Sagaris in the US??
Discussion
It will be a cold cold day in California before a 'new' TVR comes to town; Except for Faisel and a few ex-pats driving on a HS7. I have just completed my SB100 here in California on my Canadian Super 7. The hoops that I had to jump through to get this car registered would never even be available to a 'new' production car like a TVR. Unless you want to crash a few for the NTHSA(sp) or go through a grey marketer and potentially have it confiscated. I did customs, EPA, DMV, BAR and others I'm probably forgetting, for a car that is sold here in the USA. Now if TVR was a kit and the engine was US compliant, you might be able to work something out. Noble and Marcos are doing it that way and would make sense for TVR to offer a 4.6 SVT engine as an option. Just my thoughts.
darrell said:
firstly orgasmicliving!! TVR griffiths are not underpowered they are faster than most vettes and better handling. The older TVRs never need rebuilds and all this rebuild stuff on the speed six is due to when people thrash the hell out of the car straight away from starting up the car without it warming up or they are laid up over the winter and most people who know about TVRs would say they are more reliable if you use them
Where have I said that Griffiths are underpowered. They certainly are not. They are, however, like most TVRs, very underdeveloped. That makes them deadly. Great fun, though, and I like them very much. If I ever got a Griffith, I would modify the suspension. It makes a big difference in performance (and therefore, safety)--and I have direct personal experience of exactly how scary the Griffith can be.
Can you show me where I said Griffiths are underpowered? I think you must have misunderstood or misread something I wrote?
I also never claimed that anything but the Speed 6s need rebuilds. So, we are in agreement there.
However, I definitely disagree with you that it's because they are thrashed without a proper warmup. That leads to a very specific type of failure, which these cars have not had. And TVR owners are mostly mechanically sympathetic and careful with their pride and joy. The Speed 6 failures are because of major design flaws:
- the elliptical path that the finger followers force the valve stems to describe (leading to worn valve guides leading to valve closure/failure),
- the softness of the metal used to make the followers,
- the loads borne by the followers, and
- the lack of lubrication (I understand the oilways have been revised in the later revisions).
There are also at least two other major design flaws that I am aware of, but I will keep my counsel, lest I be accused of hating TVRs for simply telling it like it is.
As for TVRs being more reliable if you use them, it's a bit of a myth. Quite simply, when used often, minor problems are caught before they turn into big problems. Also, they are caught one at a time, rather than piling on to create multiple failures/problems at once, which makes it seem like the cars are basket cases. Further, the more they are used, the more intimately familiar the owner becomes, which again helps to identify (and quickly rectify) abnormalities. But really, think about it. It's a mechanical and electrical object. Usage = wear and tear...it's stupid/naive to say that using them more often makes them more reliable. It can't, and it doesn't.
Apart from the company being mismanaged by a rich brat running it through a bunch of incompetent/asinine yes-men, and the Speed 6 disaster which they won't admit to, I love TVRs.
>> Edited by orgasmicliving!! on Wednesday 1st March 06:30
venom7 said:
It will be a cold cold day in California before a 'new' TVR comes to town; Except for Faisel and a few ex-pats driving on a HS7. I have just completed my SB100 here in California on my Canadian Super 7. The hoops that I had to jump through to get this car registered would never even be available to a 'new' production car like a TVR. Unless you want to crash a few for the NTHSA(sp) or go through a grey marketer and potentially have it confiscated. I did customs, EPA, DMV, BAR and others I'm probably forgetting, for a car that is sold here in the USA. Now if TVR was a kit and the engine was US compliant, you might be able to work something out. Noble and Marcos are doing it that way and would make sense for TVR to offer a 4.6 SVT engine as an option. Just my thoughts.
Superb post! I agree with you 100%. In fact, this is what I also suggested to anyone interested in a TVR. Get one, sell the motor, bring it over as parts, and find a good mechanic to put in a SVT or Vette or small-block Chevy or Duratec or whatever. There are all kinds of engines available in the US--including some really, really powerful ones, and they are cheap. And unlike TVR's fake claims, you get an engine dyno sheet certifying and PROVING the power output of the motor in your hands.
People go on about the sound of the flat plane crank, and I admit it is rather good, but really, the deep burble of any nice motor, or the wail they all make at high rpms, all sound very good to me. Of course, exhaust plays a big part too, as does fueling (for those lovely crackles, pops, and bangs). All of these can be tinkered with to provide an equivalent, if not better, sound compared to the TVR motor.
Now that they are making left-hookers for the Continent, I am surprised people have not done this yet (at least, I haven't heard of any--doesn't mean it's not been done). I am guessing that cost, logistics, hassle, etc., are all keeping the enthusiasts at bay. After all is said and done, I would imagine that insuring such a kit car would also be quite difficult. Nothing ventured, nothing gained...someone really should make one into a kit car with a US spec motor. I bet it would be fantastic!
>> Edited by orgasmicliving!! on Wednesday 1st March 06:43
orgasmicliving!! said:
It will be a cold cold day in California before a 'new' TVR comes to town; Except for Faisel and a few ex-pats driving on a HS7. I have just completed my SB100 here in California on my Canadian Super 7. The hoops that I had to jump through to get this car registered would never even be available to a 'new' production car like a TVR. Unless you want to crash a few for the NTHSA(sp) or go through a grey marketer and potentially have it confiscated. I did customs, EPA, DMV, BAR and others I'm probably forgetting, for a car that is sold here in the USA. Now if TVR was a kit and the engine was US compliant, you might be able to work something out. Noble and Marcos are doing it that way and would make sense for TVR to offer a 4.6 SVT engine as an option. Just my thoughts.
