Reliability: Tuscan/Tuscan S Engine

[wantOneNow]

Gents,
I'm currently looking at swapping my boxster for a Tuscan. Could you kind chaps answer a few questions for me:

1) Regarding engine reliability - with the extra tuning of the S engine is it more likely to fail that the stock?
2) If I was unlucky enough to have a engine blow. What are the typical rebuilt costs (assuming out of warranty)?
3) Anyone got experience of dealers around Nottinghamshire?

[chaparral]

Well,
1) I think the extra power from the S engine is largely due to greater displacement. This is no cause for reduced reliability/durability.
2) No-one on this board has managed to both run out of warranty and blow the motor, so I couldn't tell you how much a re-build would cost. I'd hate to give you misinformation that could lead to a bad decision either way.
3) I live in Worcester, MA, USA. Therefore, I haven't a clue about dealers in Nottinghamshire.

[wantOneNow]

As I am most likley to purchase a used 2001 model, aren't the engines 4 litre in both the stock and S. Anyone now of what the main difference are that give the extra power and whether this tuning is more likly to cause problems.

[fish]

I own a 2001 tuscan and understand the engine queries. Give me an e-mail with a phone number and I'll talk you through them. I'm based in Derby, oh and my car may be up for sale soon as I'm getting a T350

>> Edited by fish on Tuesday 17th December 14:37

[trueblue]

As someone who is just about to take delivery of a new Tuscan in a few weeks time, can you comment on the reason for the change over (he said, slightly apprehensively !)....

[fish]

Ive had the Tuscan for 18months and doen 18,000miles as an everyday car. It has been great and been reliable. 18mths is long for me to keep a car and I saw the T350 and want the change. Still think the Tuscan great and I have faith in the sp6 engine or I wouldn't be getting another.

[gazzab]

rebuilds are between 2 and 5 K depending on what needs doing and who does it.

[sixspeed]

Or as long as 12k if you're me....


-andy-

[fish]

gazzab said: rebuilds are between 2 and 5 K depending on what needs doing and who does it.

Sorry that is general ill informed cack. Tappets generally need checking every 6k and there are normally 3-5 that need adjusting.

The only rebuilds done have been for the finger follower and related problems.

[bertie]

I think Fish has pointed out quite succintly the general wash of misinformation surrounding the Speed 6 in the last post.

They were in Cerberas for a good 18 months with no problems before they went into the Tuscan. TVR did then have a batch related problem with finger followers but that was a while ago now.

Regarding Dealers near Nottingham, I use TMS in Melton Mowbray and they are absolutely superb. It's the best service I've ever recieved, including Graypaul Ferrari.

I also think you might notice a small performance advantage over your Boxster!

[MikeE]

gazzab said: rebuilds are between 2 and 5 K depending on what needs doing and who does it.

I might be wrong but I assume Gazzab was stating that a rebuild would cost between £2K and £5K?

If that is what he meant I reckon that's way off the mark. TVR pride themselves (?!?!?) that the S6 engine costs as much to manufacture as an entire Lotus Elise does!

[fish]

If that was the case I apologise for my rapid remark! I am just a little annoyed with the amount of incorrect info relating to the engine.

Having had soem very technical and indepth conversation with: John Ravenscroft (the designer), Paul from engine rebuild and about three different dealers service managers + umpteen other people I do get annoyed when people spout on about things they may or may not know and have picked up third or fourth hand.

In summary the speed 6 is pretty reliable it will need a retune and fettle at each service which I don't feel is unacceptable for such a high performance engine using race technology.

If anyone wants to discuss details drop me an e-mail and I'll give you a ring. But I close for Christmas tonight. Whahey

[beast]

...but you wouldn't want to race with the bits that are in your standard engine.

[Mrs Fish]

Sorry it's me but I can't remember my log in details so I'm now Mrs Fish. Most of the components as far as I am aware in the 24hr Spa car engine are identical to the production version, although I am happy to be corrected, as I am not 100% sure.

[MB.]

[quoteThe only rebuilds done have been for the finger follower and related problems.

---

Not true, they have done rebuilds for failed oil scavenge pump, valves stretching, valves snapping, valves sinking in to the head and valve guides coming loose causing valves and pistons to get together in a not very nice way!

I would have agreed if you had said "most rebuilds were due to falty finger follower components and this now seems to have been resolved" but to say that it has "only" been finger followers is not really correct

Nothing personal, just think it needs to be made clear.

Graham

[gutted]

RE engine rebuilds. I have a June 2000 Tuscan, only 13000 miles, no track days. I have just been told the cams are breaking up and the engine needs a rebuild. TVR have offered to contribute to the cost leaving me to pay 3k. Is that reasonable? Should the cams be breaking up after 13,000 miles, I think not somehow, is this the first case anyone has heard of?

I am gutted as i have loved the car and had a chimeara beforehand but this has made me think twice about a 350.