Help me buy my first TVR
Discussion
To set the scene, I've wanted to own a TVR ever since sitting in a Cerbera at the Birmingham motor show as an impressionable young teenager in the mid-90s. This lust was solidified after getting the Clarkson VHS one Christmas and watching in awe, THAT drag race.
Now I'm finally in a position to buy one, with a budget available to get a 'good' T350, which is where my attention has been focused.
Yesterday I had a short drive in one, the first time I've ever been in a moving TVR of any sort, but I was left with more questions than answers...
Firstly, the car's suspension was set up very hard, it was skipping about at relatively low speeds on what I would call typical British roads and didn't inspire a great deal of confidence. The drive was very short though and the car had barely warmed up so didn't get anywhere near pushing its full capabilities, perhaps it would get better, I don't know. On that experience though, I felt as though the car would become quite tiresome quite quickly. I've read about people doing long road trips into Europe in these, which appeals, but I just can't imagine it being an especially pleasant experience based on what I've seen so far.
I guess this also raises the question of whether the T350 is the right model for me, or even if any TVR is the right car for me. My ideal use would be a/b roads, weekends away in Britain and perhaps a European road trip, I'm not especially interested in track days but might do the odd one.
On looks alone, the only models that really interest me are the T350, Cerbera and perhaps a Griff.
So... can these cars be made to ride well, whilst also maintaining sharp handling?
If anyone has one that they consider to have a well-sorted suspension setup and would be willing to give me a passenger ride to experience it then I would be very grateful! I'm in Nottingham and would happily travel an hour or so to meet you.
Now I'm finally in a position to buy one, with a budget available to get a 'good' T350, which is where my attention has been focused.
Yesterday I had a short drive in one, the first time I've ever been in a moving TVR of any sort, but I was left with more questions than answers...
Firstly, the car's suspension was set up very hard, it was skipping about at relatively low speeds on what I would call typical British roads and didn't inspire a great deal of confidence. The drive was very short though and the car had barely warmed up so didn't get anywhere near pushing its full capabilities, perhaps it would get better, I don't know. On that experience though, I felt as though the car would become quite tiresome quite quickly. I've read about people doing long road trips into Europe in these, which appeals, but I just can't imagine it being an especially pleasant experience based on what I've seen so far.
I guess this also raises the question of whether the T350 is the right model for me, or even if any TVR is the right car for me. My ideal use would be a/b roads, weekends away in Britain and perhaps a European road trip, I'm not especially interested in track days but might do the odd one.
On looks alone, the only models that really interest me are the T350, Cerbera and perhaps a Griff.
So... can these cars be made to ride well, whilst also maintaining sharp handling?
If anyone has one that they consider to have a well-sorted suspension setup and would be willing to give me a passenger ride to experience it then I would be very grateful! I'm in Nottingham and would happily travel an hour or so to meet you.
I've got adjustable Nitrons on my Griffith 500 which I think give an excellent balance of handling v comfort.
It may be the car you sampled was set up too hard for what you would use it for.
Drive as many different models as you can because the Rover V8s & 6 cylinder cars provide different driving experiences. Neither is necessarily better than the other, it's just what appeals to you more.
It may be the car you sampled was set up too hard for what you would use it for.
Drive as many different models as you can because the Rover V8s & 6 cylinder cars provide different driving experiences. Neither is necessarily better than the other, it's just what appeals to you more.
billbring - Yes a TVR is right for you, everyone should have one :-)
My tuscan used to skip about at slow speed and handle poor, now its on nitrons and setup correctly its like driving a different car.
Id suggest you try driving another 350 and see how that feels. Dont give up on them yet.
My tuscan used to skip about at slow speed and handle poor, now its on nitrons and setup correctly its like driving a different car.
Id suggest you try driving another 350 and see how that feels. Dont give up on them yet.
I am currently in my 4th TVR, I had 3 chimaera and now a Griffith 500, I drove a Tamora and it was far more precise and focused then the Griffith but I found the S6 too much like hard work, many people love them but I like the V8, the power feels more accessible, you can rumble around all day in top gear or give it some stick when you feel the need.
A V8 is probably a little less expensive to look after too but we don't buy them to save money...
Good luck with your search.
A V8 is probably a little less expensive to look after too but we don't buy them to save money...
Good luck with your search.
My t350 was rock hard when I first bought it. It’s on adjustable nitrons and was set up very hard. I slackened them right off and it’s now fine for road use.
It doesn’t ride like a lotus and you need time in the car to build confidence but they handle and grip really well when pushed.
It takes time to bond with a TVR in my opinion but they do offer a driving experience like pretty much nothing else.
It doesn’t ride like a lotus and you need time in the car to build confidence but they handle and grip really well when pushed.
It takes time to bond with a TVR in my opinion but they do offer a driving experience like pretty much nothing else.
Hi,
TVRs in my experience (TVR S3, Chimaera 500 previously and now a Tamora) can handle very well on country lanes, tracks and anything you get it set up for.
