S6 - unreliable junk? yeah right!
Discussion
On our (me and step daughter, Kirsten) way back from SP today, we hit a HUGE traffic jam on the M42 – one of the junctions was totally closed, so little to no movement for over two hours in the blistering heat, cars constantly crawling, and I do mean crawling for over two hours, until we could get off at the Redditch/Hopwood junction. During this time, cars were dying quite literally left, right and centre, a Vauxhall Astra (new) spilt it’s coolant by the side of us, a couple of non descript cars died and were pushed to the hard shoulder to the left of us, and then, the nice shiny new BMW in front of us gave up the ghost – a muffled bang emanated from the car, followed by a huge plume of steam, and the coolant was emptied onto the road in front of me, I did what I could to help as he pushed the BMW to the hard shoulder, asking if he had a phone, he could have borrowed mine if not…
… At this point, I was convinced mine surely cannot last much longer, not if these ‘better built’ cars are dying all around me – I even made sure I had my RAC card in my wallet! But no, it kept rumbling on, sweet as you like, not a hint of bother from the S6 engine, even though it’s almost due for a top end rebuild – I can only assume that once warmed up, the S6 is as solid as the best engines out there (although my temp readings ranged from -10 to 256!), but like any TVR owner worth their salt, I ignored that and listened to the perfect rumblings of the engine to gauge the health!
There was another, albeit not so huge jam near Alcester, so we were stuck there, brains well poached by then, for another 45 minutes, but I think the Tam took it all better than we did – it got us home without the slightest hint of trouble, which is more than I can say for quite a few cars left by the roadside!
S6 unreliable, pah, give me a break!
… At this point, I was convinced mine surely cannot last much longer, not if these ‘better built’ cars are dying all around me – I even made sure I had my RAC card in my wallet! But no, it kept rumbling on, sweet as you like, not a hint of bother from the S6 engine, even though it’s almost due for a top end rebuild – I can only assume that once warmed up, the S6 is as solid as the best engines out there (although my temp readings ranged from -10 to 256!), but like any TVR owner worth their salt, I ignored that and listened to the perfect rumblings of the engine to gauge the health!
There was another, albeit not so huge jam near Alcester, so we were stuck there, brains well poached by then, for another 45 minutes, but I think the Tam took it all better than we did – it got us home without the slightest hint of trouble, which is more than I can say for quite a few cars left by the roadside!
S6 unreliable, pah, give me a break!
Edited by chris watton on Saturday 1st July 19:24
Terry Grant has had a Tamora for three years doing this kind of thing nearly every weekend. No problems.
This - Moleskins' Sagaris - set a world donut record (73) and has been used at Max Live like this 6 times a day. I've posted lots of pics to make the point: this was bouncing on the limiter ...on ...and on ...and on ... Sounded awesome!
This - Moleskins' Sagaris - set a world donut record (73) and has been used at Max Live like this 6 times a day. I've posted lots of pics to make the point: this was bouncing on the limiter ...on ...and on ...and on ... Sounded awesome!
What surprised me most was the amount of nearly new cars breaking down! Do people not check fluid levels anymore, or are cars not as reliable as we sometimes perceive them to be, or both? I don’t know what it was about today, but I haven’t seen so many breakdowns since the summer of ’76, when we took a trip down to Cornwall. (many an Austin lost their lives on Porlock Hill!)
At one point, when there seemed to be little chance of getting off the motorway this year, I was convinced my Tam would suffer the same fate, after all, the engine’s not in the best of health, it drinks oil quicker than a professional darts player drinks lager at the mo, worn valve guides etc, with all this in mind, and because of some of stuff posted on here, I thought my Tam was a gonner for sure… silly me!
I can only imagine how reliable it’s gonna be once Austec or Power do a top end jobby on it (have decided to go for a preventative cure at next service) – for my particular Tamora, it has been by far the most reliable car I have thus far owned – yes, they need looking after, but no more than any other equal, and if they are looked after, I know it won’t be me people smirk at on the hard shoulder, cos I’ll already be home, writing good stuff about my car on some forum or other……
There must be others on here that were stuck in that jam today, it seemed that the whole nation was on that motorway!
At one point, when there seemed to be little chance of getting off the motorway this year, I was convinced my Tam would suffer the same fate, after all, the engine’s not in the best of health, it drinks oil quicker than a professional darts player drinks lager at the mo, worn valve guides etc, with all this in mind, and because of some of stuff posted on here, I thought my Tam was a gonner for sure… silly me!
I can only imagine how reliable it’s gonna be once Austec or Power do a top end jobby on it (have decided to go for a preventative cure at next service) – for my particular Tamora, it has been by far the most reliable car I have thus far owned – yes, they need looking after, but no more than any other equal, and if they are looked after, I know it won’t be me people smirk at on the hard shoulder, cos I’ll already be home, writing good stuff about my car on some forum or other……
There must be others on here that were stuck in that jam today, it seemed that the whole nation was on that motorway!
Pleased your car went well. However, Im sorry to put a dent in this but my head gasket went again today. Right now I'm struggling to justify keeping the car and won't be buying another TVR if the rumoured new V8 model ends up costing nearer 50k to get to any kind of decent spec.
Now its failed twice the girlfriend isn't confident in the car, thus she won't go on our planned trip around Germany in about a months time in the car. To be honest I don't blame her. Since the new head gasket the car hasn't been over 6,000 revs (and that was 500 miles later). I've treated it extra gently on purpose since rebuild too.
Oh, £44.50 each, one way from Congleton to High Wycombe on the train (car being relayed to David Hendry the dealer). No wonder people don't use f-ing public transport. Plus the new leaning trains (or the track) are not very comfy. Plus £89.25 to add her to the insurance this week. More money down the toilet. Not to mention our weekend away.
At least I'm getting my money's worth from the AA.
Now to search out the articles where Smolensky is talking about the new improved quality control at TVR and how they've not rebuilt any engines recently (any links appreciated to assist in my Mr Angry customer letter to Oxley once the car's fate is confirmed).
Problem is, I don't see anything else out there I really want to buy/drive right now. Possibly a CSL (BMW image, SMG flappy box) or a Cayman (too expensive since for not much more you can get an early 997). Nobles are ugly (and no more reliable than TVRs).
Sigh.
Now its failed twice the girlfriend isn't confident in the car, thus she won't go on our planned trip around Germany in about a months time in the car. To be honest I don't blame her. Since the new head gasket the car hasn't been over 6,000 revs (and that was 500 miles later). I've treated it extra gently on purpose since rebuild too.
Oh, £44.50 each, one way from Congleton to High Wycombe on the train (car being relayed to David Hendry the dealer). No wonder people don't use f-ing public transport. Plus the new leaning trains (or the track) are not very comfy. Plus £89.25 to add her to the insurance this week. More money down the toilet. Not to mention our weekend away.
At least I'm getting my money's worth from the AA.
Now to search out the articles where Smolensky is talking about the new improved quality control at TVR and how they've not rebuilt any engines recently (any links appreciated to assist in my Mr Angry customer letter to Oxley once the car's fate is confirmed).
Problem is, I don't see anything else out there I really want to buy/drive right now. Possibly a CSL (BMW image, SMG flappy box) or a Cayman (too expensive since for not much more you can get an early 997). Nobles are ugly (and no more reliable than TVRs).
Sigh.
Tag sorry to hear about your problems,Chris good on yer!
Just adding my experience-there will be balance in here somwhere for those observing with interest.
Just got back yesterday from a trip to Chicago for a week.Car parked up all week so this afternoon during the game I thought I'd take the 350 out for a spin-lost the jet lag and football-who cares?
Great run out on the 40 warming her up then I thought I'd stretch her legs.Light grip on the wheel,lots of breeze through the windows,nice rasp from the bonnet.The few people out were being considerate,getting out of the way with plenty of time,I waved thanks as I cruised past.Looked at the speedo-said 15....Holy Sh*t.
Took it a bit easier.
No doubt one day I'll have trouble and share the pain( bear in mind my old Tuscan spat me off the A406 one night at speed so I am far from being naive about the dark side of these cars)but when they are on song there is nothing,absolutely nothing like them.
Good luck both of you-I really hope the pain is less than you fear.
Just adding my experience-there will be balance in here somwhere for those observing with interest.
Just got back yesterday from a trip to Chicago for a week.Car parked up all week so this afternoon during the game I thought I'd take the 350 out for a spin-lost the jet lag and football-who cares?
Great run out on the 40 warming her up then I thought I'd stretch her legs.Light grip on the wheel,lots of breeze through the windows,nice rasp from the bonnet.The few people out were being considerate,getting out of the way with plenty of time,I waved thanks as I cruised past.Looked at the speedo-said 15....Holy Sh*t.
Took it a bit easier.
No doubt one day I'll have trouble and share the pain( bear in mind my old Tuscan spat me off the A406 one night at speed so I am far from being naive about the dark side of these cars)but when they are on song there is nothing,absolutely nothing like them.
Good luck both of you-I really hope the pain is less than you fear.
zooooom said:
Chris did you get your clutch sorted or are get the head and clutch done at the same time ??
By the way what mileage has you engine done ???
By the way what mileage has you engine done ???
Yep, clutch sorted, £940 all in, will have top end incorporated in with the next service early next year as a preventative measure , car's done almost 21K miles now, without being touched, reckon I can get it to 25/26K without incident.
Trefor, I am really sorry to read your post, and can fully understand your position, I would be lying if I said that I too hadn't thought about trading mine in for a Z4M or similar at the height of the stupid clutch crisis, also wondering at what point do these cars become too expensive to justify the upkeep.
I talked it over with my wife, as not getting parts was really getting me down, paying for a £1K service, plus tax and insurance, but can't drive it due to no parts! She did say I would bitterly regret it, and she's right, sometimes I feel selfish in having this car, because of the money I spend, but to me, it's a 'boys and their toys' thing, as long as I can afford it, I'll have it, however, having 2 HGFs in so short a time - I think I would (justifiably) feel exactly the same! Have you no come back from the garage that fitted the new gasket?
