Tamora Speed 6
Discussion
I,ve had 6 TVRs in the past including a Tuscan and I'm thinking of looking at a Tamora as a second car.
I know the well documented problems with the Speed 6 engines but at what sort of date were they OK from?
Is there a year from which onwards they had sorted the oil ways or are they all at risk?
I've got a car in mind and I love the thing, it's just a niggle that I need to understand the risks of so any help very gratefully received.
I know the well documented problems with the Speed 6 engines but at what sort of date were they OK from?
Is there a year from which onwards they had sorted the oil ways or are they all at risk?
I've got a car in mind and I love the thing, it's just a niggle that I need to understand the risks of so any help very gratefully received.
Their really is no answer, If you are worried about the engine the only thing to do is get one that has had a FULL rebuild by TVR Power or one of the good engine builders BUT the car will ofcourse be more expensive. Or buy a pre 2004ish car that has been well looked after(however you go about finding that out!) and keep some cash aside incase the engine goes POP. Their are however PLENTY of cars out and about that have not required a rebuild!!.
So were the engines they were producing in say 2005 the same as those in 2001?
I thought that there would be a date they updated the design (was it oil ways and finger follower heat treatment?) and post update ones would be ok?
If they are all at risk and the same design level, how much do I need to set aside for a rebuild in case the worst happens?
And are there any tell tale signs to look / listen / feel out for ?
I thought that there would be a date they updated the design (was it oil ways and finger follower heat treatment?) and post update ones would be ok?
If they are all at risk and the same design level, how much do I need to set aside for a rebuild in case the worst happens?
And are there any tell tale signs to look / listen / feel out for ?
I think you will find that 2004 onwards engines are supposed to have the better quality components, best bet is try to talk to the servicing garage and enquire as to their thoughts on the condition of the engine or arrange an inspection, TVR Power will inspect and if they feel the engine is in good health will let you take out a warranty with them to cover engine failure.
I think most people would agree that 2003/2004 the engines were more reliable, the issue was poor quality components that we used by TVR mainly finger followers in the head. Later engines had better followers and engine lifespan improved. But how the engine was built was also part of the problem. If you use good components but do not build to the correct tolerances then you have a problem, that results in engine failure.
I have a 2003 Cerbera and the engine gave way at 33K miles despite regular service and it being warmed up correctly. I have just had a full top and bottom rebuild from TVR Power at a cost of £8,000 including clutch ,crankshaft ,engine mounts etc and I expect to get 100k miles out of it. I know it has good components installed and I know it has been very well built and I no longer worry about it breaking that in itself is a big comfort and allows me to enjoy the car more than I ever did before.
So keep £5-8k aside for a rebuild if you are unlucky to need one or pay £4-5k more and get one with a rebuild and enjoy it. If you find one with a recent 4.3 or 4.5 upgrade be prepared to be scared they are fast very fast. But will be around the £22k Mark+depending on age.
George
I have a 2003 Cerbera and the engine gave way at 33K miles despite regular service and it being warmed up correctly. I have just had a full top and bottom rebuild from TVR Power at a cost of £8,000 including clutch ,crankshaft ,engine mounts etc and I expect to get 100k miles out of it. I know it has good components installed and I know it has been very well built and I no longer worry about it breaking that in itself is a big comfort and allows me to enjoy the car more than I ever did before.
So keep £5-8k aside for a rebuild if you are unlucky to need one or pay £4-5k more and get one with a rebuild and enjoy it. If you find one with a recent 4.3 or 4.5 upgrade be prepared to be scared they are fast very fast. But will be around the £22k Mark+depending on age.
George
Edited by natben on Thursday 8th March 21:33
Mine's an '04 Tam 3.6 and I've had it three years - fantastic car, great engine and even greater soundtrack. And there's nothing out there that I'd be prepared to swap it for.
Doesn't do a lot of miles every year and its been on track once in my hands. Mechanical sympathy is a useful attribute to have, and feed it with octane booster and super unleaded to keep the motor away from pre-ignition and detonation woes.
I think Dom at TVR Power offers a warranty with a service? Or he used to. Worth asking the question for a bit more peace of mind.
There's not another six cylinder out there that comes close to the S6's spine tingling, angry soundtrack.
Doesn't do a lot of miles every year and its been on track once in my hands. Mechanical sympathy is a useful attribute to have, and feed it with octane booster and super unleaded to keep the motor away from pre-ignition and detonation woes.
