Cerb v Tuscan...
Discussion
... as an all-out theatrical experience?
I’ve enjoyed my time with my Chim and it will ideally be a keeper as a long term project and plaything, but although it’s a very engaging and rewarding classic sports car, it’s not really doing ‘TVR’ for me- that is, something which blows your socks off to look at, listen to and drive. I need noise, power, and if I’m honest I need something to still be happening above 6000rpm
So a few questions, for anyone with prolonged experience of both engines, what are the pros and cons of the S6 and AJP? Power delivery, noise (Cerb/AJP vs Tusc w/cans), any reason not to maintain it at home being reasonably spanner-bendy?
Speed Six people- Will an unfettled 3.6 or 4.0 S6 really make anything close to 350 horses? Is it a fair assumption by this point that a later build original engine isn’t necessarily a ticking time bomb? And what’s the hit rate on rebuilds actually being reliable as I’ve seen some not-long rebuilt engines (from various vendors) running in poor states before.
AJP owners, how big is the gulf between a 4.2 and 4.5? Is it possible to get displacement envy after awhile with the 4.2 or does the excitement sustain? I’ve noticed blocks, rods etc coming up for sale on TVR parts, does that mean that the days of irreplaceable components are gone? And I assume most Friday afternoon AJPs by now have needed a rebuild, are most units out and racking up mileage likely to be reasonably solid?
Also in general- how liveable are the cars? I’m looking towards the lower end of the market with a view to putting miles on a keeper, using and abusing. Not track work as long as the Chim is around, as a result I’m actually not too fussed about handling- silly and sideways suits me just fine
Is HVAC reliable, are breaky bits hidden in stupid inaccessible places (my no1 TVR gripe), is leakiness a thing? and Cerb owners- will a small adult (5’6 or so) fit in the back comfortably or otherwise? Cheers 
I’ve enjoyed my time with my Chim and it will ideally be a keeper as a long term project and plaything, but although it’s a very engaging and rewarding classic sports car, it’s not really doing ‘TVR’ for me- that is, something which blows your socks off to look at, listen to and drive. I need noise, power, and if I’m honest I need something to still be happening above 6000rpm
So a few questions, for anyone with prolonged experience of both engines, what are the pros and cons of the S6 and AJP? Power delivery, noise (Cerb/AJP vs Tusc w/cans), any reason not to maintain it at home being reasonably spanner-bendy?
Speed Six people- Will an unfettled 3.6 or 4.0 S6 really make anything close to 350 horses? Is it a fair assumption by this point that a later build original engine isn’t necessarily a ticking time bomb? And what’s the hit rate on rebuilds actually being reliable as I’ve seen some not-long rebuilt engines (from various vendors) running in poor states before.
AJP owners, how big is the gulf between a 4.2 and 4.5? Is it possible to get displacement envy after awhile with the 4.2 or does the excitement sustain? I’ve noticed blocks, rods etc coming up for sale on TVR parts, does that mean that the days of irreplaceable components are gone? And I assume most Friday afternoon AJPs by now have needed a rebuild, are most units out and racking up mileage likely to be reasonably solid?
Also in general- how liveable are the cars? I’m looking towards the lower end of the market with a view to putting miles on a keeper, using and abusing. Not track work as long as the Chim is around, as a result I’m actually not too fussed about handling- silly and sideways suits me just fine
Is HVAC reliable, are breaky bits hidden in stupid inaccessible places (my no1 TVR gripe), is leakiness a thing? and Cerb owners- will a small adult (5’6 or so) fit in the back comfortably or otherwise? Cheers Let’s deal with the less controversial one first. No a 5’6 person will not fit in the back. Not unless they work in a circus.
Kids to the age of around 12ish is about the limit.
Next easy one... the s6 cerb sounds better than a v8 cerb. The v8 doesn’t sound like a v8 at all. If you want to go a little faster get a v8 cerb. If it’s the soundtrack that gets you going, s6 all day long. I tried both and bought a s6.
Never driven a Tuscan, so I can’t comment.
Kids to the age of around 12ish is about the limit.
Next easy one... the s6 cerb sounds better than a v8 cerb. The v8 doesn’t sound like a v8 at all. If you want to go a little faster get a v8 cerb. If it’s the soundtrack that gets you going, s6 all day long. I tried both and bought a s6.
Never driven a Tuscan, so I can’t comment.
Thank you m4tti and ginkent 
So a wee adult has no chance, not even as a one off? Might as well clarify, I lift share two other lads into work which writes off a two seater for commute use. Seems like a small thing but it would mean much more use for the car, and make the commute less of a chore if one could be squeezed into the rear of a Cerbie once in a while.
Ive been doing it in an Alfa GT for a couple of years so they’re quite well adjusted to fitting in a very leathery space slightly smaller than they are
So a wee adult has no chance, not even as a one off? Might as well clarify, I lift share two other lads into work which writes off a two seater for commute use. Seems like a small thing but it would mean much more use for the car, and make the commute less of a chore if one could be squeezed into the rear of a Cerbie once in a while.
Ive been doing it in an Alfa GT for a couple of years so they’re quite well adjusted to fitting in a very leathery space slightly smaller than they are
Edited by CanoeSniffer on Saturday 28th December 18:42
m4tti said:
Keep the TVR for fun. I couldn’t imagine having to drive the thing daily all year, for mundane crap like commuting. Would take the shine off it.
I doubt it’s something I’d be doing regularly (I’d keep the daily driver), but my commute can be quite pleasant on the right day in the right wheels- and the lads I travel in with are car mad!My Mrs used to sit behind me driving my Cerb and she is 5'2" but I'm only 5'8" though.
I actually preferred the Speed 6 engine when I test drove one in a Cerbera(it was smoother/more free revving), but I ultimately wanted a V8 so I went with the V8 4.5 instead. Plus the AJP8 is only available in a Cerbera so that is nice too.
I actually preferred the Speed 6 engine when I test drove one in a Cerbera(it was smoother/more free revving), but I ultimately wanted a V8 so I went with the V8 4.5 instead. Plus the AJP8 is only available in a Cerbera so that is nice too.
Not driven a speed 6, but the 4.2 and 4.5 are totally different in character. My 4.2 would rev like nothing else, it was like a bike, popped/banged/crackled more and sounded nicer in general.
The 4.5 feels lazier to rev, though still responsive (on par with the old m3) , and less urgent below 3.5krpm. But more outright power at the top end. But that might be the whirlwind induction + chip, not sure if a stock one would be any faster. Although are there any stock 4.5s around? Exhaust doesn't sound as nice on idle, but the end is much less noisy with the quieter cams.
The other disappointing thing on the 4.5 is the hydratrak diff. It just feels s
t.
As for noise in general, the v8 doesn't rumble, but makes a nice howl when climbing through the revs.. Better in person than any YouTube video. I'm not a fan of the speed 6 engine either. Tbf, neither are the best sounding, but are still massively dramatic. I think the RV8s sound better either way though..
The 4.5 feels lazier to rev, though still responsive (on par with the old m3) , and less urgent below 3.5krpm. But more outright power at the top end. But that might be the whirlwind induction + chip, not sure if a stock one would be any faster. Although are there any stock 4.5s around? Exhaust doesn't sound as nice on idle, but the end is much less noisy with the quieter cams.
The other disappointing thing on the 4.5 is the hydratrak diff. It just feels s
t.As for noise in general, the v8 doesn't rumble, but makes a nice howl when climbing through the revs.. Better in person than any YouTube video. I'm not a fan of the speed 6 engine either. Tbf, neither are the best sounding, but are still massively dramatic. I think the RV8s sound better either way though..
Edited by tejr on Saturday 28th December 20:33
My experience:-
Decatted Tam is louder and just sounds better than the 4.5 Cerb I owned before, pops a lot more too, however the Cerb felt faster.
I have rolling road read outs for both cars, the Tam is 352bhp / 295 lbs/ft which is bang on, the Cerb was 377bhp and 345 lbs/ft, bhp way down on the claimed figures.
Back seat of a Cerb, upto 5’ at best
Decatted Tam is louder and just sounds better than the 4.5 Cerb I owned before, pops a lot more too, however the Cerb felt faster.
I have rolling road read outs for both cars, the Tam is 352bhp / 295 lbs/ft which is bang on, the Cerb was 377bhp and 345 lbs/ft, bhp way down on the claimed figures.
Back seat of a Cerb, upto 5’ at best
I have had a Tuscan and 2 Cerberas in SP6 and now a 4.5. I would say buy on condition both engines are great and very fast , most of the time on the road you will be lucky to use anywhere near the power both engines have but both are plenty fast enough. V8 wins just, as it is a V8 and who doesn’t want a V8 but I would also buy another Cerbera/ Tuscan SP6 no problem whatsoever. You will probably get a newer Cerbera for the same or less money with a SP6 rather than a V8 as well. But as I said already buy on condition not on engine type. Paint, chassis, interior, upgrades like Nitron suspension would be more important than what engine it had.
