Marcos virgin needs help
Discussion
Amazing how little there is on the internet about them. I am basically after a Mantara or Mantula Spyder, so far I've found a few for sale, mostly at Red Line. Things I need to know: 1)What is NCK tuning? 2)Is the Mantara that much better than the Mantula? 3)What sort of proportion of Mantulas were factory built? 4)Why are their engine power outputs so low?? (190 bhp out of 4.0 ltrs) 5)Has anybody owned both for comparison?
I'm a TVR owner at the moment so I know all about hand built sports car problems and I'm prepared for the worst - I'm not expecting a Porker (thank god).
I'm a TVR owner at the moment so I know all about hand built sports car problems and I'm prepared for the worst - I'm not expecting a Porker (thank god).
Hmm, where to start.
As for which is better, a Mantara owner (such as Pete*s) will argue they're better, and a Mantula owner (like myself) will argue they're the better car.
They both have good and bad points, the Mantaras are better specced, and all have irs, whereas there are only a few irs Mantulas.
Rather than argue one over the other, I suggest you try (if possible) both cars out and make an informed decision.
As for the number of factory built Mantulas, I have no idea, but don't assume a factory built car is better than an amateur built car.
I'm busy rebuilding my factory built car, and changing a lot of things I'm not happy with. A good owner built car can be streets ahead of a factory built car.
NCK, as far as I know, was a Rover V8 tuner, who have since been bought up and became TVR power (??). The NCK tweaked engines are a bit more fruity than the standard items, I think they had ported heads, were blue printed, and had different cam etc.
The power outputs are low because that's what they really are. I agree that 190bhp from a 4.0 sounds pants, but when it's backed up with something like 230lb/ft of torque, at low rpm, it's still quick.
My advice is get on the phone to Jeremy Kearns of Redline Sportscars, and also Paul Stephens, and talk it through with them. They've driven pretty much every Marcos and will be able to pretty much everything you need to know.
But they might try and sell you a car....
As for which is better, a Mantara owner (such as Pete*s) will argue they're better, and a Mantula owner (like myself) will argue they're the better car.
They both have good and bad points, the Mantaras are better specced, and all have irs, whereas there are only a few irs Mantulas.
Rather than argue one over the other, I suggest you try (if possible) both cars out and make an informed decision.
As for the number of factory built Mantulas, I have no idea, but don't assume a factory built car is better than an amateur built car.
I'm busy rebuilding my factory built car, and changing a lot of things I'm not happy with. A good owner built car can be streets ahead of a factory built car.
NCK, as far as I know, was a Rover V8 tuner, who have since been bought up and became TVR power (??). The NCK tweaked engines are a bit more fruity than the standard items, I think they had ported heads, were blue printed, and had different cam etc.
The power outputs are low because that's what they really are. I agree that 190bhp from a 4.0 sounds pants, but when it's backed up with something like 230lb/ft of torque, at low rpm, it's still quick.
My advice is get on the phone to Jeremy Kearns of Redline Sportscars, and also Paul Stephens, and talk it through with them. They've driven pretty much every Marcos and will be able to pretty much everything you need to know.
But they might try and sell you a car....
Yeti
Was intending to e-mail offline to deter shamless plug label - but could find no address.
Suffice to say we have one at [url]www.adrianblyth.com[/url]
apprentice
Was intending to e-mail offline to deter shamless plug label - but could find no address.
Suffice to say we have one at [url]www.adrianblyth.com[/url]
apprentice
Good advice from Chris as usual, although he secretly knows that the Mantara is the better car.
I think NCK are a pretty reputable tuner - I know at least 2 other Marcos owners with NCK engines and they seem pretty happy.
My only advice...make sure you check the chassis thoroughly. Some cars (mine included) suffer from the effects of the chassis not being properly treated by the factory. This only appears on some cars however.
I think NCK are a pretty reputable tuner - I know at least 2 other Marcos owners with NCK engines and they seem pretty happy.
My only advice...make sure you check the chassis thoroughly. Some cars (mine included) suffer from the effects of the chassis not being properly treated by the factory. This only appears on some cars however.
Cheers, useful info. I live in Bath so will be going to see Jeremy Kearns when I get back. He has 2 IRS Mantulas and a reasonabley priced (though yellow) Mantara. I got a mail from a mate who says he read somewhere that these cars eat clutches - any comments? He is pontificating over a 911 SC or a Mantula and favour the 911. I'm going the Marcos route if I can find a good one as the TVR is going up for sale straight after Le Mans. Anyone know a good paint shop in the south or SW?
these cars eat clutches - any comments?
First I've heard of this.
He is pontificating over a 911 SC or a Mantula and favour the 911
So I guess he hasn't driven a Marcos yet?
Yeti, if you're looking at Mantulas and Mantaras for similar money, the Mantulas will no doubt be the better cars.
Sure, the spec might not be the same, but at the end of the day are you looking for gadgets or grin inducing abilities?
Let us know how you get on.
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