4.3 Griff - rebuld engine, upgrade or sell as project?
Discussion
So, after just over 6 month’s ownership and less than 600miles in my ownership it looks like I’m into engine rebuild territory 
I popped the Griff into Powers Performance (as they’re luckily quite local to me) for an MOT and service thinking all would be straightforward and I’d be continuing to enjoy her for the summer.
I’d noticed the oil pressure light flickering slightly at tick over recently but didn’t think too much of it (yes..I now know the RV8 isn’t a VW engine…..) but she seemed to be running well. However, on investigation Dom found that the front cover on the engine had been replaced and some particles of delaminated big end shell in the sump so from expecting a service bill I’m now into rebuild territory! It appears he spotted it before it’s done too much damage and I’m happy that I took it to the right place but am pondering my options.
I bought the car privately late 2016 (caveat emptor etc) and it has a very comprehensive history from good TVR specialists and 60k on the engine so whilst this isn’t the end of the world (I’d be lying if I said I was please as had hoped for a few more miles before getting the cheque book out). It’s also had many of the other big jobs done very recently (full leather retrim, roof, dash, carpets, screen etc.) which also probably biased my decision making.
Anyhow, I’m currently circulating around 3 options:
1. Standard 4.3 rebuild (Perhaps with top hat liners added which was recommended)
2. 4.3 BV rebuild (Car is not a BV but standard 4.3)
3. Accept I’ll take a bit of a financial kicking and advertise it to see what its worth as a project car (and finish the work on the house/buy something else I’m currently hanging my nose over…)
Naturally budget is a factor (as I wasn’t planning for this) and I probably would regret parting company so soon but this has just made me think a bit about spending a chunk of cash allocated elsewhere.
I’d very much value any opinions on the benefit vs cost of the 2 engine options and any ideas as to what it might be worth ‘as is’ (I’m informed the engine is now out and will be popping over to inspect the damage and discuss options when back from holiday later this week).
Any feedback welcomed!
Many thanks
A slightly dejected John
I popped the Griff into Powers Performance (as they’re luckily quite local to me) for an MOT and service thinking all would be straightforward and I’d be continuing to enjoy her for the summer.
I’d noticed the oil pressure light flickering slightly at tick over recently but didn’t think too much of it (yes..I now know the RV8 isn’t a VW engine…..) but she seemed to be running well. However, on investigation Dom found that the front cover on the engine had been replaced and some particles of delaminated big end shell in the sump so from expecting a service bill I’m now into rebuild territory! It appears he spotted it before it’s done too much damage and I’m happy that I took it to the right place but am pondering my options.
I bought the car privately late 2016 (caveat emptor etc) and it has a very comprehensive history from good TVR specialists and 60k on the engine so whilst this isn’t the end of the world (I’d be lying if I said I was please as had hoped for a few more miles before getting the cheque book out). It’s also had many of the other big jobs done very recently (full leather retrim, roof, dash, carpets, screen etc.) which also probably biased my decision making.
Anyhow, I’m currently circulating around 3 options:
1. Standard 4.3 rebuild (Perhaps with top hat liners added which was recommended)
2. 4.3 BV rebuild (Car is not a BV but standard 4.3)
3. Accept I’ll take a bit of a financial kicking and advertise it to see what its worth as a project car (and finish the work on the house/buy something else I’m currently hanging my nose over…)
Naturally budget is a factor (as I wasn’t planning for this) and I probably would regret parting company so soon but this has just made me think a bit about spending a chunk of cash allocated elsewhere.
I’d very much value any opinions on the benefit vs cost of the 2 engine options and any ideas as to what it might be worth ‘as is’ (I’m informed the engine is now out and will be popping over to inspect the damage and discuss options when back from holiday later this week).
Any feedback welcomed!
Many thanks
A slightly dejected John
Hi Jon,
Sorry to hear this, guess some of it depends on what your long term plans are if the car is a long term keeper I would go 430BV, I had my converted to a BV back in 2006 and love it, a pleasure to drive. RV8's and Power sit well together, sometimes you end up having to get that cheque book.
Going back I had the chance of 500 engine at the time when I had the body off my Chimaera (2006), spoke to the lads that built the engines at Power and a few of them favoured the characteristics of the 430BV over the 500 so I stuck with mine, and don't regret it.
I am building a challenge car for the road at the minute and have a 500 engine for that, it's a strong motor (went in the donor car before it was removed) but I would rather of had the opportunity for a 450 unit.....less stressed engine and quick enough for my capabilities ....
Good luck with whatever you do, always welcome to join in stuff we do locally when it's all sorted.
Steve.G.
s
Sorry to hear this, guess some of it depends on what your long term plans are if the car is a long term keeper I would go 430BV, I had my converted to a BV back in 2006 and love it, a pleasure to drive. RV8's and Power sit well together, sometimes you end up having to get that cheque book.
Going back I had the chance of 500 engine at the time when I had the body off my Chimaera (2006), spoke to the lads that built the engines at Power and a few of them favoured the characteristics of the 430BV over the 500 so I stuck with mine, and don't regret it.
