What spec for Tamora?
Discussion
I am relatively new to TVR and am about to place an order for a Tamora.
What options should I consider?
WHEELS: I drove the car on 16 inch wheels and preferred the feel compared to a Tuscan on 18's, or is it just the different suspension systems and not the wheels that make the difference?
TRIM: The dealer couldn't tell me what the standard trim looks like because everybody specifies full leather. Is it possible to have acantera (imitation suede) or similar for better lateral grip? ...or better still change to a tighter fitting race type seat?
TRACKDAYS: Is the car up to it? ...I get the feeling that the mechanicals are tough enough and any failings generally relate to electrics/trim etc.,
...and do all AJP 6 engines sound so ‘tapperty’?? (top end noise).
What options should I consider?
WHEELS: I drove the car on 16 inch wheels and preferred the feel compared to a Tuscan on 18's, or is it just the different suspension systems and not the wheels that make the difference?
TRIM: The dealer couldn't tell me what the standard trim looks like because everybody specifies full leather. Is it possible to have acantera (imitation suede) or similar for better lateral grip? ...or better still change to a tighter fitting race type seat?
TRACKDAYS: Is the car up to it? ...I get the feeling that the mechanicals are tough enough and any failings generally relate to electrics/trim etc.,
...and do all AJP 6 engines sound so ‘tapperty’?? (top end noise).
I specified Bison imitation (grainy) leather for dash, doors and outer parts of the seat, and lamonta (artficial suede) for roof lining, seat centre panels and the background of the door cards. it looks good:-
and the seats are very grippy. The engine feels unburstable, the handling is miraculous, and it is stonkingly fast! The engine is very tappety, and needs care with oil levels - if low, it will sound worse. the fit and finish are very good, and should be better now they're into full production. As far as wheels, I've got both sizes, and the ride comfort is slightly better on 16's, the grip is better on 18's, but the differences are marginal, and it looks wicked on the 18's! Get one, you will not regret it!!
>> Edited by nubbin on Tuesday 14th May 09:29
>> Edited by nubbin on Sunday 19th May 11:35
and the seats are very grippy. The engine feels unburstable, the handling is miraculous, and it is stonkingly fast! The engine is very tappety, and needs care with oil levels - if low, it will sound worse. the fit and finish are very good, and should be better now they're into full production. As far as wheels, I've got both sizes, and the ride comfort is slightly better on 16's, the grip is better on 18's, but the differences are marginal, and it looks wicked on the 18's! Get one, you will not regret it!!
>> Edited by nubbin on Tuesday 14th May 09:29
>> Edited by nubbin on Sunday 19th May 11:35
Thanks for info.
I agree the Tamora has a lovely feel and adjustability missing from previous TVR's I've driven which although mightily impressive were somewhat intimidating. I'm coming to the car from a Lotus Elise 340R, so I think it's saying something about how good TVR are getting at chassis development. 'Delicate' is not a term I would have used to describe the handling of a Griffith!
With regard to the wheels at only £1000 extra the 18 inchers are almost too good to miss, but I do like a car that moves about a bit at lower speeds. I will try before buying. Then there's the replacement cost, 16 inch tyres are considerably cheaper than the 18's.
As I will do a lot of trackdays, should I consider bigger brakes or will braided hoses/harder pads do the trick?
I agree the Tamora has a lovely feel and adjustability missing from previous TVR's I've driven which although mightily impressive were somewhat intimidating. I'm coming to the car from a Lotus Elise 340R, so I think it's saying something about how good TVR are getting at chassis development. 'Delicate' is not a term I would have used to describe the handling of a Griffith!
With regard to the wheels at only £1000 extra the 18 inchers are almost too good to miss, but I do like a car that moves about a bit at lower speeds. I will try before buying. Then there's the replacement cost, 16 inch tyres are considerably cheaper than the 18's.
As I will do a lot of trackdays, should I consider bigger brakes or will braided hoses/harder pads do the trick?
The brakes are the same as the Tuscan, 304mm cross-drilled, ventilated at front, with 4 pot calipers (I think AP Racing make them), and 282mm cross-drilled, ventilated rears. I think they'll stop you o.k.!
The tyre prices aren't too bad. The Avon ZZ3 18" tyres will be out soon, and I reckon they'll be pretty competitively priced i.e. about £100-£120 a throw - possibly less.
The tyre prices aren't too bad. The Avon ZZ3 18" tyres will be out soon, and I reckon they'll be pretty competitively priced i.e. about £100-£120 a throw - possibly less.
Steve, my Tamora was delivered on 16" wheels but I've since bought 18s for £1400 from a dealer. That's effectively £400 for the set of 16s!
The 18s look superb but I'm not as confident driving on them as I was with the 16s!
As for the interior I've got bison/lamonta like Nubbin. The bison is excellent and makes the £2000 leather option seem pointless. The lamonta also looks and feels superb.
Cheers.... Andrew
>> Edited by gb61390 on Tuesday 14th May 12:41
The 18s look superb but I'm not as confident driving on them as I was with the 16s!
As for the interior I've got bison/lamonta like Nubbin. The bison is excellent and makes the £2000 leather option seem pointless. The lamonta also looks and feels superb.
Cheers.... Andrew
>> Edited by gb61390 on Tuesday 14th May 12:41
I've got all bison interior and it looks great. I intend to keep the car for a few years and had concerns about how hard wearing the lamonta would be (and how easy to keep clean). I thought that after a while it might go all smooth and shiny - like suede does.
I've also got the 16" wheels. I wouldn't bother with the 18" wheels - the first time I took the car to the local TVR car club meet I was asked a few times "Is that the 18" wheels then?"
At the end of the day it's personal preference and therfore subjective - I think the 18" wheels look a bit big for the Tamora. Also, the car (suspension, etc.) was designed with 16" wheels in mind.
Cheers.
I've also got the 16" wheels. I wouldn't bother with the 18" wheels - the first time I took the car to the local TVR car club meet I was asked a few times "Is that the 18" wheels then?"
At the end of the day it's personal preference and therfore subjective - I think the 18" wheels look a bit big for the Tamora. Also, the car (suspension, etc.) was designed with 16" wheels in mind.
Cheers.
I've also got all bison but after 750 miles it's started to wear badly around the seat belt and recliner lever rubbing points. have stuck on some velcro strip (the furry side) to help the belt slide better - hardly shows and works well. Anyone got the free (so TVR tell me) kickplates fitted yet?
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