I want a wedge, but don't understand all the variations
Discussion
ElvisWedgeman said:
I just wanted to add that Wedges are addictive. I remember when I bought my first Wedge many years ago I bought it just to see what they’re like. I’ve bough nine more since over the years. Every model is brilliant in its own way and they all sound good like only a TVR can sound. It’s just a matter of how much power you want as to what model suits. They are all reliable if looked after and well maintained.
The more I look into them, the more looking forward to driving a wedge I get. 
But them being basically Ford and a mix of mainstream parts, do they need a TVR specialist to care for them? Given what they are made of, I would think any mechanic used to older cars could? Specially a Ford one?
Looking at the photos you posted the FHC at top left is a S1 car and the one on bottom right is a S2 FHC. They were made in 200, 280i & 350i guises with only 1 390i recognised as manufactured as a special order in 1990.
I have no idea if my 390i left the factory with the 3.9 engine that is in it or if it originally had a 3.5, I bought the car 20+ years ago with very little history although the engine number is very close to some of the early 390se convertible cars and is of an age as the car itself.
I have no idea if my 390i left the factory with the 3.9 engine that is in it or if it originally had a 3.5, I bought the car 20+ years ago with very little history although the engine number is very close to some of the early 390se convertible cars and is of an age as the car itself.
FHCNICK said:
Looking at the photos you posted the FHC at top left is a S1 car and the one on bottom right is a S2 FHC. They were made in 200, 280i & 350i guises with only 1 390i recognised as manufactured as a special order in 1990.
I have no idea if my 390i left the factory with the 3.9 engine that is in it or if it originally had a 3.5, I bought the car 20+ years ago with very little history although the engine number is very close to some of the early 390se convertible cars and is of an age as the car itself.
Thanks. And what do you make of the white car with the blue wheels? Indeed a hybrid in looks?I have no idea if my 390i left the factory with the 3.9 engine that is in it or if it originally had a 3.5, I bought the car 20+ years ago with very little history although the engine number is very close to some of the early 390se convertible cars and is of an age as the car itself.
Panamax said:
I'd keep it simple with a 350i. Proper V8 experience and quick enough. Manageable maintenance.
Thanks. Are the 350i the most common and easy to find V8? I think it's also the only V8 which came out as a FHC?Talking about maintenance, is a 350i harder or more expensive to maintain than a 280i, apart from the fuel?
KKson said:
Bodyshells - they may look similar but in reality all the various body shapes are different. Different bulkheads, different fibreglass thickness, slightly different dimensions, different internal cockpit widths. In my opinion no two Wedges are the same!
Does this happen with the interiors as well? I have the impression I have seen the same model with the original flat dash and with the wrap around version. Like a 400SE with flat dash and another 400SE with the wrap around dash. Did this happen?Downshiftup said:
Thanks. And what do you make of the white car with the blue wheels? Indeed a hybrid in looks?
The white car has been modified, the flared body kit and chin spoiler are not factory parts in my opinion. The wheels are similar to the split rims found on some later SE cars but alot bigger (I doubt that car could apply much more than half steering lock before the wheels rub the chassis) and the car is not an SE. The bonnet is from around 1984/85 cars.Downshiftup said:
Does this happen with the interiors as well? I have the impression I have seen the same model with the original flat dash and with the wrap around version. Like a 400SE with flat dash and another 400SE with the wrap around dash. Did this happen?
Yes, I have one of the last 280DH built ...400 chassis, late cooling system, SEAC 4 dial interior. A@Adrian@ said:
Downshiftup said:
Does this happen with the interiors as well? I have the impression I have seen the same model with the original flat dash and with the wrap around version. Like a 400SE with flat dash and another 400SE with the wrap around dash. Did this happen?
Yes, I have one of the last 280DH built ...400 chassis, late cooling system, SEAC 4 dial interior. A@KKson said:
Suspension - the trailing arm and A frame chassis are completely different so no you cant just fit later suspension to an earlier chassis. Similarly earlier 2.8i cars had a much narrower chassis, so the V8 wont fit without serious butchering and welding mods.