I think Dom at TVR Power offers a warranty with a service? Or he used to. Worth asking the question for a bit more peace of mind.
There's not another six cylinder out there that comes close to the S6's spine tingling, angry soundtrack.
I would be confident a 2005 SP6 would be a strong sorted engine, as i said they did improve after 2003/4. Their are people who will do inspections for you, I can't remember their names at the moment, but why not ask someone on here who lives close by to show you there Tamora and take you for a spin. I am sure 20min with a T350 owner will answer a lot af your questionms and would more than likley come and view it with you. Were a friendly bunch.
Might be worth attending your local TVR meet also, and speaking to the guys there.
George
Might be worth attending your local TVR meet also, and speaking to the guys there.
George
Edited by natben on Friday 9th March 19:18
I think so long as you're buying with the awareness that the original engine reliability/parts quality has a certain amount of randomness then you'll be ok.
Don't buy an early car and expect it to need work, it may be fine, and don't buy a late car and presume no work will be needed.
My mk2 tuscan which was built in late 04 (even with a "VIP" build sheet) had an early block, and Indian conrods which aren't great, even though the top end looked great, its having a full rebuild as we speak.
Buy a car with a good history, and use it. They only time I'd say don't buy is if you're really stretching your budget and you couldn't cover a "worst case scenario".
Good luck with the search!
Don't buy an early car and expect it to need work, it may be fine, and don't buy a late car and presume no work will be needed.
My mk2 tuscan which was built in late 04 (even with a "VIP" build sheet) had an early block, and Indian conrods which aren't great, even though the top end looked great, its having a full rebuild as we speak.
Buy a car with a good history, and use it. They only time I'd say don't buy is if you're really stretching your budget and you couldn't cover a "worst case scenario".
Good luck with the search!
Thanks for the replies chaps.
As I mentioned in my OP I have had 6 TVRs before including a 2001 Tuscan Speed6 but at the time they were all from new and my primary car for a period of 10 years.
I fancy something soft top as I'm without a soft top at the moment and I've always loved my TVRs, this time it's very much a second car...well not second, lets just say additional car, the wife can't understand it!
My worry is just is it too much of a risk for what is a total toy?
I was going to go view today, but I've cancelled as the replies her and investigations worry me, seems everyone says ther are plenty of good engines about and some dodgy ones, but everyone is having the rebuilt, so who has got all the good ones?
I had a go in a 1969 Lotus Elan and a Jaguar D type replica and have decided classics are not for me.
My other thought was to get a Chimaera as they are so cheap, but I think going back to one now they might feel a bit old and baggy.
Any other ideas gratefully recieved!
As I mentioned in my OP I have had 6 TVRs before including a 2001 Tuscan Speed6 but at the time they were all from new and my primary car for a period of 10 years.
I fancy something soft top as I'm without a soft top at the moment and I've always loved my TVRs, this time it's very much a second car...well not second, lets just say additional car, the wife can't understand it!
My worry is just is it too much of a risk for what is a total toy?
I was going to go view today, but I've cancelled as the replies her and investigations worry me, seems everyone says ther are plenty of good engines about and some dodgy ones, but everyone is having the rebuilt, so who has got all the good ones?
I had a go in a 1969 Lotus Elan and a Jaguar D type replica and have decided classics are not for me.
My other thought was to get a Chimaera as they are so cheap, but I think going back to one now they might feel a bit old and baggy.
Any other ideas gratefully recieved!
Bertie, mine is original as far as I know. And its a total toy. If it does go pop, it'll be parked up until I decide on my next move. But as I said earlier, I really don't know what I would swap it for. Roof on, it's average, roof off and howling, it's awesome.
You need to go and look at a few with your eyes wide open and use the skills and expertise of others on here, and specialists too, to make your own decision. You've had enough TVRs so you know what you're in for.
You need to go and look at a few with your eyes wide open and use the skills and expertise of others on here, and specialists too, to make your own decision. You've had enough TVRs so you know what you're in for.
bertie said:
Thanks guys, the car I am hanging my nose over is a 2005 car so do we think it's less likely to be a problem?
Any tips on what to look / listen for?
Is there anyone who can do a pre purchase inspection on the car?