As with any car, particularly one that is approx 20 years old, the age of the suspension, bushes etc and how much it has been worked on with by well-intentioned but unskilled home mechanics, or even rubbish garages compared to skilled home or garage mechanics can make or break a car from a handling perspective.
Tyre pressures and the age of the tyres can make a massive difference to how sure-footed they feel.
Each of the engines used across the range has their own characteristics and like poorly set up suspension you can have engines that drive well and suit your needs or ones that do not. My 500 Chimaera was an ex sprint car and had been modified for low down grunt. It was brutal to drive but I loved it and the challenge it presented. The tamora is faster, but easier to drive.
Definitely try a few out. All mine have handled well in my opinion, but the Tamora feels like the best of the ones I have driven. If you are in Notts get yourself along to James Agger or the local TVR CC meeting and try a few more cars as a driver or passenger.
TVRs in my experience (TVR S3, Chimaera 500 previously and now a Tamora) can handle very well on country lanes, tracks and anything you get it set up for.
As with any car, particularly one that is approx 20 years old, the age of the suspension, bushes etc and how much it has been worked on with by well-intentioned but unskilled home mechanics, or even rubbish garages compared to skilled home or garage mechanics can make or break a car from a handling perspective.
Tyre pressures and the age of the tyres can make a massive difference to how sure-footed they feel.
Each of the engines used across the range has their own characteristics and like poorly set up suspension you can have engines that drive well and suit your needs or ones that do not. My 500 Chimaera was an ex sprint car and had been modified for low down grunt. It was brutal to drive but I loved it and the challenge it presented. The tamora is faster, but easier to drive.
Definitely try a few out. All mine have handled well in my opinion, but the Tamora feels like the best of the ones I have driven. If you are in Notts get yourself along to James Agger or the local TVR CC meeting and try a few more cars as a driver or passenger.
You will probably find that a griff has a better ride than a T350 or cerb over bumpy roads, which IMO is due to the heavy wheels used on the latter two. There's a discussion on the cerb forum about wheels: https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...
Certainly my cerb drives massively better after fitting lighter wheels, 17" front wheels with higher profile tyres and a basic geo setup (it's on nitrons). Don't give up on them yet
.
Certainly my cerb drives massively better after fitting lighter wheels, 17" front wheels with higher profile tyres and a basic geo setup (it's on nitrons). Don't give up on them yet
.I am in near Newark and have a Chimaera you can have a try in.
My car will give you a good idea of how a Rover V8 car drives, handles and rides - so that includes the V8S, Chimaera and Griffith.
If Friday's track day is anything to go by it is as quick as a Tuscan.
My car has some modifications, but I can talk you through the changes I have made and the effect they have had.
My car will give you a good idea of how a Rover V8 car drives, handles and rides - so that includes the V8S, Chimaera and Griffith.
If Friday's track day is anything to go by it is as quick as a Tuscan.
My car has some modifications, but I can talk you through the changes I have made and the effect they have had.
Sounds like that particular T350 was set up too harsh. Some people confuse stiffness for sportiness. They are much better wound off a few clicks on the shockers, all TVRs are not the last word in handling regardless of spring rates so it is utterly pointless setting them up to be rock hard.
The T350 is the best all rounder for me, providing you’re happy to use revs. The Speed Six needs them, particularly in 3.6 guise (as almost all non-special order T350s were) as they are not the torquiest. It may be an idea to try out other models to see what fits your expectations. The Griffs are lazier, comfier and more of a cruiser. Cerberas are a step above everything else that TVR built, both in performance and occasion, but also in running costs.
The T350 is the best all rounder for me, providing you’re happy to use revs. The Speed Six needs them, particularly in 3.6 guise (as almost all non-special order T350s were) as they are not the torquiest. It may be an idea to try out other models to see what fits your expectations. The Griffs are lazier, comfier and more of a cruiser. Cerberas are a step above everything else that TVR built, both in performance and occasion, but also in running costs.
Edited by robsco on Tuesday 14th September 19:37
As said above try other models and other T350's.
From what I've read and from test drives, the Tamora and T350 are supposed to be the best handling.
I'm on my seventh TVR and all have been on Euro trips and been great.
My current Tuscan has been to Germany numerous times as well as 9 trips to Spain/Portugal.
Must be comfortable enough as my Wife always manages to fall asleep when were heading south in France???
From what I've read and from test drives, the Tamora and T350 are supposed to be the best handling.
I'm on my seventh TVR and all have been on Euro trips and been great.
My current Tuscan has been to Germany numerous times as well as 9 trips to Spain/Portugal.
Must be comfortable enough as my Wife always manages to fall asleep when were heading south in France???
FarmyardPants said:
You will probably find that a griff has a better ride than a T350 or cerb over bumpy roads, which IMO is due to the heavy wheels used on the latter two. There's a discussion on the cerb forum about wheels: https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...