Cerbera versus the Tuscan comes downt to do you need more seats. If you do it’s a Cerbera and the set up is much more forgiving in a Cerbera, The Tuscan must have decent suspension and a few other modifications if you want to enjoy the power as I felt it was always liable to through you off the road unless it’s set up very very well.
The Tuscan is great on a warm day getting the roof off, or leaving the roof on and removing the back window and putting the drivers window down slightly you get a good flow of air into the cabin that way. Tuscan looks mental, seems like values are holding well and I would get another one no problem. There is a nice blue/ green one for sale with all the right upgrades at £24k that is well worth a look.
BUT in saying all that, for me I prefer my Cerbera. It for me is the better all round car, hard to say exactly why I just think it has the edge. I always wanted a V8 as well and the Cerbera handling and interior are better than the Tuscan. When I had my Tuscan I was always looking at Cerberas at meetings and online but since I have had my Cerbera I don’t really crave any other TVRs, well maybe a Sagaris but way too expensive. So there is my two bobs worth. Go look at a few and make your mind up all I would say is buy one based on overall condition and upgrades and you should be fine.
Cerbera versus the Tuscan comes downt to do you need more seats. If you do it’s a Cerbera and the set up is much more forgiving in a Cerbera, The Tuscan must have decent suspension and a few other modifications if you want to enjoy the power as I felt it was always liable to through you off the road unless it’s set up very very well.
The Tuscan is great on a warm day getting the roof off, or leaving the roof on and removing the back window and putting the drivers window down slightly you get a good flow of air into the cabin that way. Tuscan looks mental, seems like values are holding well and I would get another one no problem. There is a nice blue/ green one for sale with all the right upgrades at £24k that is well worth a look.
BUT in saying all that, for me I prefer my Cerbera. It for me is the better all round car, hard to say exactly why I just think it has the edge. I always wanted a V8 as well and the Cerbera handling and interior are better than the Tuscan. When I had my Tuscan I was always looking at Cerberas at meetings and online but since I have had my Cerbera I don’t really crave any other TVRs, well maybe a Sagaris but way too expensive. So there is my two bobs worth. Go look at a few and make your mind up all I would say is buy one based on overall condition and upgrades and you should be fine.
Edited by natben on Monday 30th December 17:58
natben said:
Cerbera versus the Tuscan comes downt to do you need more seats. If you do it’s a Cerbera and the set up is much more forgiving in a Cerbera, The Tuscan must have decent suspension and a few other modifications if you want to enjoy the power as I felt it was always liable to through you of the road unless it’s set up PROPERLY..
The Tuscan is great on a warm day getting the roof off, or leaving the roof on and removing the back window and putting the drivers window down slightly you get a good flow of air into the cabin that way. Tuscan looks mental, seems like values are holding well and I would get another one no problem. There is a nice blue/ green one for sale with all the right upgrades at £24k that is well worth a look.
BUT in saying all that , for me I prefer my Cerbera. It Ivor me is the better all round car, hard to say exactly why I just think it has the edge. I always wanted a V8 as well and the Cerbera handling and interior are better than the Tuscan. When I had my Tuscan I was always looking at Cerberas at meetings and on line but since I have had my Cerbera I don’t really crave any other TVRs , well maybe a Sagaris but way too expensive. So there is my two bobs worth. Go look at a few and make your mind up all I would say is buy anyone based on overall condition and upgrades and you should be fine.
I have to agree with this.The Tuscan is great on a warm day getting the roof off, or leaving the roof on and removing the back window and putting the drivers window down slightly you get a good flow of air into the cabin that way. Tuscan looks mental, seems like values are holding well and I would get another one no problem. There is a nice blue/ green one for sale with all the right upgrades at £24k that is well worth a look.
BUT in saying all that , for me I prefer my Cerbera. It Ivor me is the better all round car, hard to say exactly why I just think it has the edge. I always wanted a V8 as well and the Cerbera handling and interior are better than the Tuscan. When I had my Tuscan I was always looking at Cerberas at meetings and on line but since I have had my Cerbera I don’t really crave any other TVRs , well maybe a Sagaris but way too expensive. So there is my two bobs worth. Go look at a few and make your mind up all I would say is buy anyone based on overall condition and upgrades and you should be fine.
I have a Cerbera 4.7 and a good friend and neighbour has a Tuscan 4.3. Both have Nitron dampers and are set up by the same people.
The Cerbera is a way more stable platform with much less bump steer and overall more grip, the Tuscan is quite nervous feeling while the Cerbera send to a telegram to warn that you are near the limit, it is so forgiving!