I am building a challenge car for the road at the minute and have a 500 engine for that, it's a strong motor (went in the donor car before it was removed) but I would rather of had the opportunity for a 450 unit.....less stressed engine and quick enough for my capabilities ....
Good luck with whatever you do, always welcome to join in stuff we do locally when it's all sorted.
Steve.G.
s
If the chassis is in good nick; the interior and roof sorted; and the car is a keeper (well for a good few years) then I say go for the engine rebuild with 'BV' heads.
Other things to consider are;
A '72mm' plenum throttle - there's a guy in the Landy scene doing of for very good money.
Are the electrics running right - whilst functional, the Lucas stuff is now getting on and has a hard life in a TVR. An ECU change upgrade?
Are the manifolds and Y piece in good condition - if they are then consider ceramic coating them to ease enginebay temps.
Clutch and gearbox condition.
Rear diff condition.
I hold Powers in high regard so you'd have to be either OCD about being OCD of extremely unlucky - to the point of perhaps hiding away for a bit - to have a bad experience with them.
Other players are out there though, and it is, afterall, a pretty simple and 'common' engine. A rebuild could be done for a lot less.
I haven't driven a 4.3 [yet] but I think it is unanimous opinion that they rev very sweetly and a real sweet spot of an RV8. Whilst others may wish to chase evry bhp, I prefer character and I think the 4.3 delivers this in a way I'd be very happy with.
Other things to consider are;
A '72mm' plenum throttle - there's a guy in the Landy scene doing of for very good money.
Are the electrics running right - whilst functional, the Lucas stuff is now getting on and has a hard life in a TVR. An ECU change upgrade?
Are the manifolds and Y piece in good condition - if they are then consider ceramic coating them to ease enginebay temps.
Clutch and gearbox condition.
Rear diff condition.
I hold Powers in high regard so you'd have to be either OCD about being OCD of extremely unlucky - to the point of perhaps hiding away for a bit - to have a bad experience with them.
Other players are out there though, and it is, afterall, a pretty simple and 'common' engine. A rebuild could be done for a lot less.
I haven't driven a 4.3 [yet] but I think it is unanimous opinion that they rev very sweetly and a real sweet spot of an RV8. Whilst others may wish to chase evry bhp, I prefer character and I think the 4.3 delivers this in a way I'd be very happy with.
Sounds like you've already partially made your decision if the engine is already out. You've commited to labour charges already and you'll find it trickier to sell with the engine sitting beside it, rather than in it - init?
So there will now be additional labour costs to put a duff engine back in. Why would you? So far, job done.... Now all you need is the spec. I'm a 450 man myself, so can't really comment on the virtues of 430's, with or without BV. But too many people sing the praises of the 430 BV for them all to be wrong.
I'd look at it this way; if your heart is still in the rest of the (what sounds like a decent) car, then open the wallet. As others will tell you, pain is involved but it will dull over time. Do the job properlly and do it once. Anything else is false economy. What won't dull is the fantastic car you'll be left with. You know it makes sense!
So there will now be additional labour costs to put a duff engine back in. Why would you? So far, job done.... Now all you need is the spec. I'm a 450 man myself, so can't really comment on the virtues of 430's, with or without BV. But too many people sing the praises of the 430 BV for them all to be wrong.
I'd look at it this way; if your heart is still in the rest of the (what sounds like a decent) car, then open the wallet. As others will tell you, pain is involved but it will dull over time. Do the job properlly and do it once. Anything else is false economy. What won't dull is the fantastic car you'll be left with. You know it makes sense!
GlynMo said:
As others have said, if it's a good car other than the motor, and you can find the cash, have the motor rebuilt to the spec you fancy. The brain will remember the pleasure of getting the fettled car back for much longer than it remembers the pain of getting the cheque book out.
Ditto.....Excellent words Glyn. Pete
Thanks all for the responses and counsel (or should that be counselling 
)
I'm very comfortable that the cars in the right hands and will get over to Coventry to have a chat shortly to understand the options and cost. I've been really happy with the car so I guess I'm just a bit disappointed it's gone belly up so soon into my ownership. Ironically I got rid of a speed 6 powered TVR some years ago as I had creeping engine paranoia despite it being fine in my ownership!
I know getting it done properly will be the right thing to do and that this indescretion will likely be forgotten once I get driving again but as you've suggested need to understand how painful a financial journey this might be.
Will update once I know more but thanks again for the input
John
)I'm very comfortable that the cars in the right hands and will get over to Coventry to have a chat shortly to understand the options and cost. I've been really happy with the car so I guess I'm just a bit disappointed it's gone belly up so soon into my ownership. Ironically I got rid of a speed 6 powered TVR some years ago as I had creeping engine paranoia despite it being fine in my ownership!
I know getting it done properly will be the right thing to do and that this indescretion will likely be forgotten once I get driving again but as you've suggested need to understand how painful a financial journey this might be.
Will update once I know more but thanks again for the input
John
The original BV's were 37 / 43mm valves on bigger seats. I'd make sure you were getting those and not the more recently often quoted big valves which are just a tidgy bit bigger on the original seat.
