Cerbera V8 problems 4.2/4.5

[TVR57S]

Straight forward questions,
1/.When an AJP engine expires, is there a common problem that affects them all.
2/.How many on here have had engines go on them? and at what average mileage?
3/.I read a lot here about clutches going, how many miles have some members here covered on the same clutch (I mean by driving in a reasonable manner , no track days incl).
4/.Rag top TVR's tend to let water inside the car, how watertight are Cerbs?
5/.When buying a Cerb what are the main weak points I should look for.

I am about to buy one, and would appreciate the help of any members who could give me sound advice.

Thankyou.

[williamball]

Straight forward questions,
1/.When an AJP engine expires, is there a common problem that affects them all.

AJP V8s rarely 'expire'. I'm sure some have, but the engines are actually fairly robust. Not to say cams can't wear, crank oilseal can't leak etc., but that ain't an expired engine. I think I've only actually ever heard of 1 AJP that could be considered 'expired'.

2/.How many on here have had engines go on them? and at what average mileage?

See above.

3/.I read a lot here about clutches going, how many miles have some members here covered on the same clutch (I mean by driving in a reasonable manner , no track days incl).

Ditto with clutches, they don't 'go' as regularly as you might think either. It is not actually the clutch were the problem lies, but it's the slave cylinder/release bearing that starts to leak - often suddenly and catastophically. Mine lasted 33K before going, and that included track days, and there was still meat on the clutch plates - but that was with no 1/4-mile-style off-the-line milarky - ever.

4/.Rag top TVR's tend to let water inside the car, how watertight are Cerbs?

Some leak, some don't. Check the carpets. The ones that do leak can all be fixed, as they typically leak through badly sealed holes for cables and the like in the drivers' side bulkhead.

5/.When buying a Cerb what are the main weak points I should look for.

Been done to death. The cars do not have 'main weak points' IMHO - what they do have is a number of areas which in many other cars might never go wrong - and for thinks like starter motors, that can expire before their time, how would you be able to tell that it might expire in 1000 miles time? Thinks are easy to spot when they're broke, but less easy when they just might break in say 1000 miles. Best look for all updates done [cams/uprights/clutch/seals etc], FSH, a big pile of recipts and a car thart looks like its been well cared for.
WB