Blue smoke out of the exhausts on startup a 100% giveaway of worn valve guides - common issue on Speed 6s. Will need a top end rebuild if the case so budget £3.5k for that. Left unchecked oil in the combustion chamber will eventually cause pre-ignition leading to a full rebuild Any tips on what to look / listen for?
Is there anyone who can do a pre purchase inspection on the car?
Edited by bertie on Thursday 8th March 22:41
bertie said:
Thanks for the replies chaps.
As I mentioned in my OP I have had 6 TVRs before including a 2001 Tuscan Speed6 but at the time they were all from new and my primary car for a period of 10 years.
I fancy something soft top as I'm without a soft top at the moment and I've always loved my TVRs, this time it's very much a second car...well not second, lets just say additional car, the wife can't understand it!
My worry is just is it too much of a risk for what is a total toy?
I was going to go view today, but I've cancelled as the replies her and investigations worry me, seems everyone says ther are plenty of good engines about and some dodgy ones, but everyone is having the rebuilt, so who has got all the good ones?
I had a go in a 1969 Lotus Elan and a Jaguar D type replica and have decided classics are not for me.
My other thought was to get a Chimaera as they are so cheap, but I think going back to one now they might feel a bit old and baggy.
Any other ideas gratefully recieved!
I was in the same place as you on the Speed Six question..As I mentioned in my OP I have had 6 TVRs before including a 2001 Tuscan Speed6 but at the time they were all from new and my primary car for a period of 10 years.
I fancy something soft top as I'm without a soft top at the moment and I've always loved my TVRs, this time it's very much a second car...well not second, lets just say additional car, the wife can't understand it!
My worry is just is it too much of a risk for what is a total toy?
I was going to go view today, but I've cancelled as the replies her and investigations worry me, seems everyone says ther are plenty of good engines about and some dodgy ones, but everyone is having the rebuilt, so who has got all the good ones?
I had a go in a 1969 Lotus Elan and a Jaguar D type replica and have decided classics are not for me.
My other thought was to get a Chimaera as they are so cheap, but I think going back to one now they might feel a bit old and baggy.
Any other ideas gratefully recieved!
I think your safest bet would be to buy from a dealer with a proper warranty, such as str8six or TVR power. They wouldn't sell a car if they think it's going to have problems..and if it does..it won't cost you...these dealers will only sell good cars that they know intimately..i.e. they have been servicing them...
^^ this is good advice in general but it's worth remembering that a well serviced original S6 doesn't guarantee that it'll be fine.
Don't get me wrong, you will be more likely to get a decent car if you buy from a reputable dealer, but if it does go wrong, the warranty will at best simply replace any necessary parts, so you're unlikely to end up with a massively improvement over the original (unless the dealer let's you pay extra towards it).
Trust me.. I'm not negative about the S6. Ever since I first heard one i knew I had to have one. It's such a characterful engine, and for me the power delivery is really well balanced, and the noise unmistakable.
The Tam I tested drove even better than the tuscan I ended up buying!!
P.S. Don't trust anything I say. I bought from a dealer.. Knocked him down on price by getting rid of the warranty... Took the car to Vmax and blew the head gasket!!
Don't get me wrong, you will be more likely to get a decent car if you buy from a reputable dealer, but if it does go wrong, the warranty will at best simply replace any necessary parts, so you're unlikely to end up with a massively improvement over the original (unless the dealer let's you pay extra towards it).
Trust me.. I'm not negative about the S6. Ever since I first heard one i knew I had to have one. It's such a characterful engine, and for me the power delivery is really well balanced, and the noise unmistakable.
The Tam I tested drove even better than the tuscan I ended up buying!!
P.S. Don't trust anything I say. I bought from a dealer.. Knocked him down on price by getting rid of the warranty... Took the car to Vmax and blew the head gasket!!
Edited by MrChips on Friday 9th March 20:57
shep1001 said:
Geoff Ashcroft said:
Yes, I have those two little cans on it too
Have you got de-cats too? My poison pussies will be liberated in a couple of weeks and paired with my Racing Green Super Sport cans (Same as Power I think) I need to know if I am going to go deaf!Pursyluv said:
Shep look at my youtube clip - that's what decat and the TVR Power/RG back box sounds like (apparantly mine's a rip off of the Power/RG, so if you have it done i'd be interested to compare at Chatsworth if you're there
I will be there, Jason is doing it a week on Friday IF I get my seats back in.Gassing Station | Tamora, T350 & Sagaris | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff