Difference S2 / S3

[germantvr]

Hi guys,
thinking about purchasing an S2/3, there are some differences in the models (longer doors, lights in the frontbumper, dash etc) i know.
But what´s the difference below the body?
The engine / gearbox / axles / diff. should be the same.
I´ve heard about another suspension for a better ride.... whats the difference?
Any other things?

Thanks for your help
Reinhard

[phillpot]

germantvr said:

But what´s the difference below the body?

Nothing i'm aware of?

germantvr said:

I´ve heard about another suspension for a better ride.... whats the difference?

No idea on that one



If you like the dash layout and can cope with the short doors get an S2


Otherwise find an S3 ... this one knows its way around mainland Europe pretty well ............. clicky

Edited by phillpot on Monday 18th September 12:00

[mk1fan]

If you're a powerfully built company director then get the S3. The bigger doors make a difference.

There were some changes to the trailing arm suspension points but I think this was done between S1 and S2. Adian Vien will know.

The S2 and S3 are both fun sports cars to drive.

[Niiige]

Hi There,

Good luck with your search

The only underneath differences happened at the introduction of the S4 & the V8 - they share a slightly wider track which is thought to help the rude quality. Maybe that's what you heard about ?

They also have the battery in the boot.

And the S4 has the prettiest bonnet.

[phillpot]

[TVRees]

phillpot said:

Otherwise find an S3 ... this one knows its way around mainland Europe pretty well ............. clicky

If you want to register the car in Germany, you'll probably need an S3C preferably with the "Katalysator" still on the car

[QuiteQuietCerb]

if I remember correctly the rear trailing arms were slightly different on the s3 compared to the S1/S2?

[mk1fan]

TVRees said:

phillpot said:

Otherwise find an S3 ... this one knows its way around mainland Europe pretty well ............. clicky

If you want to register the car in Germany, you'll probably need an S3C preferably with the "Katalysator" still on the car

Cats were a factory option on all S2, S3, S4 and V8S models.

[mk1fan]

QuiteQuietCerb said:

if I remember correctly the rear trailing arms were slightly different on the s3 compared to the S1/S2?

There is a different suspension pick up point on the arm. Not sure when the change was made 'officially'.

[Kitchski]

Not a massive difference chassis-wise. The rear beam varies across the years, so there will likely be minor differences there. The front end near the radiator can differ slightly too, as the move to a front-mounted fan from rear mounted was around this time.

In terms of the way they drive, not much. All S3s have the adjustable trailing arms, whereas not all S2s do. Most S2s just use the S1 arm design, but with an altered damper mount.

Truth be told, get it set up and mechanically sorted, and you'd be hard pressed to tell the difference. Different tyres, dampers and time of the day will be more noticeable!

[germantvr]

TVRees said:

If you want to register the car in Germany, you'll probably need an S3C preferably with the "Katalysator" still on the car

Are there any S3C (S4C) on the market with a Katalysator fitted?
They are mainly de-catted........

[germantvr]

phillpot said:

No idea on that one



If you like the dash layout and can cope with the short doors get an S2


Otherwise find an S3 ... this one knows its way around mainland Europe pretty well ............. clicky

Do you know (seen ) the car?

Edited by phillpot on Monday 18th September 12:00

[phillpot]

germantvr said:

Do you know (seen ) the car?

Not well enough to comment on its condition, I don't think it's a "show winner" but I can vouch for it completing many trouble free miles on our Eurotours



might need some new brake pads ....... clicky

[TVRees]

germantvr said:

Are there any S3C (S4C) on the market with a Katalysator fitted?
They are mainly de-catted........

z.B. HIER

[TVRees]

Or in Holland. LHD.
https://www.autoscout24.de/angebote/tvr-s4-4c-benz...

[germantvr]

RHD is no problem to me, as my other cars are mainly RHD (driven in Germany).
The condition of exteriour and interiour is not important to me.
A good chassis and a great (reliable, ok it´s a TVR...) running gear is more important to me, but no much suffered car.

[mk1fan]

germantvr said:

TVRees said:

If you want to register the car in Germany, you'll probably need an S3C preferably with the "Katalysator" still on the car

Are there any S3C (S4C) on the market with a Katalysator fitted?
They are mainly de-catted........

All 'C' designated models had Cats fitted. While many owners have removed the Cats and fitted decat pipes. Simply refitting the Cats would suffice.

The S2, S3 and S4 were built without Cats and the exhaust manifolds and front pipes are different to the C versions.

[mentall]

......and the C cars have:
a different ECU, to connect to:
a MAP sensor on the bulkhead rather than airflow sensors and:
HEGO sensors on the exhaust headers which have bosses to fit them.

Some also have the hydraulic-lifter engine, and taper-seat spark plugs.

What else have I forgotten?

[germantvr]

mentall said:

......and the C cars have:
a different ECU, to connect to:
a MAP sensor on the bulkhead rather than airflow sensors and:
HEGO sensors on the exhaust headers which have bosses to fit them.

Some also have the hydraulic-lifter engine, and taper-seat spark plugs.

What else have I forgotten?

How can I identify this?

[mk1fan]

mentall said:

......and the C cars have:
a different ECU, to connect to:
a MAP sensor on the bulkhead rather than airflow sensors and:
HEGO sensors on the exhaust headers which have bosses to fit them.

Some also have the hydraulic-lifter engine, and taper-seat spark plugs.

What else have I forgotten?

All true. The point I am making is to buy an S2C, S3C or S4C then all that is required is to reinstate the Cat if they have been removed.