Silly Tuscan idea
Discussion
quote:
Perhaps another route is to get a smashed up Griff or Chimp (though with OK chassis) and put the shell on that. There are so many ways to skin this cat, there must be answer somehow.
Think the Griff/Chim chassis is near it's limits with the 5 litre engine so probably wouldn't be a good idea with a 5.7 litre Chevy engine!
Simpo
A few points:
What is the problem with an ex-racer? If you want a Tuscan RACER, it is your only option. As for not wanting the engine or interior, you don't have a choice. A secondhand race car will not have an engine as the teams lease engines from TVR. Not sure you'll get a gearbox either. You might get a diff.
The race car doesn't really have an 'interior' either. The fuel tank sits where the passenger seat would go in a road car and is covered by a skin. You will have to completely re do the inside of the car regardless.
As for 're-shelling' a Griff to make it look like a Tuscan, why? I thought you said you wanted a road -going Tuscan RACER.
If you are really serious about this then speak to someone who has already done it.
Sounds like a pipe dream to me
A few points:
What is the problem with an ex-racer? If you want a Tuscan RACER, it is your only option. As for not wanting the engine or interior, you don't have a choice. A secondhand race car will not have an engine as the teams lease engines from TVR. Not sure you'll get a gearbox either. You might get a diff.
The race car doesn't really have an 'interior' either. The fuel tank sits where the passenger seat would go in a road car and is covered by a skin. You will have to completely re do the inside of the car regardless.
As for 're-shelling' a Griff to make it look like a Tuscan, why? I thought you said you wanted a road -going Tuscan RACER.
If you are really serious about this then speak to someone who has already done it.
Sounds like a pipe dream to me
quote:
There are so many ways to skin this cat, there must be answer somehow. I guess you need (1) chassis (2) shell (3) engine (4) interior (5) someone clever enough to put it all together. Only the shell is the unique bit, as I see it.
...yeah - don't worry too much about the differences in chassis, brakes, suspension, exhaust system, fuel tank, instruments - they're all identical......
There is actually only one way to skin this particular cat to achieve a road going Tuscan racer. And that is to convert a race car. Once the cat is skinned you have various options - what engine/gearbox, where to put the fuel tank, how to engineer a roof, how to trim the interior, whether to reduce the rigidity of the chassis by removing the roll cage etc...
A Griff with a Tuscan shell on it is nothing more than, well, a Griff with a Tuscan shell. Its not a Tuscan.
Sorry. Friday afternoon.
Getting tetchy.
'What is the problem with an ex-racer? If you want a Tuscan RACER, it is your only option.'
I don't want a basketcase that's been tuned and tweaked to the eyeballs and been smashed up every weekend and held togther with gaffer tape.
I just like the look of Tuscans, in the same way that I have a Griff at the moment because I like it. I don't want an ex-racing Griff either.
'As for not wanting the engine or interior, you don't have a choice. A secondhand race car will not have an engine as the teams lease engines from TVR. Not sure you'll get a gearbox either. You might get a diff.'
If the engine is leased then it would go back to TVR, surely? This thing is going to have to go through to odd town now and again, and even I know that a race-tuned 500bhp engine etc is not good for that.
'The race car doesn't really have an 'interior' either. The fuel tank sits where the passenger seat would go in a road car and is covered by a skin. You will have to completely re do the inside of the car regardless.'
Yep.
'I thought you said you wanted a road -going Tuscan RACER.'
I use the phrase Racer to differentiate it from the 1960's Tuscan and the current Tuscan, that's all!
'If you are really serious about this then speak to someone who has already done it.'
Several people have got ex-racers, made some interior out of GRP and probably enjoy them very much. As far as I know, no-one's made a civilised one with decent interior and roof. It doesn't have to be any more powerful/faster than the Griff.
'Sounds like a pipe dream to me'
So was flying, in 1902. As I said earlier, I just want to work out (1) if it technically possible (2) if it is achievable with the parts available (3) how much it might all cost. That's not an unreasonable place to start is it?
I don't want a basketcase that's been tuned and tweaked to the eyeballs and been smashed up every weekend and held togther with gaffer tape.
I just like the look of Tuscans, in the same way that I have a Griff at the moment because I like it. I don't want an ex-racing Griff either.
'As for not wanting the engine or interior, you don't have a choice. A secondhand race car will not have an engine as the teams lease engines from TVR. Not sure you'll get a gearbox either. You might get a diff.'
If the engine is leased then it would go back to TVR, surely? This thing is going to have to go through to odd town now and again, and even I know that a race-tuned 500bhp engine etc is not good for that.
'The race car doesn't really have an 'interior' either. The fuel tank sits where the passenger seat would go in a road car and is covered by a skin. You will have to completely re do the inside of the car regardless.'
Yep.
'I thought you said you wanted a road -going Tuscan RACER.'
I use the phrase Racer to differentiate it from the 1960's Tuscan and the current Tuscan, that's all!
'If you are really serious about this then speak to someone who has already done it.'
Several people have got ex-racers, made some interior out of GRP and probably enjoy them very much. As far as I know, no-one's made a civilised one with decent interior and roof. It doesn't have to be any more powerful/faster than the Griff.
'Sounds like a pipe dream to me'
So was flying, in 1902. As I said earlier, I just want to work out (1) if it technically possible (2) if it is achievable with the parts available (3) how much it might all cost. That's not an unreasonable place to start is it?
'I don't want a basketcase that's been tuned and tweaked to the eyeballs and been smashed up every weekend and held togther with gaffer tape.'
Fair enough. You won't have the race car engine, so that being thrashed isn't an issue. I expect you'd have to re-build the whole lot anyway, in converting it.
'If the engine is leased then it would go back to TVR, surely? This thing is going to have to go through to odd town now and again, and even I know that a race-tuned 500bhp engine etc is not good for that.'
Yes - you won't get an engine with the car. Not a current Tuscan racing engine anyway.
'Several people have got ex-racers, made some interior out of GRP and probably enjoy them very much. As far as I know, no-one's made a civilised one with decent interior and roof. It doesn't have to be any more powerful/faster than the Griff'
I guess you can make it as luxurious as you like, depending on your budget.
'Sounds like a pipe dream to me'
So was flying, in 1902. As I said earlier, I just want to work out (1) if it technically possible (2) if it is achievable with the parts available (3) how much it might all cost. That's not an unreasonable place to start is it?
Fair enought.
1) Yes it is, several people have done it
2) Yes, see 1)
3) Potentially lots - more the further you depart from its racing basis.
There are ways of keeping the costs down. Grant, for example, got sponsorship deals (cheap or free parts/tyres/engine) and advertises his sponsors on the car. That's why I suggest you speak to one of the guys who has already done it.
OK, without the actual people who've converted one responding, I think this has gone as far as it can. It's up to me to speak with the various people mentioned and try to combine all their experiences into 'the way to do it'. Then I can cost it. And fair enough, if it's going to cost £30K, I won't do it.
Thanks also Griff2be - sounds like you've maybe thought about it yourself once? And Graham who would like one too! Apart from Fernhurst, who's recommended to check out the bits and assemble it? I'm bright but not a mechanic - just owner, driver and cheque-signer!
Thanks also Griff2be - sounds like you've maybe thought about it yourself once? And Graham who would like one too! Apart from Fernhurst, who's recommended to check out the bits and assemble it? I'm bright but not a mechanic - just owner, driver and cheque-signer!
It has crossed my mind, but only fleetingly. I spoke to Grant about his for quite a while at the Reading car show the other weekend - and I'm passing some things I picked up from him (probably all wrong!).
If you are after a Tuscan that is as well put together as a Griff or Chimaera, with a nice snug roof, I suspect it would cost you a fortune to do it. The race car is just not designed with nice panel gaps and quality trim in mind.
There is at least one Tuscan for sale in the classifieds or is it Sprint Magazine? (One was used for sprinting and has no engine, plus the gearbox was £6k extra!).
Grant also said he'd consider selling - for the right price!
Good luck if you go for it!
If you are after a Tuscan that is as well put together as a Griff or Chimaera, with a nice snug roof, I suspect it would cost you a fortune to do it. The race car is just not designed with nice panel gaps and quality trim in mind.
There is at least one Tuscan for sale in the classifieds or is it Sprint Magazine? (One was used for sprinting and has no engine, plus the gearbox was £6k extra!).
Grant also said he'd consider selling - for the right price!
Good luck if you go for it!
Thanks Tim. Whatever happens it won't be tomorrow, as I'm happy with the Griff for now. Not caring for the latest Tuscan or Tamora, I had my eyes on the Jaguar F-Type, but now that's cancelled it looks like the Griff will stay for a while. And when I want to move on, at least I have an interesting option to consider!
Simpo One, I am keen to fit an LS1 into a TVR Griff and have just posted for a close look at a chassis. I have a Z28 LS1 5.7L, less then 25000 miles on it and a T56 box. It's smaller then the Rover, has power from 300-600 bhp normally aspirated, new technology with performance parts coming on line all the time. It could be a marriage in heaven. If you want to try this then give me a shout. |The chevroletls1.com site is mine. I have a posting at the top of this page, TVR-LS1 hybrid? Mike.
Mike, now that's the sort of attitude I like.
As I said above, I'm not ready to move on the Tuscan plan yet as I'm still happy with the Griff, and unfortunately for your cunning plan the engine is fine too! But if it should blow up and be irreplaceable then I'll certainly call you. In fact I think 500 engines are gettig scarce now so it's probably only a matter of time before your hybrid happens!
