Speed 6 or AJP V8
Discussion
I've been drooling over TVRs for a couple of months (years) and am finally in a position to make the plunge.
What is the general concensus on the Speed 6 engine, I've heard of failures and expensive rebuilds and that the V8 is more reliable (although running costs are higher).
Are newer versions of the engine less likely to fail, have the problems been ironed out in later cerbs?
I've test driven several V8s including a Red Rose, but I'm wondering if I am doing myself a disservice by ruling out the speed 6, after all it's the same engine used in other TVRs.
Any opinions greatly received.
What is the general concensus on the Speed 6 engine, I've heard of failures and expensive rebuilds and that the V8 is more reliable (although running costs are higher).
Are newer versions of the engine less likely to fail, have the problems been ironed out in later cerbs?
I've test driven several V8s including a Red Rose, but I'm wondering if I am doing myself a disservice by ruling out the speed 6, after all it's the same engine used in other TVRs.
Any opinions greatly received.
The only new part you'll struggle to get for a AJP8 is a block .. everything else is available in a variety of stages of tune so no worries there 
The SP6 is a viable choice now there are good engine rebuilds out there, so no need to cross it off your list at all. In fact if you want one buy one now before residuals start levelling on the back of increased consumer confidence.
At the mo a SP6 cerbie is a bargain, and as long as someone hasn't ruined the handling with 18 inch wheels they're the best handling TVR ever made, a proper driftastic machine with instant throttle response and a comfortable everyday ride to boot!
My money wuld still buy an AJP8 just because of it's potential power output, but it's not for everyone .. crikey it's a bugger when TVR's greatest ever car gives you a headache over which variant to buy!
The SP6 is a viable choice now there are good engine rebuilds out there, so no need to cross it off your list at all. In fact if you want one buy one now before residuals start levelling on the back of increased consumer confidence.
At the mo a SP6 cerbie is a bargain, and as long as someone hasn't ruined the handling with 18 inch wheels they're the best handling TVR ever made, a proper driftastic machine with instant throttle response and a comfortable everyday ride to boot!
My money wuld still buy an AJP8 just because of it's potential power output, but it's not for everyone .. crikey it's a bugger when TVR's greatest ever car gives you a headache over which variant to buy!
Yes, the speed 6 is a good bargain at the mo. But then again I've seen some AJP8s going for stupid money on the classifieds too. So thats the money standpiont.
As for the car itself, go for a 4.5. If you get a speed 6, you'll hear a decatted 4.5 on a TVR hoon one day and kick youself in the nads very hard and ask yourself why you went for the 6.
What do you want, full cream or skimmed?
As for the car itself, go for a 4.5. If you get a speed 6, you'll hear a decatted 4.5 on a TVR hoon one day and kick youself in the nads very hard and ask yourself why you went for the 6.
What do you want, full cream or skimmed?
s5tvr said:
Any ideas on what the power output diiferences are between the SP6, 4.2 V8 and 4.5 V8 in the real world (i.e dyno results) and not TVR quoted figures ?.
All pretty close, and in the real world very fast. However, they're not alone now, there are a number of cars that are close or as quick now, even some uber-saloons.
4.5s seem to have the most tuning potential, so if you want to spend your time on a rolling road, they're the ones to go for (apparently)
I've done track days where there were S6s, 4.2s ans 4.5s. All fast, but not as fast as Caterhams/GT3s etc.
caduceus said:
If you get a speed 6, you'll hear a decatted 4.5 on a TVR hoon one day and kick youself in the nads very hard and ask yourself why you went for the 6.
What do you want, full cream or skimmed?
What do you want, full cream or skimmed?
You clearly haven't heard my de-catted S6 with a sports zorst then
Since the re-build by TVR Craft the engine has distinctly different note - just ask Boss Cerbera
Unfortunately a new house purchase means that I'm also having to sell her after investing a small fortune over the past 18 months
JT
Talking about exhaust 'sounds', I've just gone froma 4.2 with a sports exhaust, to a 4.5 with a standard exhaust, and I much prefer the sound of my current one.