I know both have been modified engine wise both by the same builder but the Cerbera is quicker than the Tuscan but the Tuscan probably sounds better than the Cerbera.
Both make a great GT car and I have frequently used mine as a daily drive on my 75 mile round trip to work.
Mine is a mk i Cerbera and I find the seats more comfortable than the Tuscan seats that you would also get in a mkii Cerbera.
CanoeSniffer said:
Thank you m4tti and ginkent
So a wee adult has no chance, not even as a one off? Might as well clarify, I lift share two other lads into work which writes off a two seater for commute use. Seems like a small thing but it would mean much more use for the car, and make the commute less of a chore if one could be squeezed into the rear of a Cerbie once in a while.
Ive been doing it in an Alfa GT for a couple of years so they’re quite well adjusted to fitting in a very leathery space slightly smaller than they are
You can move the passengers seat as far forward as it can go and then there is a bit more space in the back but it's still going to be tight if they are decent sized adults. No worse tan say an Audi TT though.So a wee adult has no chance, not even as a one off? Might as well clarify, I lift share two other lads into work which writes off a two seater for commute use. Seems like a small thing but it would mean much more use for the car, and make the commute less of a chore if one could be squeezed into the rear of a Cerbie once in a while.
Ive been doing it in an Alfa GT for a couple of years so they’re quite well adjusted to fitting in a very leathery space slightly smaller than they are
Edited by CanoeSniffer on Saturday 28th December 18:42
Edited by natben on Monday 30th December 18:03
cerb4.5lee said:
My Mrs used to sit behind me driving my Cerb and she is 5'2" but I'm only 5'8" though.
I actually preferred the Speed 6 engine when I test drove one in a Cerbera(it was smoother/more free revving), but I ultimately wanted a V8 so I went with the V8 4.5 instead. Plus the AJP8 is only available in a Cerbera so that is nice too.
I've had three other adults squeezed into the Cerbera but then I'm only 5'7 and have the seat right forward. It wouldn't be a long journey but can be done.I actually preferred the Speed 6 engine when I test drove one in a Cerbera(it was smoother/more free revving), but I ultimately wanted a V8 so I went with the V8 4.5 instead. Plus the AJP8 is only available in a Cerbera so that is nice too.
Engine wise, a rebuilt S6 is powerful and strong so shouldn't be a worry, an AJP is just different.
Ok I have a 4.2, but for me the difference between a good 4.2 and a 4.5 is minimal in real performance terms.
The cerbera is a really good GT car, the tuscan is newer design two seater, you can take the roof off and the rear window out.
With the cerbera you take the sides out by dropping the windows...
You buy with your heart so look at both...
Owned a face lifted (2001) S6 Cerb for 6 years and it became my sensible TVR, i.e. it was my TVR of choice in adverse weather and it coped fine having sorted out all possible leaks. Never owned a V8 Cerb, but have driven both the 4.2 and 4.5. Only difference I noticed was that the V8’s seemed to pull slightly more strongly over 4500rpm, but doubt it is noticeable in everyday driving. The rear seats are fine for storage, but not much chance of getting children over 7 or adults in the back. I did try once and she sat across the rear seats!
Also owned a 2001 Tuscan which in comparison seemed a little cruder and the faster steering meant it required far more concentration to drive rapidly. Having to choose between the Cerb and the Tuscan though, I’d go for the Tuscan as it felt far more special to me. I now have a Mk2 Tuscan and that has filled the role of my sensible TVR as the limitations on the MK1 have largely been eliminated.
Try both and see which you prefer is my advice!
Also owned a 2001 Tuscan which in comparison seemed a little cruder and the faster steering meant it required far more concentration to drive rapidly. Having to choose between the Cerb and the Tuscan though, I’d go for the Tuscan as it felt far more special to me. I now have a Mk2 Tuscan and that has filled the role of my sensible TVR as the limitations on the MK1 have largely been eliminated.
Try both and see which you prefer is my advice!
RUSSELLM said:
Legroom aside, it’s finding somewhere to rest your arse, that’s the problem.
Agreed, with the seat being about 8” deep, it tends to cut off the blood supply to your legs. After more than half an hour, you will have to have them amputated (making for an easier return journey)RUSSELLM said:
I’m reasonably slim, and haven’t attempted to sit in the back for a while.... But I seem to recall having to sit at a 45 degree angle, so I could get a cheek to stay on the little bench.
Maybe the last time was in the back of mine when you ran out of petrol 
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