Considering a T350
Discussion
Hi all,
Hoping to benefit from the PH collective wisdom.
I'm considering plunging into Speed 6 territory....specifically a T350C. Always loved the shape of these.
Previously ... very previously 15 years ago when in my 20s, I had two Chimaeras which I loved. Then went down the Boxster route because I was still buying new in those days and by 2004 TVR's future seemed to be in question. I never had any reliability issues with my Chimaeras, so I've no worries on that front. And I have read on here and elsewhere that the Speed 6 engine, by the time it got used in the T350s/Tamoras, most of the issues had been rectified. And that, unlike my most recent 911, an engine rebuild if needed would be about £6k, and not £12k as it was with my Carrera S! Which I can cope with.
So what I'm interested in knowing is whether it's useable as a frequent driver. I am 48 years old and less svelte than before, with the requisite back aches etc. I have another car for daily grind etc, but I do tend to use my fun cars at every opportunity and put 6-8000 miles a year on them. Longer motorway runs...occasional blats down through France to Limoges to visit my sister. I don't tend to track them...used to, but I quickly realised that the Palmersport days were a better idea and then it was someone else's car!
Question is, is the refinement going to be a problem for me in my old age? Rattles/squeaks? Tyre noise etc? How bad is it? I'm not expecting S-Class levels of refinement. But my 2004 997 Carrera S wasn't that quiet...fair bit of tyre and wind noise. Would it be somewhere near that?
I know, I know...only answer is to try one out. Working on that...
Cheers all,
J.
Hoping to benefit from the PH collective wisdom.
I'm considering plunging into Speed 6 territory....specifically a T350C. Always loved the shape of these.
Previously ... very previously 15 years ago when in my 20s, I had two Chimaeras which I loved. Then went down the Boxster route because I was still buying new in those days and by 2004 TVR's future seemed to be in question. I never had any reliability issues with my Chimaeras, so I've no worries on that front. And I have read on here and elsewhere that the Speed 6 engine, by the time it got used in the T350s/Tamoras, most of the issues had been rectified. And that, unlike my most recent 911, an engine rebuild if needed would be about £6k, and not £12k as it was with my Carrera S! Which I can cope with.
So what I'm interested in knowing is whether it's useable as a frequent driver. I am 48 years old and less svelte than before, with the requisite back aches etc. I have another car for daily grind etc, but I do tend to use my fun cars at every opportunity and put 6-8000 miles a year on them. Longer motorway runs...occasional blats down through France to Limoges to visit my sister. I don't tend to track them...used to, but I quickly realised that the Palmersport days were a better idea and then it was someone else's car!
Question is, is the refinement going to be a problem for me in my old age? Rattles/squeaks? Tyre noise etc? How bad is it? I'm not expecting S-Class levels of refinement. But my 2004 997 Carrera S wasn't that quiet...fair bit of tyre and wind noise. Would it be somewhere near that?
I know, I know...only answer is to try one out. Working on that...
Cheers all,
J.
I would say you should be buying a TVR such as the T350 on the driving experience not its NVH management capabiities. As to trying to use it as a daily? what are your contigency plans for the days when its not working awaiting repair? I've owned my T350 for a while now (over 10 years) and there have been times of significant frustration at its ability to develop really wierd random faults that prevented its use or stuff that breaks & has a long lead time for a part/ replacement . Not the latter is /can be dependant on how accessible your local TVR specialist is and how busy they are , as taking it to a generic garage can result in more problems than cures, if your not resourced to do some spannering yourself. . Mine has had a few alternators, probably due to crappy-alledgely pukka replacements. Exhaust side engine mounts can be problematic until swapped with aftermarket replacements (fingers crossed) & a raft of odd electrical gremlins that require marque knowledge/specialists to effect repair. But when its working I doubt theres much that could compare to its sense of occasion . I have thought at times that it could be a daily but then it reminds me to stop being stupid and breaks something (most recent being an dead alternator, now on number 4 - though number 2 was a DOA from a "reputable" OEM parts supplier, its replacement lasted less than 4k miles from same supplier
The T350 was one of the best cars TVR ever built.
