Sorry another newbie question

[awhite2199]

After borrowing a Tamora for my wedding 6 years ago and getting bitten by the bug I'm finally nearly ready to take the plunge. I've owned and built kit cars and rebuilt engines myself. I'm not scared off by the niggles that can be expected with a TVR - it's a small price to pay for something less common and with a bit of soul.

I have a couple of questions if any gurus have a second to answer them:

-I'm not scared by the engine rebuild scenario and am allowing for that in cost, but what are the signs of the engine giving up? Is it a top or bottom end problem? How much is a rebuild likely to cost?
-I've read that the Nitron shocks are a must have. How much does a set cost?
-Are there any aftermarket warranties available to safeguard against major failures?
-I've heard about a "bible" on the speed6 cars, where would I get one from?

Sorry for the stupid questions and thanks in advance,

Andy

[Chim450]

Signs of engine wear normally shows itself by increased oil consumption, blue smoke from the exhausts etc....
Either the top or bottom of the engine can let go, but on the early Speed 6 engines the problem was mainly top end, dodgy followers being the main culprit. An average price for a rebuild is about 5k, but alot of people have taken the opportunity to upgrade the engine with FFF or increased capacity which adds quite a bit more.

Nitrons cost about £1200, are great on my Tuscan but are not essential if you have a proper geo set up, good tyres etc...

Warranties I don't know much about, but I don't imagine will be cheap or comprehensive if not buying from a dealer.

There is a speed 6 manual that I think was originally written for the Sagaris by an enthusiast.

[Zippee]

There may not be a sign an engine is about to give. My rebuild came about not due to a bad engine (it was pretty much perfect) but a collapsed half time bearing which pretty much buggered the rest of it.
Nitrons - not essesntial at all and you can get cheaper options (racing red for example) that are availble for a fraction of the price and offer 90% of what you'll get from Nitrons for the average driver.
Warranty wise - I believe TVR Power may offer an engine warranty subject to inspection.

[gralin69]

Some speed6 info here hope it helps and good luck with the purchase as previuos post about the only info workshop/manual avaliable although supporting a Sagaris this is pretty much the same for all SP6 and a worthy purchase if you can get 1 may be another print if interest shown contact G Varley
http://www.varleyhyd.com/FJ062.asp

http://www.rndengineering.co.uk/

[mycroft]

There is quite a few S6 owners in your area so you could ask another owner to come with you or check out a car with/for you . Last month at Ashby Fovile there was four T350's my Tam and a couple of Tuscans , why not go along next Tuesday and find out as much as you can , its a good place to learn what others would look for .
Dale

[awhite2199]

Thanks for the tip. I often go to Ashby Folville and look wantingly at the TVRs. Will try and introduce myself next Tue.

Andy

[Flying machine]

I've driven T350's with standard, racing red and nitrons on. Both the cars with racing reds and nitrons on seemed far better and more 'fluid' on the road compared to standard - for me as a very average driver on normal roads I couldn't tell the after market solutions apart. It would definitely be on my must have list - along with a sports exhaust!

I've got racing red's on my T350 btw

[awhite2199]

Thanks everyone for posting, all taken on board, the hunt begins.

Andy

[Mr M]

Adjustable shocks would certainly be good to have as far as raising the front a little to stop contact with the ground. Something penciled in for mine in the future. It gets very frustrating especially if it's your driveway and you end up having to take ages getting off it to avoid scraping.