v8 wedges in the states?
Discussion
I was comptemplating on purchasing a wedge. The 280i's that I have driven seem a bit underpowered for my taste. Where any of the v8 models ever imported into the US? I have yet to see one for sale. What are the possibilities to have one brought state side?
I imagine there are all kinds of saftey and emmission issues. With that said, what kind of mods can be done to the 6? Turbo?
Thanks,
Tod
I imagine there are all kinds of saftey and emmission issues. With that said, what kind of mods can be done to the 6? Turbo?
Thanks,
Tod
V8s were not officially imported into the US, though I believe that one 390SE went in through the back door. 400/450s were sold in Canada though, so if you could find a way to import them then its one just over the border!
On the 280s, the UK engine is strangled by the siamese heads (only two exhaust ports) but the US version of the engine fitted into the Mustang II already had proper 6 port heads, instant power gain.
There are number of TVR owners in the US fitting 302 engines to their wedge shaped cars. If you want more info on these I suggest you join the usa-tvr group on egroups (through yahoo) and post a relevant message.
Hope this helps
davidy
On the 280s, the UK engine is strangled by the siamese heads (only two exhaust ports) but the US version of the engine fitted into the Mustang II already had proper 6 port heads, instant power gain.
There are number of TVR owners in the US fitting 302 engines to their wedge shaped cars. If you want more info on these I suggest you join the usa-tvr group on egroups (through yahoo) and post a relevant message.
Hope this helps
davidy
You could also post a letter to the TVR Times, the
newsletter for the TVR Car Club North America. I
know members who have made engine transplants would
be willing to share information with you. One such
conversion used the Thunderbird SC 3.8 litre super-
charged V6.
As for V8 cars in the states, 2 came in to do the
auto show circuit in 1985. One of those is on the
road, and has just been upgraded with the 4.6 engine
and was just at our annual meeting this past weekend
in New Jersey. The other one has not been on the
road for years.
newsletter for the TVR Car Club North America. I
know members who have made engine transplants would
be willing to share information with you. One such
conversion used the Thunderbird SC 3.8 litre super-
charged V6.
As for V8 cars in the states, 2 came in to do the
auto show circuit in 1985. One of those is on the
road, and has just been upgraded with the 4.6 engine
and was just at our annual meeting this past weekend
in New Jersey. The other one has not been on the
road for years.
My favorite topic.
While being employed by the U.S. in Germany, I have had the pleasure of purchasing a 450 SE, which I intend on taking back to the U.S.; looks to be a tedious process, but can be done.
As far as I know, there is only one 390 SE in the US owned by a fellow in Michigan; it is a 1987 or so. The 1985 V8 Wedge mentioned earlier in this thread is a new one to me. I certainly would like to hear more about it.
Several years ago, TVR North America in Canada had a white '89 or '90 450 SE. It was for sale back in 1996 or 1997 for $64,000 Canadian (about $51,000 USD at that time). Reportedly, the fellow who bought it said it drank oil like a fish, and subsequently traded it in for an S series TVR. I have hoped to locate it for I would love to have two 450's.
So certainly there is at least two in North America plus the one 1985 mentioned. Who knows maybe more? Great to see an appreciation for the V8 Wedges Stateside.
Shawn Ford
450 SE
While being employed by the U.S. in Germany, I have had the pleasure of purchasing a 450 SE, which I intend on taking back to the U.S.; looks to be a tedious process, but can be done.
As far as I know, there is only one 390 SE in the US owned by a fellow in Michigan; it is a 1987 or so. The 1985 V8 Wedge mentioned earlier in this thread is a new one to me. I certainly would like to hear more about it.
Several years ago, TVR North America in Canada had a white '89 or '90 450 SE. It was for sale back in 1996 or 1997 for $64,000 Canadian (about $51,000 USD at that time). Reportedly, the fellow who bought it said it drank oil like a fish, and subsequently traded it in for an S series TVR. I have hoped to locate it for I would love to have two 450's.
So certainly there is at least two in North America plus the one 1985 mentioned. Who knows maybe more? Great to see an appreciation for the V8 Wedges Stateside.
Shawn Ford
450 SE
Shawn:
As I stated earlier, the 390SE in the States is the one
owned by the "fellow in Michigan". It is a 1985 and was originally built as a 350i but after some switching
about by the importer at the time, it was fitted with
the 390 engine from the other car and data plate
designating it a 390SE.
