4.3 Griff - rebuld engine, upgrade or sell as project?
Discussion
So, after just over 6 month’s ownership and less than 600miles in my ownership it looks like I’m into engine rebuild territory 
I popped the Griff into Powers Performance (as they’re luckily quite local to me) for an MOT and service thinking all would be straightforward and I’d be continuing to enjoy her for the summer.
I’d noticed the oil pressure light flickering slightly at tick over recently but didn’t think too much of it (yes..I now know the RV8 isn’t a VW engine…..) but she seemed to be running well. However, on investigation Dom found that the front cover on the engine had been replaced and some particles of delaminated big end shell in the sump so from expecting a service bill I’m now into rebuild territory! It appears he spotted it before it’s done too much damage and I’m happy that I took it to the right place but am pondering my options.
I bought the car privately late 2016 (caveat emptor etc) and it has a very comprehensive history from good TVR specialists and 60k on the engine so whilst this isn’t the end of the world (I’d be lying if I said I was please as had hoped for a few more miles before getting the cheque book out). It’s also had many of the other big jobs done very recently (full leather retrim, roof, dash, carpets, screen etc.) which also probably biased my decision making.
Anyhow, I’m currently circulating around 3 options:
1. Standard 4.3 rebuild (Perhaps with top hat liners added which was recommended)
2. 4.3 BV rebuild (Car is not a BV but standard 4.3)
3. Accept I’ll take a bit of a financial kicking and advertise it to see what its worth as a project car (and finish the work on the house/buy something else I’m currently hanging my nose over…)
Naturally budget is a factor (as I wasn’t planning for this) and I probably would regret parting company so soon but this has just made me think a bit about spending a chunk of cash allocated elsewhere.
I’d very much value any opinions on the benefit vs cost of the 2 engine options and any ideas as to what it might be worth ‘as is’ (I’m informed the engine is now out and will be popping over to inspect the damage and discuss options when back from holiday later this week).
Any feedback welcomed!
Many thanks
A slightly dejected John
I popped the Griff into Powers Performance (as they’re luckily quite local to me) for an MOT and service thinking all would be straightforward and I’d be continuing to enjoy her for the summer.
I’d noticed the oil pressure light flickering slightly at tick over recently but didn’t think too much of it (yes..I now know the RV8 isn’t a VW engine…..) but she seemed to be running well. However, on investigation Dom found that the front cover on the engine had been replaced and some particles of delaminated big end shell in the sump so from expecting a service bill I’m now into rebuild territory! It appears he spotted it before it’s done too much damage and I’m happy that I took it to the right place but am pondering my options.
I bought the car privately late 2016 (caveat emptor etc) and it has a very comprehensive history from good TVR specialists and 60k on the engine so whilst this isn’t the end of the world (I’d be lying if I said I was please as had hoped for a few more miles before getting the cheque book out). It’s also had many of the other big jobs done very recently (full leather retrim, roof, dash, carpets, screen etc.) which also probably biased my decision making.
Anyhow, I’m currently circulating around 3 options:
1. Standard 4.3 rebuild (Perhaps with top hat liners added which was recommended)
2. 4.3 BV rebuild (Car is not a BV but standard 4.3)
3. Accept I’ll take a bit of a financial kicking and advertise it to see what its worth as a project car (and finish the work on the house/buy something else I’m currently hanging my nose over…)
Naturally budget is a factor (as I wasn’t planning for this) and I probably would regret parting company so soon but this has just made me think a bit about spending a chunk of cash allocated elsewhere.
I’d very much value any opinions on the benefit vs cost of the 2 engine options and any ideas as to what it might be worth ‘as is’ (I’m informed the engine is now out and will be popping over to inspect the damage and discuss options when back from holiday later this week).
Any feedback welcomed!
Many thanks
A slightly dejected John
Thanks all for the responses and counsel (or should that be counselling 
)
I'm very comfortable that the cars in the right hands and will get over to Coventry to have a chat shortly to understand the options and cost. I've been really happy with the car so I guess I'm just a bit disappointed it's gone belly up so soon into my ownership. Ironically I got rid of a speed 6 powered TVR some years ago as I had creeping engine paranoia despite it being fine in my ownership!
I know getting it done properly will be the right thing to do and that this indescretion will likely be forgotten once I get driving again but as you've suggested need to understand how painful a financial journey this might be.
Will update once I know more but thanks again for the input
John
)I'm very comfortable that the cars in the right hands and will get over to Coventry to have a chat shortly to understand the options and cost. I've been really happy with the car so I guess I'm just a bit disappointed it's gone belly up so soon into my ownership. Ironically I got rid of a speed 6 powered TVR some years ago as I had creeping engine paranoia despite it being fine in my ownership!
I know getting it done properly will be the right thing to do and that this indescretion will likely be forgotten once I get driving again but as you've suggested need to understand how painful a financial journey this might be.
Will update once I know more but thanks again for the input
John
Hello again
Just to update as promised I've just come back from Powers and will be going for the 4.3BV rebuild!
Dom also recommended top hat liners so will also be taking this recommendation. As many of you said, I'm sure it will be fantastic getting the refreshed car back and am looking forward to it!
I'm my own worst enemy sometimes and had albeit decided on a standard rebuild but thought I'd regret not going the 'whole hog' so spend 30 seconds telling myself I only live once (I have successfully talked myself into many ventures like this to date...) and that it would also be a better prospect if I ever do decide to move on to something else (although having considered this I'm not sure what that would be...)
Anyhow, hopefully I'll not regret the decision. Will update when I know whe she'll be back home!
John
Just to update as promised I've just come back from Powers and will be going for the 4.3BV rebuild!
Dom also recommended top hat liners so will also be taking this recommendation. As many of you said, I'm sure it will be fantastic getting the refreshed car back and am looking forward to it!
I'm my own worst enemy sometimes and had albeit decided on a standard rebuild but thought I'd regret not going the 'whole hog' so spend 30 seconds telling myself I only live once (I have successfully talked myself into many ventures like this to date...) and that it would also be a better prospect if I ever do decide to move on to something else (although having considered this I'm not sure what that would be...)
Anyhow, hopefully I'll not regret the decision. Will update when I know whe she'll be back home!
John
Thought I'd update this thread to report I've now got the car back and am enjoying working on the 1000 mile running in period.
In hindsight (if I don't look at my bank statements...) it was a great opportunity to have the car looked over given it had done very few miles over recent years. So, with new shocks, geo, brakes refreshed, drop links, plus lots of other bits and piece (the fuel pipe from the tank was scary old...) I've gotten back a much nicer car to drive with the added bonus if a newly rebuilt bv 4.3.
I've also been Very pleased with the thoroughness and way the car was dealt to date so looking forward to getting it back to Dom for its oil change and to fit the new manifolds I also ended up buying.
Looking back at the thread thank you for the input. I Wasn't overjoyed it needed a rebuild at the time but am now enjoying the car more and looking forward to some trouble free miles.
John
In hindsight (if I don't look at my bank statements...) it was a great opportunity to have the car looked over given it had done very few miles over recent years. So, with new shocks, geo, brakes refreshed, drop links, plus lots of other bits and piece (the fuel pipe from the tank was scary old...) I've gotten back a much nicer car to drive with the added bonus if a newly rebuilt bv 4.3.
I've also been Very pleased with the thoroughness and way the car was dealt to date so looking forward to getting it back to Dom for its oil change and to fit the new manifolds I also ended up buying.
Looking back at the thread thank you for the input. I Wasn't overjoyed it needed a rebuild at the time but am now enjoying the car more and looking forward to some trouble free miles.
John
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