Thinking of buying an S, what budget do i need?
Discussion
I've never measured it, but based on the boost curve and real-world performance I'm guessing torque is in the low 400s and power in the high 300s. The torque curve is very flat down to 2000 rpm and still produces shed loads of torque at idle. There's enough torque for wheelspin to be a problem in 4th if the tyres are cold, and it will take off from standstill quite happily in 4th (as I found when the 3/4 selector broke) although it is a bit hard on the clutch.
I've uprated the rear half shafts because they kept suffering fatigue failures, and the diff because it kept wearing out, and the 'box has been properly sorted by the late, great Ken Tomlinson. Per his directions I use proper oil and I think he will be boxing my ears from beyond the grave if I showed it any of that ATF cr@p. I'm astonished it still hangs together because it's taking the best part of three times the torque it was designed for.
It also has uprated trailing arms because one broke.
The two big problems with the S are trailing arm tramp, and the lack of camber compensation. You have to drive round both of them, especially when the transmission is pushed this close to its limits, but some tramp is unavoidable - I think that accounts for the majority of the transmission damage. On the plus side, having such a huuuge torque curve means that most gear changes are out of habit rather than necessity, and that gives the transmission an easier life.
Also on the plus side, the ability to pre-squat the back end during a launch means it can get off the line better than most twin wishbone cars, and the anti-lift geometry means it stops better too as long as you fix the brake balance - the standard balance was appalling.
I'm surprised you got away without a major brake upgrade, but it's often said that better drivers use their brakes less. Needless to say mine have been uprated quite a few times over the years.
PS it needs a bit more power - I figure a turbo will be more efficient than the blower at higher boost levels so I'm currently staring into the engine bay scratching my chin...
I've uprated the rear half shafts because they kept suffering fatigue failures, and the diff because it kept wearing out, and the 'box has been properly sorted by the late, great Ken Tomlinson. Per his directions I use proper oil and I think he will be boxing my ears from beyond the grave if I showed it any of that ATF cr@p. I'm astonished it still hangs together because it's taking the best part of three times the torque it was designed for.
It also has uprated trailing arms because one broke.
The two big problems with the S are trailing arm tramp, and the lack of camber compensation. You have to drive round both of them, especially when the transmission is pushed this close to its limits, but some tramp is unavoidable - I think that accounts for the majority of the transmission damage. On the plus side, having such a huuuge torque curve means that most gear changes are out of habit rather than necessity, and that gives the transmission an easier life.
Also on the plus side, the ability to pre-squat the back end during a launch means it can get off the line better than most twin wishbone cars, and the anti-lift geometry means it stops better too as long as you fix the brake balance - the standard balance was appalling.
I'm surprised you got away without a major brake upgrade, but it's often said that better drivers use their brakes less. Needless to say mine have been uprated quite a few times over the years.
PS it needs a bit more power - I figure a turbo will be more efficient than the blower at higher boost levels so I'm currently staring into the engine bay scratching my chin...
Edited by GreenV8S on Thursday 24th May 20:47
Edited by GreenV8S on Thursday 24th May 20:57
I am happy driving J-LLO. She is an S3, so a 2.9 V6. I have been on many trips, including the Spa Classic twice, the Swiss Alps, Feance, Belgium, Germany, Luxembourg, Netherlands as well as an epic wedding trip to Scotland. The car had never let me down, even in 35 degree heat on the continent.
The chassis is slightly faster than the engine and the engine is slightly faster than the driver, so a happy combination. And the exhaust is faster than all of them!
If you want to develop a car to be silly quick, then I would not start with an S. Technology has moved on. Bear in mind that when mine was new in 1991, we were moving to CDs from cassettes, mobile phones were bricks, the channel tunnel was still under construction and the M40 was about to go past Oxford. A different world and different philosophies.
The V6 is a lovely, visceral machine, and the shared experience with othe owners is priceless. I would suggest that you try some cars. If you are in Warwickshire you are welcome to ride in mine.
Bear in mind that some cars are better on paper than others. However, you drive cars on the road, not on paper.
The chassis is slightly faster than the engine and the engine is slightly faster than the driver, so a happy combination. And the exhaust is faster than all of them!
If you want to develop a car to be silly quick, then I would not start with an S. Technology has moved on. Bear in mind that when mine was new in 1991, we were moving to CDs from cassettes, mobile phones were bricks, the channel tunnel was still under construction and the M40 was about to go past Oxford. A different world and different philosophies.
The V6 is a lovely, visceral machine, and the shared experience with othe owners is priceless. I would suggest that you try some cars. If you are in Warwickshire you are welcome to ride in mine.
Bear in mind that some cars are better on paper than others. However, you drive cars on the road, not on paper.
Deeman said:
... ask a simple question.......
and get simple answers...v8s4me said:
mjjryan39 said:
I am not a TVR owner yet......i have a budget of 10k for initial purchase then slowly spending to improve from there....
£10k will get you a superb V6 and a reasonable V8Smjjryan39 said:
.... I’m a fairly ok DIY’er but some say don’t mess with the S for mods.....