A Sports exhaust is Noisy, the standard has a nice growl to it, without being overly noisy. I'm not really into the 'Its got to be really LOUD thing, but it's subjective, just like music.
A Sports exhaust is Noisy, the standard has a nice growl to it, without being overly noisy. I'm not really into the 'Its got to be really LOUD thing, but it's subjective, just like music.
jensena said:
Talking about exhaust 'sounds', I've just gone froma 4.2 with a sports exhaust, to a 4.5 with a standard exhaust, and I much prefer the sound of my current one.
A Sports exhaust is Noisy, the standard has a nice growl to it, without being overly noisy. I'm not really into the 'Its got to be really LOUD thing, but it's subjective, just like music.
A Sports exhaust is Noisy, the standard has a nice growl to it, without being overly noisy. I'm not really into the 'Its got to be really LOUD thing, but it's subjective, just like music.
Have you thought of decatting the Cerb, but keeping the standard back box. Its what I have, and you get the best of both worlds. Quiet enough not to upset anyone at low throttle, and just menatl when you give it the berries. All with plenty of pops.
JT - Sorry to hear you are having to get rid of. Not heard a decatted 6 yet.
J.T. said:
Since the re-build by TVR Craft the engine has distinctly different note - just ask Boss Cerbera
Sounds ace! Sorry you're leaving the fold J.T. - hope you'll return. caduceus said:
...decatting the Cerb, but keeping the standard back box. Its what I have, and you get the best of both worlds. Quiet enough not to upset anyone at low throttle, and just menatl when you give it the berries. All with plenty of pops.
This is what my 4.5 has too. Best I reckon - standard rear box better for power too. [Edited to add: for the time being]
Edited by BossCerbera on Thursday 31st August 22:38
In my opinion anyone buying a second hand S6 right now or in the future needs to understand the engine issues and ask the seller the right questions. Further in my opinion there seems to be an increasing number of owners of late seeking quick fix bodge jobs (on the cheap). I speculate they will then be punting their cars on months later. Just check out the S6 engine forum at the moment there is at least one bodge job thread on this very line of subject now. Not good for the mark.
Is there a quick way - other than history - to check out if an S6 is good?
I mean, listening to it, smoke, smoothness, tone . . . or will it just say 'bang' and go ad random . . .
The mill in the Sagaris has everything you need: torque at low revs, linear power delivery, classic Brit exhaust note, excellent mpg.
I understand folks who drool over the 8 . . . but for a few cents less you've a sportscar as fast as you'll ever need.
A sixpot Cerb is a fine car now, isn't it. If there wasn't the V8-version you wouldn't bother I'm sure. As for the recent Tams, T's, Tuscs 'n Sags they look like fine cars to me. For the money they offer Rari performance. Even including a possible rebuilt you'd have 3 TVR's for one same period Italian . . . or two Porkers . . .
A Boxter? Anyone mention that one get outta here . . . Just look at them
I mean, listening to it, smoke, smoothness, tone . . . or will it just say 'bang' and go ad random . . .
The mill in the Sagaris has everything you need: torque at low revs, linear power delivery, classic Brit exhaust note, excellent mpg.
I understand folks who drool over the 8 . . . but for a few cents less you've a sportscar as fast as you'll ever need.
A sixpot Cerb is a fine car now, isn't it. If there wasn't the V8-version you wouldn't bother I'm sure. As for the recent Tams, T's, Tuscs 'n Sags they look like fine cars to me. For the money they offer Rari performance. Even including a possible rebuilt you'd have 3 TVR's for one same period Italian . . . or two Porkers . . .
A Boxter? Anyone mention that one get outta here . . .
Just look at them BossCerbera said:
caduceus said:
...decatting the Cerb, but keeping the standard back box. Its what I have, and you get the best of both worlds. Quiet enough not to upset anyone at low throttle, and just menatl when you give it the berries. All with plenty of pops.
This is what my 4.5 has too. Best I reckon - standard rear box better for power too. [Edited to add: for the time being]
Agreed, that's my preference
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