The white 450SE you referred to was at our annual event
this past weekend and is owned by an older gentleman
who purchased it from the former Canadian importer
and has made a few modifications to it. There were
at least two more 450SEs in Canada, a burgundy one that
the owner rarely drives, and a green one.
If you find a way to bring a 450 into the states, please share it with the rest of us over here as people
are always asking how to get it done.
As I stated earlier, the 390SE in the States is the one
owned by the "fellow in Michigan". It is a 1985 and was originally built as a 350i but after some switching
about by the importer at the time, it was fitted with
the 390 engine from the other car and data plate
designating it a 390SE.
The white 450SE you referred to was at our annual event
this past weekend and is owned by an older gentleman
who purchased it from the former Canadian importer
and has made a few modifications to it. There were
at least two more 450SEs in Canada, a burgundy one that
the owner rarely drives, and a green one.
If you find a way to bring a 450 into the states, please share it with the rest of us over here as people
are always asking how to get it done.
WOW. Three 450's in North America! Have you seen all of them? If you have specific info about the cars, and time permits, I'm interested in their condition etc. I'm assuming they are all right-hand drive since there were only two 'leftys' built out of the 37 manufactured, and I have seen one of the LHD's here in Europe at Zolder. Until this thread, I thought the white one was the only one in NA.
Somehow I thought Chucks 390 SE was later than that due to the fact he was at the factory when one of the LHD 420 SEACs with a stainless steel chassis was being built. May have been a subsequent trip to Blackpool after his car was already done.
With the research I have done, I believe there to be five 'possible' ways to get one into the US (2 of which are questionably legal). We can no longer benefit from the "one time exemption for a non-conforming car" which went away around 1988.
I will be putting together a website regarding this as time gets closer for my importation which will outline the whole process. I believe research is the key, and of course persistence. Obviously there is a way around all of this. Lots of Cobra kit cars and Caterham's being imported. Why not TVR's??
Shawn
450 SE
Somehow I thought Chucks 390 SE was later than that due to the fact he was at the factory when one of the LHD 420 SEACs with a stainless steel chassis was being built. May have been a subsequent trip to Blackpool after his car was already done.
With the research I have done, I believe there to be five 'possible' ways to get one into the US (2 of which are questionably legal). We can no longer benefit from the "one time exemption for a non-conforming car" which went away around 1988.
I will be putting together a website regarding this as time gets closer for my importation which will outline the whole process. I believe research is the key, and of course persistence. Obviously there is a way around all of this. Lots of Cobra kit cars and Caterham's being imported. Why not TVR's??
Shawn
450 SE
I have seen two of the three 450's personally. The
white 450 is in excellent condition and was recently
upgraded with 18" alloy wheels and really looks great!
The burgundy one, I have not seen in a few years. Word is the son of the owner took it out for a joy
ride while his parents were out one evening and spun
it out into someone's yard. He stomped the gas and
got out of his predicament, took the car, and ran away
from home for the night. The owner apparently drives
it very little so I suspect it might need some TLC.
I was told about the green one by a Canadian member
last weekend but have not seen it. The two I have
seen are LHD and I suspect the other one is too.
ONe year at our annual event, both the white and
burgundy one were present, which made quite a display!
I will look forward to your website explaining the
methods one can use to import a later TVR. There are
many US members who would jump at the chance if there
was a legal and affordable way to do so.
white 450 is in excellent condition and was recently
upgraded with 18" alloy wheels and really looks great!
The burgundy one, I have not seen in a few years. Word is the son of the owner took it out for a joy
ride while his parents were out one evening and spun
it out into someone's yard. He stomped the gas and
got out of his predicament, took the car, and ran away
from home for the night. The owner apparently drives
it very little so I suspect it might need some TLC.
I was told about the green one by a Canadian member
last weekend but have not seen it. The two I have
seen are LHD and I suspect the other one is too.
ONe year at our annual event, both the white and
burgundy one were present, which made quite a display!
I will look forward to your website explaining the
methods one can use to import a later TVR. There are
many US members who would jump at the chance if there
was a legal and affordable way to do so.
Good info on the Canadian 450's. I am beginning to wonder if those 3 cars have even been included in the 35 or 37 (depending on which source you use) production figures for the 450. If what you say is true, then, there are at least 4 LHD 450's with the one you haven't seen as potentially number 5. Exciting news. I suspect that the current research on these will need to be updated in future publications.
