Best engine?
Best engine?
Author
Discussion

neilmc73

Original Poster:

18 posts

181 months

Sunday 4th December 2011
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What is the best engine to get whenlookinh for a Cerb? Will be doing about 6k a year and be used 2-3 times a week. Thanks

Killer Rhubarb

388 posts

207 months

Sunday 4th December 2011
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Speed six 4.0 in my opinion. Easiest to live with. This forum is mostly populated with V8 boys and they will gun me down on sight any second........ shoot

scotty_d

6,795 posts

223 months

Sunday 4th December 2011
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Killer Rhubarb said:
Speed six 4.0 in my opinion. Easiest to live with. This forum is mostly populated with V8 boys and they will gun me down on sight any second........ shoot
Correct shoot

V8 all the way.

Never owned a sp6 so can't comment but the 4.2 ajp is good fun biggrin

ukkid35

6,411 posts

202 months

Sunday 4th December 2011
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neilmc73

Original Poster:

18 posts

181 months

Sunday 4th December 2011
quotequote all
I take it there is a 4l six cyl, a 4.2 V8 and a 4.5 V8?

Gazzab

21,637 posts

311 months

Sunday 4th December 2011
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If you dont know the history of the S6 then take a while to read up.
I have only ever owned V8 TVRs. But a good S6 is a great car I'm sure, just a bit down on torque but more useable everyday. Just buy one that has had a reputable rebuild in the last 2 or 3 years.
The S6's used to be much cheaper than the V8s but as they get older the prices have levelled a lot between the models.
If you want all out power then a tuned 4.5 or Red Rose 4.5 is the way to go.
If you arent that fussed then then buy the best car you can find. Ideally not from a generalist dealer but from a known owner on here.

neilmc73

Original Poster:

18 posts

181 months

Sunday 4th December 2011
quotequote all
I've read on a couple of threads to stay clear of the 6 cyl but ive also heard, as you say gazz that it's a better bet as a everyday car. I hada look at a couple of mas 4200's and 3200's and asked a few questions on here but, they are/can be very expensive to run and service. I understand the Cerb won't be cheap, but is it generally considered that the 6 is a easier car to live with?

robsco

7,875 posts

205 months

Sunday 4th December 2011
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neilmc73 said:
I take it there is a 4l six cyl, a 4.2 V8 and a 4.5 V8?
Correct.

General consensus seems to be that the Speed Six is the easiest to live with but not quite as mental as the V8s. The 4.2 is a little grumpier and has a slightly more aggressive cam profile than a 4.5 and as such isn't as easy to drive but the 4.5s are torquier and ultimately the quickest, particularly after remapping and short induction modifications. To be honest there is still very little on the roads today that could keep up with any of them, so you're probably best off driving a few and buying on condition as opposed to narrowing your options to a single engine.

ETA - I find my 4.2 an absolute joy to live with. It does run a little lumpily around 2k rpm, like most of them seem to do, but its more of an imperfection than an annoyance. You'll be amazed no matter which engine you go for.

C3BER

4,714 posts

252 months

Sunday 4th December 2011
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In my 4.5RR I'm bigger than a straight 6...

So since I've been told my car is a penis extension you might as well have a big one! smile

Edited by C3BER on Sunday 4th December 21:26

andydw

255 posts

184 months

Monday 5th December 2011
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I'll put in a shout for the Speed 6. My usage is about the same as yours, and it is my main vehicle. I wouldn't say the drive is relaxing, the engine lacks torque at low revs, but it is not a difficult drive. A rebuild is pretty much essential though - mine was done by Austec and the car drives brilliantly.

I like the engine characteristics and the note, and it is something a bit different. You won't be disapppointed.

anonymous-user

83 months

Monday 5th December 2011
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C3BER said:
So since I've been told my car is a penis extension you might as well have a big one! smile
IN that case 8 is most certainly better than 6!!
biggrin

Gazzab

21,637 posts

311 months

Monday 5th December 2011
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Dont forget the LS engines too !
Not seen a cerb LS sold privately yet but there are at least 3 good 'uns out there that would be a great buy if/when they sell them on.

Obiwonkeyblokey

5,400 posts

269 months

Monday 5th December 2011
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Ive had all three and my personal fave is the 4.5 although I currently have a late 4.2 ( with the 4.5 bottom end)

The only reason I prefer them is they feel racier and more special. I found my SS more refined and quick, I just have a personal preference for the V8.

The reason I got a 4.2 rather than a 4.5 this time around was I was buying on condition and I bought the best one available at the time.

C3BER

4,714 posts

252 months

Monday 5th December 2011
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Gazzab said:
Dont forget the LS engines too !
Not seen a cerb LS sold privately yet but there are at least 3 good 'uns out there that would be a great buy if/when they sell them on.
My god the title says "Best Engine", and you mention LS, do you need to confess something.

robsco

7,875 posts

205 months

Monday 5th December 2011
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C3BER said:
Gazzab said:
Dont forget the LS engines too !
Not seen a cerb LS sold privately yet but there are at least 3 good 'uns out there that would be a great buy if/when they sell them on.
My god the title says "Best Engine", and you mention LS, do you need to confess something.
Don't let that debate start again Mick!

Gazzab

21,637 posts

311 months

Monday 5th December 2011
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I wanted to get in there before 'the others'.

C3BER

4,714 posts

252 months

Monday 5th December 2011
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boxedin who me Rob smile

Stick in the eye there Gaz.

natben

2,749 posts

260 months

Monday 5th December 2011
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I thought I wanted a V8 but ended up buying the best Cerb I could find at the time which was a SP6. My advice is do not limit you choice to which engine it has but get the best all round car you can for your money. Which ever engine you get you won't be dissapointed.

George

Mr Cerbera

5,151 posts

259 months

Monday 5th December 2011
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Killer Rhubarb said:
Speed six 4.0 in my opinion. Easiest to live with. This forum is mostly populated with V8 boys and they will gun me down on sight any second........ shoot
Don't think it matters - as long as it's a good 'un

Can't imagine what "easiest to live with" means.

HarryW

16,027 posts

298 months

Monday 5th December 2011
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Out of the box, late 4.2 with 4.5 bottom end imho.