Guidance for a potential new owner...
Discussion
Hi all - I have been lurking and researching on here for a bit and now, having sold my beloved MG not so long ago, I may well become the owner of an S2. I hope Tim (BERGS2) won't mind me posting this; I should, if all goes well, be buying his car.
Tim has been extraordinarily helpful, allowing me to crawl around the car, poke bits, prod things and generally ask stupid questions. As you all may know, it has a starting/running problem that appears to be a throttle pot issue.
So, my question (and it's a big one) is: what are the S's most common faults? You see many threads on many things, but I thought it would be helpful to ask what things I should immediately look at; and also pull it all together. Big things like chassis outriggers etc are covered - I'm more after the niggling little weak spots (mainly electrical) that a new owner should overhaul as routine once getting an S series. We already know about throttle pots
- and I have just read about the ignition column multi point connector. What other stuff is a frequent issue?
Sort of hoping this thread could be a mine of info not just for me, but for others, about 'what to get sorted before it breaks, because it inevitably will'.
By the way, nothing posted on here will affect my decision. I have shaken hands on it so, providing the car's rough running is sorted, and Tim still wants to sell her, I have bound myself to buy. So post away, and help out a green soon to be S owner...
Tim has been extraordinarily helpful, allowing me to crawl around the car, poke bits, prod things and generally ask stupid questions. As you all may know, it has a starting/running problem that appears to be a throttle pot issue.
So, my question (and it's a big one) is: what are the S's most common faults? You see many threads on many things, but I thought it would be helpful to ask what things I should immediately look at; and also pull it all together. Big things like chassis outriggers etc are covered - I'm more after the niggling little weak spots (mainly electrical) that a new owner should overhaul as routine once getting an S series. We already know about throttle pots
- and I have just read about the ignition column multi point connector. What other stuff is a frequent issue? Sort of hoping this thread could be a mine of info not just for me, but for others, about 'what to get sorted before it breaks, because it inevitably will'.
By the way, nothing posted on here will affect my decision. I have shaken hands on it so, providing the car's rough running is sorted, and Tim still wants to sell her, I have bound myself to buy. So post away, and help out a green soon to be S owner...
I'm no mechanic but these are the kind of things that I've experienced on my 5 various "S"s: bonnet springs undone at the slightest provocation, or can't be bu@@ering well opened at all (a case of 'simple' adjustment) and when you do get it undone you crunch the underside on the drive/garage floor; reverse gear crashing horribly (when hot); doors drop (worn hinges); exhaust regularly mashes itself on slight undulations; boot full of fumes (corroded/perforated tank) and/or fuel gauge not registering (it'll be the sender that's gone); all the dials mist up; indicators go mad (poor earth at any one of the 4 corners); headlamps weak/dead for same reason; crazing on various bits of the bodywork (see various PH posts re this); the "ears" on the hood panels can break off if abused and/or watch for rips/tears on the covering of same; handbrake just doesn't; windscreen de-laminates around the edges and goes milky; minor switchgear not functioning (to get the transmission tunnel cover out, start by removing the seats, it's a lot easier thereafter 'cos all the wiring is too short); rear-view mirror falls off in hot weather (use an ultra-violet activated glue next time); carpets rot due to untraceable leaks. The Steve Heath "Bible" identifies lots more too !
Anyhow the good news is I reckon the S2 was a good car and better than the S3 and later (heavier) cars - except for my V8S that is !! Enjoy !!
Anyhow the good news is I reckon the S2 was a good car and better than the S3 and later (heavier) cars - except for my V8S that is !! Enjoy !!
Hi Harry,
I have one of the first S3's - a G-Reg, so is probably similar to the S2 you are looking at. I have owned the car for getting on 6 years and thankfully it has never once let me down in all that time.
The only things that I have had replaced that I know will come up again (i.e., a feature of the car - character I believe it's called
) are;
1) Steering column takes a bit of a battering. Check for movement as bushes may need replacing or steering rack may need refurbishing.
2) Rocker cover gaskets every 3-4 years. Cheap to do, so no problems.
3) Good old throttle cable - again a cheap thing to fix.
That's about it. Not experienced any issues with the electrics. Batteries are normally suspect - have a Griffith battery in my car which works a treat. Wipers can leak in rainwater which will come down over the pedals, bit of sealant usually does the trick.
I've been totally impressed with my car. I normally drive about 3k miles per year. Only once have I done much less than that and that was the year the car needed more attention (as a result of not using it). The cars like to be driven. It also benefits from a regular service (every 6 months) and even though I don't do many miles, it feels like it is ready for one. It's had 11 services in 15,000 miles, so it's no surprise that it runs like a dream. Prevention rather than cure is my motto!
I have a friend who has several MG models. Other than fuel costs and servicing, I think the TVR is cheaper to run. I don't know the car you are looking at but it seems that the guys I have met through Pistonheads do seem to look after their motors a little better than most. Think you'll love it!
I have one of the first S3's - a G-Reg, so is probably similar to the S2 you are looking at. I have owned the car for getting on 6 years and thankfully it has never once let me down in all that time.
