Tuscan Newbie - Excited, a little scared, and seeking advice
Discussion
I am a TVR Tuscan newbie, and a novice to these forums. I am however delighted to advise via my first ever post, that I have just bought my first ever Tuscan, having been a fan of these cars since my early twenties.
I should start by saying that a petrol head, I am not. I have entirely shallow intentions for buying this particular vehicle. Quite frankly, i think they are absolutely stunning and sound fantastic. I have spent hours on end reviewing the valuable insight via these forums prior to making my decision, and the seller (Ross Griffin - Shmoo Automotive) has been incredibly helpful, providing honest insight into TVR's and the life and history of all things Tuscan.
I have bought an MK1 Tuscan (my preferred Tuscan of choice due to the styling which in my opinion is timeless) with only 29k miles on the clock and in mint condition. The engine is currently with Powers getting a full engine rebuild to Red Rose spec with a new AP Racing clutch. The car already has Nitron shock absorbers and has been corner weighted. Having got comfortable with the reliability issues and ensuring I bought a car that was having the appropriate work done to it as part of the sale, the only anxiety left was during the test drive. However, I found the car to be a joy to drive. I've never driven a Tuscan before, and my test drive was even in damp and drizzly conditions. Ross actually said that he doesn't normally allow test drives in the rain, but made exception as i was making a round trip from Kent to Devon. He was complimentary about the way i drove the car. I didn't stall it (a common newbie error apparently) and having told me about the reverse gear procedure, i found myself using this during the test drive when a farmer on his morning rounds approached us with his heard of cows! The whole car acted and felt like, well, a normal car. But i think that's largely because i drove it as a normal car. Let me remind you again, i am not a petrol head. This car is purely about the looks and sound for me and as i drove it in an entirely sensible manner, it behaved entirely sensibly.
Needless to say that since making my purchase, i have literally been dreaming about collecting the car ever since. I can't wait. Although my excitement is slowly turning into anxiety and concern. Not through ownership, but because of my inaugural drive. My first drive with this thing will be a 200 mile drive from Devon to Kent. As i wait for the car to be ready, i have dived back into the forums and focused my new searches on handling. I think it's fair to say that most people think these things can act a little wildly at times. So much so that some very old press articles referring to Tuscan crashes suggest that the backside of these things start to "wiggle" if you approach 60Mph in 3rd gear. (FYI - I have no intention of driving at 60Mph in 3rd gear!!)
I believe that a combination of my "Captain Slow" sensible driving and the set-up of the car that i am buying is one of the reasons i found it entirely comfortable to drive during the test drive. I think it would be an incredible shame to miss out on a 200 mile drive home, as i believe this would be the perfect opportunity for man and beast to get acquainted. I have read enough about these cars to show them the respect they deserve. Whilst i have every intention of giving this thing some "beans" at some point, i would never ever dare to do so until i was entirely comfortable in doing so, which is likely to be several months down the line. Until then, i would drive it once again like a normal car. Light on the accelerator in every gear, changing up through the gears like a normal car. Slow into corners with no acceleration on the throttle. I doubt i would even attempt an overtaking on the motorway until i got entirely used to throttle pressure and control. Okay, maybe i would be tempted to overtake on the motorway but at very sensible speeds and probably never over 80Mph.
I guess my question to you guys is whether or not you have any advice for that first drive home so that i don't kill myself or anyone else but more importantly, the car!! I assume that if you can resist the urge to floor the throttle and go for revs, the car should largely behave?
My drive home will be a combination of country lanes and B Roads (like the test drive) for the first 45 minutes before moving into A roads as i approach Stone Hendge before i hit the motorway.
If you could offer any driving advice for that inaugural drive, it would be very much appreciated.
Let the countdown begin......
I should start by saying that a petrol head, I am not. I have entirely shallow intentions for buying this particular vehicle. Quite frankly, i think they are absolutely stunning and sound fantastic. I have spent hours on end reviewing the valuable insight via these forums prior to making my decision, and the seller (Ross Griffin - Shmoo Automotive) has been incredibly helpful, providing honest insight into TVR's and the life and history of all things Tuscan.
