TVR Speed Six gets reliability pack

Engineers boost powerplant's dependability

By PH Staff / Wednesday, 22 June 2005 / Loading comments

TVR Speed Six gets reliability package

Independent performance engineering company Autocraft SVE has launched a reliability package for the TVR Speed 6 engine in concert with the powerplant's original designer, Melling Consultancy Design (MCD).

When TVR wanted to develop its own motive power, it commissioned MCD to design an engine to meet the company’s performance parameters. The end product was a six cylinder in-line DOHC unit, now known as the Speed 6. Autocraft SVE said that detail differences remain between the production version and the unit originally penned by MCD designer Al Melling.

However, since the commissioning of the Speed 6, some owners have reported reliability issues with this engine -- many here on PistonHeads.

Salisbury-based Autocraft SVE and MCD have agreed to offer a performance and reliability upgrade package for these engines. The replacement components and modifications procedures address problems that have surfaced with the TVR specification engine, particularly within the cylinder head, valve train and cam shaft oiling areas.

Autocraft SVE said it would only supply components designed, specified and approved by MCD, and that the components it adds will be identified as such to show their origins. Furthermore, complete records of engines treated with the Autocraft SVE/MCD approved package will be maintained in order to support warranty claims should they arise.

Autocraft also said it offers a 12,000 mile transferable warranty on the upgrade, with extensible warranties also being available, and reckoned that its package adds value to the car because of the involvement and approval of MCD.

All that said, it's worth wondering why it's taken this long, given that the Speed Six has been out for over five years -- and how many cars remain out there that have not had some form of remedial work already performed on their engines.