the search function for something similar and have found nothing covering this.

There probably is something mind.

After a two year period of working constantly, building a business I find myself in the position where I can buy the Tuscan I promised myself.

I've tested a few, read up on the S6 problems and know the two considered approaches - buy the best avaiable in budget from a dealer with a rebuild and warranty v's cheap as possible and have the budget for a rebuild if needed.

Both work as far as I am concerned where the totals are the same.

But, what I haven't found is a thread listing the various upgrades and conversions that should/could be considered afterwards - thinking heat pads, revised oil pathways, changing oil spec, anything and everything else out there - I'll probably skip on sticking magnets on an oil pipe though - although an old car of mine had a magnitised swarf trap on the oil filter.


There seems to be lots of individual threads with little conclusions to be drawn on the effect these things have.

So who has done what?

Who has seen improvements?

Who has suffered inspite of taking precautions?

The idea is to work out if the cheap purchase route, plus some/all preventative measures should work towards delaying engine work till I can afford the 4.5 option

Oh, and yes, I fully appreciate that I could buy in at the cheaper end and have no issue at all. Which would be ideal!

[SP6 Animal]

You don't need any of what you have mentioned.

[Smooth Smith]

In terms of engine longevity, if you buy one without a rebuild, make sure it's a good one by having it inspected first.

An engine heating pad could be a useful addition (I'm about to try one) so that the oil is warm before you crank the engine. Other than that, just make sure you follow the correct warming up procedure. As said, the rest you don't need.

[Davel]

I went for the best Mark 2 that I could find and afford.

I bought from Hexham Horseless Carriages a very low mileage, one owner 2005 model and she runs absolutely faultlessly.

It wasn't the colour that I was looking for but she really looks stunning.

I also bought a warranty just be to safe because I know very little about engines etc.

Sadly, the wife hates it!

[so called]

If the rebuild is fairly recent then the improvements such as new oilways should be included.
It may be worth your while calling someone like TVR Power or Str8six and get a list of whats included in a rebuild.
I had mine done at Str8six.
Additionally I had the throttle bodies upgraded with roller bearings for the butterfly flaps shafts.
This made a tremendous difference to the running of the engine.
Also good new shocks and geometry set up can make a big big difference and are an important question as its a four figure upgrade if need to do it afterwards. Even so well worth the improved feel.

Good hunting,
Tony.

[330p4]

Dave i have the raceproved pre oiler fitted which builds up oil pressure & sprays the top end of the engine where oil flow is slow to reach i know there are people on here who say if its going to let go it will do but i could only see this has a benefit i inspected my finger followers before purchase & so far so good but as others have said get 65 deg C oil temp before opening the taps try & keep below 2500 rpm before this.Good luck & enjoy the car when you get it
Ian

[davemac250]

330p4 - thanks, sort of thing I was looking for.

I believe that is the more expensive of the two options that try and address the possible oil starvation to the valve gear for cylinder 6 - the other being a drip system?

Be interesting to know if there has been any degradation (I hope not), although as many will point out, yours could well be a good one in any case.

[Robertjp]

Congratulations on deciding to buy a tuscan!!

Other things to consider upgrading / replacing once you are happy with the engine

Throttle bodies as so called mentioned, throttle pots at the same time. Makes a big difference.
Decat and new ecu chip, makes afurther improvement to engine 'snoothness' oh...and noise !!
Shocks / springs, wishbone bushes (don't go to poly bushes but replace tired ones when you do the shocks)
Front wheel spacers
Big fuse change to 125A
Tank to pump fuel hose, perishes and can cause fires, upgrade to marine grade hose
Window wipers (better washing and cleaning for windscreen)
HIDS dipped beam, standard aren't up to much!
Gearstick heat sink (prevents burning your hands on a hot knob....)
Raceproved rear window clips, reduces squeak and allows driving with screen still in
Hinged bonnet (I wish I had it, v useful!!)
Upgrade cam cover (lobed version drips oil onto followers, cheaper than the raceproved pre oiler and not as effective I wouldn't think, but then its 10% of the price of the RP solution!!
Plus a few others,
Hope that's what you are after!
Rob

[330p4]

Dave i have seen no degradation on the top end since the preoiler was fitted & whilst the drip system is cheaper my car is occasional use it takes time for oil to reach the top of the engine before it can drip from the cam cover.The pre-oil system builds up pressure for the bearings & sprays a fine jet of oil onto each cam lobe & follower before the engine will start far better on any engine but particularly on one in occassional use IMO. I figured £1K for the kit to be good preventative maintenance as opposed to a possible 5/6/7/8K rebuild.To be fair a couple of our group have early cars with no rebuild & no problems & one 2005 T350 owner had an engine failure at 18K. I plan to keep the car so compared to the price of a service it seemed sensible to do it. Also as robert says check/replace your fuel lines OE are rubbish hope this helps
Ian