Thinking of buying a Tamora.......
Discussion
These cars are under estimated, I drove one of the first Tamora's and was shocked how good it was after listening to some comments from press, get yourself over to Chatsworth on April 27th, there could be one of the largest gathering of Tamora's ever seen, the owners would only be too happy to talk to you about them, oh, and there will be a few hundred other TVR's there too.
Hi Richard, Just don't tell my chums about the Tamora idea!!! Was fancying a SEAC with carbon body etc but have been fancying a Tamora for a change.
The 450SE tried to kill me every outing and I don't like the Grief. Worried about the story's about fragile engines etc.
What to look for when buying??
MikeyB
The 450SE tried to kill me every outing and I don't like the Grief. Worried about the story's about fragile engines etc.
What to look for when buying??
MikeyB
Firstly if my boss is reading this, I know this is my third post this morning but I prepared all the answers last night and pasted them in this morning... 5 minutes tops.
A search will bring up pretty much every angle from the Speed6 being a "turd" through to a Tamora being the most underrated TVR.
No car is liked by everyone, as you have found with the Griff, and I initially found it quite harsh after a Cerbera. It has grown on me and has more sense of occasion to drive due to the roof coming off.
Test drive one and you will know if its for you, though try and make it everything from bumpy potholed streets through to fast dual carriageway/motorway.
Personally, the engine in my car has had no problems in the last 18 months and there have been no other serious/expensive issues.
Serciving costs can be found on most companies websites (Austec, TVR Power, TVRFix) and don't seem outrageous. Obviously these are just the initial costs and it is rare that they just need a service, I usually budget anything from half as much to the whole cost of the service again...
A search will bring up pretty much every angle from the Speed6 being a "turd" through to a Tamora being the most underrated TVR.
No car is liked by everyone, as you have found with the Griff, and I initially found it quite harsh after a Cerbera. It has grown on me and has more sense of occasion to drive due to the roof coming off.
Test drive one and you will know if its for you, though try and make it everything from bumpy potholed streets through to fast dual carriageway/motorway.
Personally, the engine in my car has had no problems in the last 18 months and there have been no other serious/expensive issues.
Serciving costs can be found on most companies websites (Austec, TVR Power, TVRFix) and don't seem outrageous. Obviously these are just the initial costs and it is rare that they just need a service, I usually budget anything from half as much to the whole cost of the service again...
Picking my car up after it's 36k service today. Had to have a refurbed wheel and two new tyres, plus a replacement driving light. BIG money at £1900! But the extra bits add up to a fair wadge.
Also been told that there is no more adjustment on at least one of the valves (no. 3 exhaust) so a rebuild will be necessary next time - maybe 6k? So, over 40k without a rebuild, although servicing is steep.
Not exactly a fragile engine, and I expect the rebuild will be more resilient still.
Oh, and although I have no experience of other TVRS, it is a fabulous car to own and drive.
Also been told that there is no more adjustment on at least one of the valves (no. 3 exhaust) so a rebuild will be necessary next time - maybe 6k? So, over 40k without a rebuild, although servicing is steep.
Not exactly a fragile engine, and I expect the rebuild will be more resilient still.
Oh, and although I have no experience of other TVRS, it is a fabulous car to own and drive.
T40ORA said:
Picking my car up after it's 36k service today. Had to have a refurbed wheel and two new tyres, plus a replacement driving light. BIG money at £1900! But the extra bits add up to a fair wadge.
Also been told that there is no more adjustment on at least one of the valves (no. 3 exhaust) so a rebuild will be necessary next time - maybe 6k? So, over 40k without a rebuild, although servicing is steep.
Not exactly a fragile engine, and I expect the rebuild will be more resilient still.
Oh, and although I have no experience of other TVRS, it is a fabulous car to own and drive.
my i ask where you get it serviced as that seems a large bill .Also been told that there is no more adjustment on at least one of the valves (no. 3 exhaust) so a rebuild will be necessary next time - maybe 6k? So, over 40k without a rebuild, although servicing is steep.
Not exactly a fragile engine, and I expect the rebuild will be more resilient still.
Oh, and although I have no experience of other TVRS, it is a fabulous car to own and drive.
T40ORA said:
Picking my car up after it's 36k service today. Had to have a refurbed wheel and two new tyres, plus a replacement driving light. BIG money at £1900! But the extra bits add up to a fair wadge.
