Maintaining and tuning the Essex v6 vs RV8

[e42]

Hi,

I have a Griff 4.3 at the moment which (touch wood) runs beautifully even though it has OEM spec plug extenders, ignition components etc, and I also have access to good sources of expertise for fault diagnosis and repair from TVR specialists.

I had a Marcos 3L many years ago, and really fancy another alongside the Griff (funds permitting) - my question is: does the expertise remain to maintain and tune the Essex V6, i.e. general maintenance but also to liberate more power (cam, carb, etc)?

I live near Preston, Lancs but would be happy to travel to a specialist in these engines with a good rep.

I guess it's another factor in the decision re viability of the Marcos!

Thanks all,

Dom

[Moto]

My old 3000S was always maintained by Adrian@ in Coventry. Unfortunately he's now retired but I'm sure the likes of Neil (Dollyman1850) would be familiar with the Essex lump and he's up north somewhere so maybe not so far for you.

My Essex was always a reliable unit but in the back of my mind I seem to recall that they're not as easy to tune/modify for more horsepower as many other engines. Again someone like Neil will have a lot more knowledge and even if it's not his bag will probably point you in the right direction.

Good luck

Moto

[e42]

Hi, thanks for the reply, helpful to know

Dom

[markymarkthree]

Lucky you live in Preston, these boys are just around the corner. Pants website though.
https://www.essexengines.com/index.htm
Also this mob just down the road from you.
https://ricwood.com/

I have used on my Savage and continue to use ESSEXENGINES cant fault them. Ric Wood is a bit pricey for me.

[e42]

Nice one, thanks for the info!

[GAjon]

If you ever watch the Goodwood members meeting or revival, 95% of the 3ltr Capris running are using Ric Wood engines.

Not saying for a moment others are not available or can not produce a good Essex or tuned Essex, but I’d say Ric is in my opinion the expert.

[e42]

Thanks all, very helpful. I’ve been lucky with living close to good TVR resources and seem to be similarly lucky with NW based Essex expertise! Just need to find a car now!

[anonymous-user]

John Wade is excellent if you can get hold of him.

Having said that it such a basic engine most old school tuners will be able to do anything required once you have decided on a spec so there’s not much point in putting it with any particular ‘specialist’ unless you really want something bespoke.

For my money I would go to Scholar if I wanted a blueprint job.

[TA14]

GAjon said:

If you ever watch the Goodwood members meeting or revival, 95% of the 3ltr Capris running are using Ric Wood engines.

Not saying for a moment others are not available or can not produce a good Essex or tuned Essex, but I’d say Ric is in my opinion the expert.

Hi Jon, car still going well? Jonathan

[GAjon]

TA14 said:

Hi Jon, car still going well? Jonathan

Yes Jonathon, the M is still going strong now after a long restoration/rebuild.
Took it out at Cadwell in September, first time on track since 2005, very gentle test run but it went really well for us.
The race car ( Tommy Entwistles Grantura Gem) is just like a cat, it’s always ready and runs superbly every time.




Both running Ric Wood GA block V6s. The Gem on carburettors the M injected.

How are you keeping?

[magpies]

just watched the Car SOS edition (recently aired) around a Capri with a 3.1 Essex engine - all refurbed by Ric Wood - over 200bhp