4.3 owners? What do you think?
Discussion
Any 4.3 owners on here? Just musing at present but if I decide to keep my car (looking at an R8 this weekend) instead of a standard 3.6 rebuild following my 1/2 time bearing failure I'll stump up the extra for either a 4.0 RR or 4.3 instead.
However, how much difference is there in the 4.3 both over the 3.6 and also a 4.0?
I guess torque is much improved but how about acceleration? A standard 3.6 would be obliterated by a 911 turbo, how a=would a 4.3 fare? It's a comparison I can relate to hence the question there.
Whats the real world driveability like and also the fuel economy? Better or worse?
All comments would be much aprpeciated....
However, how much difference is there in the 4.3 both over the 3.6 and also a 4.0?
I guess torque is much improved but how about acceleration? A standard 3.6 would be obliterated by a 911 turbo, how a=would a 4.3 fare? It's a comparison I can relate to hence the question there.
Whats the real world driveability like and also the fuel economy? Better or worse?
All comments would be much aprpeciated....
There was a forum on this a while ago...seems like a great choice!
http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...
http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...
First things first sorry to hear about your issues with your engine. I know how you must feel because I have been there to with a speed six. Now to try and give you my thoughts regarding a 4.3 conversion. I have had mine for over a year now and can vouch for just what a great conversion it is. In my opinion it really suits the T350 and it would transform your car.As stated the best thing you could do would be to get a test run, if you happen to be up near Manchester I would happily give you a go. There have been many things written regarding these conversions but like so many things it's best if you can try it out for yourself then make your own mind up. However if you want opinions then mine is that it's FANTASTIC!
I have a 4.3 in the T350 but built by Jason at Str8six. It really is a fantastic engine. The increase in torque is the most noticeable with more than 100 ft lbs over what my 3.6 was producing. However it is still a very revvy engine and has a smooth power curve all the way to 7,600 rpm redline.
A 4.3 really turns the T350 into an absolutely ballistic machine. For most overtakes I can leave it in 5th gear. Obviously there are differences between Str8six and TVR Powers 4.3 but either is well worth it IMHO if you require a rebuild anyway. Nice to have the peace of mind of a warranty too.
I found immediately though that my Toyo T1Rs couldn't cope with the torque so went for R888s which are fantastic. You will need to bear in mind you might want to change tyres too after the engine has been done so that's another cost to factor in.
As others have said, get a test drive and decide for yourself if it's for you
Edited to add on my run to Le Mans and back at the weekend I achieved 24 mpg and I found the drive ability and cruising much better than my 3.6.
A 4.3 really turns the T350 into an absolutely ballistic machine. For most overtakes I can leave it in 5th gear. Obviously there are differences between Str8six and TVR Powers 4.3 but either is well worth it IMHO if you require a rebuild anyway. Nice to have the peace of mind of a warranty too.
I found immediately though that my Toyo T1Rs couldn't cope with the torque so went for R888s which are fantastic. You will need to bear in mind you might want to change tyres too after the engine has been done so that's another cost to factor in.
As others have said, get a test drive and decide for yourself if it's for you

Edited to add on my run to Le Mans and back at the weekend I achieved 24 mpg and I found the drive ability and cruising much better than my 3.6.
Edited by rico23 on Friday 22 June 10:07
rico23 said:
I have a 4.3 in the T350 but built by Jason at Str8six. It really is a fantastic engine. The increase in torque is the most noticeable with more than 100 ft lbs over what my 3.6 was producing. However it is still a very revvy engine and has a smooth power curve all the way to 7,600 rpm redline.
A 4.3 really turns the T350 into an absolutely ballistic machine. For most overtakes I can leave it in 5th gear. Obviously there are differences between Str8six and TVR Powers 4.3 but either is well worth it IMHO if you require a rebuild anyway. Nice to have the piece of mind of a warranty too.
I found immediately though that my Toyo T1Rs couldn't cope with the torque so went for R888s which are fantastic. You will need to bear in mind you might want to change tyres too after the engine has been done so that's another cost to factor in.
As others have said, get a test drive and decide for yourself if it's for you
Edited to add on my run to Le Mans and back at the weekend I achieved 24 mpg and I found the drive ability and cruising much better than my 3.6.
Presuming they all charge the same price? Str8Six, RG and Power?A 4.3 really turns the T350 into an absolutely ballistic machine. For most overtakes I can leave it in 5th gear. Obviously there are differences between Str8six and TVR Powers 4.3 but either is well worth it IMHO if you require a rebuild anyway. Nice to have the piece of mind of a warranty too.
I found immediately though that my Toyo T1Rs couldn't cope with the torque so went for R888s which are fantastic. You will need to bear in mind you might want to change tyres too after the engine has been done so that's another cost to factor in.
As others have said, get a test drive and decide for yourself if it's for you

Edited to add on my run to Le Mans and back at the weekend I achieved 24 mpg and I found the drive ability and cruising much better than my 3.6.
listen to this 4.3 how it sounds and the engine response, it sounds lovely>>
http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...
http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...