Certainly my cerb drives massively better after fitting lighter wheels, 17" front wheels with higher profile tyres and a basic geo setup (it's on nitrons). Don't give up on them yet.
My Cerbera is on original 17" RL7 wheels with 40 profile tyres and Nitrons set for soft suspension, specifically as it's set to be a comfy GT car. I have no problems with bumpy roads and it would be my car of choice for long journeys. We've taken it onto the continent many, many times without any discomfort from long journeys.Certainly my cerb drives massively better after fitting lighter wheels, 17" front wheels with higher profile tyres and a basic geo setup (it's on nitrons). Don't give up on them yet
.So it depends on how it's setup.
QBee said:
I am in near Newark and have a Chimaera you can have a try in.
Thank you, I will send you an email via the forum.Out of interest, is the factory spec suspension still available to buy, and if so is it any good? I seem to remember the T350 get very favourable reviews when it was first launched.
I remember back when I owned a 205 gti, there was a bit of a movement amongst the owner's community back towards standard suspension because people started to realise that it actually worked really well for road use (as it was designed to), and in a lot of cases, expensive suspension kits were actually making their cars worse to drive.
PuffsBack said:
Sounds like the T350 you tried was either on non standard suspension or very old tyres.
My Sagaris was on 13 year old tyres up until a couple of weeks ago and replacing them has transformed the car. OK I have ruined it as a GT car by DeCatting it so its obnoxiously loud and very wearing. However with a standard exhaust it would be excellent for a long distance tour. On the old tyres the ride was rock hard
The only place its really unhappy is on a tight single lane bumpy lane. My Elise with a 3rd of the power would disappear into the distance in such circumstances
Other than that a T350 should inspire a lot of confidence. The turn in on my Sag is electric, every bit as good as the Elise.
My Sagaris was on 13 year old tyres up until a couple of weeks ago and replacing them has transformed the car. OK I have ruined it as a GT car by DeCatting it so its obnoxiously loud and very wearing. However with a standard exhaust it would be excellent for a long distance tour. On the old tyres the ride was rock hard
The only place its really unhappy is on a tight single lane bumpy lane. My Elise with a 3rd of the power would disappear into the distance in such circumstances
Other than that a T350 should inspire a lot of confidence. The turn in on my Sag is electric, every bit as good as the Elise.
billbring said:
QBee said:
I am in near Newark and have a Chimaera you can have a try in.
Thank you, I will send you an email via the forum.Out of interest, is the factory spec suspension still available to buy, and if so is it any good? I seem to remember the T350 get very favourable reviews when it was first launched.
I remember back when I owned a 205 gti, there was a bit of a movement amongst the owner's community back towards standard suspension because people started to realise that it actually worked really well for road use (as it was designed to), and in a lot of cases, expensive suspension kits were actually making their cars worse to drive.
Byker28i said:
billbring said:
QBee said:
I am in near Newark and have a Chimaera you can have a try in.
Thank you, I will send you an email via the forum.Out of interest, is the factory spec suspension still available to buy, and if so is it any good? I seem to remember the T350 get very favourable reviews when it was first launched.
I remember back when I owned a 205 gti, there was a bit of a movement amongst the owner's community back towards standard suspension because people started to realise that it actually worked really well for road use (as it was designed to), and in a lot of cases, expensive suspension kits were actually making their cars worse to drive.
A guy called Ben Lang (or Laing, not sure) has developed a newer version of Bilstein suspension for the Tuscan, Griff and Chimaera and possibly other models too. It has adjustable seat height, but not adjustable damping - you tell Ben what you want and he valves it for you. It gets very very good reviews amongst the road car fraternity.
My car is on Racing Reds, which are similar to Nitrons, and so have adjustable ride height and damping. I do track days, so want to be able to change my suspension in less than 5 minutes from road cruiser to track beast.
QBee said:
A guy called Ben Lang (or Laing, not sure) has developed a newer version of Bilstein suspension for the Tuscan, Griff and Chimaera and possibly other models too. It has adjustable seat height, but not adjustable damping - you tell Ben what you want and he valves it for you. It gets very very good reviews amongst the road car fraternity.
Cheers, this is very useful info!I've just done a bit of research on it and it's Ben Lang at Blackdown Automotive selling Bilstein dampers with Eibach springs.
This is encouraging since I have exactly that combination on my BMW, tuned for fast road use by Birds Auto and the results were exactly what I was after - a cushioned ride but with really nice body control and it just feels planted all the time. The suspension is actually softer than what BMW supplied and it's so much better for it in all road conditions.
I'd much rather have someone who knows what they're doing tune my suspension for me. I am woefully under-qualified to be messing around with spring and damper rates myself
Edited by billbring on Wednesday 15th September 15:34
Spring rates for Cerberas... https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...
with the picture of mine after I picked them up from the rebuild, looking like new...
I have 400 front, 350 rear. I found going softer was better for my driving.
with the picture of mine after I picked them up from the rebuild, looking like new...
I have 400 front, 350 rear. I found going softer was better for my driving.
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