Considering Buying a Wedge
Discussion
I have sold my hillclimb kit car and plan to sell my modern road car (the missus will keep a large modern car for general use).
My plan will then be to buy something for enjoyment and general running around which can also be used on hils and sprints. It will be in use for a month then garaged for a month as I work month on month off, and will probably do five or six hills/sprint per year.
Several cars are possibilities and they range from MX5 to Esprit, but a Wedge, or possibly an older classic TVR are definitely on the list.
I like the look of the wedges and I quite fancy owning a V8, question is which one and how much should I expect to pay for something which will not require major work, I don't mind doing bits and pieces to the car myself but wouldn't want to undertake any restoration as such.
I really like the lines of the hard top cars but there doesn't seem to be many of them around.
So any hints/tips on does and don't of Wedge purchase would be appreciated.
Thanks
CT
My plan will then be to buy something for enjoyment and general running around which can also be used on hils and sprints. It will be in use for a month then garaged for a month as I work month on month off, and will probably do five or six hills/sprint per year.
Several cars are possibilities and they range from MX5 to Esprit, but a Wedge, or possibly an older classic TVR are definitely on the list.
I like the look of the wedges and I quite fancy owning a V8, question is which one and how much should I expect to pay for something which will not require major work, I don't mind doing bits and pieces to the car myself but wouldn't want to undertake any restoration as such.
I really like the lines of the hard top cars but there doesn't seem to be many of them around.
So any hints/tips on does and don't of Wedge purchase would be appreciated.
Thanks
CT
Unless you really really really want a Wedge, I wouldnt discount a nice S3 or later... The 2.9 engines make them very spirited and if you find a V8 ... well thats a bonus.
yes the boot is smaller, but the engine access and availability of parts is good.
Im tempted to get a S just for giggles when the company car goes back next year and run it as an everyday car
yes the boot is smaller, but the engine access and availability of parts is good.
Im tempted to get a S just for giggles when the company car goes back next year and run it as an everyday car
I WOULD TOTALY AGREE AS I HAVE AN S1 ALSO WITH A CAM AND HEAD WORK ALSO BIGGER BRAKES AND ADJUSTABLE SHOCKS.I WOULD SAY YOU CAN THROW IT AROUND EASIER THAN THE WEDGE.IT MAY BE THAT THE WEDGE IN MY CASE NEEDS OTHER SHOCKS AND BIGGER BRAKES(TO COME)
ITS JUST UP TO YOUR CHOICE ON THE DAY
ITS JUST UP TO YOUR CHOICE ON THE DAY
Corpulent Tosser said:
I have sold my hillclimb kit car ... also be used on hils and sprints.
For that use and in that company wedges don't handle too well as standard even compared to Esprits. Try to have a look at a racing 280i. Most wedges left the factory with 150 to 200lb/in springs whereas the racers used up to 1,000lb/in springs so you'll likely need to change the springs and dampers to match which means modifying (strengthening) the suspension to cope with the extra forces. The standard front brakes on a 350i are another weak point. Also think whether or not you want a LSD - it was a bit of a lottery whether the factory fitted one. Easiest will be securing the battery more substantially. The larger UJs would be handy as well.Good luck.
I know this is the Wedge forum and I do like the Wedge.
If you're going to do some motorsport then you need to be aware of the Wedge's 'drawbacks'. The rear brakes are inboard and hard to work on. The chassis, although fun, would benefit from some mods. Parts are getting hard to come by.
All that aside, great, fun cars. Sound good and the 3.5 / 4 V8's appear to be better than later (Chims etc..) ones in standard form.
I'd echo considering an S. S3's in good condition can be had for around £5k. V8S's can be had from £7.5k. Personally, I wouldn't consider an S1 or S2. S3C, S4 and V8S had hydraulic LSDs. Some parts are now defunct but less than the Wedge. Still a very practical car.
I use my S3C on the track a lot - off to Anglesey for Monday.
That said, the Wedge does look more 'bedroom poster' than the S's 'english sports car'
If you're going to do some motorsport then you need to be aware of the Wedge's 'drawbacks'. The rear brakes are inboard and hard to work on. The chassis, although fun, would benefit from some mods. Parts are getting hard to come by.
All that aside, great, fun cars. Sound good and the 3.5 / 4 V8's appear to be better than later (Chims etc..) ones in standard form.
I'd echo considering an S. S3's in good condition can be had for around £5k. V8S's can be had from £7.5k. Personally, I wouldn't consider an S1 or S2. S3C, S4 and V8S had hydraulic LSDs. Some parts are now defunct but less than the Wedge. Still a very practical car.
I use my S3C on the track a lot - off to Anglesey for Monday.
That said, the Wedge does look more 'bedroom poster' than the S's 'english sports car'
Edited by mk1fan on Wednesday 2nd July 19:12
Corpulent Tosser said:
JumboBeef said:
Where about's in Scotland are you? Anywhere near Fife and you're welcome to see/have a go in my 400.
I am near Aberdeen (actually right now I am in Luanda) but will be in Cellardykes 29/30 July, are you anywhere near there ?
Murray
Lennys brother here, I am selling mine as I have said, when your home give me a shout and I could take you for a run that way you can get a feel what they are like. I would agree with folk on here though that to sprint them seriously you would need to upgrade the brakes etc, this one has an LSD, Koni dampers.
Derek
Lennys brother here, I am selling mine as I have said, when your home give me a shout and I could take you for a run that way you can get a feel what they are like. I would agree with folk on here though that to sprint them seriously you would need to upgrade the brakes etc, this one has an LSD, Koni dampers.
Derek
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