Interesting to know the chassis are different. Tried a quick google search to see if I could spot the difference in the suspension and tell which chassis is trail arm and which is A frame, but didn't go very far. I would love to see it, to understand. This is the earlier trailing arm system:
And this is the later A frame arrangement:
If this is still available and you fancy some spannering, probably a lot of spannering, you could have a look at this.;)
https://www.tvr-car-club.co.uk/classifieds.html
probably a lot of spannering, you could have a look at this.;)https://www.tvr-car-club.co.uk/classifieds.html
BlueWedgy said:
If this is still available and you fancy some spannering, probably a lot of spannering, you could have a look at this.;)
https://www.tvr-car-club.co.uk/classifieds.html
Thanks. Which car is it? The link leads just to a main page with several cars. probably a lot of spannering, you could have a look at this.;)https://www.tvr-car-club.co.uk/classifieds.html
KKson said:
Likewise I had a 1988 green 350i that had a 5 clock wrap around dash, similar to the SEAC and later SE versions. I might be wrong but I think the American versions also had the wrap around dash, rather than the square slab type. As I said earlier, I don't think there are two identical Wedges out there......
In a way, this individuality is great. Makes them more unique. But may create headaches to buy used parts? If a dash from a model won't fit in another, of the same model, or a center console, or a chin spoiler etc, because they are all slightly different. Or it's not that bad?KKson said:
KKson said:
Suspension - the trailing arm and A frame chassis are completely different so no you cant just fit later suspension to an earlier chassis. Similarly earlier 2.8i cars had a much narrower chassis, so the V8 wont fit without serious butchering and welding mods.
Interesting to know the chassis are different. Tried a quick google search to see if I could spot the difference in the suspension and tell which chassis is trail arm and which is A frame, but didn't go very far. I would love to see it, to understand. This is the earlier trailing arm system:
And this is the later A frame arrangement:
Thanks. This is very useful.Although I find conflicting reports of how bad the trailing arm really is or how much of an improvement the A frame is. Is there any real way to improve the handling in the trailing arm cars, if I feel the need?
Downshiftup said:
Thanks. Yes, I do like the FHC cars quite a bit. But I never saw a S2 FHC. Meaning a FHC with the nose like a 390SE or 400SE etc. I thought FHC were all S1 and only 280i and 350i.
Our 1983 2.8 FHC will most probably be advertised for sale around Easter time when we return form France.FHCNICK said:
Looking at the photos you posted the FHC at top left is a S1 car and the one on bottom right is a S2 FHC. They were made in 200, 280i & 350i guises with only 1 390i recognised as manufactured as a special order in 1990.
I have no idea if my 390i left the factory with the 3.9 engine that is in it or if it originally had a 3.5, I bought the car 20+ years ago with very little history although the engine number is very close to some of the early 390se convertible cars and is of an age as the car itself.
The yellow one in your picture is I guess an S3, I only ever saw that specific shape on late 280 Autos but was for sure later on in the models life and before the 400/450SE cars as far as I know.I have no idea if my 390i left the factory with the 3.9 engine that is in it or if it originally had a 3.5, I bought the car 20+ years ago with very little history although the engine number is very close to some of the early 390se convertible cars and is of an age as the car itself.
Never had a V6 but the V8 was always an event when I took it out
My thoughts are that the yellow picture is a USA spec car rather than an Series 3 (pictures pinched from when they were for sale)
This the Yellow S3 Auto and blue Auto (it is the vented bonnet that is the 'tell'). 400 indicators/side and SD1 rear lamps.
A@
This the Yellow S3 Auto and blue Auto (it is the vented bonnet that is the 'tell'). 400 indicators/side and SD1 rear lamps.
A@
Edited by Adrian@ on Thursday 2nd March 16:28
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