The two LHD 450's in Europe have A/C, but no power steering and are both automatics. Any of the Canadians 5-speed? with A/C? I suspect that none of the LHD have power steering because with the reversered orientation of the steering column, no room is permitted for the power steering unit.
Shawn
The two LHD 450's in Europe have A/C, but no power steering and are both automatics. Any of the Canadians 5-speed? with A/C? I suspect that none of the LHD have power steering because with the reversered orientation of the steering column, no room is permitted for the power steering unit.
Shawn
Both the white and burgundy 450SEs in Canada are manual transmission cars. I know the white one has
A/C but I don't recall whether the burgundy one does
or not, but I would suspect they were probably both
ordered with similar specifications. I do not know
about the power steering question.
I would certainly assume the cars were part of the total tally of 450s produced, but I can't say with all
certainty.
A/C but I don't recall whether the burgundy one does
or not, but I would suspect they were probably both
ordered with similar specifications. I do not know
about the power steering question.
I would certainly assume the cars were part of the total tally of 450s produced, but I can't say with all
certainty.
I live in Toronto, and I have seen the Green one, and considered puchase of the white one at one point. The white one is tidy, very low mile car. The Green one has more visible use - and the body looks like it wasn't as flat from new, but still a very nice car. I have never seen the Burgundy one.
Canada has a few 350i convertibles, at least a couple of 390's and at least one 350i coupe (my car).
Canadians have a little easier time importing, when they are 16 years old we can bring them in.
Canada has a few 350i convertibles, at least a couple of 390's and at least one 350i coupe (my car).
Canadians have a little easier time importing, when they are 16 years old we can bring them in.
Shawn: did you know that the factory also built one 6.6-Litre wedge for a guy in Sweden? It used an Australian Holden engine.
It surprises me somewhat that Americans would like the TVR wedges: they are small, noisy, firm, with tiny engines, no airbags, cup holders, 4WD, aircon or auto boxes (last two: for the most part). Are you sure you're not actually a closet Brit?
:-D
Ian
'87 390SE
Teesside (between a place called York and another called Washington ;-)
It surprises me somewhat that Americans would like the TVR wedges: they are small, noisy, firm, with tiny engines, no airbags, cup holders, 4WD, aircon or auto boxes (last two: for the most part). Are you sure you're not actually a closet Brit?
:-D
Ian
'87 390SE
Teesside (between a place called York and another called Washington ;-)
I feel Americans don't know what a real Wedge is. The 280i was the only Wedge available to the Yank market, and it ceased importation in 1987. Their perception of TVR is just that, and it is only the true TVR enthusiast that knows anything about the big Wedges 390's and larger. For years, I attended British car shows with my father and his TR6. I always thought the Brit concept of a sports car was dead on, but they seemed underpowered. Then, by accident, I discovered the big Wedges. America had the power with the muscle cars. The British had the styling of a two-seat convertible. TVR, the perfect mate between power and two-seat convertible styling -- a powerful, nimble light-weight car.
I don't think most Americans really know what a true sports car is. They want 'performance cars', a car that is not too rowdy, tame, and something they can drive while they talk on their cellphones. I think a beautiful sports car should rowdy, interactive, and not sound like a vacuum cleaner when you put the pedal down. I like to immerse myself 100% while driving, and enjoy the feedback that the vehicle gives from noise, handling, and power. Aircon/auto gearboxes are just options that prevent you from really interacting with the vehicle. My 450SE has surpassed all my expectations as what a sports car should be.
Besides TVRs, I think some of the best things come from England, like the Beatles.
Shawn, Brit at Heart
I don't think most Americans really know what a true sports car is. They want 'performance cars', a car that is not too rowdy, tame, and something they can drive while they talk on their cellphones. I think a beautiful sports car should rowdy, interactive, and not sound like a vacuum cleaner when you put the pedal down. I like to immerse myself 100% while driving, and enjoy the feedback that the vehicle gives from noise, handling, and power. Aircon/auto gearboxes are just options that prevent you from really interacting with the vehicle. My 450SE has surpassed all my expectations as what a sports car should be.
Besides TVRs, I think some of the best things come from England, like the Beatles.
Shawn, Brit at Heart
Couldn't have put it better myself. Are you bringing your 450 back to blighty for any TVR events next year ? Would be nice to swap 450 stories (actually anything TVR would do fine) over a pint!!! I'm not sure I would preface your comments with "Americans don't understand..." The whole point of the thread was 280s - which is all we have here - are relatively underpowerered and there is not much one can do about it (as Steve H. reminds everyone who wants to put a V8 in a 280).