ShiDevil said:
rico23 said:
I have a 4.3 in the T350 but built by Jason at Str8six. It really is a fantastic engine. The increase in torque is the most noticeable with more than 100 ft lbs over what my 3.6 was producing. However it is still a very revvy engine and has a smooth power curve all the way to 7,600 rpm redline.
A 4.3 really turns the T350 into an absolutely ballistic machine. For most overtakes I can leave it in 5th gear. Obviously there are differences between Str8six and TVR Powers 4.3 but either is well worth it IMHO if you require a rebuild anyway. Nice to have the piece of mind of a warranty too.
I found immediately though that my Toyo T1Rs couldn't cope with the torque so went for R888s which are fantastic. You will need to bear in mind you might want to change tyres too after the engine has been done so that's another cost to factor in.
As others have said, get a test drive and decide for yourself if it's for you
Edited to add on my run to Le Mans and back at the weekend I achieved 24 mpg and I found the drive ability and cruising much better than my 3.6.
Presuming they all charge the same price? Str8Six, RG and Power?A 4.3 really turns the T350 into an absolutely ballistic machine. For most overtakes I can leave it in 5th gear. Obviously there are differences between Str8six and TVR Powers 4.3 but either is well worth it IMHO if you require a rebuild anyway. Nice to have the piece of mind of a warranty too.
I found immediately though that my Toyo T1Rs couldn't cope with the torque so went for R888s which are fantastic. You will need to bear in mind you might want to change tyres too after the engine has been done so that's another cost to factor in.
As others have said, get a test drive and decide for yourself if it's for you

Edited to add on my run to Le Mans and back at the weekend I achieved 24 mpg and I found the drive ability and cruising much better than my 3.6.
From my research....And my memory. So some facts may be slightly out! 
Power do the 4.3/4.5. Obviously the 4.5 is more than the 4.3.
Str8-Six do the 4.3. This has more work than the Power 4.3, and hence more expensive (but less than a 4.5 IIRC)
RG's FFF is right around the same money as the 4.5.
All offer 5 year warranties. It really is down to how you want your car - low down grunt, or high-end power. It does also have to be said that the castings for the FFF are slowly coming on line, so you would probably have to wait for the conversion - but IMHO, it really is worth the wait.
What-ever you choose, I know you'll love it. All are great products.

Power do the 4.3/4.5. Obviously the 4.5 is more than the 4.3.
Str8-Six do the 4.3. This has more work than the Power 4.3, and hence more expensive (but less than a 4.5 IIRC)
RG's FFF is right around the same money as the 4.5.
All offer 5 year warranties. It really is down to how you want your car - low down grunt, or high-end power. It does also have to be said that the castings for the FFF are slowly coming on line, so you would probably have to wait for the conversion - but IMHO, it really is worth the wait.
What-ever you choose, I know you'll love it. All are great products.
Thanks all,
I'm not really interested in the RG offering and whilst I understand the differences between Dom & Jason it'll be Power that do the rebuild for me whichever option I go for.
Glad to hear there really is a noticeable difference from the 3.6 - I am getting a little bored with the car which is a key driver for me looking at the R8 this weekend. The 4.5 I think will be too powerful for me, I drive my car all year round and too much torque/power on wet greasy roads will really not be a good idea and I wouldn't be able to afford the TC upgrade on top. Unfortunately being pretty much car less getting up to Dom to try a 4.3 is very difficult hence all the questions on here to ask owners for their experiences.
I guess I'll know one way or another after Sundays drive in the R8 which way I'll go, nice situation to be in though I guess.
I'm not really interested in the RG offering and whilst I understand the differences between Dom & Jason it'll be Power that do the rebuild for me whichever option I go for.
Glad to hear there really is a noticeable difference from the 3.6 - I am getting a little bored with the car which is a key driver for me looking at the R8 this weekend. The 4.5 I think will be too powerful for me, I drive my car all year round and too much torque/power on wet greasy roads will really not be a good idea and I wouldn't be able to afford the TC upgrade on top. Unfortunately being pretty much car less getting up to Dom to try a 4.3 is very difficult hence all the questions on here to ask owners for their experiences.
I guess I'll know one way or another after Sundays drive in the R8 which way I'll go, nice situation to be in though I guess.
Targarama said:
I admire the R8, but its no TVR. Spend £10k and turn your TVR into an R8 V10 beater! Simples.
I do agree, if the V10 was available for mid 50s then it'd be a slightly easier decison, likewise of the V8 was only 10 or so grand difference to the TVR then again that would be a no brainer but a 30k step up in value between the TVR and the V8 R8 I need to feel a massive step up in grin factor and general feeling special (my car is a toy not a daily hack which again would make the decision easy). I really do need to try the R8 though to make sure, the wife loves it and I know thats her choice but end of the day it's my money and I need to be sure of where I put it.Zippee said:
I do agree, if the V10 was available for mid 50s then it'd be a slightly easier decison, likewise of the V8 was only 10 or so grand difference to the TVR then again that would be a no brainer but a 30k step up in value between the TVR and the V8 R8 I need to feel a massive step up in grin factor and general feeling special (my car is a toy not a daily hack which again would make the decision easy). I really do need to try the R8 though to make sure, the wife loves it and I know thats her choice but end of the day it's my money and I need to be sure of where I put it.
