Tamora Test Drive Thoughts
Discussion
Hello again folks.
Yesterday I test drove the tamora I've been considering buying and am pretty undecided so thought I'd see what people think.
I thought it sounded tappety, dealer said the noise was from the injectors, how should it sound, its supposed had tappets checked?
I struggled down shifting into 3rd a few times, never struggled with that in my chimaeras, could it be I'm not used to the clutch and wasn't fully dipping it?
I also felt I could hear a slight whine or whirring noise at low revs and light throttle, any ideas?
There were also some annoying interior rattles that I expect could be dealt with.
I also thought it sounded a bit quiet although I did have the roof up.
Thoughts would be appreciated.
Cheers
Nigel
Yesterday I test drove the tamora I've been considering buying and am pretty undecided so thought I'd see what people think.
I thought it sounded tappety, dealer said the noise was from the injectors, how should it sound, its supposed had tappets checked?
I struggled down shifting into 3rd a few times, never struggled with that in my chimaeras, could it be I'm not used to the clutch and wasn't fully dipping it?
I also felt I could hear a slight whine or whirring noise at low revs and light throttle, any ideas?
There were also some annoying interior rattles that I expect could be dealt with.
I also thought it sounded a bit quiet although I did have the roof up.
Thoughts would be appreciated.
Cheers
Nigel
They sound like a bag of bolts when cold but once warm should be smooth as anything.
3rd gear - could be a worn syncro but should be smooth. Doubt it'll be the clutch else would be like it in all gears, especially getting into first.
Exhaust, standard is quite quiet, get a jp rear box on and it'll be transformed. De-cat a well and it'll be an animal.
Rattles, common but shouldn't be too many.
Any doubts either get it properly inspected or walk away and find another.
3rd gear - could be a worn syncro but should be smooth. Doubt it'll be the clutch else would be like it in all gears, especially getting into first.
Exhaust, standard is quite quiet, get a jp rear box on and it'll be transformed. De-cat a well and it'll be an animal.
Rattles, common but shouldn't be too many.
Any doubts either get it properly inspected or walk away and find another.
Could the "whirring" be either the fuel pump or the cooling fan cutting in? I don't believe "injector noises"... although they do feel more "mechanical" than many modern cars. Any engine rebuilds or top end rebuilds in its history? As others sort of said, if you have to ask, this probably isn't the one... but you've got a benchmark, enjoy your search!
Has it had an engine increase to 4.3 or 4.5 ? powers fit green injectors to their big engines and they are notoriously noisy. standard injectors however are quiet so any ticking noises should be investigated.
If in any doubt factor in a rebuild to the price if it hasn't had one, or walk away.
If in any doubt factor in a rebuild to the price if it hasn't had one, or walk away.
Thanks for all the replies.
The car is with a long term tvr dealer and has been through their workshop.
It had an engine rebuild at 12k miles, it's now at 38k
Its still a 3.6 so from what you're saying should be pretty quiet.
I was really looking forward to having it but I'm now not so keen, I was offered it at pretty sensible money, most tamoras are beyond what I want to spend so I may well end up in a v8 car of which I've already had 3, much for me to think about...
The car is with a long term tvr dealer and has been through their workshop.
It had an engine rebuild at 12k miles, it's now at 38k
Its still a 3.6 so from what you're saying should be pretty quiet.
I was really looking forward to having it but I'm now not so keen, I was offered it at pretty sensible money, most tamoras are beyond what I want to spend so I may well end up in a v8 car of which I've already had 3, much for me to think about...
A regular short tick, tick, tick at idle is probably injectors, but a tappetty, tap, tap, tap that varies and in some cases disappears with rpm suggests top end issues to me.
Bought quite a few TVR's over the years and generally I'd say if it doesn't feel right to you, don't buy it. Might be fine, but why take the chance when there are others out there.
Bought quite a few TVR's over the years and generally I'd say if it doesn't feel right to you, don't buy it. Might be fine, but why take the chance when there are others out there.
A quick note on the test drive & dealer, I'm not going to name names but wanted to confirm the test drive was conducted in a covid compliant way, the car was parked outside, we wore masks during discussion and I drove the car alone, I didn't even enter the dealership.
Regarding the car it is entirely possible that my concerns are simply unfamiliarity with the speed six cars, I can't see the dealer being willing to give up many years of good reputation by selling a car that isn't right.
Regarding the car it is entirely possible that my concerns are simply unfamiliarity with the speed six cars, I can't see the dealer being willing to give up many years of good reputation by selling a car that isn't right.
Well clearly if its the ex Factory demo car - on the plus side its pretty famous for multiple road tests featuring TVR 100 plate so going to have lots of interesting history - however is clearly going to have led a hard life which may explain gearbox issue - 3rd should be slick (the only known issue engaging is reverse, drop it into 5th first)
Speed 6 very sensitive to treatment from cold and won't take abuse, however also engine also vastly improved in later years. My 2002 Cerbera emitted all sorts of taps and whines and tics but ran sweet during my ownership. My 2005 Sagaris Speed 6 is a Lexus in comparison
Speed 6 very sensitive to treatment from cold and won't take abuse, however also engine also vastly improved in later years. My 2002 Cerbera emitted all sorts of taps and whines and tics but ran sweet during my ownership. My 2005 Sagaris Speed 6 is a Lexus in comparison
That car is priced at the top end for Tams, maybe the price reflects its “fame” rather than its quality, although I’d be surprised if that was the case as the garage has a good rep and I know they know the car well, as I viewed it there in 2010.
Edited to say, apologies if it’s not that car
Edited to say, apologies if it’s not that car
Edited by Pursyluv on Tuesday 13th April 22:08
PuffsBack said:
Well clearly if its the ex Factory demo car - on the plus side its pretty famous for multiple road tests featuring TVR 100 plate so going to have lots of interesting history - however is clearly going to have led a hard life which may explain gearbox issue - 3rd should be slick (the only known issue engaging is reverse, drop it into 5th first)
Speed 6 very sensitive to treatment from cold and won't take abuse, however also engine also vastly improved in later years. My 2002 Cerbera emitted all sorts of taps and whines and tics but ran sweet during my ownership. My 2005 Sagaris Speed 6 is a Lexus in comparison
Strange I would say it clearly isnt that car Speed 6 very sensitive to treatment from cold and won't take abuse, however also engine also vastly improved in later years. My 2002 Cerbera emitted all sorts of taps and whines and tics but ran sweet during my ownership. My 2005 Sagaris Speed 6 is a Lexus in comparison
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