Speed 6 Griffith?
Discussion
I am one of those following Clive's very impressive AJP8 installation in his Griffith with keen enthusiasm. It is fantastic to watch the application of his skill and enthusiasm for the marque to produce what will be a wonderful beast.
Sitting on the edge of TVR Griffith history is the failed speed 6. While many would site a deep connection between a V8 and the Griffith, has anyone thought or attempted to install a Speed 6 into a Griffith? I understand the Speed 6 has not enjoyed the robust reputation of the V8, but it does seem we are entering a period where solutions to Speed 6 reliability problems are at hand. And the idea of putting an "in house" TVR engine into a Griffith carries the same purity of thought that using an AJP8 does. The idea that Wheeler tried it first endorses the idea for someone to attempt. Has it been done by anyone or is the idea engineeringly impossible or just aesthetically distasteful in a traditional V8 engine bay? Or has the Speed 6 reputation scared anyone off doing it? Any comments?
Sitting on the edge of TVR Griffith history is the failed speed 6. While many would site a deep connection between a V8 and the Griffith, has anyone thought or attempted to install a Speed 6 into a Griffith? I understand the Speed 6 has not enjoyed the robust reputation of the V8, but it does seem we are entering a period where solutions to Speed 6 reliability problems are at hand. And the idea of putting an "in house" TVR engine into a Griffith carries the same purity of thought that using an AJP8 does. The idea that Wheeler tried it first endorses the idea for someone to attempt. Has it been done by anyone or is the idea engineeringly impossible or just aesthetically distasteful in a traditional V8 engine bay? Or has the Speed 6 reputation scared anyone off doing it? Any comments?
I started this thread because a speed six Griffith as it appeared in the photos of this thread is a very interesting and beautiful car.
I do admire the bias of Mark (GB) toward the V8. And yes, I have driven a Speed 6. Since writing that I bought a T350T. I looked at a lovely Griffith but decided I prefered the T350. This is not a comment on the merit of each car. Simply my preference. I loved them both. They are both very exciting cars. I love the sound and look of the Speed 6 and I accept that the torque is not as good as the Griffith. It is just a reminder to me that no car is perfect. We just have to work out what qualities are most important to us and what disappointments we are prepared to put up with in order to enjoy those qualities.
I should start a new thread with some pictures of the T350 and the Griffith I looked at. The context of my purchase is a little different. I am in Australia where there is only one T350 (although a rumor exists about a recent import) and perhaps half a dozen Griffiths. If someone can refer me to some instructions about how to post pictures I will get them up and tell the story.
I do admire the bias of Mark (GB) toward the V8. And yes, I have driven a Speed 6. Since writing that I bought a T350T. I looked at a lovely Griffith but decided I prefered the T350. This is not a comment on the merit of each car. Simply my preference. I loved them both. They are both very exciting cars. I love the sound and look of the Speed 6 and I accept that the torque is not as good as the Griffith. It is just a reminder to me that no car is perfect. We just have to work out what qualities are most important to us and what disappointments we are prepared to put up with in order to enjoy those qualities.
I should start a new thread with some pictures of the T350 and the Griffith I looked at. The context of my purchase is a little different. I am in Australia where there is only one T350 (although a rumor exists about a recent import) and perhaps half a dozen Griffiths. If someone can refer me to some instructions about how to post pictures I will get them up and tell the story.
These images tell the pointy end of my journey into TVR ownership. I am located on the east coast of Australia and all TVR's are rare over here. I looked at a Tamora which was the only one here until recently. Then the Griffith was advertised. It is a 1998 500 with 12000km. Red leather interior and lovely condition. The body colour isn't one I have seen in pictures anywhere. Perhaps someone recognizes the colour. I thought it was a very elegant combination and the condition and history were exceptional. The wheels are Simmons and looked great. They were custom made for the car.
In the course of investigating all cars and people associated with TVR I came across the T350t. Possibly Australia's only T350. I flew to Melbourne to see and drive it. I was hooked. A deal was done. It is painted in the Yamaha R1 motorbike colour. It is simply called R1. There seems to be a variety of similar Blues on the Speed 6 cars. From what I can tell from photos it is similar to Imperial Blue. The interior is all leather, cream with navy inserts. Carpets are navy. The car has covered 25000km. I think it would look better if the wheels were silver rather than grey, but I will think about that for a while.
Having driven it a bit now I am completely wrapped. They are a unique driving experience. Fantastic! Hope the picture upload button works and you all enjoy the photos.
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