I have to ask.....
Discussion
Ok, I have to ask....
I know there are lots of different threads which talk around this subject but I'm interested in going from a Griffith to a Cerbera and know what to look for in terms of chassis etc.
However, I'd like some definitive advice about engines. Received wisdom seems to be that the 4.5s tend to be more reliable than the 4.2s and that the pre-98 4.2s should be avoided. Is this correct and if so, is there any definitive date before which I shouldn't touch a 4.2 with the proverbial barge pole?
I'm also quite interested in the speed six. I believe all 6 cylinder Cerberas are 4 litres. Is this correct and what do I need to look out for here?
As you'll have gathered, I am more interested in reliability than I am ultimate performance but want to go in with my eyes open and would like to understand what a full rebuild on any of hte engines might cost if the worst happens.....
Any help/advice gratefully received....
I know there are lots of different threads which talk around this subject but I'm interested in going from a Griffith to a Cerbera and know what to look for in terms of chassis etc.
However, I'd like some definitive advice about engines. Received wisdom seems to be that the 4.5s tend to be more reliable than the 4.2s and that the pre-98 4.2s should be avoided. Is this correct and if so, is there any definitive date before which I shouldn't touch a 4.2 with the proverbial barge pole?
I'm also quite interested in the speed six. I believe all 6 cylinder Cerberas are 4 litres. Is this correct and what do I need to look out for here?
As you'll have gathered, I am more interested in reliability than I am ultimate performance but want to go in with my eyes open and would like to understand what a full rebuild on any of hte engines might cost if the worst happens.....
Any help/advice gratefully received....
Any engine can be problematic if not properly maintained. I for myself have heard horror stories on the S6 when I was searching for my Cerbera, but I know quite some folks now that are happy with their S6.
Long story short: Do not make your search even more difficult than it will be. Try finding a car that has been taken care of and is in a good order. Buy on condition, be prepared for expenses (as they will come anyway), and you could become a happy Cerb owner.
Long story short: Do not make your search even more difficult than it will be. Try finding a car that has been taken care of and is in a good order. Buy on condition, be prepared for expenses (as they will come anyway), and you could become a happy Cerb owner.
There are post-factory S6 conversions with larger motors (some of which have 100K guarantees). If you're worried about crank problems then confine your V8 search to 4.5s. I can recommend post 2000 4.5s. I'm 84K and counting but I know that there are other engine formats that have achieved much greater mileage.
As has been said, youre best bet is to talk to the vendor (and if a garage then find out from them the previous owner's contacts - and don't take any of that "client confidentiality" rubbish. Every owner wants to talk about their Tiv).
If you find a knowledgable, enthusiastic and informative chap(ess) then you will know what you're taking on. If not then walk.
Job jobbed (Thanks Fubes)
p.s. Depending on your budget it's an idea to get a low-mileage wreck and get a replacement motor from Andy at APM.
As has been said, youre best bet is to talk to the vendor (and if a garage then find out from them the previous owner's contacts - and don't take any of that "client confidentiality" rubbish. Every owner wants to talk about their Tiv).
If you find a knowledgable, enthusiastic and informative chap(ess) then you will know what you're taking on. If not then walk.
Job jobbed (Thanks Fubes)
p.s. Depending on your budget it's an idea to get a low-mileage wreck and get a replacement motor from Andy at APM.
Edited by Mr Cerbera on Friday 3rd August 07:35
As for 4.2's with snapped crank shafts that was pre 98 cars IIRC as can be seen here.
http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...
If you go for a 4.2 after those years it will have a steel Crank like the 4.5 and will not be an issue. but do your home work what years they changed i know i am safe for sure on a 99 car
http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...
If you go for a 4.2 after those years it will have a steel Crank like the 4.5 and will not be an issue. but do your home work what years they changed i know i am safe for sure on a 99 car
If you go and try a Speed 6 prepare to be very disappointed (at first), compared to the your Griff it will come across as refined, smooth, torqueless and most un TVR like, plus worst of all slow!
Bare with it though! thats it's characteristics under 4000rpm - above 4000rpm and all merry hell breaks loose!!!
I would urge all Cerbera buyers to try and AJP and a S6 car as they have completely different personalities.
Obviously your going to get more you money with a S6 (average seems to be their worth about 4k less) however you could easily eat into that savings should it need a rebuild. However the S6 problems are now so well understood a 5k rebuild will result in a peach of an engine as I am sure NatBen will confirm.
Bare with it though! thats it's characteristics under 4000rpm - above 4000rpm and all merry hell breaks loose!!!
I would urge all Cerbera buyers to try and AJP and a S6 car as they have completely different personalities.
Obviously your going to get more you money with a S6 (average seems to be their worth about 4k less) however you could easily eat into that savings should it need a rebuild. However the S6 problems are now so well understood a 5k rebuild will result in a peach of an engine as I am sure NatBen will confirm.
Edited by PuffsBack on Friday 3rd August 09:52
grahamn said:
The other thing to realise is, bar the willy waving and bar bragging rights, in the real world you will see very little difference in performance from all 3 varriants. It is not until you are way into 3 figures that the bigger bhp of the 4.5 will start to show any difference.
....nah........dont believe that!!!...........the 4.5 is the best by far!!!!!....haha!!!!!!esso said:
grahamn said:
The other thing to realise is, bar the willy waving and bar bragging rights, in the real world you will see very little difference in performance from all 3 varriants. It is not until you are way into 3 figures that the bigger bhp of the 4.5 will start to show any difference.
....nah........dont believe that!!!...........the 4.5 is the best by far!!!!!....haha!!!!!!
grahamn said:
The other thing to realise is, bar the willy waving and bar bragging rights, in the real world you will see very little difference in performance from all 3 varriants. It is not until you are way into 3 figures that the bigger bhp of the 4.5 will start to show any difference.
That had always been my view which is why I was asking about reliability etc. It would be wrong to say I'm not interested in the performance because of the typ eof car it is but I do realise it's all relative.As ever - some excellent advice from PH. I'll be keeping an eye on the classifieds.....
I've had a 4.2 and have a 4.5, both are obviously awesome (as is the 4) but they are different.
As with all things TVR, any 2 cars of the same model can be very, very different.
Try them all.
Characteristics of one may suit suit you better than another. All are damn fast and brutal.
Or og for a 4.7/44.8....
As with all things TVR, any 2 cars of the same model can be very, very different.
Try them all.
Characteristics of one may suit suit you better than another. All are damn fast and brutal.
Or og for a 4.7/44.8....
Gassing Station | Cerbera | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff