What's the best speed 6 or 4.2 V8? (Cerbera)

[Bono]

Hi, I am in the early stages of looking for a Cerbera. I have just about decided that I need one(!), but want to know asmuch as possible about them first.
It will have to be an early one, because dosh will be tight, 1996-1997 ish, but it will still have to be an excellent example.
Which engine is the better and what should I know about them? My local TVR dealer tells me the worst I can expect is very minor electrical issues. Does he speak with 'forked tongue'?
I would hate to buy the wrong one and/or end up selling it due to running costs.
Thanks - Bono

[adamb]

With that budget problem you can only get a 4.2. 4.5's weren't really around until late 97 and 6's later than that.

[Bono]

Excellent, that's a start. So, it's going to be a 4.2. The V8 sounds like a good option, the neighbours will love me!
With regards the early 4.2 versions, what do I need to know? Any faults, etc?
Thanks - Bono

[adamb]

Not a 4.2 man myself so I don't know all the ins and outs I'm afraid. IIRC though you would benefit from getting one that has had the clutch changed to a 4.5 clutch as they no longer make the 4.2 ones so replacement is expensive first time round.

[Neil Menzies]

Biggest issue is that servicing is *not* cheap. IIRC tappets need adjusted at every service, and this is a labour intensive job. And any parts required also tend to be expensive. Depends on where you are in the country, some independents will do Cerberas (Joolz?) but not many.

BTW I've absolutely no idea what adjusting the tappets means, I've heard people say it and just repeat the words, hopefully in the same order

[r6ckt]

Have a look at this it was covered yesterday

www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?t=15911&f=6&h=0

and can anyone beat my £24,000 spent (well leasing company / warranty's money) in one year yet I am sure some one will some where !!!!!

[madasahatter]

Don't let anything I say put you off - it didn't put me off!!

I think there are a large number of things to look for, but to list a few....

1). Don't buy it if there is any crash damage (plenty to choose from).

2). Check for leaks - a lot do leak, but you want to see that it has been sealed up

3). Clutch - as has been said, the 4.2 is no longer made, so if you have to foot the bill to change it now, you need to change the Bell housing and other stuff (read dear!!)

4). Full Service History (obviously) and a load of receipts is always a good thing. As has been stated before, they do need TLC, so it is unlikely that the car will only have been to the dealers every 6000 miles.

5). Leaks from shocks - tends to be a weakness

6). Warped brake disks - warm 'em up, and then brake down from a moderate speed. If the steering wheel threatens to break your wrists you want then changed

7). Sounds like a bag of spanners when cold (especially 96/97 cars), but that is OK.

Happy hunting.

Steve

[CleG]

Bono www.pistonheads.com/ads/displayAd.asp?advertId=5620

have a look at that .. and give jools a call

[davidd]

quote:
3). Clutch - as has been said, the 4.2 is no longer made, so if you have to foot the bill to change it now, you need to change the Bell housing and other stuff (read dear!!)

Jools can recon old clutches for £300.

David

[Bono]

Cheers guys. As I say, any help and advice is greatly appreciated.
Thanks to Jools too, I took the opportunity of picking his brains face to face, since you all seem to say he's the man to know. Fabulas guy and very helpful.
Cheers Jools.

Bono