I owned and ran one as a daily driver for over a year, doing 12K in that year, it was rewarding and frustrating in equal measure.
It's quite a hard stiff ride and it really does like to be driven quite quickly, so sitting in heavy traffic was not the best way to enjoy it.
It's very low, so high kerbs are sometimes an issue, it has its fair share of minor issues that are a little annoying as a daily driver but for
a weekend toy can be ignored.
The drive, handling and sounds from the exhaust are epic.
Here's a picture of my car with Al Melling (engine designer).
I owned and ran one as a daily driver for over a year, doing 12K in that year, it was rewarding and frustrating in equal measure.
It's quite a hard stiff ride and it really does like to be driven quite quickly, so sitting in heavy traffic was not the best way to enjoy it.
It's very low, so high kerbs are sometimes an issue, it has its fair share of minor issues that are a little annoying as a daily driver but for
a weekend toy can be ignored.
The drive, handling and sounds from the exhaust are epic.
Here's a picture of my car with Al Melling (engine designer).
They are not refined and they are a firm ride but not uncomfortable. They don’t like sitting in traffic much but cruise well.
I would say if you want to put miles on it via long trips that’s fine but if you wanted to use it a few times a week every week during all weathers it might get a bit tedious.
It’s a beautiful looking car to my eyes and is a real event to drive. Also half the cost of a sag.
I would say if you want to put miles on it via long trips that’s fine but if you wanted to use it a few times a week every week during all weathers it might get a bit tedious.
It’s a beautiful looking car to my eyes and is a real event to drive. Also half the cost of a sag.
Or buy a Tamora! the roof comes off and for some reason its cheaper still!
I'm a short arse and I find miy Tam as comfortable as my 997. It does not have the refinements and (as mine never has the roof on) its a fair bit noisier. Out of the 2 I'd choose the TVR every time. I have no doubt that the 997 does it all seemingly effortlessly (and with more refinement), the TVR is a an occasion every time you take it out.
PS; are you keeping the 997 or has it already moved on?
I'm a short arse and I find miy Tam as comfortable as my 997. It does not have the refinements and (as mine never has the roof on) its a fair bit noisier. Out of the 2 I'd choose the TVR every time. I have no doubt that the 997 does it all seemingly effortlessly (and with more refinement), the TVR is a an occasion every time you take it out.
PS; are you keeping the 997 or has it already moved on?
brownspeed said:
Or buy a Tamora! the roof comes off and for some reason its cheaper still!
I'm a short arse and I find miy Tam as comfortable as my 997. It does not have the refinements and (as mine never has the roof on) its a fair bit noisier. Out of the 2 I'd choose the TVR every time. I have no doubt that the 997 does it all seemingly effortlessly (and with more refinement), the TVR is a an occasion every time you take it out.
PS; are you keeping the 997 or has it already moved on?
Hi ya - no, the 997 has already gone.I'm a short arse and I find miy Tam as comfortable as my 997. It does not have the refinements and (as mine never has the roof on) its a fair bit noisier. Out of the 2 I'd choose the TVR every time. I have no doubt that the 997 does it all seemingly effortlessly (and with more refinement), the TVR is a an occasion every time you take it out.
PS; are you keeping the 997 or has it already moved on?
J.