...But I will never forget asking a BMW driver if he needed help after his car couldn't take the heat anymore, and mine just kept going.....
Good post Chris! My standard T350 engine/transmission/cooling systems are shrugging off a full season of 22 events of TVR Club & Midland Speed Champs at hillclimbs & tracks, as well as road use.
I'm not sparing the horses either, generally finishing 2nd with occasional wins against the heavily modded Griffs/Wedges/V8S/Cerbies. Only precautions needed are very thorough warming up, and sensitive use of the clutch!
Awesome car AND engine.
I just wish TVR could get something right for a change.
I've just renewed my warranty and paid my insurance for the year so I'd like to keep the car. I'd also planned to keep it for at least 3 years. But if it takes 8 weeks like last time I won't get it back until late September. That's a whole summer of TVR fun gone (remember it was gone from late April to Mid June too).
If someone came along and offered me 26k cash today I'd take it.
I've just renewed my warranty and paid my insurance for the year so I'd like to keep the car. I'd also planned to keep it for at least 3 years. But if it takes 8 weeks like last time I won't get it back until late September. That's a whole summer of TVR fun gone (remember it was gone from late April to Mid June too).
If someone came along and offered me 26k cash today I'd take it.
m33ufo said:
But what would you buy for 26K?
I can afford a car for more than 26k - its not about the money in absolute terms. If I can't enjoy my car for the summer I'd rather the money was in the bank. I've been having carnal thoughts about De Tomaso Panteras though.
What will probably happen is I'll get the car back eventually and keep it until next summer since like everyone else I love TVRs. However, since the girlfriend doesn't trust it any more, the Speed Six has ruined one thing I love - long road trips around Europe.
We're going down to Sytner to look at the Z4M today (I'm not sure I really want one though).
targarama said:
m33ufo said:
But what would you buy for 26K?
I can afford a car for more than 26k - its not about the money in absolute terms. If I can't enjoy my car for the summer I'd rather the money was in the bank. I've been having carnal thoughts about De Tomaso Panteras though.
What will probably happen is I'll get the car back eventually and keep it until next summer since like everyone else I love TVRs. However, since the girlfriend doesn't trust it any more, the Speed Six has ruined one thing I love - long road trips around Europe.
We're going down to Sytner to look at the Z4M today (I'm not sure I really want one though).
I've tried a Z4M and I love it - I did own a Z3M though so maybe I am biased! Great car but lacks any real visual drama, looks to much like a regular Z4 (IMHO). My Z3M at least had the extended rear arches that made a world of difference to the look of the car.
What I do miss most about my old Z3M and Boxster in comparison to my current T350targa and previous Elise, is the ease of getting the top off. The targa is a total pain in the butt and always makes me think twice about removing the panels. In the Porsche and BMW I would have the roof down at every opportunity.
All said and done, right now I love my T350, and have no idea what I would consider changing it for.
tail slide said:
Good post Chris! My standard T350 engine/transmission/cooling systems are shrugging off a full season of 22 events of TVR Club & Midland Speed Champs at hillclimbs & tracks, as well as road use.
I'm not sparing the horses either, generally finishing 2nd with occasional wins against the heavily modded Griffs/Wedges/V8S/Cerbies. Only precautions needed are very thorough warming up, and sensitive use of the clutch!
Awesome car AND engine.
Just back from Harewod. 30 Deg heat and three Personal bests - car faultless....same regarding the warming up, but can't say the same about the modded cars.
Hope you get sorted Targ, but I know what you mean about the confidence thing.
Daftlad said:
Just back from Harewod. 30 Deg heat and three Personal bests - car faultless....same regarding the warming up, but can't say the same about the modded cars.
Hope you get sorted Targ, but I know what you mean about the confidence thing.
Hope you get sorted Targ, but I know what you mean about the confidence thing.
Well done John. Daren't ask your times. Hopefully joining us at Harewood 27 Aug? Would be good to have several S6's battling it out at the front! Targa, understand why you're looking at things differently now. How about keeping T350 for fun & trackdays on track tyres (don't need cost & messing about with trailer then) & older M3 Cab or similar for work & Europe?
tail slide said:
Daftlad said:
Just back from Harewod. 30 Deg heat and three Personal bests - car faultless....same regarding the warming up, but can't say the same about the modded cars.
Hope you get sorted Targ, but I know what you mean about the confidence thing.
Hope you get sorted Targ, but I know what you mean about the confidence thing.
Well done John. Daren't ask your times. Hopefully joining us at Harewood 27 Aug? Would be good to have several S6's battling it out at the front! Targa, understand why you're looking at things differently now. How about keeping T350 for fun & trackdays on track tyres (don't need cost & messing about with trailer then) & older M3 Cab or similar for work & Europe?
Many thanks sir - We will be there on the 27th. Today, a fairly drama free 66.00 - just missed out on a 65 something
but still with some work to do to catch you I suspect..
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