Discussion
Well, after being low-loaded to Bespoke Performance on Sunday I got the call I was dreading. Loss of compression on two cylinders. Sounds grim. It's one of the very first MK1 cars, had some notes on rebuilds in
Not really sure what my options are here. I'm assuming based on the initial call that damage is confined to the head alone, and so a top end rebuild could suffice. The bottom ends seem to prove more reliable (on the basis of the lack of "I've had a bottom end issue" threads which actually have a root cause of failure in the block or powertrain bearing components) so I think this would be the way to go if at all possible.
While the urge to upgrade in some way is tempting, I'm just not prepared to spend the five figures it would take to make them possible. Id far rather minimise the cost of the built (within reason) and concentrate on a more useful uprage, like some aftermarket springs and dampers.
I'm trying to be as pragmatic about this as possible, but it's definitely not the most auspicious start to TVR ownership!
Not really sure what my options are here. I'm assuming based on the initial call that damage is confined to the head alone, and so a top end rebuild could suffice. The bottom ends seem to prove more reliable (on the basis of the lack of "I've had a bottom end issue" threads which actually have a root cause of failure in the block or powertrain bearing components) so I think this would be the way to go if at all possible.
While the urge to upgrade in some way is tempting, I'm just not prepared to spend the five figures it would take to make them possible. Id far rather minimise the cost of the built (within reason) and concentrate on a more useful uprage, like some aftermarket springs and dampers.
I'm trying to be as pragmatic about this as possible, but it's definitely not the most auspicious start to TVR ownership!
Looks to be valve related from initial inspection, no obvious gasket issues. Two cylinders seem to have lost compression.
To be fair I have been driving a VERY early MK1 like I stole it. This is what I signed up for. I always knew this would be a possibility...
If it's any consolation im, it still looks fantastic on the back of a lowloader!
To be fair I have been driving a VERY early MK1 like I stole it. This is what I signed up for. I always knew this would be a possibility...
If it's any consolation im, it still looks fantastic on the back of a lowloader!
Sorry to hear this, especially after the issue with the grill and it now looking like the dogs danglies 
.
Assuming it is just the head and the big end gets a clean bill of health I'd recommend you get the half time bearing done at the same time as these have been known to let go.
Also head work is not necessarily into 5 figures by a long way: http://www.tvrpower.co.uk/store/slug/brand-new-spe...
Keep us posted.
. Assuming it is just the head and the big end gets a clean bill of health I'd recommend you get the half time bearing done at the same time as these have been known to let go.
Also head work is not necessarily into 5 figures by a long way: http://www.tvrpower.co.uk/store/slug/brand-new-spe...
Keep us posted.
s6boy said:
Sorry to hear this, especially after the issue with the grill and it now looking like the dogs danglies .
Assuming it is just the head and the big end gets a clean bill of health I'd recommend you get the half time bearing done at the same time as these have been known to let go.
Also head work is not necessarily into 5 figures by a long way: http://www.tvrpower.co.uk/store/slug/brand-new-spe...
Keep us posted.
That's a brand new head. An exchange is far cheaper . Assuming it is just the head and the big end gets a clean bill of health I'd recommend you get the half time bearing done at the same time as these have been known to let go.
Also head work is not necessarily into 5 figures by a long way: http://www.tvrpower.co.uk/store/slug/brand-new-spe...
Keep us posted.
http://www.tvrpower.co.uk/store/slug/reconditioned...
A lot of the cost associated to this is in removing and refitting the engine.
Why oh why am I going to say this....But, I have a Mk1, Its an early 2001, I have paperwork from some form of rebuild (no details) in 2003. It was diagnosed with Valve guide wear back in 2011 by Dom.
After a long chat on what to do and how to treat it, he told me to stop worrying about it and just drive the bloody thing!
20,000 miles later, 4 track days, 1 European tour over various high altitude summits and full on Autobahn runs, its still running, not burning extravagant amounts of oil and not showing any smoke on startup.
So fingers crossed the wear cant be too bad. Not all the Mk 1 engines were made out of toffee.
After a long chat on what to do and how to treat it, he told me to stop worrying about it and just drive the bloody thing!
20,000 miles later, 4 track days, 1 European tour over various high altitude summits and full on Autobahn runs, its still running, not burning extravagant amounts of oil and not showing any smoke on startup.
So fingers crossed the wear cant be too bad. Not all the Mk 1 engines were made out of toffee.
When I was having my RV8 Chimaera rolling-roaded, one of the other guys at the garage was re-assembling a fairly new Transit diesel engine - it had destroyed a piston because of the positioning of the injector. Just bad design.
Yes, early SP6 engines have a little bit of a reputation, but all TVRs are SOOOOOOO much fun when on song. You just cannot drive them as if they are made of chocolate. Hope you get yours back by September 28th so that you can come and join us for some noisy fun:
noisy linky
Yes, early SP6 engines have a little bit of a reputation, but all TVRs are SOOOOOOO much fun when on song. You just cannot drive them as if they are made of chocolate. Hope you get yours back by September 28th so that you can come and join us for some noisy fun:
noisy linky
I'm not dissuaded. In fact I'm actually serenely calm. This is not entirely unexpected... Just want her back ASAP, and don't want to hesitate in giving it the full beans when I get her back.
Can't see the link for the 28th, but when all's working well I'll be coming out to say hello for sure!
Can't see the link for the 28th, but when all's working well I'll be coming out to say hello for sure!
Don't know why that didn't work.
http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...
It is a run around the tunnels bridges and landmarks of London, early on a Saturday morning, so as to avoid the traffic. By the time we set off there will br 75 TVRs making a fair din, with directions and cameraderie to get us around the route.
Those who fancy it will then head for Brands Hatch to watch a day of historic racing.
http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...
It is a run around the tunnels bridges and landmarks of London, early on a Saturday morning, so as to avoid the traffic. By the time we set off there will br 75 TVRs making a fair din, with directions and cameraderie to get us around the route.
Those who fancy it will then head for Brands Hatch to watch a day of historic racing.
Edited by QBee on Wednesday 14th August 00:01
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