S3, and S3C... What's the difference?

[KingRichard]

Is it just the door mirrors?

That's all I can see from pictures!

[Podie]

Bonnet... one had cats, theoretically a different ECU & map... LSD...

[KingRichard]

So the S3C is worth seeking out then? Surely if it has LSD and updated engine management...

They all seem to be about the same sort of price the S series cars

[Podie]

Each to their own. I wanted an S3c when I went hunting, and was lucky enough to find one with the S4 style bonnet, which I think in the pick of the crop.

At this age of car, buy on condition alone.

[Roy C]

Podie said:

Bonnet... one had cats, theoretically a different ECU & map... LSD...

Also no air meters, but uses a lambda sensor.

[Podie]

Since PH has junked it's article... your best port of call is here - http://www.tvrsseries.com/

[profstoff]

Podie said:

Since PH has junked it's article... your best port of call is here - http://www.tvrsseries.com/

It's here http://www.pistonheads.com/tvr/s/default.asp?story...

[Simpo Two]

Why have one with cats when you can have one without?

But I think the S3C bonnet looks nicer.

[Chris71]

Simpo Two said:

Why have one with cats when you can have one without?

But I think the S3C bonnet looks nicer.

Because you can get the updated ECU calibration and the LSD with it I guess.

Just to confuse matters, I believe you can get S2Cs as well! I presume this is the S3C engine in an S2 chassis?

Beware though - there was a thread on here recently suggesting not all S3Cs had an LSD and indeed a few regular S3s probably gain a C when they're being sold. Not that I'm at all cynical.

PS The door mirrors don't necessarily change - my S3 has the manual mirrors as fitted to the earlier cars. Handy if you need to fold them all the way up to get into the garage!

Edited by Chris71 on Wednesday 12th March 12:56

[purpleperil]

Chris71 said:

Just to confuse matters, I believe you can get S2Cs as well! I presume this is the S3C engine in an S2 chassis?

You certainly can - I had one! The bonnet is much nicer IMHO with the additional lights below the bumper line. There's a picture in my cars gallery. No CATS were fitted to the car and it had the older, again nicer IMHO, instrumentation.

[Podie]

Simpo Two said:

Why have one with cats when you can have one without?

But I think the S3C bonnet looks nicer.

Just remove the cats... more noise

[dougc]

Podie said:

Simpo Two said:

Why have one with cats when you can have one without?

But I think the S3C bonnet looks nicer.

Just remove the cats... more noise

Best money I ever spent.