What do I need to know about looking after my T350 come sat

[Snapz]

I'll be the proud owner of a 04' T350 come saturday. Only 4k on the clock, just been serviced and got the trusty old wear and tear warranty on her. Now what?

I'm used to run of the mill cars (VW's Vauxhalls etc) so need some tips on how to care for her ie the basics, checking oil and water, warming her up etc... Is there anything else I need to be doing.

Last thing... I'm considering Joining the TVR club, Is it worth it???

Thanks Guys & Gals

[david godfrey]

Snapz said:

I'll be the proud owner of a 04' T350 come saturday. Only 4k on the clock, just been serviced and got the trusty old wear and tear warranty on her. Now what?

I'm used to run of the mill cars (VW's Vauxhalls etc) so need some tips on how to care for her ie the basics, checking oil and water, warming her up etc... Is there anything else I need to be doing.

Suggest reading the sticky at the top of the forum - if you have time read the forum
ask questions - respect it / warm it up etc - check oil / water etc

mainly - enjoy it - and try not to grin to much

[yi8tvr]

snapz said:

Is there anything else I need to be doing

If you have'nt already

1/ Dont become one of those numpty park and polish brigade
2/ Get it on track as soon as possible
3/ Prepare to have your eyes out and your arse slapped when you come to sell it
4/ Keep away from pistonheads as much as possible (you will become a paranoid wreck listening for every sound.
5/ Its a powerfull motor dont end up wrapped around a tree and killing yourself
6/ Have fun (you only live once)
7/ Become a member of the TVRCC (worth every penny)
8/ No 2
9/ No 8

[G20RG B]

Warming up the engine before giving it the full BHOONA is the most important rule with the SP6 engine.

I would start the car up with an initial bust of 1300rpm to allow oil to circulate then drive of gently keeping the revs below 2000 until car is warmed up to 60degrees. If you have a sport exhaust/carbon can company you can hear an audible diference in the sound. When you start to get the pops and bangs this generally means the engine is up to temprature.

Check oil regularly.
Polish it inside out.
take time to get to know it and appreciate the power/handling.

you will love it TVRs are awsome. The last true sportscars

[Prof Pat Pending]

As winter draws in take it easy!!! period. Don't give it the beans unless you are wearing old jeans!! Mark is right, take it on a track it is the only place your 350 will truly feel at home. Enjoy the car but be gaurded they can bite!!

[rolex]

10/ No such thing as a three point turn with these cars aim for five
11/ Open an account with your local wheel refurb shop

[yellow peril]

Snapz said:

I'll be the proud owner of a 04' T350 come saturday.
Last thing... I'm considering Joining the TVR club, Is it worth it???

Thanks Guys & Gals

Congratualtions Snapz and welcome to the madhouse.

Everyone has their own opinions on warming up but the rule of thumb is don't rag it from cold otherwise it's gonna cost you big time.

Bearing in mind it's the start of the slippy season, I would advise that you have a very cautious right foot and treat the go pedal with a ton of respect whilst getting to know your new beastie.

From here until Saturday, practise 'gurning' in front of the mirror in the bathroom so that your face muscles don't suffer too badly after you've picked her up and you can't stop whoohooing and grinning all day.

Plan the route home checking out the position of every available petrol station cos your journey home will probably end up being 'the very long way round'

Phone the other half advising you will be late so that she doesn't think you are wrapped round a tree in your new car!

Definitely join the TVRcc....you can join online www.tvr-car-club.co.uk and you'll find the details there for your local Meet held on the 1st Sunday of every month.

You are in a good region with a great RO.

If you want to 'try before you buy' pop along and chat with Chrissy and meet the rest of the guys and girls and then decide.

Have fun.....what colour is your T350....must have been a stunner to sway you away from a Tamora!

YP

[grumbledoak]

Congratulations ! Try to get a picture up asap.

I'll sound like an echo, but I'll give my 2p anyway:

Don't rag it from cold, but don't leave her idling to warm up either - just drive her gently 'til the oil hits 50.

Check the oil and water levels every drive until you get a feel for her usage (she may drink both, or neither)

Don't forget the slippy season; TVRs can bite you back - "Ditch Seeking Missile" as a mate once called them.

Have a sense of humour; niggles are inevitable in a hand-built car

She is a GT car, so do a "Grand Tour" abroad (I recently went to Holland the long way; car was superb)

Do join the club, even if you don't go to meets, the magazine alone is worth it

Try to wipe the smile off your face

P

[GOM]

rolex said:

10/ No such thing as a three point turn with these cars aim for five
11/ Open an account with your local wheel refurb shop

10/ One point turns are the order of the day

[Spoonman]

GOM said:

10/ One point turns are the order of the day

Absolutely!

[sen 18]

Come saturday evening tell beloved not to wait up,you will be polishing till sunrise. ENJOY.

[Steve11]

Be careful on your first petrol stop, as my girlfriend always say's "Take it slow and easy, have lots of tissues at hand otherwise it will be all over your trousers"....

[Snapz]

Thanks for the advice, I'll post a picture when I pick it up. Dont wana tempt fate until its sitting on my driveway.

[rev-erend]

G20RG B said:

Warming up the engine before giving it the full BHOONA is the most important rule with the SP6 engine.

I would start the car up with an initial bust of 1300rpm to allow oil to circulate then drive of gently keeping the revs below 2000 until car is warmed up to 60degrees. If you have a sport exhaust/carbon can company you can hear an audible diference in the sound. When you start to get the pops and bangs this generally means the engine is up to temprature.

Check oil regularly.
Polish it inside out.
take time to get to know it and appreciate the power/handling.

you will love it TVRs are awsome. The last true sportscars

Fully agree here .. warning up the oil will become you new mission in life..

In the depths of winter it takes longer.

Take time to learn how to handle the car being especially careful on damp and salted (white) roads.. that being said I found the T350 to have excellent traction and I used mine all thru last winter.

Every day !

You will love every minuite.

Edited by rev-erend on Tuesday 3rd October 20:30

[sideways mostly]

All been said.Welcome and drive it every day!

[eburacum]

hi guys,
just had a good read on the advice about the 350,new comer myself,due to pick up a sagaris next week.my first tvr,have had the usual ,lotus/porche boxster,who hasnt!
i suppose the advice is the same on all spd6 cars?