As for who knows what a "true" sport car is, there is a minute market worldwide for so called "true" sports cars (1,500 TVRs plus a few others). Point is, it's not an American issue, it's universal. Most of our sport/performance cars come from Germany, Italy or Japan. The one notable US exception might be the Viper which (still) has only minimal creature comforts but with 500/500 of HP/Torque.
And speaking of creature comforts (at any speed) that includes A/C in Texas. Otherwise, you need a cup holder for your water bottle to keep from dehydrating without the before mentioned A/C, together with enough space for a cooler to keep the next ones chilled!
Trivia Question - Anyone want to hazard a guess at how may cup holders exist in a Chevy Suburban? Grady
>> Edited by grady on Wednesday 20th November 00:25
As for who knows what a "true" sport car is, there is a minute market worldwide for so called "true" sports cars (1,500 TVRs plus a few others). Point is, it's not an American issue, it's universal. Most of our sport/performance cars come from Germany, Italy or Japan. The one notable US exception might be the Viper which (still) has only minimal creature comforts but with 500/500 of HP/Torque.
And speaking of creature comforts (at any speed) that includes A/C in Texas. Otherwise, you need a cup holder for your water bottle to keep from dehydrating without the before mentioned A/C, together with enough space for a cooler to keep the next ones chilled!
Trivia Question - Anyone want to hazard a guess at how may cup holders exist in a Chevy Suburban? Grady
>> Edited by grady on Wednesday 20th November 00:25
To echo Grady's sentiments and add to it, Shawn should not presume to know what American TVR fans want or
know about when it comes to TVRs. Just because we
never received anything up the model range above a
2.8 litre wedge, does not mean we do not want or
appreciate the more powerful models. We do not all
fit the stereotype of the fat lazy American who wants
a car with all the power accessories, automatic transmission, cup holders, and suitable power to push
all those accessories. If the 450 series wedges were available to our market, I assure you they would be snapped up as quickly as they hit the market.
know about when it comes to TVRs. Just because we
never received anything up the model range above a
2.8 litre wedge, does not mean we do not want or
appreciate the more powerful models. We do not all
fit the stereotype of the fat lazy American who wants
a car with all the power accessories, automatic transmission, cup holders, and suitable power to push
all those accessories. If the 450 series wedges were available to our market, I assure you they would be snapped up as quickly as they hit the market.
I certainly didn't mean any offense or want to be presumptuous regarding the Wedges. For clarification, I think the 280i is a fine car, but Americans never got to see the full evolution of the 280i through to the 450's. They were given a taste of the 280i, and were prematurely 'cut-off' when they were no longer imported.
However, I still am holding steadfast about the performance vs. sports car issue. Again, I didn't want to generalize about all Americans, but how many would drive a Wedge? Probably few. Not enough room to put their 'stuff', and the cockpit isn't exactly roomy. But hey, I'm 5'6" 115 pounds, so it fits me perfectly.
As for creature comforts, prior to living here in Germany, I had a black '66 Mustang GT convertible with no A/C in San Antonio TX for 4 years.
Apologies
Shawn
However, I still am holding steadfast about the performance vs. sports car issue. Again, I didn't want to generalize about all Americans, but how many would drive a Wedge? Probably few. Not enough room to put their 'stuff', and the cockpit isn't exactly roomy. But hey, I'm 5'6" 115 pounds, so it fits me perfectly.
As for creature comforts, prior to living here in Germany, I had a black '66 Mustang GT convertible with no A/C in San Antonio TX for 4 years.
Apologies
Shawn
Broadside:
As for shows in the UK, I'm looking at either Back Home or Duxford. Probably won't attend both, hopefully Duxford, but an annual business meeting falls very near the usual August dates for that show.
Also I will be attending Zolder since it is only 2.5 hours away.
I wouldn't mind taking a peek at your maroon ride. Maybe we can swap stories at one of the UK events.
Blue Skies and Green Lights
Shawn
As for shows in the UK, I'm looking at either Back Home or Duxford. Probably won't attend both, hopefully Duxford, but an annual business meeting falls very near the usual August dates for that show.
Also I will be attending Zolder since it is only 2.5 hours away.
I wouldn't mind taking a peek at your maroon ride. Maybe we can swap stories at one of the UK events.
Blue Skies and Green Lights
Shawn
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