Quick FHC question
Discussion
Can you fold the passenger seat forward at all (or adjust the rake beyond vertical)?
Looking at this,
And wondering if with the passenger seat folded forward on itself I could get my bike's handlebars stuck down in the passeneger footwell and the rest of it sticking out into the boot
Might have to put a dust sheet down first
Looking at this,
And wondering if with the passenger seat folded forward on itself I could get my bike's handlebars stuck down in the passeneger footwell and the rest of it sticking out into the boot
Might have to put a dust sheet down first
Mine (+2) go forward to give access to the rear seats and don't hit the windscreen. Ive probably emailed the link to you before but just in case -there are some photos of the interior here...
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&am... (pics near the bottom of the page).
Let me know if you would like me to send dimensions or additional photos. (Although the best option is probably just to visit a FHC and try it.)
Nads
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&am... (pics near the bottom of the page).
Let me know if you would like me to send dimensions or additional photos. (Although the best option is probably just to visit a FHC and try it.)
Nads
From my 16 years of V6 wedge ownership experience, I would have to say they handle very well, like a TVR. True, they don't have he power of the V8 wedge, but then we didn't have that option here in the States. But I find my 280i handles very well in the tight twisty stuff plus being very comfortable as a road cruiser on the open motorways.
The wedges go and handle well when you consider their age. Obviously they will not be the same as modern cars. Many don't have power steering and none have anti-lock etc. If you are going for a V6 then the 5-speed is useful.
As for engines.
The V8 tends to pull pretty smoothly from anywhere in the rev range.
The V6 tends to come alive after about 3500 revs. That's not to say that it won't pull lower down, it is just that the performance comes in with a bit of a punch as the revs rise. (Reminds me of a 2 stroke bike I used to own.)
They both sound great but obviously there is nothing quite like a V8 burble if that's you thing.
In terms of reliabilty they are fine as long as they haven't been sitting around doing nothing for ages. If you are looking for a wedge then you need to ask about the powder coating / chasis, electrics and running temperature of the engine.
On the whole wedges work well for cars of this age and most parts are cheap and easily sourceable in my experience.
I think the FHCs are great and have owned 3 but then I am biased!
If you are after a +2 then you need to consider rarity too.
There are only around 6 V8 FHC+2s around and about 50 V6 FHC+2s
As alternatives... I have driven Lotus Excels but found them disappointingly slow and the controls cramped. I tried the 944s but was scared off by the running costs, souless interior and lack of sound. I have thought about Alpine A10s but they are expensive to buy. Even considered Interceptors but couldn't live with the running costs. Choices choices...
As for engines.
The V8 tends to pull pretty smoothly from anywhere in the rev range.
The V6 tends to come alive after about 3500 revs. That's not to say that it won't pull lower down, it is just that the performance comes in with a bit of a punch as the revs rise. (Reminds me of a 2 stroke bike I used to own.)
They both sound great but obviously there is nothing quite like a V8 burble if that's you thing.
In terms of reliabilty they are fine as long as they haven't been sitting around doing nothing for ages. If you are looking for a wedge then you need to ask about the powder coating / chasis, electrics and running temperature of the engine.
On the whole wedges work well for cars of this age and most parts are cheap and easily sourceable in my experience.
I think the FHCs are great and have owned 3 but then I am biased!
If you are after a +2 then you need to consider rarity too.
There are only around 6 V8 FHC+2s around and about 50 V6 FHC+2s
As alternatives... I have driven Lotus Excels but found them disappointingly slow and the controls cramped. I tried the 944s but was scared off by the running costs, souless interior and lack of sound. I have thought about Alpine A10s but they are expensive to buy. Even considered Interceptors but couldn't live with the running costs. Choices choices...
Popssibly slightly different for me - the cost of running a 944 is dwarfed by the insurance cost generated by anything with those three letters on the bonnet TVR! Got a quote for my fathers 1600M and that was something like 3 grand, when the same company wanted £780ish for a 944 turbo S.
If I was to hang on a little while, a V8 would be an option, but right now (price wise) I'd be looking at a 280 if it was in any sort of condition. On paper this should be very close to an 8 valve 944. My slight concern here is that I know the 944's offer very predictable, flattering handling and I've most frequently heard wedge handling described as 'exciting', nobody has ever really clarified whether this is the sort of exciting that can be tamed at 7am on a wet Monday morning or if it's strictly to be left when you're feeling brave!
How well have the bodies held up? A while back, someone commented they'd rather go for a glavanised steel/fiberglass TVR over a steel porker. My experience of fiberglass is that it won't be in it's first flush of youth 20 years down the line either?
Although it's a very long time since I've been in a wedge to compare, I agree entirely that the 944 has a souless interior and sounds like a household appliance, it does make a strong case in practicality though. If I did get a wedge it would have to be a regular, 2 seat FHC I think and right now it would have to be a 280 for cost reasons.
If I was to hang on a little while, a V8 would be an option, but right now (price wise) I'd be looking at a 280 if it was in any sort of condition. On paper this should be very close to an 8 valve 944. My slight concern here is that I know the 944's offer very predictable, flattering handling and I've most frequently heard wedge handling described as 'exciting', nobody has ever really clarified whether this is the sort of exciting that can be tamed at 7am on a wet Monday morning or if it's strictly to be left when you're feeling brave!
How well have the bodies held up? A while back, someone commented they'd rather go for a glavanised steel/fiberglass TVR over a steel porker. My experience of fiberglass is that it won't be in it's first flush of youth 20 years down the line either?
Although it's a very long time since I've been in a wedge to compare, I agree entirely that the 944 has a souless interior and sounds like a household appliance, it does make a strong case in practicality though. If I did get a wedge it would have to be a regular, 2 seat FHC I think and right now it would have to be a 280 for cost reasons.
I am really surprised by your insurance probs. I guess that you must be a lot younger than me! My TVRs are on limited mileage which brings the cost down (4500 miles) and as the car is a classic, that brings it down further. Also, the average wedge FHC is only worth £3000 or less so there shouldn't be a problem with covering something using comprehensive insurance. Perhaps you live in London. Post codes have a lot to answer for!
Tricky one for you.
I would say that if you can get cheaper insurance for a 944 turbo; can afford the running costs (ie - not have to worry about fixing it yourself); and want an easy day to day drive then perhaps the Porker is for you. What am I saying?????!!!!!
If you want that something special.... perhaps the answer is different.
There is no problem with wet roads and a 280 if you are sensible. I've driven mine on snow without problems. The only time you need to watch out is when you are on high revs in a low gear going round a corner!
Oh - and if you want to stop in a hurry.
I guess the porker wins hands down on braking in the wet. It's probably got all sorts of tricky electronics to keep you out of trouble. (Then again - expensive if it goes wrong!)
I know - Get both!
Tricky one for you.
I would say that if you can get cheaper insurance for a 944 turbo; can afford the running costs (ie - not have to worry about fixing it yourself); and want an easy day to day drive then perhaps the Porker is for you. What am I saying?????!!!!!
If you want that something special.... perhaps the answer is different.
There is no problem with wet roads and a 280 if you are sensible. I've driven mine on snow without problems. The only time you need to watch out is when you are on high revs in a low gear going round a corner!
Oh - and if you want to stop in a hurry.
I guess the porker wins hands down on braking in the wet. It's probably got all sorts of tricky electronics to keep you out of trouble. (Then again - expensive if it goes wrong!)
I know - Get both!
Nads said:
I know - Get both!
Don't joke, I currently have 3 cars despite being a relatively poorly paid 24 year old! Insurance did surprise me - I think that quote might even have been for my previous address in Devon. It was catergorised - all front engine Porsches from a VW powered 924 up to a 968 club sport all had exactly the same premium and all TVRs from the earliest Vixen to a 420 wedge had the same premium! Just so happened the TVR one was three times that of the porkka. Scarily, the other companies I tried quoted similarly stupid figures.If I was going to get something now, I'd be looking at a 280 wedge or a standard 8V 944 on budget, I'd guess the TVR would be marginally quicker in a straight line and the Porkka might have the edge on cornering finesse. If I was to save for a while and double my budget (and cross the 25 year old threshold!) I'd be looking at an S2 or turbo versus a V8 wedge, so they're quite comparable. Think the main thing is space and reliability. I hope to have either garaged over night, but during the day and the occasional night it'll have to live outisde and catergorically must start in the morning! Finally, it must have space for the all important bike frame or a guitar amp.
In terms of looks, noise, value for money, personal badge snobbery(!) and general desirability it'd have to be the wedge, but the 944's are immensely practical, plentiful and allegedly bomb proof.
Thing is, when I was about five, I had this exact flyer stuck on my bedroom wall (care of my dad who's a serial TVR owner!)
And there wasn't a Porsche in sight.
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