I have bought an MK1 Tuscan (my preferred Tuscan of choice due to the styling which in my opinion is timeless) with only 29k miles on the clock and in mint condition. The engine is currently with Powers getting a full engine rebuild to Red Rose spec with a new AP Racing clutch. The car already has Nitron shock absorbers and has been corner weighted. Having got comfortable with the reliability issues and ensuring I bought a car that was having the appropriate work done to it as part of the sale, the only anxiety left was during the test drive. However, I found the car to be a joy to drive. I've never driven a Tuscan before, and my test drive was even in damp and drizzly conditions. Ross actually said that he doesn't normally allow test drives in the rain, but made exception as i was making a round trip from Kent to Devon. He was complimentary about the way i drove the car. I didn't stall it (a common newbie error apparently) and having told me about the reverse gear procedure, i found myself using this during the test drive when a farmer on his morning rounds approached us with his heard of cows! The whole car acted and felt like, well, a normal car. But i think that's largely because i drove it as a normal car. Let me remind you again, i am not a petrol head. This car is purely about the looks and sound for me and as i drove it in an entirely sensible manner, it behaved entirely sensibly.
Needless to say that since making my purchase, i have literally been dreaming about collecting the car ever since. I can't wait. Although my excitement is slowly turning into anxiety and concern. Not through ownership, but because of my inaugural drive. My first drive with this thing will be a 200 mile drive from Devon to Kent. As i wait for the car to be ready, i have dived back into the forums and focused my new searches on handling. I think it's fair to say that most people think these things can act a little wildly at times. So much so that some very old press articles referring to Tuscan crashes suggest that the backside of these things start to "wiggle" if you approach 60Mph in 3rd gear. (FYI - I have no intention of driving at 60Mph in 3rd gear!!)
I believe that a combination of my "Captain Slow" sensible driving and the set-up of the car that i am buying is one of the reasons i found it entirely comfortable to drive during the test drive. I think it would be an incredible shame to miss out on a 200 mile drive home, as i believe this would be the perfect opportunity for man and beast to get acquainted. I have read enough about these cars to show them the respect they deserve. Whilst i have every intention of giving this thing some "beans" at some point, i would never ever dare to do so until i was entirely comfortable in doing so, which is likely to be several months down the line. Until then, i would drive it once again like a normal car. Light on the accelerator in every gear, changing up through the gears like a normal car. Slow into corners with no acceleration on the throttle. I doubt i would even attempt an overtaking on the motorway until i got entirely used to throttle pressure and control. Okay, maybe i would be tempted to overtake on the motorway but at very sensible speeds and probably never over 80Mph.
I guess my question to you guys is whether or not you have any advice for that first drive home so that i don't kill myself or anyone else but more importantly, the car!! I assume that if you can resist the urge to floor the throttle and go for revs, the car should largely behave?
My drive home will be a combination of country lanes and B Roads (like the test drive) for the first 45 minutes before moving into A roads as i approach Stone Hendge before i hit the motorway.
If you could offer any driving advice for that inaugural drive, it would be very much appreciated.
Let the countdown begin......
Welcome!
It's simple, really - don't drive like a d*ck. These things don't tend to leave the road all on their own accord. If it's pissing it down on your drive home, cut back your speed by a bit more than you would have done in a normal car. There's not a lot of weight pushing your (wide) tyres through standing water.
Enjoy!
It's simple, really - don't drive like a d*ck. These things don't tend to leave the road all on their own accord. If it's pissing it down on your drive home, cut back your speed by a bit more than you would have done in a normal car. There's not a lot of weight pushing your (wide) tyres through standing water.
Enjoy!
If you’re apprehensive a session with an advanced driving instructor (eg. HPC instructors and/or Reg but you’re a little far from him in Kent!) plus a skid pan session e.g Mercedes Benz world would be beneficial.
You’ll learn a lot from both and the latter will hopefully give you a bit of muscle memory/knowledge of what to do if anything happens.
