Reliability....

[gutu12]

A mate of mine is talking about getting a V8S but is worried that buying a relatively cheap 'S' could turn into a load of "doh!" or dough.... I've been trying to reassure him but he knows I have no experience of the 'S' series cars.
Thought I may turn it over to the experts for some assistance.
Thanks in advance.

[The Lukas]

Just look at what the car is made of. It's all Rover and Ford (with a few random bits ) what can possibly go wrong?

[Barkychoc]

It's as reliable as any other 20 year old car!
8reakdowns aren't really that common, the cars can just sulk a bit now and then till it gets some attention. A bit like being married really.

There are one or two bits to look out for, outriggers and trailing arms mainly.

Look at http://www.tvrsseries.com

[Dave_M]

Just got back from another 1400 mile trip, no problems except 3 chips in my windscreen. Odd as it was all at 70 mph ish

[daytona365]

Hi, all seriously thinking of getting an S3C,they seem a great proposition for the price, fast and charismatic, I know they need care and attention and small jobs would not be a problem having once owned a Vixen. What really would put me off is reports I've read about where there are valvetrain oiling problems, cracked heads and overheating etc. Are these 2.9 engines any good, or were they just cheap boat anchors to strap in and create a "Nickel Rocket"?? Would love to be reassured. Thanks !!

Edited by daytona365 on Tuesday 10th May 16:44

[mep12345]

daytona365 said:

Hi, all seriously thinking of getting an S3C,they seem a great proposition for the price, fast and charismatic, I know they need care and attention and small jobs would not be a problem having once owned a Vixen. What really would put me off is reports I've read about where there are valvetrain oiling problems, cracked heads and overheating etc. Are these 2.9 engines any good, or were they just cheap boat anchors to strap in and create a "Nickel Rocket"?? Would love to be reassured. Thanks !!

Edited by daytona365 on Tuesday 10th May 16:44

Ford Cologne V6 (2.8 or 2.9) - millions of Granadas, Capris, scorpios, sierras et al cannot be wrong - think of the 500k mile taxis and police car granadas that ran around in the 90s!!

[phillpot]

daytona365 said:

valvetrain oiling problems, cracked heads and overheating etc.

Try a search on here, don't think you'll find too many folk asking how to sort valve oiling, cracked head or overheating problems !
tappets can be a bit rattley but thats just how they are, think you'd probably struggle to find a stronger, more reliable, cheap and easy to work on engine from that era (imho).

Buy one and enjoy, nothing to beat it for the money



except maybe a wedge

[Dave_M]

^^^^^

This one was keeping up with me rather well during some spirited driving on Sunday

[Gerald-TVR]

daytona365 said:

What really would put me off is reports I've read about where there are valvetrain oiling problems, cracked heads and overheating etc. Are these 2.9 engines any good, or were they just cheap boat anchors

What no way!!!!

Nnever heard of those problems

[Barkychoc]

V6 problems very rare. End of.

V8 a little more fragile but still generally fairly tough.

[daytona365]

Thanks everyone,for the quick response, you've given me more confidence, guess I should have mentioned that these problems were mainly reported for the 'North American market Cologne V6s' Ranger and Bronco vehicles in particular, just Google 'Ranger Cologne V6'but maybe they were indeed quite different in relation to the Head casting quality ?? Thanks again.

Edited by daytona365 on Tuesday 10th May 22:49

[Roy C]

The Cologne V6s are very tough and often go for 100k+ miles without attention.
I think the US version is alloy (the Cologne block & heads are iron).

[Barkychoc]

daytona365 said:

Thanks everyone,for the quick response, you've given me more confidence, guess I should have mentioned that these problems were mainly reported for the 'North American market Cologne V6s' Ranger and Bronco vehicles in particular, just Google 'Ranger Cologne V6'but maybe they were indeed quite different in relation to the Head casting quality ?? Thanks again.

Edited by daytona365 on Tuesday 10th May 22:49

I remember reading about that - something to do with thin wall casting techniques I think that isn't used on the UK versions.

I need to get out more

[daytona365]

And me, LoL. Thanks.

[techbotics]

I think it was the 2.8 that had rear cylinder overheating issues. I remember thinking was the reason for the scoop?

Fixed on the 2.9 iirc

cheers

Damian

[tubbystu]

Barkychoc said:

V8 a little more fragile but still generally fairly tough.

The V8 is only susceptible to head distortion when overheated and the oil must be kept fresh and fluids topped up.

Cam wear at perhaps 60k+ miles maybe too.

Apart from that they really are pretty bullet proof.

The TVR version can eat exhaust manifold gaskets with its forward facing manifolds - though with modified Range Rover versions this can be fairly easily eliminated.

All IMHO of course