Speed 6 vs 4.2 & 4.5
Discussion
I've noticed that most of the posts concern 4.2 or 4.5s rather than Speed 6s. As an owner of a Speed 6 (bought new last year) I've wondered why it is that owners of Speed 6s seem so outnumbered by owners of 4.2/4.5s. It would be great to hear from you as to why you went for one or the other.
I went for the Speed 6 because it was lighter clutch work and a softer ride than the V8s (not that I'm afraid of a little hard work). I test drove all 3 types and found that the V8s did not sound too healthy (they may well have been bad examples and had been sitting outside on the forecourt of Walldonway for a while, but then so had the Speed 6). The Speed 6 still produced the decibels but sounded less like a tractor (as I say, the V8s did not sound healthy).
I must admit that when I ordered the car I didn't know about this site and the concerns that pop up now and again about the Speed 6 engine. I knew I wanted a TVR - the choice was between Tuscan and Cerbera. I read all the road tests etc in Autocar and other mags. I finally went for the Cerb because it was a 2+2 and less fidgety on the road than the Tuscan. But, as a compromise, I went for Tuscan 18" alloys. This has not affected the ride quality at all. And the ride is less bumpy than my VR6 or my wife's BMW 325 (which also had 18" alloys).
The engine is still a bit tappety but I've been told that this is normal (is it?). Apart from that, I've had nothing but motoring bliss in the Speed 6 and the thing eats tarmac like nothing else I've ever driven.
As to its reliability, it is interesting that TVR are using that engine on Tuscans, Tamoras and T350Cs rather than the V8s - do they think that they have solved any major problems or is it simply that it's cheaper to make the Speed 6 engine? Whichever is the case (or both), they clearly seem to be putting a lot of eggs in the Speed 6 basket, if the engine still has quality / reliability probs. As a speed 6 fan, I like to think that it's a sign of their confidence in the engine (but then I would say that wouldn't I?).
I went for the Speed 6 because it was lighter clutch work and a softer ride than the V8s (not that I'm afraid of a little hard work). I test drove all 3 types and found that the V8s did not sound too healthy (they may well have been bad examples and had been sitting outside on the forecourt of Walldonway for a while, but then so had the Speed 6). The Speed 6 still produced the decibels but sounded less like a tractor (as I say, the V8s did not sound healthy).
I must admit that when I ordered the car I didn't know about this site and the concerns that pop up now and again about the Speed 6 engine. I knew I wanted a TVR - the choice was between Tuscan and Cerbera. I read all the road tests etc in Autocar and other mags. I finally went for the Cerb because it was a 2+2 and less fidgety on the road than the Tuscan. But, as a compromise, I went for Tuscan 18" alloys. This has not affected the ride quality at all. And the ride is less bumpy than my VR6 or my wife's BMW 325 (which also had 18" alloys).
The engine is still a bit tappety but I've been told that this is normal (is it?). Apart from that, I've had nothing but motoring bliss in the Speed 6 and the thing eats tarmac like nothing else I've ever driven.
As to its reliability, it is interesting that TVR are using that engine on Tuscans, Tamoras and T350Cs rather than the V8s - do they think that they have solved any major problems or is it simply that it's cheaper to make the Speed 6 engine? Whichever is the case (or both), they clearly seem to be putting a lot of eggs in the Speed 6 basket, if the engine still has quality / reliability probs. As a speed 6 fan, I like to think that it's a sign of their confidence in the engine (but then I would say that wouldn't I?).
I think the choice boils down to person preferance, the reason i went for 4.2 was partly due to cost constraints, reliability issues with earlier sp6 engines and sound. With regards to performance the sp6 is more tractbable at lower revs and reading Joolzs sprint article bhp wise there pretty well up to the mark. Howver I well and truly fell in love with the sound of
the ajp esp at full tilt, performance above 4k revs
is astonishing. The f1 type design is completely uncompromising and ideally suited for the car IMO!
Either way both cracking engines - enjoy!
Chris
the ajp esp at full tilt, performance above 4k revs
is astonishing. The f1 type design is completely uncompromising and ideally suited for the car IMO!
Either way both cracking engines - enjoy!
Chris
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