New owner - couple of questions

[TurboNelly]

Always wanted a TVR from my boyhood days of drooling over the old "wedges", and am now finally in a position to buy my first one My budget is around £25k (maybe £30k at a push).

Have decided on an 8 cylinder Cerbera (after a marvellous grin-inducing test drive at Mole Valley) but just have a couple of questions for you Trevor-gurus:

1) I was a little disappointed to read on a few threads here that the factory power claims are generally wildly optimistic. Are there any simple mods or tricks that can be carried out to push the power closer to the claimed figures? Also, if i go for a 4.5 (which i probably will now i know about the true bhp figures), how much is the RR conversion and is it worth it?

2) Many of the cars i have seen are "lightweight" editions. What exactly was removed from these to make them even lighter than the standard cars, and is there any noticable difference?

Many thanks in advance,

Neil Stanton.

[tony-tvr]

Hi Niel, just buy one and enjoy it. The proclaimed bhp figures/real bhp are irrelevant.. the cars are stupid fast as is..unless you want to scrap your license it will be plenty powerful enough. RR conversions have mixed reoprts. some say increase, some say none. Buy it, drive it, scare yourself silly a few times and then see if you need the RR conversion.

[gbbird]

theres people on here more clued up than I, but in terms of the lightweight versions i dont think there is much in it at all - in fact i recall reading a post where a lightweight car was in fact heavier than a non lightweight!

Good luck with the searching and enjoy

[GCerbera]

Welcome!

The LW version was introduced for the 2000 model with changes to the lights, A pillars,
roofline and seats.
A lightweight bonnet, doors and bootlid were also brought in saving about 40kg.

For a RR conversion, talk to these people.
TVR Power
Closed until next Tuesday though.

For a class car - talk to this guy - also away until next week.
James Agger Autosport

Good luck!

Go create some weather...
Graham
TCR The Cerbera Register

www.TVR-Cerbera.com

[J_S_G]

TurboNelly said:

if i go for a 4.5 (which i probably will now i know about the true bhp figures), how much is the RR conversion and is it worth it?

The only engine-power related reason to go for the 4.5 is if you're going to RR it, in my opinion. In standard spec, I'd say that you're actually paying for uprated brakes and claims of displacement rather than much improved straight line speed.

[TurboNelly]

Thanks for the comments guys. Will post details when i've bought the beast!