Differences between 4.5, lightweight and Red Rose
Discussion
Evening all. I've been looking into Cerbera ownership for a while now and have test driven a few 4.2's. However, following some recent posts by others about 4.2 cranks breaking (which I know is a fairly uncommon thing by all accounts), I have nevertheless widened my net to 4.5's.
However, the 4.5 models seems to have a few variations and I'm interested in understanding what the differences actually are, and what if anything, should be given more consideration.
Apologies for the newbie type question, and I know for example that the lightweight should be self explanatory. But for example, what components have been ditched or lightened to classify as a lightweight and how would I check it out/verify it?
Checking out the classifieds, the credit crunch is starting to dent prices slightly and whilst as a petrol head I don't want to gain from some else's loss (not to mention pride and joy), it does seem to be turning into a buyers market. So I am eager to know the differences in 4.5 specifications before I go and test drive any, as I don't want to waste anyones time. Appreciate you help.
However, the 4.5 models seems to have a few variations and I'm interested in understanding what the differences actually are, and what if anything, should be given more consideration.
Apologies for the newbie type question, and I know for example that the lightweight should be self explanatory. But for example, what components have been ditched or lightened to classify as a lightweight and how would I check it out/verify it?
Checking out the classifieds, the credit crunch is starting to dent prices slightly and whilst as a petrol head I don't want to gain from some else's loss (not to mention pride and joy), it does seem to be turning into a buyers market. So I am eager to know the differences in 4.5 specifications before I go and test drive any, as I don't want to waste anyones time. Appreciate you help.
Lightweight are the heavier newer cars with the quad front lights. Red rose are the higher compression (amongst other little tweaks) 4.5s with more power as standard, the 4.5 non RR/pre LW is either quad headlighted or not, the earlier ones enerally proving to be real lighter weight cars. 
The reality is, two identicle spec 4.5s are likely to be as different as say a LW v non LW... the RR is usually more powerful, but the gap can be closed with decent exhausts/ induction/ remaps. Buy the best you can find, if its a known car to us on here - all the better to understand how its been looked after.
All the best with it.
The reality is, two identicle spec 4.5s are likely to be as different as say a LW v non LW... the RR is usually more powerful, but the gap can be closed with decent exhausts/ induction/ remaps.
Buy the best you can find, if its a known car to us on here - all the better to understand how its been looked after. All the best with it.
LW apparently designates "Large Windscreen" rather than "Lightweight", as despite having a slightly lighter bonnet (and no sun-visors?), they're actually 100-and-a-bit kg heavier (as a previous poster mentioned).
With either a 'cooking' 4.5 or a RR, you'll want to mod the intake and chip anyway, so I think the only significant engine difference is slightly higher compression in the RR.
With either a 'cooking' 4.5 or a RR, you'll want to mod the intake and chip anyway, so I think the only significant engine difference is slightly higher compression in the RR.
TVR made the 4.5 'Light Weight' by removing the sun visors.
Cheers
DB.
Seriously though, I believe the bonnet is lighter, but not much else. I think the later 4.5s from 2000 onwards had the option of quad pod lights, and from 2003, they were all blended?
As already mentioned, the red rose has higher compression and the switchable map for 95/97 octane.
The LW cerbs, generally aren't, although it's accepted, each one may be different. Someone a while back weighed their lightweight at over 1100kg, whereas their 1996 (?) cerb was well under 1100.
You could ask to put it on the scales prior to buying?
Cheers
DB.
Seriously though, I believe the bonnet is lighter, but not much else. I think the later 4.5s from 2000 onwards had the option of quad pod lights, and from 2003, they were all blended?
As already mentioned, the red rose has higher compression and the switchable map for 95/97 octane.
The LW cerbs, generally aren't, although it's accepted, each one may be different. Someone a while back weighed their lightweight at over 1100kg, whereas their 1996 (?) cerb was well under 1100.
You could ask to put it on the scales prior to buying?
amazon said:
C3BER said:
The Red Rose Lightweight will be the one in front, stirs pot with large wooden spoon.
I don't know about that - a 4.2 in the right hands mostly views traffic from the rear view mirror 
(Or did you think you might have got away with this comment?
).
Yep, you did.
or two for keeping us safe! 
Nefarious said:
LW apparently designates "Large Windscreen" rather than "Lightweight", as despite having a slightly lighter bonnet (and no sun-visors?), they're actually 100-and-a-bit kg heavier (as a previous poster mentioned).
With either a 'cooking' 4.5 or a RR, you'll want to mod the intake and chip anyway, so I think the only significant engine difference is slightly higher compression in the RR.
Then I must be the only person with a 4.2 LW as I have no sun visors eitherWith either a 'cooking' 4.5 or a RR, you'll want to mod the intake and chip anyway, so I think the only significant engine difference is slightly higher compression in the RR.
Here is a LW 4.5 although new to TVR's it seems the bonnet, boot, and many other panels I have removed to date are carbon to keep the weight down but I agree they are meant to come in at about 1100kg although may stick it on the scales and see. Insides are real nice and mines a 2000 and seats have not brocken or look like they will reference to previous post? Sports Exaust, short induction and chip should give you close to 400 hp or a little more?
amazon said:
C3BER said:
The Red Rose Lightweight will be the one in front, stirs pot with large wooden spoon.
I don't know about that - a 4.2 in the right hands mostly views traffic from the rear view mirror (Or did you think you might have got away with this comment?
).greenm said:
....a LW 4.5 although new to TVR's it seems the bonnet, boot, and many other panels I have removed to date are carbon to keep the weight down ....
Not seen or heard of a cerb before with carbon bonnet or boot. Carbon al and otehrs can make up carbon panels but never seen these beyond under engine or dashboard treatments. Gassing Station | Cerbera | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff