Which engine?

Which engine?

Author
Discussion

RB Will

Original Poster:

9,662 posts

239 months

Thursday 11th June 2020
quotequote all
Hi all, new to this part of PH.
Been wanting a since I was about 15 and now many years later I’m in the position I can start looking for one smile

Just wondering what everyone’s thoughts are regarding which one to go for?
Always told myself I wanted the 4.5, mostly for the noise I think but they seem rather rare.
Would the 4.2 be ok? Or more advised?
I think I’d prefer a V8 so speed 6 is probably off the table unless you all tell me they are amazing?

Car will be a 2nd weekend car so probably do up to 2k miles and maybe 1 trackday a year.

Thanks for any help

Shanksy87

370 posts

121 months

Thursday 11th June 2020
quotequote all
You have opened a can of worms and opinions raising this question....but seeing as you asked nicely here's my opinion.

There is very little difference between the 4.2 and 4.5, in the real world. Unless you jumped from one straight into the other I doubt you'd ever care about the performance gap, and even then i think you'd struggle to tell without a stop watch.

There is a pronounced increase in running costs for the v8 over the s6, they are just more needy engines to keep in good fettle and that every s6 out there will have been "made good" by now so less to worry about than in the past.

The s6 is also said to be a bit more driveable, whatever that means, but your use case suggests the v8 wouldn't be too much bother, just be aware the v8 is about as raw as they come. The best way I've found to describe it is the difference between cruising at 70mph and being banned is maybe 2mm of throttle travel; there is no sneeze factor built into these as you get with more developed cars.

I'm not trying to beat on the v8's, I have a 4.5 and it suits me to a tee, i've not driven another car that I have to come down from after a drive, but its not for everyone.

gruffalo

7,509 posts

225 months

Friday 12th June 2020
quotequote all
Easy, 4.7 V8


WhyTwo

1,114 posts

191 months

Friday 12th June 2020
quotequote all
Obviously I don't know your budget but there's a 2004 4.5 in the PH classified for £30K, and it's in reflex charcoal cloud9. That seems like an absolute bargain to me. I'd be taking their arm off!

Caveat to say I don't know the car or it's history, just seems below market rates for a 2004 4.5.

To answer the original question about which engine - use the search function on here, you'll find enough threads discussing this to keep you busy until the pubs reopen tongue outdrink

Pursyluv

1,927 posts

173 months

Friday 12th June 2020
quotequote all
Agreed re the reflex charcoal 4.5, seems too cheap and out of sync with other prices on PH, only issue for me is any sort of green interior, but if that's no issue to you have a look as it does look a bargain.

tejr

3,101 posts

163 months

Friday 12th June 2020
quotequote all
I've not driven a standard 4.5, but then there aren't many about at this point, so bit of a moot point.

There are so many individual differences between two different engines of the same size I can only speak for the two I owned.

4.2 clatter cam - Ultra revvy like a motorbike - sounded AMAZING with the sports pipes , real old school lumpy cam type of sound.

4.5 whirlwind induction - More midrange torque, almost even less likely to be able to put the power down. Easier to launch as you don't overshoot the revs as easily. stty viscous diff though.. Mines probably worn , but makes the rear end feel like its wagging around under power.

Maybe because of the clatter cam spec, the 4.2 actually felt more special to drive - 4.5 is tangibly torque'er in the midrange. 4.5s seem more saught after too. I guess for nothing more than bragging rights tbh.

I guess the crunch question is would I go back to a 4.2 - probably not. Unless it could be tweaked for more midrange torque.

Also, I'm talking about a 97 4.2 and a 98 4.5. Later 4.2s were 4.5 bottom end.

mk1fan

10,507 posts

224 months

Friday 12th June 2020
quotequote all
Buy on condition not engine size / type. A sorted 4.2 is much better than a neglected 4.5.

ukkid35

6,138 posts

172 months

Friday 12th June 2020
quotequote all
The Speed Six is the right engine for your use and expectations

Every new TVR model introduced after 1998 used the Speed Six, which means it has the best support in terms of parts and servicing

You'll get a Speed Six Cerb that is in better condition than an AJP8 Cerb that costs the same

You'll spend less on servicing and maintenance

If you suddenly find an extra £10k lying around you can go for a Powers 4.3 upgrade and make it as powerful as an AJP8

Mr Cerbera

5,031 posts

229 months

Friday 12th June 2020
quotequote all
Have a look at this idiot's page and you will se that Cerb's were handbuilt.
Each one is different. There are enough fans out there who are more than willing to show you theirs.
Try 'em and find which one suits your desires.


popegregory

1,421 posts

133 months

Friday 12th June 2020
quotequote all
Look for the Cerbera Facebook page and definitely ask this question there, they’ll all be very helpful.

They all make a ridiculous noise and all go far too fast. You can’t go wrong. Picking on condition as mentioned above, along with the colour you like, is genuinely the most helpful answer you’ll get.

Gazzab

21,061 posts

281 months

Saturday 13th June 2020
quotequote all
There can be a big difference between the engines. The performance of a car running 360 v one running 420 is massive. The former feels gutless in comparison in my experience (having owned 3 cerberas and had various engines, rebuilds, power etc).
There is also a massive difference between cars when it comes to their handling and feeling of togetherness. You’ll need to try one to make sure it feels right.
There is also a massive range of conditions. 75% of cerberas tend to be a little bit rough around the edges...seek out a good one.

cerb4.5lee

30,189 posts

179 months

Saturday 13th June 2020
quotequote all
Gazzab said:
There is also a massive range of conditions. 75% of cerberas tend to be a little bit rough around the edges...seek out a good one.
Agree with this, and you don't seem to see many really tidy ones about now.

RB Will

Original Poster:

9,662 posts

239 months

Sunday 14th June 2020
quotequote all
Thanks for your thoughts guys. Some useful stuff to take on board. Finding one in the right colour / interior in reasonable condition is enough of a challenge so knowing I can be a bit flexible with the engine is good.

popegregory

1,421 posts

133 months

Sunday 14th June 2020
quotequote all
RB Will said:
Thanks for your thoughts guys. Some useful stuff to take on board. Finding one in the right colour / interior in reasonable condition is enough of a challenge so knowing I can be a bit flexible with the engine is good.
Don’t rush, enjoy knowing that you’re about to own one of the most involving, invigorating and plain exciting cars the world has ever seen, one that’ll provide the everyman with all the performance, looks and noise he could ever wish for, and that once you’ve found the right one you’ll be keeping it a long time.

Byker28i

58,831 posts

216 months

Monday 15th June 2020
quotequote all
Gazzab said:
There can be a big difference between the engines. The performance of a car running 360 v one running 420 is massive. The former feels gutless in comparison in my experience (having owned 3 cerberas and had various engines, rebuilds, power etc).
There is also a massive difference between cars when it comes to their handling and feeling of togetherness. You’ll need to try one to make sure it feels right.
There is also a massive range of conditions. 75% of cerberas tend to be a little bit rough around the edges...seek out a good one.
All are different, even ones that are supposed ot be the same. Some are more sorted than others, but all are fast, beautiful, gets attention... wink

RB Will

Original Poster:

9,662 posts

239 months

Monday 15th June 2020
quotequote all
I also cant make my mind up if I want a classic single headlight ones or one with the multi lights.

mjf93

196 posts

157 months

Tuesday 23rd June 2020
quotequote all
I had a similar conundrum before I took the plunge. My findings were mostly captured in this thread:

https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...

I went for a 4.5 in the end based on all that, but it took a long time to find the right car, so be prepared to wait if your picky like me! Enjoy the hunt

RB Will

Original Poster:

9,662 posts

239 months

Tuesday 23rd June 2020
quotequote all
Thanks

that thread is useful.

I'm considering spending a bit extra and maybe getting one via Str8six as they come with pretty good prep and a 12 month warranty so should have at least one pain free year lol. They are the nearest dealer to me I think. I'm in Swindon. I know David Hendry in Malmesbury used to do them but they seem to just do Subaru and Ssangyong or something now.

Or would I be better off finding a nice private sale and keeping the cash as a potential bork fund?

cerb4.5lee

30,189 posts

179 months

Tuesday 23rd June 2020
quotequote all
RB Will said:
Thanks

that thread is useful.

I'm considering spending a bit extra and maybe getting one via Str8six as they come with pretty good prep and a 12 month warranty so should have at least one pain free year lol. They are the nearest dealer to me I think. I'm in Swindon. I know David Hendry in Malmesbury used to do them but they seem to just do Subaru and Ssangyong or something now.

Or would I be better off finding a nice private sale and keeping the cash as a potential bork fund?
Str8six are an excellent garage to build a rapport up with I reckon. They rebuilt my Cerbera 4.5 engine and Jason and his team really know their stuff. Jason's attention to detail is excellent.

I remember after paying £11k for the rebuild and other bits and bobs, I then asked Jason to give the car a health check, and he said it needed another £3k spending on it to bring it up to scratch! Sadly I didn't have the £3k...because I just had all on trying to find £11k from somewhere! hehe

Edited by cerb4.5lee on Tuesday 23 June 14:53

robsco

7,822 posts

175 months

Tuesday 23rd June 2020
quotequote all
I preferred my 4.2s to the 4.5 I had, and the second 4.2 was probably the quickest standard TVR I ever owned. Try a few as they all differ. It needs to be an AJP though, it’s what makes the Cerbera unique.