Cerbera / T350c

[GCerbera]

Just wondering if any of the T350c owners also have, or have had a Cerbera in their time?

I'd be interested to know your thoughts (forgetting the 2 extra seats issue) on
the two cars.

I'm not thinking of trading the Cerb but may be look at specing a new T350.

I'm about to test drive one, so will draw some conclusions, but I'd like to hear
from those that use their car on a frequent basis.

I personally won't go for the T, so just want handing, performance and overall comparisons.

Thanks

[VYT]

Graham

The T350 is easy to drive, a bit like a normal car. Clutch is light and the demist works. Suspension seemed harder than the Cerb ar first but actually it soaks up big bumps better.
The S6 pulls without hesitation from 1.5k rpm but does not really go until 5k rpm. This makes it a doddle in the wet compared to the cerb where edging over 3k was often interesting.
Brakes are on a par with the standard 4.2 setup but were more consistent on the track.
Steering feels about the same. Rear quarter vision is awful, be careful lane changing.

In a drag race my old '96 cerb would show the T350 a clean par of heels, pretty sure of that provided I got everything right. T350 is easier to get off the line though.

Handling is in a different league, T350 just seems more settled.

Cheers

Bob

[GCerbera]

VYT said:

Graham The T350 is easy to drive, a bit like a normal car. Clutch is light and the demist works. Suspension seemed harder than the Cerb ar first but actually it soaks up big bumps better. The S6 pulls without hesitation from 1.5k rpm but does not really go until 5k rpm. This makes it a doddle in the wet compared to the cerb where edging over 3k was often interesting. Brakes are on a par with the standard 4.2 setup but were more consistent on the track. Steering feels about the same. Rear quarter vision is awful, be careful lane changing. In a drag race my old '96 cerb would show the T350 a clean par of heels, pretty sure of that provided I got everything right. T350 is easier to get off the line though. Handling is in a different league, T350 just seems more settled. Cheers Bob

Thanks for that Bob, very interesting.

Is your T350 on standard set up and if it is, do you feel any approved mods could
improve anything or is a standard spec an off the line sorted car?

Naturally with the Cerb, suspension and brakes come under scrutiny for upgrades etc.

Have you used either car on the track?

Thanks again
Graham

[nick beef]

Hi.. had a cerb before i moved on to the speed six engined cars... my current car is a T350t and i would say the main differance is that the Cerb was a real brute and loved to unleash hell at any given moment... The T350 is with out a doubt more refined in every department and can be driven below speed limits alot easier.. but believe me once throttled will just take off into the horizon... quicker point to point than the Cerb and alot more forgiving too... definitely the most sorted car i've had....

[VYT]

GCerbera said:

Thanks for that Bob, very interesting. Is your T350 on standard set up and if it is, do you feel any approved mods could improve anything or is a standard spec an off the line sorted car? Naturally with the Cerb, suspension and brakes come under scrutiny for upgrades etc. Have you used either car on the track? Thanks again Graham

Graham

The car is totally standard. I would not alter the car from new but as things need replacing I suspect the suspension and brakes will be upgraded. The suspension on the T350 is good but on the track the back end felt a bit soft. I suspect a good set of adjustable shocks will be on the list and maybe Tuscan S sized brakes although to be honest if you push the pedal hard enough the brakes are good enough.
I like the sound of the S6 as it is so I won't be messing with the exhaust.

I have taken both cars on to the track at Castle Combe. In terms of absolute lap time the result was the same ~1.26 however I was trying in the Cerbera but in the T350 I wasn't. I suspect low 1.20's would be on it I were trying. Trouble is one of the Tuscan's had a coming together with the tyre wall early in the day which took the wind out of the sails a bit.

I was short shifting the T350 @6 - 6.5k, I have the standard box so that was dropping me out of the power band on every shift.
The cerb was 10mph+ faster on every straight than the T350 but didn't settle well in the corners, Castle Combe is bumpy, I think that really illustrates the strengths of the T350 over the Cerb. No doubt if you have a decent suspension setup on the Cerb it would be a lot better. I had standard front suspension with AVO adjustable shocks on the rear.

