TVR S1 Tech data
Discussion
Hi,
I'm new to the forum and TVR ownership, I've recently bought a 1988 S1in red, it's in good all round condition and seems quite original.
I'm struggling however with tech specs for setting up engine, it's a bit lumpy at the moment especially on idle, I can get the idle better by tweaking the timing but then it looses power and runs a bit lean.
I can't find anywhere the tech specs, ie, plug gaps, timing, idle rpm etc. Are all these standard granada/capri? Or are they TVR specific? Did TVR modify the engine at all or can I use standard ford settings?
I'm also struggling with the temp guage, does anyone in the UK sell stewart warner senders for the s1? I can't seem to find one on the net. Currently put a Ford sender in and a resistor.
Last question, my fuel pump runs constantly and I read on the forum that it should only run when cranking
/running is this correct? Is this likely to cause an issue?
Thanks in advance
Simon
I'm new to the forum and TVR ownership, I've recently bought a 1988 S1in red, it's in good all round condition and seems quite original.
I'm struggling however with tech specs for setting up engine, it's a bit lumpy at the moment especially on idle, I can get the idle better by tweaking the timing but then it looses power and runs a bit lean.
I can't find anywhere the tech specs, ie, plug gaps, timing, idle rpm etc. Are all these standard granada/capri? Or are they TVR specific? Did TVR modify the engine at all or can I use standard ford settings?
I'm also struggling with the temp guage, does anyone in the UK sell stewart warner senders for the s1? I can't seem to find one on the net. Currently put a Ford sender in and a resistor.
Last question, my fuel pump runs constantly and I read on the forum that it should only run when cranking
/running is this correct? Is this likely to cause an issue?
Thanks in advance
Simon
You should certainly consider buying the TVR S Steve Heath Bible and one ( or all ) of the Haynes Ford Capri/Sierra/Granada/Scorpio/etc. V6 manuals. Most of mine were less than £2 each on eBay.
The fuel pump should prime for a few seconds, when you turn on the ignition, to pressure the system. After this, it should stop.
Here is the wiring diagram. Check if the Pink Engine Sensor is working properly.
Wiring
The fuel pump should prime for a few seconds, when you turn on the ignition, to pressure the system. After this, it should stop.
Here is the wiring diagram. Check if the Pink Engine Sensor is working properly.
Wiring
Thanks for the help so far, I have ordered a granada manual already from eBay so hopefully that will arrive tomorrow.
How does one check the pink run sensor?
Is steve heaths bible that good? Its quite expensive, what sort of stuff does it cover? so far my biggest struggle is matching parts and tech specs.
Thanks
How does one check the pink run sensor?
Is steve heaths bible that good? Its quite expensive, what sort of stuff does it cover? so far my biggest struggle is matching parts and tech specs.
Thanks
The Steve Heath TVR S Series book is a worthwhile reference to own, the second edition is more comprehensive.
Haynes Manuals for the 2.8 V6, Granada or Sierra are excellent for the engine data & service/overhaul information.
The Sierra manual will also cover most of the braking system and running gear.
The pink relay ( engine run sensor ) controls the supply to the fuel pump and incorporates a timer function to energise the fuel pump as required
Additionally on the S1, there is a green 'cold start relay' which lurks in the rainwater path outside of the passenger footwell behind the nearsude inner wing. You will find it amongst the cable loom ib that area. It is quite exposed in that location and can get water inside, which doesn't help things.
If you carefully prize the cover off, you can examine the internals, dry them if necessary and give them a spray of contact cleaner or WD40.
Haynes Manuals for the 2.8 V6, Granada or Sierra are excellent for the engine data & service/overhaul information.
The Sierra manual will also cover most of the braking system and running gear.
The pink relay ( engine run sensor ) controls the supply to the fuel pump and incorporates a timer function to energise the fuel pump as required
Additionally on the S1, there is a green 'cold start relay' which lurks in the rainwater path outside of the passenger footwell behind the nearsude inner wing. You will find it amongst the cable loom ib that area. It is quite exposed in that location and can get water inside, which doesn't help things.

If you carefully prize the cover off, you can examine the internals, dry them if necessary and give them a spray of contact cleaner or WD40.
Welcome to the wonderfully friendly world of S ownership, and particularly to the S1 'elite'! (Mine is an 88 S1 but I am a bit far for a simple pop in, as I am in Lancashire. But if you are up this way then let me know, I have been through virtually everything on mine). The help available from PH members was absolutely invaluable to me.
I think the Heath book as a real 'must', there are so many little bits of information in there which will save you time and effort.
I also use a Haynes Sierra V6 manual a great deal.
Your car has the 2.8 engine, there are a good few differences to those with the 2.9 engine (injection system, wiring diagram,alternator and drive, waterpump etc). Make sure you are reading the info relevant to a 2.8 car.
The biggest issue you are likely to have is understanding the Jetronic system which is only on the 2.8. There are several good articles available by searching on google but the most relevant information for you will be available through this forum. DONT start changing settings until you understand it! (Why do you think I advise that!!!)
One problem you will have is searching for information on PH as the search engine on PH is not intuitive (to put it mildly! Most of us have given up on it). Normally if you do a Google search by TVR S ******* PH, where **** is your subject, then it will bring up good pistonheads search threads to start with, look for the latest one. In many cases the latest threads will include links to earlier, or more detailed, threads.
If in doubt...ask! Someone will help or point you in the right direction.
I think the Heath book as a real 'must', there are so many little bits of information in there which will save you time and effort.
I also use a Haynes Sierra V6 manual a great deal.
Your car has the 2.8 engine, there are a good few differences to those with the 2.9 engine (injection system, wiring diagram,alternator and drive, waterpump etc). Make sure you are reading the info relevant to a 2.8 car.
The biggest issue you are likely to have is understanding the Jetronic system which is only on the 2.8. There are several good articles available by searching on google but the most relevant information for you will be available through this forum. DONT start changing settings until you understand it! (Why do you think I advise that!!!)
One problem you will have is searching for information on PH as the search engine on PH is not intuitive (to put it mildly! Most of us have given up on it). Normally if you do a Google search by TVR S ******* PH, where **** is your subject, then it will bring up good pistonheads search threads to start with, look for the latest one. In many cases the latest threads will include links to earlier, or more detailed, threads.
If in doubt...ask! Someone will help or point you in the right direction.
Thanks for all the replies, it looks like my pink run relay has been replaced with a brown Toyota relay part number 90987 02006, which I'm guessing someone had "kicking around" and I assume why my fuel pump runs constantly with ignition on.
I now need the correct relay urgently, so fingers crossed my local motor factors can get me one tomorrow!
I'm in a village called Edgcott, so not far from Aylesbury.
Myself and two friends (MGB roadster and TVR Chimera) are going on a road trip this weekend from bucks, through the the Derbyshire dales, up to Yorkshire Dales and around them, then to the Lakes and round there before coming home again. This will be my first proper run in the TVR, so looking forward to it!
Any tips on spares to take or things to check greatly received, ☺
I now need the correct relay urgently, so fingers crossed my local motor factors can get me one tomorrow!
I'm in a village called Edgcott, so not far from Aylesbury.
Myself and two friends (MGB roadster and TVR Chimera) are going on a road trip this weekend from bucks, through the the Derbyshire dales, up to Yorkshire Dales and around them, then to the Lakes and round there before coming home again. This will be my first proper run in the TVR, so looking forward to it!
Any tips on spares to take or things to check greatly received, ☺
LR Bean said:
Hi,
I'm new to the forum and TVR ownership, I've recently bought a 1988 S1in red, it's in good all round condition and seems quite original.
I'm struggling however with tech specs for setting up engine, it's a bit lumpy at the moment especially on idle, I can get the idle better by tweaking the timing but then it looses power and runs a bit lean.
I can't find anywhere the tech specs, ie, plug gaps, timing, idle rpm etc. Are all these standard granada/capri? Or are they TVR specific? Did TVR modify the engine at all or can I use standard ford settings?
I'm also struggling with the temp guage, does anyone in the UK sell stewart warner senders for the s1? I can't seem to find one on the net. Currently put a Ford sender in and a resistor.
Last question, my fuel pump runs constantly and I read on the forum that it should only run when cranking
/running is this correct? Is this likely to cause an issue?
Thanks in advance
Simon
Hi Simon,I'm new to the forum and TVR ownership, I've recently bought a 1988 S1in red, it's in good all round condition and seems quite original.
I'm struggling however with tech specs for setting up engine, it's a bit lumpy at the moment especially on idle, I can get the idle better by tweaking the timing but then it looses power and runs a bit lean.
I can't find anywhere the tech specs, ie, plug gaps, timing, idle rpm etc. Are all these standard granada/capri? Or are they TVR specific? Did TVR modify the engine at all or can I use standard ford settings?
I'm also struggling with the temp guage, does anyone in the UK sell stewart warner senders for the s1? I can't seem to find one on the net. Currently put a Ford sender in and a resistor.
Last question, my fuel pump runs constantly and I read on the forum that it should only run when cranking
/running is this correct? Is this likely to cause an issue?
Thanks in advance
Simon
Even though the bosch k-jet is a mechanical injection system its not quite as user friendly as you might think. Have you tweaked the mixture using the screw found by the air intake boot/plate?
If you search k-jet on youtube theres a good insight into how it works, the positioning of the plate on the intake is pivotal to correct running. The idle can be adjusted manually.
I owned a 1988 280S before my Chim...generally they are good fun and easy to work on and they sound pretty good bearing in mind its a v6. The 2.9 is a better engine and you can do more with it as the siamese ports on the exhaust manifolds are the restrictive area on the 2.8 but still good..and its the first S

Have fun.
Phil
Hi,
No I haven't touched anything on the injection yet as most of what I've read says it's pretty reliable. . . . .
Its running reasonably well now, though I've got the timing at more like 20 degrees rather than 12 that the manual says otherwise it's so lumpy on idle and keeps stalling.
I'm reluctant to tweak anything else before Friday now incase I run into issues.
Thanks
Simon
No I haven't touched anything on the injection yet as most of what I've read says it's pretty reliable. . . . .
Its running reasonably well now, though I've got the timing at more like 20 degrees rather than 12 that the manual says otherwise it's so lumpy on idle and keeps stalling.
I'm reluctant to tweak anything else before Friday now incase I run into issues.
Thanks
Simon
Yep, the 16mm vac pipe on the offside of the plenum can become porous and cause problems. Have a listen at idle, sometimes you can hear it wheezing. If you clamp your hands round it and the revs increase, it needs replacing.
A further potential problem you won't hear about in the manuals is an issue with the reinforcing plates inside the air filter casing. Remove the rectangular air filter element and check for missing or corroded rivets that fix the metal plates inside the plastic casing. They drop out and allow dirty unfiltered air ( or worse still, bits of rivet ) into the air metering unit and gunge it up.
Carefully clean it up using carb cleaner aerosol and REPLACE ALL THOSE RIVETS so the problem cannot recur.
Thanks Richard ( Greymrj ) for pointing this out to us.
HTH.
A further potential problem you won't hear about in the manuals is an issue with the reinforcing plates inside the air filter casing. Remove the rectangular air filter element and check for missing or corroded rivets that fix the metal plates inside the plastic casing. They drop out and allow dirty unfiltered air ( or worse still, bits of rivet ) into the air metering unit and gunge it up.

Carefully clean it up using carb cleaner aerosol and REPLACE ALL THOSE RIVETS so the problem cannot recur.
Thanks Richard ( Greymrj ) for pointing this out to us.
HTH.
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