4.5 RELIABILITY
Discussion
I am interested in buying my first TVR, but am slightly concerned about the potential costs involved in maintaing the cars.
I was originally looking at the straight 6 cars i.e. Tuscans, T350 ets, but I keep heading horror stories about them and the costs of rebuilds etc.
The cars are very specialised and so the reputable mechanics have owners over a barrel when it comes to servicing and repairs.
I was wondering if the 4.5 cerbera is a more reliable car...it is a straight 8 with steel engine components (unlike the staight 6's) - can anyone comment on the maintenance of these 4.5 cerbera's.
I would love a black one with the Tuscan style front end.
I was originally looking at the straight 6 cars i.e. Tuscans, T350 ets, but I keep heading horror stories about them and the costs of rebuilds etc.
The cars are very specialised and so the reputable mechanics have owners over a barrel when it comes to servicing and repairs.
I was wondering if the 4.5 cerbera is a more reliable car...it is a straight 8 with steel engine components (unlike the staight 6's) - can anyone comment on the maintenance of these 4.5 cerbera's.
I would love a black one with the Tuscan style front end.
The 4.5 is a V8 with steel bottom end. They have proved very reliable and tend not to suffer from any kind of catastrophic failure. If well manitained they have been known to last over 130k miles. The usual point at which they need a rebuild is when the oil consumption gets high rather than going with a bang. They are not over complicated engines. Any competent engine builder can overhaul one, but I do mean competent and unless you are really determined to get it done cheap find someone with previous experience on these engines.
Rebuild costs depend on several factors. If you are a diy sort then you can rebuild one for change out of a couple of grand, if not you can expect a bill in the 3-5k region typically. You can pay a hell of a lot more but I'm tempted to say some of the people who did were seen coming or in some cases had significant mods made during the build.
For example:
Big ends and mains are standard rover parts at about £100 for a full set.
Oil pump internals are around £55.00
Cylinder liners about £200/set
Cams around 300 each and 16 followers about £350
All the oil seals and assorted roller bearings are off the shelf standard stuff.
Timing chain is £50, tensioner about the same again IIRC.
Head gaskets £50 ish each
the alternator is a rover part at about 100.00
The starter motor is a bit special and will run you £280.00 if you need one.
A clutch is circa £400 + fitting and it likes clutches, if the slave cylinder goes add another £280 if it's totalled and £30 if you can get away with just the seals.
TVR Power can even do a complete block for £500 + VAT
That's most of the big ticket items so it's not too bad really given that my mrs's Honda 4 pot diesel engine was 5 grand when I stuffed a rod through the block and a clutch was near a grand fitted on the same car.
Don't be overly worried about AJP8 engines being pretty noisey when cold. They have tiny skirtless forged slipper pistons which slap about when cold as they expand at a high rate. Once warm it should be pretty (mechanically) quiet though.
I have no experience of the S6 engine but would hesitate simply from what I have read and heard about them, newer ones seem better sorted though but prices reflect that.
Rebuild costs depend on several factors. If you are a diy sort then you can rebuild one for change out of a couple of grand, if not you can expect a bill in the 3-5k region typically. You can pay a hell of a lot more but I'm tempted to say some of the people who did were seen coming or in some cases had significant mods made during the build.
For example:
Big ends and mains are standard rover parts at about £100 for a full set.
Oil pump internals are around £55.00
Cylinder liners about £200/set
Cams around 300 each and 16 followers about £350
All the oil seals and assorted roller bearings are off the shelf standard stuff.
Timing chain is £50, tensioner about the same again IIRC.
Head gaskets £50 ish each
the alternator is a rover part at about 100.00
The starter motor is a bit special and will run you £280.00 if you need one.
A clutch is circa £400 + fitting and it likes clutches, if the slave cylinder goes add another £280 if it's totalled and £30 if you can get away with just the seals.
TVR Power can even do a complete block for £500 + VAT
That's most of the big ticket items so it's not too bad really given that my mrs's Honda 4 pot diesel engine was 5 grand when I stuffed a rod through the block and a clutch was near a grand fitted on the same car.
Don't be overly worried about AJP8 engines being pretty noisey when cold. They have tiny skirtless forged slipper pistons which slap about when cold as they expand at a high rate. Once warm it should be pretty (mechanically) quiet though.
I have no experience of the S6 engine but would hesitate simply from what I have read and heard about them, newer ones seem better sorted though but prices reflect that.
As everyone will tell you, The costs of running your Cerb will depend on:-
1) How well it was maintained before you purchased it
2) How well you maintain it
3) Luck
1) Have a look at a few, drive em' (You might not even like that !) Check the history and take details. Contact the previous mechanics and see if they remember the car or have 'a feeling' about her.
2) There are a vast range of Technical capabilities out there and charges are not necessarily indicative of the quality of workmanship. As you live in London, I would expect you to have to pay £1500 quid for each 12000 mile service and £700 for each 6000 mile service. Your mileage will then control your total expenditure.
3) Pray it's good !
Here come the adages. Cerb's are special; so are the peole that run them.
I'm already worried by the strong, but false, statements you have made but now is as good a time as can be foreseen (financially) to go out there and become a special sort of person.
Lost of 3)
A black-with-tuscan-style-lights happy owner
1) How well it was maintained before you purchased it
2) How well you maintain it
3) Luck
1) Have a look at a few, drive em' (You might not even like that !) Check the history and take details. Contact the previous mechanics and see if they remember the car or have 'a feeling' about her.
2) There are a vast range of Technical capabilities out there and charges are not necessarily indicative of the quality of workmanship. As you live in London, I would expect you to have to pay £1500 quid for each 12000 mile service and £700 for each 6000 mile service. Your mileage will then control your total expenditure.
3) Pray it's good !
Here come the adages. Cerb's are special; so are the peole that run them.
I'm already worried by the strong, but false, statements you have made but now is as good a time as can be foreseen (financially) to go out there and become a special sort of person.
Lost of 3)
A black-with-tuscan-style-lights happy owner
Edited by Mr.Cerbera on Friday 5th June 13:20
Gassing Station | Cerbera | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff