Speed Six or AJP?
Discussion
I'm thinking of swapping my Chim for Cerbera or (or even a tamora or tuscan). I like the idea of the V8 cerbs but am concerned by the reliablity of the engine. Assuming I'm going to keep the car for a few years, is it likely that the parts supply for the AJP engines will dry up or at least become (even more) prohibitively expensive? The speed six looks like it will be supported for some time even though it may be less reliable over all. It also appears to be a bit cheaper to buy, at least when compared to the 4.5. What's the difference in driving them, power etc? Any advice appreciated thanks.
Sp6 is supposed to be very smooth, and easier to drive. At the limit, it is marginally slower, but you or I wouldn't notice it.
The AJP is not a typical V8, in that you don't get the Roveresque burble. It's more of a race screamer - I always liken it to a wasp on steroids! It is lumpy at idle unless modified, but it is one hell of an engine.
If you want a car that has horns and breathes fire, you'll need an AJP...
Edited by morebeanz on Tuesday 15th April 17:28
If both were as reliable as each each other I'd go for the Speed Six as the noise is just unbelievable and it is a brillant engine created by a bunch mad genius engineers.
However, engine noise and performance featured heavily on their 'Must Have' list but a little thing called reliability, maintainance and running cost were down graded to 'nice to have' and then 'won't have'.
For me the Speed 6 has been a money pit; no thinking about it, it's not a money pit it's asteroid impact crater the the size of the one that killed the dinosaurs. Mine has cost over £25K (excluding purchase, petrol, insurance and tax) in 3 years.
Felix Denis once said if it flies or floats (and something else with f) then rent it. He should have added cars with SP6 engines to that list.
Then again friends of mine have spend vast sums on AJP Cerbera's as well.
Which ever way you cut it, you'll either fall head over heels into the TVR money pit or very quickly back out at the first sense (not sign as it's too late then) of trouble.
However, engine noise and performance featured heavily on their 'Must Have' list but a little thing called reliability, maintainance and running cost were down graded to 'nice to have' and then 'won't have'.
For me the Speed 6 has been a money pit; no thinking about it, it's not a money pit it's asteroid impact crater the the size of the one that killed the dinosaurs. Mine has cost over £25K (excluding purchase, petrol, insurance and tax) in 3 years.
Felix Denis once said if it flies or floats (and something else with f) then rent it. He should have added cars with SP6 engines to that list.
Then again friends of mine have spend vast sums on AJP Cerbera's as well.
Which ever way you cut it, you'll either fall head over heels into the TVR money pit or very quickly back out at the first sense (not sign as it's too late then) of trouble.
To answer the original question, I don't think that the parts supply will dry up for the AJP8, I know of an indi' who has access to castings for cylinder heads, and can also get cranks made, etc etc. He isn't alone, there's quite a number of 'specialists' out there who will continue to support our obsession.
As far as I can assertain, the S6 can be made 'stronger' whether that turns out to be true, and that the S6 is now fully cured of it's early faults really remains to be seen.
The AJP8 does seem to be a stronger engine, however it is highly stressed, a North Star engine it isn't. But, having said that it can cost a lot if something goes wrong.
I personally wouldn't have an S6, as I adore the Cerb' and, IMHO, it's the AJP8 that makes the Cerb' the car it is.
Tim
As far as I can assertain, the S6 can be made 'stronger' whether that turns out to be true, and that the S6 is now fully cured of it's early faults really remains to be seen.
The AJP8 does seem to be a stronger engine, however it is highly stressed, a North Star engine it isn't. But, having said that it can cost a lot if something goes wrong.
I personally wouldn't have an S6, as I adore the Cerb' and, IMHO, it's the AJP8 that makes the Cerb' the car it is.
Tim
I've owned my 4.5 AJP for nearly 1 year. I've done 5,000 miles, plenty of laps of Brands and a rolling road session. I check and top up the oil and water regularly, keep an eye on the oil pressure and water temperature. I always let the engine warm up before spanking it. I've replaced the plugs, leads and coils due to old age.
It starts first press of the button, idles well and smooths out when warm.
Press the throttle and it gets brutal: feels like I'm standing on the launch pad of the space shuttle.
Maybe I've got a good one, maybe I've been lucky, maybe a big problem is waiting just round the corner. As far as I'm concerned I'm the proud owner of the cheapest super car ever built: both purchase and running costs.
I'm replacing the headlights at the moment due to corrosion. Glass is OK, reflector £50, new stainless fasteners £20, easy DIY job: as good as new. I have a friend with a Mercedes: new headlight £600. Bargain.
It starts first press of the button, idles well and smooths out when warm.
Press the throttle and it gets brutal: feels like I'm standing on the launch pad of the space shuttle.
Maybe I've got a good one, maybe I've been lucky, maybe a big problem is waiting just round the corner. As far as I'm concerned I'm the proud owner of the cheapest super car ever built: both purchase and running costs.
I'm replacing the headlights at the moment due to corrosion. Glass is OK, reflector £50, new stainless fasteners £20, easy DIY job: as good as new. I have a friend with a Mercedes: new headlight £600. Bargain.
I don't think there much between the AJP and the SP6 in performance. With the Power 4.3 coming the SP6 is going to be the big boy but it's the running costs. The smallest issuses oftem mean the engine has to come out.
Personally I think the major factor is going to be the car's history, condition and your choice of future mechanics. If I was to buy another Cerb, I's ship it to TVR Power for the full low down including cam cover off. If it cost a few hundred even if you didn't buy the car it would be worth it.
If you haven't got deep pockets don't buy anything other than a pristine model. Avoid a dealer as well as you need to meet the previous owner.
Personally I think the major factor is going to be the car's history, condition and your choice of future mechanics. If I was to buy another Cerb, I's ship it to TVR Power for the full low down including cam cover off. If it cost a few hundred even if you didn't buy the car it would be worth it.
If you haven't got deep pockets don't buy anything other than a pristine model. Avoid a dealer as well as you need to meet the previous owner.
I drove all of them before buying mine. The speed six one I had for a long weekend from the now defunct TMS. It blew up on the way back to the garage. As someone said earlier they are cheap for a reason. The engines are s
t.
I eventually bought a 4.2 V8 and the only issue I ever had was a clutch.
And trust me, with a sports exhaust nothing will ever sound as good as the v8
t.I eventually bought a 4.2 V8 and the only issue I ever had was a clutch.
And trust me, with a sports exhaust nothing will ever sound as good as the v8
SI-PEN said:
KingGeorge said:
I drove all of them before buying mine. The speed six one I had for a long weekend from the now defunct TMS. It blew up on the way back to the garage.
How did you explain that one!!!I think the fact I then spent 30 odd grand on a 4.2 eased the pain...
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