You’ll learn a lot from both and the latter will hopefully give you a bit of muscle memory/knowledge of what to do if anything happens.
Errr you forgot something
No photo's
Just moderate the right foot especially in the wet and you will be fine. (plus avoid changing down without rev matching especially on bends)
With my MK1 I found that bump steer was by far the biggest issue with handling and the main reason I sold the car. Even after all the fixes it wasn't great. My current Evora has about the same power to weight as my Tuscan but is much faster on the local cross country a and b roads simply because it goes where you point it not where the undualtions in the road steer it to.
No photo's
Just moderate the right foot especially in the wet and you will be fine. (plus avoid changing down without rev matching especially on bends)
With my MK1 I found that bump steer was by far the biggest issue with handling and the main reason I sold the car. Even after all the fixes it wasn't great. My current Evora has about the same power to weight as my Tuscan but is much faster on the local cross country a and b roads simply because it goes where you point it not where the undualtions in the road steer it to.
Meet the new lady in my life. Thanks for the feedback thus far. I assumed that driving like a d1ck would be the number 1 cause of issues. With regard to bump steer, is that something that is quite easy to control\recover from? Assuming of course you are going at sensible speeds? I assume bump steer is seen less on motorways and well maintained roads?
Basically the smother and flatter the road the less the bump steer (hard luck we live in the UK). In case you don;t know bump steer is basically where the up and down movement of the wheel changes the geometry of the suspension and imparts a steering angle to the wheel. I found the Tuscan to be the worst car I have had for this but an Alfa 4c came close.
The faster you are going, the more pronounced the effect, yes you can recover from it. In the 4c it punted me into the opposing lane, had a care been coming the other way I would not have recovered, ever.
The thing is to be aware of it and try and avoid the worst bits of the road, often the edges
car looks great in the pics - congratulations. Flaws included, they are very enjoyable cars
The faster you are going, the more pronounced the effect, yes you can recover from it. In the 4c it punted me into the opposing lane, had a care been coming the other way I would not have recovered, ever.
The thing is to be aware of it and try and avoid the worst bits of the road, often the edges
car looks great in the pics - congratulations. Flaws included, they are very enjoyable cars
Welcome to Tuscan ownership, I have had a Mk1 for 12 years and have just upgraded the engine to a 4.3 this year. When I first got it it was a hairy experience! Nitrons, decent tyres and four wheel geo alignment sorted that out and a recent full chassis refurb and new bushes all around has virtually eliminated bump steer.
As you are having the engine rebuilt you should be running it in for the first 1000 miles, so you shouldn’t be taking it above 3000 much anyway (a few forays to 4000 will help bed in the piston rings), this is the perfect opportunity to get to know your car at sub lepton speeds as you gain confidence after running in and weather permitting there is nothing like a speed 6 at full chat for stunning acceleration and aural pleasure. Enjoy!
As you are having the engine rebuilt you should be running it in for the first 1000 miles, so you shouldn’t be taking it above 3000 much anyway (a few forays to 4000 will help bed in the piston rings), this is the perfect opportunity to get to know your car at sub lepton speeds as you gain confidence after running in and weather permitting there is nothing like a speed 6 at full chat for stunning acceleration and aural pleasure. Enjoy!
I’d heard about the 1000 mile bedding in. I think the engine goes back to Powers at that point just to ensure everything is still in order.
The company I bought from do 50-100 miles prior to collection, just to ensure everything is running fine. I’ll then add 200 to that on my drive back home. It’s then approximately 150 miles from Kent to Dom at Powers, which gives me another 500 in the middle to get used to things.
As I say, I genuinely will be driving this thing normally. The honeymoon period I guess. Then once I’m comfortable, I’ll know how much I can throw her around
Thanks everyone. I’m actually tempted to treat myself to a GoPro so that I can document the journey home.
I seriously love these cars. Excitement back to 100%. Fear and anxiety eliminated.
The company I bought from do 50-100 miles prior to collection, just to ensure everything is running fine. I’ll then add 200 to that on my drive back home. It’s then approximately 150 miles from Kent to Dom at Powers, which gives me another 500 in the middle to get used to things.
