390SE - solid lifters? Valve gaps?
390SE - solid lifters? Valve gaps?
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smash

Original Poster:

2,062 posts

258 months

Monday 23rd September 2013
quotequote all
So if I've got this right the 390SE has solid lifters? (Wedge bible contradicts itself on this point saying all V8s are hydraulic then says in separate section 390 has solid lifters)

If it's got solid lifters that means the valve clearances need to be checked and gaped properly. Does anyone know what the gaps are supposed to be (Wedge bible doesn't say).

While we're at it does anyone know recommended tyre pressures for 390SE (you can guess it's not in the bible!).

Finally is there a decent works service manual out there for the 390SE?

Sorry - it's just all questions with me I know!

Jack Valiant

1,894 posts

266 months

Monday 23rd September 2013
quotequote all
Well with regards to tyre pressures different tyre different settings, but as a start point 26 front - 28 rear.

smash

Original Poster:

2,062 posts

258 months

Monday 23rd September 2013
quotequote all
Just read the TVR 390SE spec sheet and it says hydraulic tappets and the pic is earlier spec 390SE like mine so wondering if they changed to solid lifters?

Cheers Mr V on tyre pressures - yes, it would've helped if I said what I've got!

225/50 15" all round


wild rover

449 posts

211 months

Monday 23rd September 2013
quotequote all
Tyre pressure 390 hand book states 24rear 22 front.

MrPicky

1,233 posts

297 months

Tuesday 24th September 2013
quotequote all
Hydraulic lifters on mine (October 1985).

Russ

smash

Original Poster:

2,062 posts

258 months

Tuesday 24th September 2013
quotequote all
Cheers all - I think what threw me is reading a couple of road tests that said about solid lifters (as does Wedge Bible). Looks like there was a spec change part way through

barrington

1,325 posts

261 months

Tuesday 24th September 2013
quotequote all
If you had solid lifters then I would think you would have adjustable tapets

smash

Original Poster:

2,062 posts

258 months

Tuesday 24th September 2013
quotequote all
Must admit I haven't ventured under the rocker covers yet - just getting together a list of winter stuff to do as part of servicing.

Wedg1e

27,038 posts

295 months

Friday 27th September 2013
quotequote all
MrPicky said:
Hydraulic lifters on mine (October 1985).

Russ
And on mine (Sep. '87). I suspect most 390SEs are less than advertised in the modifications claimed.