Handling Improvements Over Time

[Ryder35]

I have been looking at getting a TVR to replace my Honda powered Elise and am leaning towards a T350T since the Sagaris is too expensive and the tuscan seem a bit too "GT" Reading reviews though in Evo the T350 did not do so well in terms of nervous handling, being twitchy on bumpy roads etc. However they review later models of the Tuscan 2 and Sagaris and say things are much improved. They also mention switching production to Bilsten dampers improved things.

My question is has the T350 evolved over its lifetime? Are the 2005 cars better handling than earlier models in standard form?

I know I need to drive them but owber's experience is always useful. Also do you agree with the assesment that the T350 will be more lotus like (agile. nimble) that a Tuscan?

Regards
John

[mr lock pick]

Hi John

In my experience on a 2005 T350C the car did not feel 100% stable at high speeds or under hard braking. I got Power to stick on a set of Nitrons and I later added the larger Speed 12 alloys, let all settle in and then got the geo set up etc, and the car now sits and handles superb! Especially @ silverstone.

Trust me matey get a good strong engine and a good suspension and brake set up and the delivery of power and handling is superb!

If you are local to me I am more than happy to demonstrate on a dry day! Before she sells to make room for new toy, if she sells that is!

Chris

[Inchpractice]

Hi John,

I've more or less asked the same question in this thread although I put it slightly differently:
http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...

[Ryder35]

Inchpractice said:

Hi John,

I've more or less asked the same question in this thread although I put it slightly differently:
http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...

Thanks, I had already read your thread and it was bery useful. Didn't really cover handling though which is my main concern.

I know imprpovements were made with the newer models (Tuscan 2 and `sagaris) but were they retro appliede to the T350?

[thainy77]

As fas as i'm aware there weren't any major improvements in handling, i could be wrong though. Suspension upgrades are one of the more common after sale upgrades done to these cars. There are a few set ups to choose from, if you do a search this has been covered before.

[bogie]

"Also do you agree with the assesment that the T350 will be more lotus like (agile. nimble) that a Tuscan?"

yes it will, a nicely setup 350 will be more like an Elise than a Tuscan for sure.

Id put some Nitrons on it and get the geo set up somewhere that knows what they are doing, not necessarily just the factory settings, get it set up how you want it .

Biggest thing you will notice jumping out of an Elise, are the brake feel and steering. It always took me a bit of time to adjust to a TVR ...an Elise has a fairly quick rack at 2.8 turns, but a TVR is 1.8 ..so if your in the habit of gripping the wheel tight, it can make the car feel nervous...especially on a bumpy B road

Get the 350 set up nice on some Nitrons though and you will be just as quick down B roads as your Elise