Info needed on V8S
Discussion
I have a couple of questions that i need answering that only owners can tell me !!
1. I am looking at getting my first TVR shortly and wanted to know whether the V8S is a good starting point ??
2. I live in the deep countryside so need a TVR that can handle well, does the V8S stick to the road or head for the bushes !!??
3.What are the running costs like compared to other TVR's? i appreciate that a TVR is a hand built British machine and thats what appeals to me, however i don't really want to spend a vast amount of money putting the Car back together !!!
4.I'm in my mid 20's, what will the insurance be like??? Any examples would be greatfully recieved.
Sorry about all the questions !
Thanx Mark.
1. I am looking at getting my first TVR shortly and wanted to know whether the V8S is a good starting point ??
2. I live in the deep countryside so need a TVR that can handle well, does the V8S stick to the road or head for the bushes !!??
3.What are the running costs like compared to other TVR's? i appreciate that a TVR is a hand built British machine and thats what appeals to me, however i don't really want to spend a vast amount of money putting the Car back together !!!
4.I'm in my mid 20's, what will the insurance be like??? Any examples would be greatfully recieved.
Sorry about all the questions !
Thanx Mark.
Mark,
The S is a great first TVR. I had a V6 S3 for the past two years and now have a V8S.
Both handle very well, the V6 cars are prob better for a first TVR as they are less likely to break away or get you into trouble. It depends what you drive now, but the V6 will not seem slow!
You will get more for your money with a V6 condition wise as the V8S is still generally a few grand dearer at least.
Running costs (fuel, servicing etc) will be less with a V6 - but both compare well with newer models. Look for a FSH, but specialists are as good as main dealers for support. Its worth getting a local specialist to look it over before you buy.
As for Insurance - all S series are group 20 and when I got quotes the V6 was no cheaper than a V8 (At your age this may not be the case). I just changed mine over and the V8S is the same price as my old S3C. Classic insurance helps with the price - mine is £400 a year.
Good luck and ask more questions if you have them. It would be worth meeting some local owners (where are you?) to look at different models and get them to take you for a spin.
Cheers,
JSG.
The S is a great first TVR. I had a V6 S3 for the past two years and now have a V8S.
Both handle very well, the V6 cars are prob better for a first TVR as they are less likely to break away or get you into trouble. It depends what you drive now, but the V6 will not seem slow!
You will get more for your money with a V6 condition wise as the V8S is still generally a few grand dearer at least.
Running costs (fuel, servicing etc) will be less with a V6 - but both compare well with newer models. Look for a FSH, but specialists are as good as main dealers for support. Its worth getting a local specialist to look it over before you buy.
As for Insurance - all S series are group 20 and when I got quotes the V6 was no cheaper than a V8 (At your age this may not be the case). I just changed mine over and the V8S is the same price as my old S3C. Classic insurance helps with the price - mine is £400 a year.
Good luck and ask more questions if you have them. It would be worth meeting some local owners (where are you?) to look at different models and get them to take you for a spin.
Cheers,
JSG.
Correct, the S4 was the only V6 with rear discs, the earlier V6s can be converted, Leebee is the expert and has posted elswhere about this convertion - he can give you an idea of costs.
I have to say that the drums on my S3 were fine - why do you think you'll need to upgrade?
Cheers,
JSG.
I have to say that the drums on my S3 were fine - why do you think you'll need to upgrade?
Cheers,
JSG.
Yes it has drum brakes. Can it be changed? Yes. Is it worth it? Probably not as the main braking power is in the front and these is where an upgrade really pays off.
Steve
www.tvrbooks.co.uk
Steve
www.tvrbooks.co.uk
quote:
I have to say that the drums on my S3 were fine - why do you think you'll need to upgrade?
I've heard too many people tell me than on a lot of cars, esp hi-po cars, the drums brakes weren't very effective and that discs on the back would stop the car nose-diving! I will obviously have to drive the car for a while first (if i ever get round to buying one) but it was merely a curiosity question than anything else!!
Cheers guys!
Nose diving is caused by weight transfer. It can be reduced by:
1. Not braking so hard. Can be expensive.
2. Taking weight off the car. Can be irksome as that definitely means no Xmas dinner this year as the drive and or passenger is probably the biggest weight variable.
3. Uprate springs and dampers so that the resist the movement better.
Steve
www.tvrbooks.co.uk
1. Not braking so hard. Can be expensive.
2. Taking weight off the car. Can be irksome as that definitely means no Xmas dinner this year as the drive and or passenger is probably the biggest weight variable.
3. Uprate springs and dampers so that the resist the movement better.
Steve
www.tvrbooks.co.uk
quote:Yes.
Is the S bible worth it?
quote:Answers most of the questions you will have, more important it answers the questions you didn't think of yet and gives you access to a wealth of practical experience about how to find a good 'un and keep it in A1 condition.
what kind of Info does it give?
quote:Has sections specifically about that.
any good for people looking to buy?
quote:Yup.
and does it tell you what to look out for when viewing the car??
Main question is how on earth did Steve manage to produce such a comprehensive book while competing every weekend and presumably holding down a day job too.
BTW go for the second edition, if you already have the first edition think about putting the second edition on your pressy list. There is a *lot* more stuff in the second edition.
Cheers,
Peter Humphries (and a green V8S)
quote:
BTW go for the second edition, if you already have the first edition think about putting the second edition on your pressy list. There is a *lot* more stuff in the second edition.
Cheers,
Peter Humphries (and a green V8S)
Second all of the below and a trawl through the threads on this site will help....at least thats what I'm in the process of doing...and getting a man who knows the pit falls to look at them for you to stop the heart
ruling the head 
quote:
Correct, the S4 was the only V6 with rear discs, the earlier V6s can be converted, Leebee is the expert and has posted elswhere about this convertion - he can give you an idea of costs.
I have to say that the drums on my S3 were fine - why do you think you'll need to upgrade?
The main reason I have converted my car to rear discs is because I will be upgrading the power slightly in the near future, the next reason being I am not a great fan of drums.I am trying to upgrade the car the right way round this time, I upgraded my Mini from 42BHP to 115BHP then realised it didn't stop that well! (I am upgrading this to rear discs next year too!).As I see it you can never have too much braking power but yes the standard set-up should be ok, I wasn't that happy with it personally so upgraded the fronts to 285mm X drilled etc and this made the car lock up and slide quite well (with a little provocation!).The conversion is not cheap, I did it because I want to get the braking system to a point where I don't have to worry about upgrading it further(although the current system uses a XD grooved solid disc and I already have the Cosworth 4x4 vented parts ready!).The last reason being I cannot leave things alone
Cheers
LeeBee
Edited by LeeBee on Saturday 22 December 18:20
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