Different beasts, but I like both.

[GCerbera]

Thanks Bob - very interesting reply.

Your Cerbera set suspension set up was the same as mine, so that will give me a
good guide.

I've heard the T350 is the most user friendly car in terms of handling and warns of
approaching limits rather than just snapping away?

I've yet to discuss 'options' but read about close ratio boxes and also Tamora spec
box to allow high revs in lower gears?
Any thoughts?

How about Hydrotrack diff vs Standard?

Thanks again

>> Edited by GCerbera on Thursday 12th August 11:45

[ricardo]

I used to have a well swift 4.5 Cerbie which I really liked, and now have a T350T.

T350 is a lot more user friendly as an everyday car and has more 'progressive' handling, the Cerbie was quicker in mid-range acceleration and had much better brakes.

I personally like Hydratrak and spec'd it for the T350 - I realise that the sp6 3.6 is less torquey compared to the Griffs I had, but I still reckon it makes sense in the wet as I travel some pretty slippy country lanes on the way to work.

In summary I personally would look at the 4.0rr upgrade if you want outrageously fast and torquey, definately Tuscan S brakes, and possibly Hydratrak (personal preference).
Best Regards
Rich

[TimW]

what does Hydratrak do??

>> Edited by TimW on Thursday 12th August 12:38

[VYT]

GCerbera said:

I've heard the T350 is the most user friendly car in terms of handling and warns of approaching limits rather than just snapping away? I've yet to discuss 'options' but read about close ratio boxes and also Tamora spec box to allow high revs in lower gears? Any thoughts? How about Hydrotrack diff vs Standard? Thanks again

Graham, Mine is a "T" I don't have aircon and don't need it, but that is just me. I test drove a "C" last summer, that needed air con.

I think the close ratio box would be useful on track but on the road I doubt there is a benefit, I don't get anywhere near the power band 99% of the time, on the road anyway, neither do I need to. 3.6 might be a tad low on torque compared to an AJP or RV8 but it is still more than enough for most situations.

I doubt the 3.6RR would be a benfit either as I suspect that just needs more revs, useful on track but I would rather have the 360bhp 4.0 on the road if it were available.

The chassis is very predictable, understeer which can be balanced on the throttle. Grip is about the same as the cerb but feels safer on the limit. Feels like a mark 1 elise in some respects but with decent grunt.

I tried a 4.5 Cerb with Hydratrack before I bought my 4.2 which had a limited slip diff. I prefer the limited slip diff. A personal preference though.

Bob

[GCerbera]

Had an excellent first test drive today.

Quite shocked how different to the Cerbera it was, especially as it felt so
much better to drive!

Standard set up on a T350T (but sorry, the T's not for me) so here is what I thought.

Loved the pedal set up, had clompy baseball boots on and it still felt very
good underfoot.

Excellent road presence although it did start to wander at higher speeds,
but at speeds well in excess of my Cerbera.

Didn't bottom out as my Cerbs have and rode the camber changes like it was on rails.

Power kicks in later than I thought, but it flys when it arrives.

Brakes faded, so an area to address.

Far happier in traffic at low speeds

Far more space inside the cabin than expected.

Very comfortable driving position, felt very relaxed after just a few minutes.

Seat felt harder in the back than the Cerb.

Digital display, lots to look at with numerous options.
Standard dials, almost felt unwarranted.

Overall, very very impressed - with a few mods, could be just what I am
looking for to combine road and track.

Many thanks to Steve at Silverstone TVR - Nice range of models available in
some stunning colours - all calling my name...

Over to you Mr Preest.

[stag]

My old cerbie is going and I have new t350t coming with a/c and lsd.

Is this car fast yes

is this car fast through the corners oh yes more than my old car.

I can even see where I am going!

I found brakes fine

Hope it is reliable!!!