Opinions please - 4.0L Tuscan MKI RR (Factory)
Discussion
Hi all,
Newby here on PH although have posted a couple of times on the TVRCC forum. So, an official "hi" to all. I have owned a '97 Chim in the recent past and have now had my RR Tuscan for 1month. The Red Rose was done by the factory at manufacture late 2001. I have some paperwork from the factory on what was done to the engine but nothing too "in-depth" and am curious to hear people's opinions following some interesting threads I have been reading about Al Mellings talk last year and subsequent discussions about re-builds etc, etc (ad infinitum/nauseum...;-)
Anyway, to quote from the paperwork and feedback direct from TVR, the RR upgrade included CamShaft change, timings, pistons, injectors and bigger bore exhaust amongst some other minor things (I am assuming).
Now, my question is this - does this RR upgrade mitigate at all against the possibility of top-end problems (or others) with the engine? I am happy with the guys where I bought the car and have had several discussions about the history of the vehicle (the dealer sold it new and have serviced it pretty much ever since) with opinions forthcoming that it is a very well looked after machine and is running very nicely (which I can't help but agree with). It has done 18Kmls with no re-build history. I am not as savvy with the SP6 as I was with the V8 and have already asked whether the tapping noise from the engine (cold or hot) is normal, to which the reply is "yes, perfectly normal". Temps, performance, running gear etc all fill me with confidence but just curious to get people's feedback on the RR situation etc.
All replies appreciated!
Andy
Newby here on PH although have posted a couple of times on the TVRCC forum. So, an official "hi" to all. I have owned a '97 Chim in the recent past and have now had my RR Tuscan for 1month. The Red Rose was done by the factory at manufacture late 2001. I have some paperwork from the factory on what was done to the engine but nothing too "in-depth" and am curious to hear people's opinions following some interesting threads I have been reading about Al Mellings talk last year and subsequent discussions about re-builds etc, etc (ad infinitum/nauseum...;-)
Anyway, to quote from the paperwork and feedback direct from TVR, the RR upgrade included CamShaft change, timings, pistons, injectors and bigger bore exhaust amongst some other minor things (I am assuming).
Now, my question is this - does this RR upgrade mitigate at all against the possibility of top-end problems (or others) with the engine? I am happy with the guys where I bought the car and have had several discussions about the history of the vehicle (the dealer sold it new and have serviced it pretty much ever since) with opinions forthcoming that it is a very well looked after machine and is running very nicely (which I can't help but agree with). It has done 18Kmls with no re-build history. I am not as savvy with the SP6 as I was with the V8 and have already asked whether the tapping noise from the engine (cold or hot) is normal, to which the reply is "yes, perfectly normal". Temps, performance, running gear etc all fill me with confidence but just curious to get people's feedback on the RR situation etc.
All replies appreciated!
Andy
I think that the cam followers on the RR are the same as the normal SP6. Which means that it should have the same potential to break. The fault is well known (now) and revolves around oil starvation, particularly when cold.
My personal belief is that they didn't introduce better quality parts until post 2002, cars and rebuilds after this time seem to have a better shelf life.
The best advise is to warm the engine carefully. Its the oil temp that is critical and needs to be above 60 degrees before thrashing her. I also believe it is bad to warm her up standing in the drive, as the oil pressure stays too low. So, i potter gently, below 2500 revs until the oil is ready.
There are no guarantees with the SP6, but i track mine and am fairly abusive to her and she's never let me down yet. The welded on smile comes as standard.
My personal belief is that they didn't introduce better quality parts until post 2002, cars and rebuilds after this time seem to have a better shelf life.
The best advise is to warm the engine carefully. Its the oil temp that is critical and needs to be above 60 degrees before thrashing her. I also believe it is bad to warm her up standing in the drive, as the oil pressure stays too low. So, i potter gently, below 2500 revs until the oil is ready.
There are no guarantees with the SP6, but i track mine and am fairly abusive to her and she's never let me down yet. The welded on smile comes as standard.
Edited by Tuska on Friday 4th August 13:59
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