Also been told that there is no more adjustment on at least one of the valves (no. 3 exhaust) so a rebuild will be necessary next time - maybe 6k? So, over 40k without a rebuild, although servicing is steep.
Not exactly a fragile engine, and I expect the rebuild will be more resilient still.
Oh, and although I have no experience of other TVRS, it is a fabulous car to own and drive.
Lee, the rebuild will be more resilient if you have it done at Dulfords.Also been told that there is no more adjustment on at least one of the valves (no. 3 exhaust) so a rebuild will be necessary next time - maybe 6k? So, over 40k without a rebuild, although servicing is steep.
Not exactly a fragile engine, and I expect the rebuild will be more resilient still.
Oh, and although I have no experience of other TVRS, it is a fabulous car to own and drive.
icraigmy said:
T40ORA said:
Picking my car up after it's 36k service today. Had to have a refurbed wheel and two new tyres, plus a replacement driving light. BIG money at £1900! But the extra bits add up to a fair wadge.
Also been told that there is no more adjustment on at least one of the valves (no. 3 exhaust) so a rebuild will be necessary next time - maybe 6k? So, over 40k without a rebuild, although servicing is steep.
Not exactly a fragile engine, and I expect the rebuild will be more resilient still.
Oh, and although I have no experience of other TVRS, it is a fabulous car to own and drive.
Lee, the rebuild will be more resilient if you have it done at Dulfords.Also been told that there is no more adjustment on at least one of the valves (no. 3 exhaust) so a rebuild will be necessary next time - maybe 6k? So, over 40k without a rebuild, although servicing is steep.
Not exactly a fragile engine, and I expect the rebuild will be more resilient still.
Oh, and although I have no experience of other TVRS, it is a fabulous car to own and drive.
T40ORA said:
Picking my car up after it's 36k service today. Had to have a refurbed wheel and two new tyres, plus a replacement driving light. BIG money at £1900! But the extra bits add up to a fair wadge.
Also been told that there is no more adjustment on at least one of the valves (no. 3 exhaust) so a rebuild will be necessary next time - maybe 6k? So, over 40k without a rebuild, although servicing is steep.
surely just a top end overhaul is needed ? unless there are other problems lower down as wellAlso been told that there is no more adjustment on at least one of the valves (no. 3 exhaust) so a rebuild will be necessary next time - maybe 6k? So, over 40k without a rebuild, although servicing is steep.
Getting back to the question!
Pro':Go kart like handling, super sports exhaust, its a true rocket ship!
Cons: only the ones that always come up....but it applies to all modern TVR's
Bottom line for me, its best car I have bought and I enjoy every minute of driving it, with a healthy respect for what it can do. I like the fact its not well known, I like the fact its compact and easy to drive.
Pro':Go kart like handling, super sports exhaust, its a true rocket ship!
Cons: only the ones that always come up....but it applies to all modern TVR's
Bottom line for me, its best car I have bought and I enjoy every minute of driving it, with a healthy respect for what it can do. I like the fact its not well known, I like the fact its compact and easy to drive.
Huzzah! to everything Maddog said. Mine is running sooo sweet now it's all been fettled. The degradation since the last service was slow - death by a thousand cuts. So I didn't notice and revelled in the car every time I drove it. Can't believe it now though. Fabulous car.
My service was done at Racing Green and although it does seem steep, the breakdown of costs is kosher for a 36 inc valve adjustment.
As I said, two new boots and one wheel, plus anti roll drop links (totally f&*ked driving in London), new main beam lamp, new wipers, changed bulbs for Phillips 80% plus ones. That lot's about £500 +VAT.
As for re-build, you get what you pay for. I don't pretend to be an engineer and I can be blinded by bulls
t, but the RG improved components make an awful lot of sense to me and promise, along with the two year warrantee, a god level of resilience. However, the proof will always be in the pudding and that can't be eaten yet....sorry, buggered that analogy!
They also offer a range of additional improvements - 4l, gas flow, balance, blue print. All the stuff you would expect. Which would take the cost waaay up. But as I said - you get what you pay for.
We all can suffer from that condition called "loyalty" and I've that as far as RG are concerned. However, I'm not as daft as I look and I will talk to Dulfords. I've used them for one service and have nothing but good things to say about Richard and the guys. But they just aren't convenient for me at the moment, and as I say RG are most excellent.
Ian, I know you suffer the same condition as far as Dulfords are concerned. You've had a good experience with them and have a fine machine (and I agree with that other thread - bugger the Nay-Sayers). But it is a bit early to confirm the longevity of their work. Not knocking them, just saying it's as unproven as RG's claims. I guess Dulfords accept some of the risk by giving a 2 year warrantee too? BTW if money allows I will go for a similar spec to the one you chose Ian. I'd still like the chance for you to take me for a spin in yours. Good article in Sprint too mate.
My service was done at Racing Green and although it does seem steep, the breakdown of costs is kosher for a 36 inc valve adjustment.
As I said, two new boots and one wheel, plus anti roll drop links (totally f&*ked driving in London), new main beam lamp, new wipers, changed bulbs for Phillips 80% plus ones. That lot's about £500 +VAT.
As for re-build, you get what you pay for. I don't pretend to be an engineer and I can be blinded by bulls
t, but the RG improved components make an awful lot of sense to me and promise, along with the two year warrantee, a god level of resilience. However, the proof will always be in the pudding and that can't be eaten yet....sorry, buggered that analogy!They also offer a range of additional improvements - 4l, gas flow, balance, blue print. All the stuff you would expect. Which would take the cost waaay up. But as I said - you get what you pay for.
We all can suffer from that condition called "loyalty" and I've that as far as RG are concerned. However, I'm not as daft as I look and I will talk to Dulfords. I've used them for one service and have nothing but good things to say about Richard and the guys. But they just aren't convenient for me at the moment, and as I say RG are most excellent.
Ian, I know you suffer the same condition as far as Dulfords are concerned. You've had a good experience with them and have a fine machine (and I agree with that other thread - bugger the Nay-Sayers). But it is a bit early to confirm the longevity of their work. Not knocking them, just saying it's as unproven as RG's claims. I guess Dulfords accept some of the risk by giving a 2 year warrantee too? BTW if money allows I will go for a similar spec to the one you chose Ian. I'd still like the chance for you to take me for a spin in yours. Good article in Sprint too mate.
Edited by T40ORA on Friday 21st March 01:29
Edited by T40ORA on Friday 21st March 01:31
Mike
I thought about the engine issues too but my wedge had to have a new lump, a friends Griff has had two top end rebuilds, a guy with a Cerb I know has rebuilt just about everything so all in all I dont think it is that greater a risk than running any high performance car.
I will be coming through South Wales (Thnk thats where you are based?) next month, if you have not tried one by then let me know, I will pop round!
I thought about the engine issues too but my wedge had to have a new lump, a friends Griff has had two top end rebuilds, a guy with a Cerb I know has rebuilt just about everything so all in all I dont think it is that greater a risk than running any high performance car.
I will be coming through South Wales (Thnk thats where you are based?) next month, if you have not tried one by then let me know, I will pop round!
mikeb said:
Hi Richard, Just don't tell my chums about the Tamora idea!!! Was fancying a SEAC with carbon body etc but have been fancying a Tamora for a change.
The 450SE tried to kill me every outing and I don't like the Grief. Worried about the story's about fragile engines etc.
What to look for when buying??
MikeyB
Interesting about the SE trying to kill you....in what way/s?The 450SE tried to kill me every outing and I don't like the Grief. Worried about the story's about fragile engines etc.
What to look for when buying??
MikeyB
The 450SE I had was subject to an £8.5k engine blueprint, balance and upgrade (not by me though) and looking at the nine or so pages of work carried out which were attached to the final bill ended up with a car that was more than a little tuned.
Therefore everytime I turned the radio on, looked out of the window or started to think about what I was having for tea that night you would end up the wrong way around! dry roads, wet roads it didn't matter.
Normally if you push the envelope in a car and you have a 'moment' you know what you did wrong - took the corner too fast, too fast into a round about etc, with the 450SE, sooner or later you would wind up through a hedge backwards, up side down and NOT know what you did wrong! It would just snap.
Bloody thing was a missile.
MikeyB
Therefore everytime I turned the radio on, looked out of the window or started to think about what I was having for tea that night you would end up the wrong way around! dry roads, wet roads it didn't matter.
Normally if you push the envelope in a car and you have a 'moment' you know what you did wrong - took the corner too fast, too fast into a round about etc, with the 450SE, sooner or later you would wind up through a hedge backwards, up side down and NOT know what you did wrong! It would just snap.
Bloody thing was a missile.
MikeyB
top end rebuild, that new JP exhaust (mk 2 version) induction mods, and a few other bits. Its like its had an afterburner fitted 
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