Is the AJP8 reliable?

[Smooth Smith]

Haven't decided as yet whether to go down the Cerb or Tuscan route.

The S6 issues are well documented as are the upgrades available. Is the AJP8 considered more reliable (assuming properly warmed up & serviced) & are there any major weaknesses, i.e issues that would require a rebuild?

Apologies if this has been covered previously.

Thanks, Andy

[BCA]

Hard to tell yet, we dont really do many miles in ours anymore, but it is still going strong at 92k miles...

[cerdad]

Ive had mine 3 years and 14000 miles later ive had no problems ,ive had all the servicing done and warm it up ,not unleashing for 10 miles, 52k and still awesome!.

[Mr Completely]

Perfect at 72K !

[itiejim]

Most of the S6 issues seem to be that TVR used poor quality materials and really shouldn't have been building engines themselves. Having rebuilt my own AJP V8, I'd say that the materials were much better, however, as to whether anyone at TVR should have been allowed to build an engine...

Overall, I'd say that the S6 has well documented problems and you can expect trouble at some point. Having said that, TVR Power, amongst others, seem to have worked out how to get big power of of them with good reliability. The AJP is a fundamentally well designed engine made with good quality parts (except for some of the early cranks) however, it's rather down to luck as to whether yours is a good one or not.

So... overall, yes, the AJP is a better bet, but there are no guarantees!

[mikeinsheffield]

If you look at other thread - seems that you can treat the clutch as a consumable item, and one or two of us have had problems with the gearbox (just had mine rebuilt). I put new (RaceProved) clutch in mine at approx 25K (together with the lightweight flywheel while at it), gearbox rebuild at 28K.

The AJP engine was "tested" by TVR in the Tuscan race series I think - therefore this has helped with the testing and bringing to the surface potential issues. However - engine needs to be thoroughly warmed through before giving it the spuds, and also getting it regularly serviced by a knowledgable expert....

AJPV8 a unique driving experience tho' - quite a raw and immediate engine, very willing to rev, can be driven at low revs but not having the torquey feel of the "rover" V8 at low revs, really starts to pick up at about 4K and then howls round to the rev beep (about 7 - 7.2K) with real ferocity. Plently of pops and bangs on the overrun too! heh heh

[davidd]

Look at it this way, a rebuilt s6 is going to be a great engine, a reliable ajp8 is an astounding engine...

Mines just clicked over to 70k miles, was in bits last year to get the seals replaced (Austec) and was pronounced to be in fine condition.

D

[snookes]

I bought my cerb a year ago 4.2 with a full engine rebuild 8k miles ago.
It snapped a camshaft a couple of months ago so I've sold the engine etc and going down the LS route

Anthony

[Smooth Smith]

Thanks for all the replies.

I am going into this with my eyes open so am fully prepared for servicing costs & would always ensure it's warmed up before giving it the beans (not that I drive that quickly anyway).

I hadn't read about any known problems with the AJP8 & therefore your comments are reassuring. I am however under no illusions that there are any guarantees seeing as every car is different.

I have read various comments about clutch replacement and other items but just didn't want to be faced with a 7/8k bill for a rebuild. If I do go for an S6 car, I hope to find one with a rebuild.

Andy

[Mr Completely]

Smooth Smith said:

....just didn't want to be faced with a 7/8k bill for a rebuild. ....
Andy

You can get an AJP and exchange whatever state of motor it has for a 4.7 special from Andy at APM for 5.5K so you'll never have to pay out those sort of sovs

[WorAl]

Smooth Smith said:

If I do go for an S6 car, I hope to find one with a rebuild.

Andy