first time cerbera buyer (hopefully!)
Discussion
hi, ive been for a test drive in a 97 r reg cerbera and absolutely loved it but there are a couple of things that im not sure about and was wondering if anyone could help. first, are all cerberas a little lumpy on part throttle especially when theyre cold? think it is probably being run on normal ron petrol and assume this isnt helping things. and also, would the gear change being slightly sticky coming out of third suggest any clutch or gearbox issues, or is it again just part of their "charm"? am trying hard not to just be seduced by the noise and pace but its really difficult! haha! by the way, its a 4.2 with 34000 miles and full service just in case that might make a difference?!?!?
thanks in advance,
ben
thanks in advance,
ben
sticky third could be gearbox/clutch issues.
lumpy part throttle all depends on how lumpy. lumpy as in nearly a misfire or hesitation?
have you checked the chassis and outriggers?
does it have a good service record any recent rebuild work or clutch change documented?
have you read about the crank on these early 4.2's, I dont want to put you off, just prepare you, i was in the same boat as you and my heart took over and I just had to have my cerb regardless. but it could cost you a pretty penny if it needs anything.
lumpy part throttle all depends on how lumpy. lumpy as in nearly a misfire or hesitation?
have you checked the chassis and outriggers?
does it have a good service record any recent rebuild work or clutch change documented?
have you read about the crank on these early 4.2's, I dont want to put you off, just prepare you, i was in the same boat as you and my heart took over and I just had to have my cerb regardless. but it could cost you a pretty penny if it needs anything.
Ben,
when cold you need to really treat these engines with kid gloves, the fact that it's a bit "lumpy" then wouldn't concern me, so long as it's fine when warmed up.
The gearbox on my car is fine, no stickiness coming out of third. The clutch hydraulic system is not the best on these cars. Master cylinders are cheap to replace, albeit the access is not very good. The slave cylinder is inside the bellhousing and therefore means the gearbox has to come off. That makes it more expensive and, in honesty, if you're changing the slave it's worth considering changing the whole clutch. I think that TVR power were doing an offer on that for about £800?
All the best, James.
when cold you need to really treat these engines with kid gloves, the fact that it's a bit "lumpy" then wouldn't concern me, so long as it's fine when warmed up.
The gearbox on my car is fine, no stickiness coming out of third. The clutch hydraulic system is not the best on these cars. Master cylinders are cheap to replace, albeit the access is not very good. The slave cylinder is inside the bellhousing and therefore means the gearbox has to come off. That makes it more expensive and, in honesty, if you're changing the slave it's worth considering changing the whole clutch. I think that TVR power were doing an offer on that for about £800?
All the best, James.
i agree with some of the above. Comapred to other cars, cerbs are lumpy especially when cold and at low speeds, dont worry about that, a sticky gear does mean the clutch is getting worn, but having said that i ve had this issue for more than a year before replacing my clutch. dont be put off by scaremongering. If the chassis is good, and you like cerberas go for it. These are very high performance cars and require frequent servicing,and parts, including clutches depending on your driving style of course.
If you are going to be worried about costs of replacing clutches and different bits and bobs dont buy a tvr, but if you have done your research and are ok with higher running costs than a normal sports car, then go for it.
Some early 4.2s did have weak cranks but if its lasted that long its unlikely that thats the case with the particular car.
good luck with your search
If you are going to be worried about costs of replacing clutches and different bits and bobs dont buy a tvr, but if you have done your research and are ok with higher running costs than a normal sports car, then go for it.
Some early 4.2s did have weak cranks but if its lasted that long its unlikely that thats the case with the particular car.
good luck with your search
Edited by QuiteQuietCerb on Friday 8th May 16:40
prettyboyben said:
hi, ive been for a test drive in a 97 r reg cerbera and absolutely loved it but there are a couple of things that im not sure about and was wondering if anyone could help. first, are all cerberas a little lumpy on part throttle especially when theyre cold? think it is probably being run on normal ron petrol and assume this isnt helping things. and also, would the gear change being slightly sticky coming out of third suggest any clutch or gearbox issues, or is it again just part of their "charm"? am trying hard not to just be seduced by the noise and pace but its really difficult! haha! by the way, its a 4.2 with 34000 miles and full service just in case that might make a difference?!?!?
thanks in advance,
ben
This is my Cerbera. The first time I heard a Cerb AJPV8 I almost walked away thinking the engine was knackered, so this may help you to be prepared.thanks in advance,
ben
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fULqRAn41Gk
You do NOT hammer a Cerb engine when it's cold, if the guy who took you out on the test drive didn't wait until the engine was warm before showing you what it can do, I'd be a bit worried that he did that all the time - Not good!!
Re the gearchnage. It depends what sort of cars you are used to driving, don't expect it to 'click' into place like a Honda box, you need to be firm with it and show it who's the boss. It may that the clutch is on the way out, but it could be fine. Buying a Cerb is a risk, just like any car, but the difference is that the bills can be much bigger. If an unexpected bill for £3k would be impossible to pay, then don't get one. It's a car that [i]always[i/] needs something doing to it - nothing major, just all the niggly little faults - but if your anything like the rest of us, then you'll soon come to love keeping your 'baby' in fine fettle. Worth every penny.
PS You need an understanding partner
Edited by JensenA on Friday 8th May 18:19
thanks guys.
so,would a squeaky clutch be any more of a sign that its on its way out? would you recommend getting it looked at by that fella who does tvr inspecitons do you think?
and hmmm, understanding partner eh? thats the one thing that i think im lacking in this whole buying a cerbera affair! hahaha!
so,would a squeaky clutch be any more of a sign that its on its way out? would you recommend getting it looked at by that fella who does tvr inspecitons do you think?
and hmmm, understanding partner eh? thats the one thing that i think im lacking in this whole buying a cerbera affair! hahaha!
Hi,
Go for it , but be careful and have a contigency fund. Mine sticks slightly coming out of gear, think it just neads the oil changed. I've had mine for about a year and a half with just little niggles/TVR charms !!! Whatever you do it will still be a bit of a lottery.
Where about are you , someone may come round with useful pointers.
Yes they are lumpy on part throttle, especialy round town.
Go for it , but be careful and have a contigency fund. Mine sticks slightly coming out of gear, think it just neads the oil changed. I've had mine for about a year and a half with just little niggles/TVR charms !!! Whatever you do it will still be a bit of a lottery.
Where about are you , someone may come round with useful pointers.
Yes they are lumpy on part throttle, especialy round town.
Edited by Allandwf on Friday 8th May 18:21
cheers for all the info guys!! im so tempted, and showed the girlfriend today and she seemed to like it, so thats a big bonus. hahaha! the car is up in barrow-in-furness in cumbria, is there anyone anywhere near here who may be able to come have a gander with me just for a second opinion?
prettyboyben said:
thanks guys.
so,would a squeaky clutch be any more of a sign that its on its way out? would you recommend getting it looked at by that fella who does tvr inspecitons do you think?
and hmmm, understanding partner eh? thats the one thing that i think im lacking in this whole buying a cerbera affair! hahaha!
I would strongly recommend Rob Ingleby (Find a sportscar). I used him, and was very happy with his services. (other inspection services are available, house prices can go up as well as down etc etc etc).so,would a squeaky clutch be any more of a sign that its on its way out? would you recommend getting it looked at by that fella who does tvr inspecitons do you think?
and hmmm, understanding partner eh? thats the one thing that i think im lacking in this whole buying a cerbera affair! hahaha!
Conversely, I'd suggest James Agger for an inspection - www.jamesagger.com
king m8? 
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