The only things that I have had replaced that I know will come up again (i.e., a feature of the car - character I believe it's called
) are; 1) Steering column takes a bit of a battering. Check for movement as bushes may need replacing or steering rack may need refurbishing.
2) Rocker cover gaskets every 3-4 years. Cheap to do, so no problems.
3) Good old throttle cable - again a cheap thing to fix.
That's about it. Not experienced any issues with the electrics. Batteries are normally suspect - have a Griffith battery in my car which works a treat. Wipers can leak in rainwater which will come down over the pedals, bit of sealant usually does the trick.
I've been totally impressed with my car. I normally drive about 3k miles per year. Only once have I done much less than that and that was the year the car needed more attention (as a result of not using it). The cars like to be driven. It also benefits from a regular service (every 6 months) and even though I don't do many miles, it feels like it is ready for one. It's had 11 services in 15,000 miles, so it's no surprise that it runs like a dream. Prevention rather than cure is my motto!
I have a friend who has several MG models. Other than fuel costs and servicing, I think the TVR is cheaper to run. I don't know the car you are looking at but it seems that the guys I have met through Pistonheads do seem to look after their motors a little better than most. Think you'll love it!
Yeah
Any car of this age can be trouble whatever you pay for it but as long as the chassis is ok, everything else is fairly bulletproof apart from minor niggles like the ones listed.
The way I see it, the car you are looking at is low mileage and low priced, so as long as you get it looked after by one of the better independant dealers,it will not give you a load of grief and definately give you a big cheesy grin every time you drive it.
Any car of this age can be trouble whatever you pay for it but as long as the chassis is ok, everything else is fairly bulletproof apart from minor niggles like the ones listed.
The way I see it, the car you are looking at is low mileage and low priced, so as long as you get it looked after by one of the better independant dealers,it will not give you a load of grief and definately give you a big cheesy grin every time you drive it.
Thanks guys - I appreciate any input onto this thread (keep it coming). Heathyboy - Tim took care of the steering column bushes etc, so that's a good thing (I believe he's spending this morning paying with a Cerbera throttle pot to solve the running problems - fingers crossed).
I am pretty mechanically savvy - the MG went for 'capital requirement reasons' (kitchen and bathroom in new home needing, erm, attention); but it was a custom built (by me) V8 special running a tuned Griff engine and various other serious mods. I went for this S because:
- I couldn't bear to spend my money on a practical wagon that sounded like a washing machine (this means that I have a currently unhappy gf, who I am hoping will come round once she hears the S)
- it's a logical step down from the MG; convertible, classic feel, less power (but a rather more refined, which gives you an idea of how raw the MG was)
- relatively easy to work on if the chassis is sound; Ford running gear, so cheap parts.
- the noise; if I have to be parted from my beloved V8, I want something that sounds pretty damned similar (if a little quieter)
- I do very little mileage; my cars are toys as I cycle to work and live in London. I realise that the S2 likes to be used, but I need something that won't sulk horribly if I don't drive it for a week or two. Ford running gear seems to be a sensible option.
- Tim's car lacks history anyway, so I am less bothered about paying big labour costs for servicing. I can do it myself (keeping receipts and photos to prove it) and thus maintain for relatively little money; planning on getting annual chassis/health check done by Austec at MoT time to evidence some sort of specialist history. Thus service schedule tips are appreciated too
My main problem is electrics - I don't really understand them, electronics especially; hence this thread, to identify weak spots in the cars. Good tips re leaks and things too - having owned a leaky roadster for years, I know that different marques/models have different weakspots, and that being told about them by other owners is extremely helpful.
Also, how easy is it to convert these to carbs (fairly simple, I would have thought). I have some Big Healey racing SUs in the garage and some triple Webers, so subject to finding decent carb manifolds I could build myself a monster relatively cheaply, and junk those pesky electronics...?
I am pretty mechanically savvy - the MG went for 'capital requirement reasons' (kitchen and bathroom in new home needing, erm, attention
); but it was a custom built (by me) V8 special running a tuned Griff engine and various other serious mods. I went for this S because: - I couldn't bear to spend my money on a practical wagon that sounded like a washing machine (this means that I have a currently unhappy gf, who I am hoping will come round once she hears the S)
- it's a logical step down from the MG; convertible, classic feel, less power (but a rather more refined, which gives you an idea of how raw the MG was)
- relatively easy to work on if the chassis is sound; Ford running gear, so cheap parts.
- the noise; if I have to be parted from my beloved V8, I want something that sounds pretty damned similar (if a little quieter)
- I do very little mileage; my cars are toys as I cycle to work and live in London. I realise that the S2 likes to be used, but I need something that won't sulk horribly if I don't drive it for a week or two. Ford running gear seems to be a sensible option.
- Tim's car lacks history anyway, so I am less bothered about paying big labour costs for servicing. I can do it myself (keeping receipts and photos to prove it) and thus maintain for relatively little money; planning on getting annual chassis/health check done by Austec at MoT time to evidence some sort of specialist history. Thus service schedule tips are appreciated too
My main problem is electrics - I don't really understand them, electronics especially; hence this thread, to identify weak spots in the cars. Good tips re leaks and things too - having owned a leaky roadster for years, I know that different marques/models have different weakspots, and that being told about them by other owners is extremely helpful.
Also, how easy is it to convert these to carbs (fairly simple, I would have thought). I have some Big Healey racing SUs in the garage and some triple Webers, so subject to finding decent carb manifolds I could build myself a monster relatively cheaply, and junk those pesky electronics...?
just buy it you ponce. Hopefully getting those fairy liquid soft hands a bit oily will stop you worrying about what pastel shade will be soooo 05 darling on your ceilings (i, of course, have mirrors 
)
Its a bargain at that price. Common faults have already been listed. None of these are particularly expensive and easily replaceable.
Main things to look out for when buying the S are the chassis, the chassis and the chassis. If the chassis is rusted through, its a big job - and with the cost of that car its probably not that far short of the purchase price. A new 2.9 engine can probably be bought for £750 if it goes terminally wrong. A new chassis is £3000. Make sure the chassis is sound....
Oh, and IIRC the car has the OZ 7 spokes. Check these are sound as they are unavailable and have been for some time. So searching for one is like looking for a scatter cushion in my house. They can be reconditioned easily enough, so minor surface damage not an issue.
Good luck. Buy one. You will adore it.
) Its a bargain at that price. Common faults have already been listed. None of these are particularly expensive and easily replaceable.
Main things to look out for when buying the S are the chassis, the chassis and the chassis. If the chassis is rusted through, its a big job - and with the cost of that car its probably not that far short of the purchase price. A new 2.9 engine can probably be bought for £750 if it goes terminally wrong. A new chassis is £3000. Make sure the chassis is sound....
Oh, and IIRC the car has the OZ 7 spokes. Check these are sound as they are unavailable and have been for some time. So searching for one is like looking for a scatter cushion in my house. They can be reconditioned easily enough, so minor surface damage not an issue.
Good luck. Buy one. You will adore it.
Cheers schozzer. Wheels need refurbishing - another job I can do myself, I reckon. Chassis is a peach, actually - I had a really good poke around and only found a bit of rust (surface - no holes) in one of the seatbelt mounts. It's even sound on top (checking that involved much time and several cut fingers).
Now just remains to be seen if I can get some scatter cushions to match the beige leather, and a wind deflector fitted to protect my metro mullet hairdo. These things are important, despite your primitive tastes.
Now just remains to be seen if I can get some scatter cushions to match the beige leather, and a wind deflector fitted to protect my metro mullet hairdo. These things are important, despite your primitive tastes.
chassis sounds good news. To be fair the manner in which you are describing things and the checks you have already made suggest to me I would be teaching you to suck eggs.
Mine was an everyday car, largely due to parking restraints in my old apartment in town. Once I moved to my house I bought a second car, about the time I bought the Chimaera. Since then I have got together with my g/f, who happens to have an S and I realise what a stonking little car it is - although now I have the Chimaera I cant believe I happily drove the S daily. Possible, yes, but I think best left as a weekend toy as you propose.
Good luck with it Harry. If you are ever back visiting Hants, make surey ou drop me a line so we can meet for a cold one. The Hants TVRCC meets on a thursday night are near Alton, so not too far down the A3....
Mine was an everyday car, largely due to parking restraints in my old apartment in town. Once I moved to my house I bought a second car, about the time I bought the Chimaera. Since then I have got together with my g/f, who happens to have an S and I realise what a stonking little car it is - although now I have the Chimaera I cant believe I happily drove the S daily. Possible, yes, but I think best left as a weekend toy as you propose.
Good luck with it Harry. If you are ever back visiting Hants, make surey ou drop me a line so we can meet for a cold one. The Hants TVRCC meets on a thursday night are near Alton, so not too far down the A3....
When the weather clears and I have fettled the car a bit, I will head down for a meet to see you other TVR owners. Hants easy for me as I went to school in Winchester and have several friends who live in Alton, Ropley, Alresford, Winchester etc - so in the summer I am frequently down there.
Looking forward to being involved in the TVR community - this site has already been invaluable in terms of information.
Looking forward to being involved in the TVR community - this site has already been invaluable in terms of information.
Notanutter said:
Anyhow the good news is I reckon the S2 was a good car and better than the S3 and later (heavier) cars - except for my V8S that is !! Enjoy !!
I know mine is heavier , but thats cos I am sitting in it. Is the S3 heavier than the S2 ? first time I have heard that,must be all the luxury extras.
mycroft said:
Is the S3 heavier than the S2 ? first time I have heard that,must be all the luxury extras.
Actually I may have just fantasised that, although my S1 certainly felt lighter than the S2 (does the 2.8 engine weigh less than the 2.9 ?), and by the time the S3 with driving lights, electric window motors, longer doors and different seats came out, yes I reckon it was heavier again. Probably not a whole lot though, has anyone put theirs on a weighbridge ?
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