"Some" talk out of their collective ar
es. 
mjjryan39 said:
.... But i like the idea of supercharging one, can that be done?
Yes, kits available to super or turbo charge the V8 and probably the V6 as well. Anything can be done with time and money. It wouldn't make much financial sense to spend £10k on a car only to heavily modify it and end up with a car that might be worth less than what you paid for it. Sounds like you need to have a long think abut your priorities.
As a fairly new arrival to S series ownership, I agree with the comment about buy on condition not model. Had mine since Jan and it’s just great fun! Looked at 6 different S’s around the country before buying and you soon notice there are a huge difference in condition but the same issues kept cropping up on various models. Eg electric window not functioning, doors not fitting, crazing on paintwork etc. Also made sure I got it on a ramp before buying and took a screw driver to the chassis!
I'd say the V6 can be more fun if you like to hustle a car. Ultimately the V8 is quicker but its not so simple in the drivers seat.
If good a 2.9 V6 will make 175+ bhp and thats how you drive them and they like to rev. The V8 will make 240 ft/lb of torque, and thats how they like to be driven.
Following the basics of decent chassis and general condition, seats, hood, screens etc:
A major need in my view is a limited slip diff as in the damp it makes the car fun to drive, rather than scary on the edge.
Second I'd look for excellent brakes. I've had issues with the basic set up and fitted larger discs up front and prefer the balance that Ive got with rear discs.
Next theres the cooling system. If in good fettle it will save you on the hottest days in the south of europe. If its not it'll have you. Mine overcool in winter - which is easier to deal with than any overheating nastiness.
Don't ask about header tanks and pressure caps! stainless headers are a great idea, those near the exhaust and made of plastic aren't.
I'm about to sell my V6, its the ex TopGear TV Show car, as driven by James May. I'll be getting a fresh MOT and some spit and polish over the next month and then I'll be looking for something around £11k for it.
It has uprated 278mm front discs, 60mm calipers rebuilt by biggred, ventilated rear discs and rebuilt calipers, braided hoses, rebuilt steering rack, new cooling fan, LSD, alloy radiator, new heater matrix, new water pump, rebuilt gearbox, new clutch, recovered leather seats, uprated diff mount, gas adjustable shocks (original shocks and springs available), and it looks just fine with a good solid chassis and new front screen, properly fitted! Last time on a rolling road it made 177 bhp.
Ive been all over europe in it and bar a brake failure (leading to my excessive upgrades) its been great fun to own. I can't keep this and a V8 though..... and Ive just spent a fortune on that too.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bwoHmubxDIg
If good a 2.9 V6 will make 175+ bhp and thats how you drive them and they like to rev. The V8 will make 240 ft/lb of torque, and thats how they like to be driven.
Following the basics of decent chassis and general condition, seats, hood, screens etc:
A major need in my view is a limited slip diff as in the damp it makes the car fun to drive, rather than scary on the edge.
Second I'd look for excellent brakes. I've had issues with the basic set up and fitted larger discs up front and prefer the balance that Ive got with rear discs.
Next theres the cooling system. If in good fettle it will save you on the hottest days in the south of europe. If its not it'll have you. Mine overcool in winter - which is easier to deal with than any overheating nastiness.
Don't ask about header tanks and pressure caps! stainless headers are a great idea, those near the exhaust and made of plastic aren't.
I'm about to sell my V6, its the ex TopGear TV Show car, as driven by James May. I'll be getting a fresh MOT and some spit and polish over the next month and then I'll be looking for something around £11k for it.
It has uprated 278mm front discs, 60mm calipers rebuilt by biggred, ventilated rear discs and rebuilt calipers, braided hoses, rebuilt steering rack, new cooling fan, LSD, alloy radiator, new heater matrix, new water pump, rebuilt gearbox, new clutch, recovered leather seats, uprated diff mount, gas adjustable shocks (original shocks and springs available), and it looks just fine with a good solid chassis and new front screen, properly fitted! Last time on a rolling road it made 177 bhp.
Ive been all over europe in it and bar a brake failure (leading to my excessive upgrades) its been great fun to own. I can't keep this and a V8 though..... and Ive just spent a fortune on that too.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bwoHmubxDIg
Edited by Top Gear TVR on Sunday 27th May 18:21
All- thanks for all the firendly advice and glad to say i am now a proper memeber of the S club. I found a V8 ! charming and terrifying all at the same time. The drive home was an adventute , there was stand still traffic on the M40 and the temperature gauge seemed a bit high for comfort and when i turned the headlights on the battery warning light stay on and the amp meter dropped to the red. But safely home and the new car has been put into its new bed for the night.
Bobhon said:
Did you buy the Green one from Banbury that was for sale on eBay? That looked seriously cheap.
I did but it was not cheap. It had a start price and an end price. But i’ll say this . Me and the seller had an honest exchange . I am now the current custodian and will nurture this baby. See you on the next meet, v8s........Gassing Station | S Series | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff