Tuscan S MK1 v Tuscan S MK2

[Hobbsy26]

Hi guys,

I have been wanting to buy a Tuscan S for some time now and funds are nearing completion. During my time of saving I have had the opportunity to keep a close eye on the market and have noticed that MK2s are now being advertised for very similar prices to the MK1.
I do prefer the front end looks of the MK1 but wanted to know if you guys thought that the MK2 is an all-round better car - mainly in the reliability arena.

Any help much appreciated.

Thanks,

Adam

[Funky Jo]

I think in terms of reliability (engine) there is no difference if you consider a Mk1 S built as from summer 2003 or later.
However, a later engine is no garanty - it's the "how has it been looked after" that counts most.

[Laser Sag]

You will find the MKI and MKII drive differently as they have different ratio steering racks best bet is to drive a couple of versions of each and see which you like/prefer.Make sure you try them on the type of roads you will be driving on especially if that will be bumpy b roads as some find the quicker steering on the MKI a bit off putting on bumpy surfaces.

[dvs_dave]

A MkI is more likely to have had it's suspension upgraded with Nitron dampers or the like which are far superior to the standard MkII dampers, so there's a good chance that it'll handle better than a standard MkII. People talk about the twitchy steering on the MkI, but having driven both MkI & II at length, there's not much in it and nothing you won't get used too.

[Hobbsy26]

Thanks for the info guys. Think i will go for the MK1

[Madwud]

Hello

I’m looking for a Tuscan S. I think the earlier cars are prettiest but I’m curious about the handling. Was the Mk1 Tuscan S always more “finely honed”?

Apparently most things are now fixable—geometry, different shocks/springs, new bump stops, etc—but is there a ‘fix’ (i.e. a slightly slower steering rack) to cure the mismatched responses between the front and rear axles?

Grateful for any replies based on observations and evidence rather than on statements of opinion.

Ta
Martin

Edited by Madwud on Sunday 18th April 22:41

[Basil Brush]

The steering ratio is the same on mk1 and mk2 (and cerbera, tamora, t350). The mk2 has a higher lock to lock turns number as it has more steering lock due to a change in the top wishbone shape.

[900T-R]

Basil Brush said:

The steering ratio is the same on mk1 and mk2 (and cerbera, tamora, t350). The mk2 has a higher lock to lock turns number as it has more steering lock due to a change in the top wishbone shape.

Always suspected that the .25 extra turns lock to lock was due to more steering lock - which was criticized on early versions - rather than a comparatively slower steering ratio, thanks for confirming.

As for basic geometry, all from April 2001 are equal (wishbones, uprights) the only difference being suspension tuning. The front spring rates have been the same from beginning to end, but TVR had a significant rethink, which culminated in the August 2005-on Tuscan S models which had 50 kg/cm rear springs compared to the 27.5 kg/cm of the early Tuscans (so where the Tuscan originally had softer springs rear compared to front, on this last version they were significantly stiffer than the fronts!) According to Ben Lang, this last version is the one to have and a good starting point with aftermarket suspension too (I copied the spring rates when I specced our Intrax dampers, as the Intrax team obviously agreed...).

[Basil Brush]

Was the rear shock mount position changed as well? I've seen it mentioned a few times.

[Getsis]

Build quality, less parts fall off and the glued trim looks neater

[glow worm]

MK1 Tuscans were the only car in TVR history to a an official DVLA safety recall

[Basil Brush]

Getsis said:

Build quality, less parts fall off and the glued trim looks neater

That depends who glued it back on, for the third time...

[NCE 61]

glow worm said:

MK1 Tuscans were the only car in TVR history to a an official DVLA safety recall

The Cerebra was also recalled for the same reason front uprights, I had them done on my MK1 and got the little round sticker on the VIN plate.

MK2/3 were much better put together than the MK1's, mine certainly was

[jmd68]

For what it's worth, my 2001 Tuscan S is sharp but stable and predictable with Gaz Gold Pro adjustable dampers and a good geometry setting.
What made a huge difference was changing tires from GoodYear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 1 to Asymmetric 3 (255 all around): no more tram-lining, no more "autonomous lane change" at high speed, better grip in the wet. The steering lost a bit of its sharpness, but still has more than enough.

By now, most pieces have been well re-glued, and the MK1 interior is such a charm!.

Edited by jmd68 on Thursday 22 April 18:37

[Madwud]

Thanks all for your replies.

Sharp but stable and predictable handling is fine for me. Yes, parts fall off all TVRs but many will have had--or need--retrims by now. Once that's done, I agree, the MK1 interior is the place to be.

For context, I ran an 03 T350 2006-2010 (NYTVRCC), which was very sharp but stable. I'm now looking to return after an almost decade-long sojourn overseas.

Cheers
Martin