Superb post! I agree with you 100%. In fact, this is what I also suggested to anyone interested in a TVR. Get one, sell the motor, bring it over as parts, and find a good mechanic to put in a SVT or Vette or small-block Chevy or Duratec or whatever. There are all kinds of engines available in the US--including some really, really powerful ones, and they are cheap. And unlike TVR's fake claims, you get an engine dyno sheet certifying and PROVING the power output of the motor in your hands.
People go on about the sound of the flat plane crank, and I admit it is rather good, but really, the deep burble of any nice motor, or the wail they all make at high rpms, all sound very good to me. Of course, exhaust plays a big part too, as does fueling (for those lovely crackles, pops, and bangs). All of these can be tinkered with to provide an equivalent, if not better, sound compared to the TVR motor.
Now that they are making left-hookers for the Continent, I am surprised people have not done this yet (at least, I haven't heard of any--doesn't mean it's not been done). I am guessing that cost, logistics, hassle, etc., are all keeping the enthusiasts at bay. After all is said and done, I would imagine that insuring such a kit car would also be quite difficult. Nothing ventured, nothing gained...someone really should make one into a kit car with a US spec motor. I bet it would be fantastic!
>> Edited by orgasmicliving!! on Wednesday 1st March 06:43
a Cerb with a recent alu Corvette V8 could be a delight. We'll see engine converted TVRs on the market the sooner or later. Latest when the factory engine parts shelfs have been cleared. Stricter emission standards will be another reason for conversions. Keep the glorious shell and plant in the top of the engine breed (besides Corvettes V8 consider BMW V8), wouldn't be much pricier than a rebuild and you'd have a truly stand out and Autobahn suitable performance car. Isn't there a Brit company doing such conversions already?
orgasmicliving!! said:
No, but a couple of privateer efforts have resulted in Chevy V8s and an M3 motor being transplanted into TVR chassis. Worked out well in each case, so far as I know. But no, there is no company selling this as a package. Wish there was.
Steve Heath is planting a Corvette LS1 in his '97 Cerb!
www.parkplaceltd.com
Says they will have a track eligible Sagaris for demonstrator purposes in a few weeks.
Do you believe them?
TVR's are on their website!
Says they will have a track eligible Sagaris for demonstrator purposes in a few weeks.
Do you believe them?
TVR's are on their website!
jpf said:
www.parkplaceltd.com
Says they will have a track eligible Sagaris for demonstrator purposes in a few weeks.
Do you believe them?
TVR's are on their website!
Nope dont believe them....not there fault burdette is full of sh*tSays they will have a track eligible Sagaris for demonstrator purposes in a few weeks.
Do you believe them?
TVR's are on their website!
taimar78 said:
You know, Robby T, I sure am glad you don't have an axe to grind or any venom to spew because someone might get the idea you had it in for someone.
I do not have a personal issue towards the guy but i see constantly the problems these idiots are causing, the dealers being pulled in, customers going to be upset when they get no product. If this was all done the correct way with people who genuinely wanted to make this work i would be right behind them patting them on the back. BUT they are not and this is going to end up in yet another big mess and people are going to ripped off financially because of it. And NS is letting this all happen and think that it is discusting considering he knows what is going offBeing in contact with Racing Green- thank the man above that no one proceeded to purchase any sort of TVR from Evolution Imports! The owner of EI is in fact the same man who presented Nikolai with many investors and $23 million dollars. Well that fell through, Adam (EI owner) ended up getting a black TVR seized in US customs. It was in fact one of Racing Greens customers vehicles. There are easier ways of doing things.
Although I agree with you on some points, "Adam" isn't as bad as he appears to be, he successfully legalized my friends R34 GT-T which is Dot/Epa 50/50 state legal. I'm guessing he needs more time for a project as big as a TVR. Give him time and I'm sure you will see results. I have seen his legalized Evo VI and pulsar GTI-R which to even have on in the states is a feat in itself. If you wanted to find out your facts on Celm/Adam go to www.automotiveforums.com- nissan - skyline - united states - search evolution imports
Edited by sphinxseven on Wednesday 29th October 01:39
Broker Pros LLC said:
Well that fell through, Adam (EI owner) ended up getting a black TVR seized in US customs. It was in fact one of Racing Greens customers vehicles. There are easier ways of doing things.
That was my Sagaris that was seized. Racing Green were excellent - not their fault at all, but a long and painful learning curve for all involved 
Out of interest, does anyone know where the Sag is now? and, how I might get my hands on it...?
FactoryPilot said:
Broker Pros LLC said:
Well that fell through, Adam (EI owner) ended up getting a black TVR seized in US customs. It was in fact one of Racing Greens customers vehicles. There are easier ways of doing things.
That was my Sagaris that was seized. Racing Green were excellent - not their fault at all, but a long and painful learning curve for all involved Out of interest, does anyone know where the Sag is now? and, how I might get my hands on it...?
Message me and i will check it out for you.
s2art said:
The only reason the new Corvette isnt selling like hot cakes in the UK is that they put the steering wheel on the wrong side.
and they arent very good cars technically either, that helps, is it the live real axle or leaf springs at the rear one or the other lol we like cars that handle over hereGassing Station | TVR in USA | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff