Define an S3c

[mikeock64]

I'm going to Burghley House this weekend to meet up with some like minded TVR nuts, but also to try and define an S3c. As no two S3c's seem the same. Mine has the long doors, but a Chimaera bonnet with big front driving lights
and catalytic convertors (which is evidently what the c stand for.
But the S3c featured in last months modern classics, had an S2 bonnet.
Is this a case of everyone speccing their cars from the factory differently,
or TVR just grabbing what is available at the time?
Also, please wear name tags with your username on, so you can be recognized.
Or if you can't do that, a Biro across the forehead should do the trick.

[Barry S1]

You've got a S4 bonnet very nice, Glen will
be on the time line with his S3c too compare with
yours

[ukflyboy]

S3C = Cat Convertors. Simples.

[phillpot]

mikeock64 said:

to try and define an S3c.

Why ?

[Niiige]

When was your car registered ?

It might be that the later S4 bonnet was fitted during the changeover period between S3 and S4, or after your car left the factory at a later date, due to damage or cosmetic reasons.

[AutoAndy]

yep... C is for Cats

and sounds like yours has S4 bonnet. S3's have long doors and the regular bonnet, but have the additional fog/driving lights built in at the bottom....cue gratuitous pic of my S3C...which will be at Burghley...you shouldn't miss it...



..stripes are not standard...and the indicators are not original lenses (I'm not made of money).

[RayTVR]

Not all S3 have the driving lights. It was definitely an option on my 1991, but lots don't have them.

[AutoAndy]

RayTVR said:

Not all S3 have the driving lights. It was definitely an option on my 1991, but lots don't have them.

...there you have it Mike, you were right..."no two S3c's seem the same"...problem solved

[TurboTony]

3C had cats, LSD, and driving lights. May have been other features as well to justify the increased price. I think that this bonnet was also an option on the S3. Loads of 3C modela had the 'S4' bonnet as I had heard that it was designed for this model but deemed to flimsy for sale. It certainly is lighter. My personal preference is for the 3C bonnet as I like the driving lamps but love the nice bulge with air intake.

At least us V6 boys do not have to suffer an item with a big lump on top designed for a two litre supercharged V8!

[mikeock64]

[mikeock64]

mikeock64 said:

The photo isn't turned on it's side. My drive is very steep.

[mikeock64]

Barry S1 said:

You've got a S4 bonnet very nice, Glen will
be on the time line with his S3c too compare with
yours

Thanks Barry. I was at the TVRCC and they said you were the one to talk to about S's. Make sure you biro your name on your forehead, we must talk.

[Scoobimax]

Did someone mention gratuitous pics ........

Hers a (my) simple S3 (no nasty cats to restrict exhaust flow )

[mikeock64]

AutoAndy said:

yep... C is for Cats

and sounds like yours has S4 bonnet. S3's have long doors and the regular bonnet, but have the additional fog/driving lights built in at the bottom....cue gratuitous pic of my S3C...which will be at Burghley...you shouldn't miss it...



..stripes are not standard...and the indicators are not original lenses (I'm not made of money).

Nice pic Andy. As I thought, no rhyme or reason. I think I may have seen you chasing colchester bound on the A12 a couple of months ago. Was that you?
Thanks all for your responses.

[Barry S1]

Just look for Garv

Edited by Barry S1 on Wednesday 6th April 22:00

[Niiige]

The steep drive is very impressive 😀

It's a J reg, so if it's a late J was possibly made about the time that S4 bonnets appeared and could therefore have got it as an original item.

It's a lovely looking bonnet - not at all flimsy. It's more a power flex which supports enhanced dynamic road holding. .

Yet more evidence of the ongoing quality improvements TVR are famous for.

[Oldred_V8S]

TurboTony said:

3C had cats, LSD, and driving lights. May have been other features as well to justify the increased price. I think that this bonnet was also an option on the S3. Loads of 3C modela had the 'S4' bonnet as I had heard that it was designed for this model but deemed to flimsy for sale. It certainly is lighter. My personal preference is for the 3C bonnet as I like the driving lamps but love the nice bulge with air intake.

At least us V6 boys do not have to suffer an item with a big lump on top designed for a two litre supercharged V8!

You leave my power bulge out of it Mr TT.

[mikeock64]

Niiige said:

The steep drive is very impressive ??

It's a J reg, so if it's a late J was possibly made about the time that S4 bonnets appeared and could therefore have got it as an original item.

It's a lovely looking bonnet - not at all flimsy. It's more a power flex which supports enhanced dynamic road holding. .

Yet more evidence of the ongoing quality improvements TVR are famous for.

For sure Nigel, quality was always a priority.

[mikeock64]

Barry S1 said:

Just look for Garv

Edited by Barry S1 on Wednesday 6th April 22:00

I shall do Barry, but you'll have to stand by your car all day until I find you.

[GadgeS3C]

TurboTony said:

3C had cats, LSD, and driving lights. May have been other features as well to justify the increased price. I think that this bonnet was also an option on the S3. Loads of 3C modela had the 'S4' bonnet as I had heard that it was designed for this model but deemed to flimsy for sale. It certainly is lighter. My personal preference is for the 3C bonnet as I like the driving lamps but love the nice bulge with air intake.

At least us V6 boys do not have to suffer an item with a big lump on top designed for a two litre supercharged V8!

Not convinced the slippy diff was standard on S3Cs. Some did definitely have the best bonnet though

But if you're at Burghley head for the timeline and say hello to the S contingent. I'll be the stressed looking one trying to organise folks. Ask for a copy of the definitive guide to S spotting

Oh, and don't even start about hydraulic tappets
Gary

Edited by GadgeS3C on Wednesday 6th April 23:43