As I said above, I'm not ready to move on the Tuscan plan yet as I'm still happy with the Griff, and unfortunately for your cunning plan the engine is fine too! But if it should blow up and be irreplaceable then I'll certainly call you. In fact I think 500 engines are gettig scarce now so it's probably only a matter of time before your hybrid happens!
simpo one - griff owner of evo mag fame I presume!
Sounds to me that it would cost at least £25K to build yourself a road going tuscan racer but probably £30K for a comfortable and well finished one.
Also - you would presumably want to sell it on one day?! I woulndt have thought many would be interested if it didnt have the original racer chassis.
Sounds to me that it would cost at least £25K to build yourself a road going tuscan racer but probably £30K for a comfortable and well finished one.
Also - you would presumably want to sell it on one day?! I woulndt have thought many would be interested if it didnt have the original racer chassis.
'simpo one - griff owner of evo mag fame I presume!'
Indeedimundo: my 15 minutes of fame seems to be lasting!
Sounds to me that it would cost at least £25K to build yourself a road going tuscan racer but probably £30K for a comfortable and well finished one.
I was afraid of that. That means another £10K to find, and what with global recession, taxes, stockmarket etc I'm not feeling rich at the moment.
'Also - you would presumably want to sell it on one day?! I woulndt have thought many would be interested if it didnt have the original racer chassis.'
Interesting point. Resale for such cars could be difficult. I know one shouldn't consider boring things like that but it is a factor. Perhaps an ex-racer would be a better prospect - with 'provenance' etc - that a bastard one. I'd still want the decent interior and roof, but at least it would have a history. Ho hum! Still, until I get bored with the Griff I can stay pondering.
Indeedimundo: my 15 minutes of fame seems to be lasting!
Sounds to me that it would cost at least £25K to build yourself a road going tuscan racer but probably £30K for a comfortable and well finished one.
I was afraid of that. That means another £10K to find, and what with global recession, taxes, stockmarket etc I'm not feeling rich at the moment.
'Also - you would presumably want to sell it on one day?! I woulndt have thought many would be interested if it didnt have the original racer chassis.'
Interesting point. Resale for such cars could be difficult. I know one shouldn't consider boring things like that but it is a factor. Perhaps an ex-racer would be a better prospect - with 'provenance' etc - that a bastard one. I'd still want the decent interior and roof, but at least it would have a history. Ho hum! Still, until I get bored with the Griff I can stay pondering.
'Oh simple one, don`t know about the Griff boring you but you sure are boring me.'
Wahaay! - Mike Luder shows us his imaginative streak by changing 'Simpo' to 'Simple'!! That's just so funny, so imaginative, I haven't heard anything like it until since I about 6. Your're a funny man, Luder, you should be on telly with an act like that!!!!
How many times have I said 'if you haven't got anything contructive, helpful or nice to say, don't say anything'? I look at threads that to be seem to be timewasting to me - nothing more than banter between IT folk, or someone saying 'Is a 500 better than a 4.0?' I could stick a stroppy comment in - but I'm a bit more grown up than that.
I *like* the idea of a road-going Tuscan and so I stuck my head over the parapet and asked the questions. Everyone except one person was helpful. Other people don't have the courage to face the riducule of people like Luder. (I could change that to a silly version of the name but will refrain). You have obviously followed the thread, yet have contributed nothing except an insult. What makes you so
clever anyway?
Wahaay! - Mike Luder shows us his imaginative streak by changing 'Simpo' to 'Simple'!! That's just so funny, so imaginative, I haven't heard anything like it until since I about 6. Your're a funny man, Luder, you should be on telly with an act like that!!!!
How many times have I said 'if you haven't got anything contructive, helpful or nice to say, don't say anything'? I look at threads that to be seem to be timewasting to me - nothing more than banter between IT folk, or someone saying 'Is a 500 better than a 4.0?' I could stick a stroppy comment in - but I'm a bit more grown up than that.
I *like* the idea of a road-going Tuscan and so I stuck my head over the parapet and asked the questions. Everyone except one person was helpful. Other people don't have the courage to face the riducule of people like Luder. (I could change that to a silly version of the name but will refrain). You have obviously followed the thread, yet have contributed nothing except an insult. What makes you so
clever anyway?
harold said: Now i'm going to make it extrem Silly i'looking to convert a 350i with a tuscan body does anyone have a clue how. And where to get the parts
There was a Tuscan rebodied 390SE around that died big time at Oulton Park when a conrod went through the block. It can be done but a lot of time and effort will be needed to make it happen. You won't get any of the money back or recoup it but if you still want to go ahead, talk with the Doug at David Geralds who IIRC owned the 390 Tuscan in the first place.
Steve
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