Theres some pics here of 4.3 heads big valves and standard here.
https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...
Personally id rebuild a standard engine. If your bores are ok i personally would take the gamble and not bother with top hats.
Theres some pics here of 4.3 heads big valves and standard here.
https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...
Personally id rebuild a standard engine. If your bores are ok i personally would take the gamble and not bother with top hats.
Edited by carsy on Tuesday 27th June 22:26
I'm only going to put my opinion in as I've never drove either a 4.3 or 4.3BV.
What I would say is, cars I have previously increased the valve size on and a stock cam have had driven far better than when they were original. Increasing the cam a little not aggressive also makes a positive to the drove and sound of an engine.
So to express my resolution to your issue. 4.3BV is the way forward, a TVR is about what you do to it as much as it's about what the car is, sounds and drives like.
Keep us up to date
What I would say is, cars I have previously increased the valve size on and a stock cam have had driven far better than when they were original. Increasing the cam a little not aggressive also makes a positive to the drove and sound of an engine.
So to express my resolution to your issue. 4.3BV is the way forward, a TVR is about what you do to it as much as it's about what the car is, sounds and drives like.
Keep us up to date
Fozzie73 said:
Thanks all for the responses and counsel (or should that be counselling )
I'm very comfortable that the cars in the right hands and will get over to Coventry to have a chat shortly to understand the options and cost. I've been really happy with the car so I guess I'm just a bit disappointed it's gone belly up so soon into my ownership. Ironically I got rid of a speed 6 powered TVR some years ago as I had creeping engine paranoia despite it being fine in my ownership!
I know getting it done properly will be the right thing to do and that this indescretion will likely be forgotten once I get driving again but as you've suggested need to understand how painful a financial journey this might be.
Will update once I know more but thanks again for the input
John
Hi John, i am in a more or less similar position, kindly report findings,)I'm very comfortable that the cars in the right hands and will get over to Coventry to have a chat shortly to understand the options and cost. I've been really happy with the car so I guess I'm just a bit disappointed it's gone belly up so soon into my ownership. Ironically I got rid of a speed 6 powered TVR some years ago as I had creeping engine paranoia despite it being fine in my ownership!
I know getting it done properly will be the right thing to do and that this indescretion will likely be forgotten once I get driving again but as you've suggested need to understand how painful a financial journey this might be.
Will update once I know more but thanks again for the input
John
Frank
Hello again
Just to update as promised I've just come back from Powers and will be going for the 4.3BV rebuild!
Dom also recommended top hat liners so will also be taking this recommendation. As many of you said, I'm sure it will be fantastic getting the refreshed car back and am looking forward to it!
I'm my own worst enemy sometimes and had albeit decided on a standard rebuild but thought I'd regret not going the 'whole hog' so spend 30 seconds telling myself I only live once (I have successfully talked myself into many ventures like this to date...) and that it would also be a better prospect if I ever do decide to move on to something else (although having considered this I'm not sure what that would be...)
Anyhow, hopefully I'll not regret the decision. Will update when I know whe she'll be back home!
John
Just to update as promised I've just come back from Powers and will be going for the 4.3BV rebuild!
Dom also recommended top hat liners so will also be taking this recommendation. As many of you said, I'm sure it will be fantastic getting the refreshed car back and am looking forward to it!
I'm my own worst enemy sometimes and had albeit decided on a standard rebuild but thought I'd regret not going the 'whole hog' so spend 30 seconds telling myself I only live once (I have successfully talked myself into many ventures like this to date...) and that it would also be a better prospect if I ever do decide to move on to something else (although having considered this I'm not sure what that would be...)
Anyhow, hopefully I'll not regret the decision. Will update when I know whe she'll be back home!
John
Thought I'd update this thread to report I've now got the car back and am enjoying working on the 1000 mile running in period.
In hindsight (if I don't look at my bank statements...) it was a great opportunity to have the car looked over given it had done very few miles over recent years. So, with new shocks, geo, brakes refreshed, drop links, plus lots of other bits and piece (the fuel pipe from the tank was scary old...) I've gotten back a much nicer car to drive with the added bonus if a newly rebuilt bv 4.3.
I've also been Very pleased with the thoroughness and way the car was dealt to date so looking forward to getting it back to Dom for its oil change and to fit the new manifolds I also ended up buying.
Looking back at the thread thank you for the input. I Wasn't overjoyed it needed a rebuild at the time but am now enjoying the car more and looking forward to some trouble free miles.
John
In hindsight (if I don't look at my bank statements...) it was a great opportunity to have the car looked over given it had done very few miles over recent years. So, with new shocks, geo, brakes refreshed, drop links, plus lots of other bits and piece (the fuel pipe from the tank was scary old...) I've gotten back a much nicer car to drive with the added bonus if a newly rebuilt bv 4.3.
I've also been Very pleased with the thoroughness and way the car was dealt to date so looking forward to getting it back to Dom for its oil change and to fit the new manifolds I also ended up buying.
Looking back at the thread thank you for the input. I Wasn't overjoyed it needed a rebuild at the time but am now enjoying the car more and looking forward to some trouble free miles.
John
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