As I say, I genuinely will be driving this thing normally. The honeymoon period I guess. Then once I’m comfortable, I’ll know how much I can throw her around
Thanks everyone. I’m actually tempted to treat myself to a GoPro so that I can document the journey home.
I seriously love these cars. Excitement back to 100%. Fear and anxiety eliminated.
How are the tyres? Make sure they are:
Of a good / well reviewed / tried & tested brand and model.
Have plenty of meat left on them.
Are of a correct size.
And are less than 7 years old.
Always amazes me the amount of people that scrimp / don't heavily research the only part of the bloody thing that touches the ground!
Of a good / well reviewed / tried & tested brand and model.
Have plenty of meat left on them.
Are of a correct size.
And are less than 7 years old.
Always amazes me the amount of people that scrimp / don't heavily research the only part of the bloody thing that touches the ground!
Zippee said:
60mph in 3rd - Dear boy you should only just be thinking of changing up to third by that point 
no no no, thats not even the middle of second 
Anyway, they can be a really sorted car, mine is really good now (haven't driven it for nearly a year mind). Bump steer isn't too bad once sorted and its actually very compliant. However just dont even try to push in the wet, it doesnt work
Speed 3 said:
blueg33 said:
I fitted a sump heater to mine. Oil gets to temp much earlier, so proper fun starts sooner.
Stupid question time - how does that work on a dry sump engine ?Having had our rebuilt by powers recently I wouldn’t worry at all about the drive home, 3000 rpm is max 55 mph and no chance to do anything silly. I would just re-iterate what malcster said, make sure the tyres are decent quality and not too old. Also keep an eye on tyre pressure they are very sensitive, 1.7 bar is ideal for road but even 1.8 is too high and will allow the rear end to move around.
Have fun and enjoy, they are a very special car...
Have fun and enjoy, they are a very special car...
MartH70 said:
... 3000 rpm is max 55 mph...
You do know the gearbox goes all the way up to 5? In my car at least, 3000 rpm in 4th would be around 55-60 mph (2500 rpm in 4th = 50 mph), 3000 rpm in 5th should be just over 70 mph (2500 rpm in 5th = 65 mph). Perhaps one of us has a dodgy rev counter?Cats said:
The more time that you spend with your new love you will realise that the gas (loud) pedal goes further and further into the floor. You'll probably run out of road before you get to flooring the pedal unless you are on a track.
Just drive sensibly and you'll be fine
TVR's version of traction control....it can be quite alien coming from something else and getting it fully floored can be a bit painful in the ankle. The specialist who sold me mine was an ex main dealer salesman and said that when they test drove them at a launch event they thought they were a bit slow until someone from the factory pointed this feature out.Just drive sensibly and you'll be fine
MartH70 said:
Also keep an eye on tyre pressure they are very sensitive, 1.7 bar is ideal for road but even 1.8 is too high and will allow the rear end to move around.
Have fun and enjoy, they are a very special car...
I run mine at 22psi (1.5 bar) and it does make a difference, having experimented with all points up to 26 psiHave fun and enjoy, they are a very special car...
twoollard said:
FYI - I have no intention of driving at 60mph in 3rd gear!!
Welcome to Mk1 Tuscan ownership! I agree with you that 60 mph in 3rd should generally be avoided. 70 mph in 2nd on the other hand, now we're talking 
empty motorway slip roads will very quickly become your favourite place in the world...In terms of advice for your drive home after collecting the car, as others have said you'll be fine as long as you drive sensibly and keep a light right foot. As a general rule, I avoid any more than about 2/10ths pressure on the accelerator until the front wheels are pointing in a straight line. Trust me, I learnt that lesson the hard way! Also, to reiterate another point that has been made above, be prepared for bump steer. On uneven B roads (i.e. most roads in the uk) it can be irritating, but at normal road speeds you shouldn't have any problem keeping it pointing in a straight line.
Oh, and more pics are needed as soon as you get your hands on the car (full-size this time)
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