I tried a manual one - check you're happy with where your clutch foot would rest. For such a wiiide car there is not much room in the footwell. That and the physical size put me right off.A Merc SLS would do though, I'd put up with the size and a slushmatic box for one of those!
Tony
I am taking the Sag across to Dom early on the 7th July (aiming to be there around 8.30 - 9.00) and coming back by train to Milton Keynes to get picked up from there.
If you want a lift over to try one of the 4.3/5s then let me know.
Not sure what is in Doms Sag at the moment, he did have a 5.0 in it last time I spoke with him, so would be worth checking with him if you are interested.
I am taking the Sag across to Dom early on the 7th July (aiming to be there around 8.30 - 9.00) and coming back by train to Milton Keynes to get picked up from there.
If you want a lift over to try one of the 4.3/5s then let me know.
Not sure what is in Doms Sag at the moment, he did have a 5.0 in it last time I spoke with him, so would be worth checking with him if you are interested.
Laser Sag said:
Tony
I am taking the Sag across to Dom early on the 7th July (aiming to be there around 8.30 - 9.00) and coming back by train to Milton Keynes to get picked up from there.
If you want a lift over to try one of the 4.3/5s then let me know.
Not sure what is in Doms Sag at the moment, he did have a 5.0 in it last time I spoke with him, so would be worth checking with him if you are interested.
Hi Kev,I am taking the Sag across to Dom early on the 7th July (aiming to be there around 8.30 - 9.00) and coming back by train to Milton Keynes to get picked up from there.
If you want a lift over to try one of the 4.3/5s then let me know.
Not sure what is in Doms Sag at the moment, he did have a 5.0 in it last time I spoke with him, so would be worth checking with him if you are interested.
Thats a very kind offer, thankyou. Unfirtuantely (orfortunately whichever way you take it) I'm on a trackday at Cadwell on the 7th, though obviously not using my car. I'm pretty certain my minds made up on the 4.3 TBH.
Out of interest, those that have had the conversion to 4.3 what were your bills like? Powers site obviously quotes a figure but did any of you get lumped with additional work?
Zippee said:
Hi Kev,
Thats a very kind offer, thankyou. Unfirtuantely (orfortunately whichever way you take it) I'm on a trackday at Cadwell on the 7th, though obviously not using my car. I'm pretty certain my minds made up on the 4.3 TBH.
Out of interest, those that have had the conversion to 4.3 what were your bills like? Powers site obviously quotes a figure but did any of you get lumped with additional work?
Hi, happy to take you to power any time mate, want to see you back on road ASAP Thats a very kind offer, thankyou. Unfirtuantely (orfortunately whichever way you take it) I'm on a trackday at Cadwell on the 7th, though obviously not using my car. I'm pretty certain my minds made up on the 4.3 TBH.
Out of interest, those that have had the conversion to 4.3 what were your bills like? Powers site obviously quotes a figure but did any of you get lumped with additional work?
it will be nice to see what a 4.3 can do too 
I just collected my Tamora from Power after its 4.3 upgrade. First impressions: The engine sounds deeper with less noise from the top of the engine and chain but still has the Speed Six character. It Feels strong and pulls well although obviousy I'm keeping he revs down and not loading the engine as it has to be run it. Even over the first 100 miles or so the engine has gotten smoother and clearly wants to rev. So far so good...already forgotten about the money it cost, well almost!
I also have to mention the Nitrons, they are effng brilliant. The car feels like its on rails and bumps no longer make stuff fall out of the glove box. I must get round to fixing that.
I will let you know how the coming weeks go. Oh and by the way Dom is on a weeks holiday.
I also have to mention the Nitrons, they are effng brilliant. The car feels like its on rails and bumps no longer make stuff fall out of the glove box. I must get round to fixing that.
I will let you know how the coming weeks go. Oh and by the way Dom is on a weeks holiday.
Not 100% relevant but....
I was lent a Tuscan 2S 4.0 by a very trusting individual (and told not to hold back) & came up against an R8. I had to work really, REALLY hard to keep up through the twisty bits then we arrived on the straight the R8 was caught. Later the R8 chap came over to ask about the T2S spec as he was 'completely spanking it' & was extremely surprised by the speed I went past him (at Bruntingthorpe).
I was lent a Tuscan 2S 4.0 by a very trusting individual (and told not to hold back) & came up against an R8. I had to work really, REALLY hard to keep up through the twisty bits then we arrived on the straight the R8 was caught. Later the R8 chap came over to ask about the T2S spec as he was 'completely spanking it' & was extremely surprised by the speed I went past him (at Bruntingthorpe).
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