Reliability of S6 versions (esp T350)

[five_belliez]

First of all hello from a newb to PH, moving from S2KI.
I’m currently considering moving away from my S2000 and its reliability and practicality as I no longer need to drive the car every day – new job means I can get the tube/train and Marks and Spencer is 3 mins walk away, so I’m after a weekend/holiday/track car with no roof, and more grunt. My main options at the mo are a Tuscan or a T350 but I’m a little confused – the Tuscan forum seems to be full of engine rebuild threads, whereas the T350 forum does not. I’ve also read a few articles on the two cars and the journalists seem to be more impressed with the build/reliability of the T350. Now as far as I’m aware they use the same engine, just with different cylinder or strokes sizes. Am I just imagining it, or is the T350 is known to be more reliable, and which flavour of what car is most likely to give the least problems (I know it will break down at some point)?

Thanks,
Mike

[willyworm]

You'll have problems getting the roof off a T350.
I should look at the Tamora, it's the best car TVR ever made, but don't tell everyone or else the prices will shoot through the roof.
The engine in the T350 and the Tamora are the 3.6L version and are known to be more reliable than the 4 litre Tuscan engine.
My son has an S2000 and I have a Tamora. The Tamora is far more fun, you'll enjoy it, get a test drive organised.

[chrissy g]

Hi Mike

Having part-ex my old s2000 I also went through the same dilema you did. A search on this particular forum will give you plenty of insight! (from people a lot better qualified than I). As far what I gleaned when I re-entering the TVR fold
1. by newest spec you can, while leaving...
2. about 3k to run a year - depending on milage
3. Expect niggles from time to time
4. Go on cars condition and whether its been used regularly

You will hear of more engine "issues" in Tuscans there are many more around and therefore have done more milage, also the early S6 internals weren't up to scratch later 2003 spec were much improved. 3.6 Vs 4.0 later spec reliability I am assuming probably similar

I use mine daily have done 8k in last 7 months, its been off the road for 2 days (radiator for one, exhaust mounts for the other) + servicing

You'll either fall into whether your a TVR owner or not. Get your self to a few meets, and grab a test drive. It may not have bullet proof reliablity but smiles per miles it takes a lot of beating

Regards


Chris

[macdeb]

Engines are the same, both in 3.6 or 4.0. Admire your taste but buyer beware.

[five_belliez]

Thanks guys, i'd picked up on the 2003+ models having less problems, i take it the general opinion is the build quality is very similar.

oh and in regards to the T350 roof/no roof thing i would certainly be hunting down a targa unless they really do loose the convertible feel good factor. as for the tamora, i'm not convinced about its looks. maybe i should check out a few in the flesh.

[snowy]

Reading another thread http://www.pistonheads.co.uk/gassing/topic.asp?h=0... i see a guy had and 06 TAM and the engine has gone pop after 22k, this is not good

[Whitey]

same old shit. It still seems if you get more than 20K out of a Speed 6 engine(factory spec build), you are running on borrowed time.

Edited by Whitey on Friday 25th May 12:51

[GingerNinja]

Whitey said:

same old shit. It still seems if you get more than 20K out of a Speed 6 engine(factory spec build), you are running on borrowed time.

Edited by Whitey on Friday 25th May 12:51

Sure someone else posted that the 3.6 was the original design capacity of the SP6, whereas taking it out to 4 litres was pushing the design tolerences (or something like that).

[macdeb]

GingerNinja said:

Whitey said:

same old shit. It still seems if you get more than 20K out of a Speed 6 engine(factory spec build), you are running on borrowed time.

Edited by Whitey on Friday 25th May 12:51

Sure someone else posted that the 3.6 was the original design capacity of the SP6, whereas taking it out to 4 litres was pushing the design tolerences (or something like that).

Melling said it was originally designed to be a 3.6. Also that a lot of other, changes were made inc; Crank/con-rods/oil feeds/cam gear. I think the 4 litre exagerrated the top heavy con-rod situation.

[T40ORA]

snowy said:

Reading another thread http://www.pistonheads.co.uk/gassing/topic.asp?h=0... i see a guy had and 06 TAM and the engine has gone pop after 22k, this is not good

Yep, that's me (one of the injured parties).

On the plus side, never let me down, oodles of fun, so much attention (unexpected most of the time) and having it topless is great.

Check them out in the flesh as you say. IMO they are nicer looking in reality than in pictures

If you get one, get a warranty. Mmmm, I mean a warrenty that actually works!

Edited by T40ORA on Friday 25th May 19:54

[YI8TVR]

five_belliez said:

First of all hello from a newb to PH, moving from S2KI.
I’m currently considering moving away from my S2000 and its reliability and practicality as I no longer need to drive the car every day – new job means I can get the tube/train and Marks and Spencer is 3 mins walk away, so I’m after a weekend/holiday/track car with no roof, and more grunt. My main options at the mo are a Tuscan or a T350 but I’m a little confused – the Tuscan forum seems to be full of engine rebuild threads, whereas the T350 forum does not. I’ve also read a few articles on the two cars and the journalists seem to be more impressed with the build/reliability of the T350. Now as far as I’m aware they use the same engine, just with different cylinder or strokes sizes. Am I just imagining it, or is the T350 is known to be more reliable, and which flavour of what car is most likely to give the least problems (I know it will break down at some point)?

Thanks,
Mike

If your going to track the car get a T350, the Tuscans are in my opinion a bit vague even when track modified. With regards to the engine reliabillty it depends how you treat it. My motto is foot on the floor with mechanical sympathy and the rev limiter set at 7500. Buy as late as you can 2003/2004 onwards. Why dont you come to Castle Combe in June to see and get some passenger rides in the models that take your fancy.

Edited to say with your name will you fit in a TVR

Edited by YI8TVR on Saturday 26th May 11:03

[earlyriser]

YI8TVR said:

five_belliez said:

First of all hello from a newb to PH, moving from S2KI.
I’m currently considering moving away from my S2000 and its reliability and practicality as I no longer need to drive the car every day – new job means I can get the tube/train and Marks and Spencer is 3 mins walk away, so I’m after a weekend/holiday/track car with no roof, and more grunt. My main options at the mo are a Tuscan or a T350 but I’m a little confused – the Tuscan forum seems to be full of engine rebuild threads, whereas the T350 forum does not. I’ve also read a few articles on the two cars and the journalists seem to be more impressed with the build/reliability of the T350. Now as far as I’m aware they use the same engine, just with different cylinder or strokes sizes. Am I just imagining it, or is the T350 is known to be more reliable, and which flavour of what car is most likely to give the least problems (I know it will break down at some point)?

Thanks,
Mike

You're probably safe with almost all T350s as not many before 03 plate



If your going to track the car get a T350, the Tuscans are in my opinion a bit vague even when track modified. With regards to the engine reliabillty it depends how you treat it. My motto is foot on the floor with mechanical sympathy and the rev limiter set at 7500. Buy as late as you can 2003/2004 onwards. Why dont you come to Castle Combe in June to see and get some passenger rides in the models that take your fancy.

Edited to say with your name will you fit in a TVR

Edited by YI8TVR on Saturday 26th May 11:03

[shorts!]

[quote=Whitey]same old shit. It still seems if you get more than 20K out of a Speed 6 engine(factory spec build), you are running on borrowed time.

Just booked my T350 for it's 66k service so that's plenty of borrowed time. Though it is beginning to sound like the engine may need a bit more than a service before too long.

Edited by shorts! on Monday 11th June 08:41

[five_belliez]

If your going to track the car get a T350, the Tuscans are in my opinion a bit vague even when track modified. With regards to the engine reliabillty it depends how you treat it. My motto is foot on the floor with mechanical sympathy and the rev limiter set at 7500. Buy as late as you can 2003/2004 onwards. Why dont you come to Castle Combe in June to see and get some passenger rides in the models that take your fancy.

Edited to say with your name will you fit in a TVR

Edited by YI8TVR on Saturday 26th May 11:03

[/quote]
[/quote]



Thanks for the replies - some interesting info there. I'm not fat by the way... its a long story. When is the Castle Combe track day and is it just TVRs?

Thanks

[Whitey]

shorts! said:

Whitey said:

same old shit. It still seems if you get more than 20K out of a Speed 6 engine(factory spec build), you are running on borrowed time.

Just booked my T350 for it's 66k service so that's plenty of borrowed time. Though it is beginning to sound like the engine may need a bit more than a service before too long.

Edited by shorts! on Monday 11th June 08:41

I think we share the same dealer. Martin was telling me about your engine last week!

That is certainly good news, and gives me more hope! Unfortunately my pessimistic view is based on my experience and others I have known in my 7 years of tuscan ownership. Also with my factory rebuild last year dropping a shim after 600 miles!

Anyway heres hoping more recent builds start lasting lots lots longer.

[YI8TVR]

five_belliez said:

If your going to track the car get a T350, the Tuscans are in my opinion a bit vague even when track modified. With regards to the engine reliabillty it depends how you treat it. My motto is foot on the floor with mechanical sympathy and the rev limiter set at 7500. Buy as late as you can 2003/2004 onwards. Why dont you come to Castle Combe in June to see and get some passenger rides in the models that take your fancy.

Edited to say with your name will you fit in a TVR

Edited by YI8TVR on Saturday 26th May 11:03

Thanks for the replies - some interesting info there. I'm not fat by the way... its a long story. When is the Castle Combe track day and is it just TVRs?

Thanks

Castle Combe Monday 25th June

Yes its basically all TVR's

If you come along I will be in a Silver, black and orange T350t

[apache]

YI8TVR said:

If you come along I will be in a Silver, black and orange T350t

you have 3 T350s?!! or an interesting paint job?

[five_belliez]

Castle Combe Monday 25th June

shame - its a long way to go after work from SE london. Thanks for the offer though.

[TimmyArt]

ooooo - the day after Goodwood, reckon I might head up then - check out these T350's..