fredd1e said:
I would say you should be buying a TVR such as the T350 on the driving experience not its NVH management capabiities. As to trying to use it as a daily? what are your contigency plans for the days when its not working awaiting repair? I've owned my T350 for a while now (over 10 years) and there have been times of significant frustration at its ability to develop really wierd random faults that prevented its use or stuff that breaks & has a long lead time for a part/ replacement . Not the latter is /can be dependant on how accessible your local TVR specialist is and how busy they are , as taking it to a generic garage can result in more problems than cures, if your not resourced to do some spannering yourself. . Mine has had a few alternators, probably due to crappy-alledgely pukka replacements. Exhaust side engine mounts can be problematic until swapped with aftermarket replacements (fingers crossed) & a raft of odd electrical gremlins that require marque knowledge/specialists to effect repair. But when its working I doubt theres much that could compare to its sense of occasion . I have thought at times that it could be a daily but then it reminds me to stop being stupid and breaks something (most recent being an dead alternator, now on number 4 - though number 2 was a DOA from a "reputable" OEM parts supplier, its replacement lasted less than 4k miles from same supplier
Hi Fredd1e...well yes, I know I should. But somewhere in the back of my mind I was hoping it might quieten down a bit when you're just pressing on for a long trip. My contingency plans are an A4 diesel 
Re dealers I'm fortunate in that where I am I have two quite close - Kerridges and Python are within 30-40 mins of my house, so generic garages aren't something I will have to contend with...but I will speak to them to find out how busy they are. Parts scarcity etc I guess is just part of the territory. Frustrating as you say, but not much choice if you want that car.
I am a bit shocked at the picture you paint above...but I suppose those things over 10 years might be expected on a car of that type? Following the engine failure on the 911, I was constantly worried it was going to go again. So I'm well used to it really.
I've just had a chat with a chap at Str8 Six, and asked for general advice...he listed all the usual things, but interestingly stressed the radiator as a key thing...he said that the upright radiator of the earlier cars are a problem for cooling in traffic, and not much can be done to solve it. And that it can't be converted to the later horizontal format without changing the front end! He advised me to look elsewhere if I live down south and there was any possibility of frequent traffic!
J.
I’m following this with interest. I’m also 48 and owned a TVR in my 20s and Porsche more recently. However my budget appears to have remained stubbornly lower than yours... S3C in my 20s, currently a 987.1S Boxster and I have my heart set on a Tamora.
I work from home (so no commuting or stop start traffic) and will be for many years to come, so mine will be a fun car too. However it will also need to be useable enough for me to be able to get around potentially in all weathers if the family car is in use.
The Boxster is ideal for what I need and I do really like it, but it doesn’t have the sole of a TVR... I just need to save a bit harder now!
I work from home (so no commuting or stop start traffic) and will be for many years to come, so mine will be a fun car too. However it will also need to be useable enough for me to be able to get around potentially in all weathers if the family car is in use.
The Boxster is ideal for what I need and I do really like it, but it doesn’t have the sole of a TVR... I just need to save a bit harder now!
Having my T350c for more than 10 years now and using it as much as possible. You need a parking garage to park it, it is not for parking outside in rain and snow and you should have an alternative car for daily use if necessary. And it is preferable if you have a specialist near you for service or repairs.
And you need to look for it from time to time, fluids, tyre pressure etc. But the more you use it the less you will have niggles and probs.
You will love it every time you are driving it.
And you need to look for it from time to time, fluids, tyre pressure etc. But the more you use it the less you will have niggles and probs.
You will love it every time you are driving it.
Granturadriver said:
Having my T350c for more than 10 years now and using it as much as possible. You need a parking garage to park it, it is not for parking outside in rain and snow and you should have an alternative car for daily use if necessary. And it is preferable if you have a specialist near you for service or repairs.
And you need to look for it from time to time, fluids, tyre pressure etc. But the more you use it the less you will have niggles and probs.
You will love it every time you are driving it.
Absolutely ... got all those things covered. I'm quite committed to my cars so regular checks and mechanical sympathy are not a problem either. And you need to look for it from time to time, fluids, tyre pressure etc. But the more you use it the less you will have niggles and probs.
You will love it every time you are driving it.
Speaking of garaging, there's a black Tuscan on a driveway not far from me in Sudbury, just down the road from the Ford dealer. That one's always outside, although I think it's covered in Winter. I wonder how that's holding up...it looks fantastic from the road.
astonman said:
You will pay at least 70% of a Sag for a 2005/2006 T350C, of equivalent mileage, more for a T350T.
For this you will want Nitron shocks,with Sagaris spring rates, and a good standard+ride height.
What's wrong with 2004 cars? Mine is 2004 and is better than my previous 2005 one!!! For this you will want Nitron shocks,with Sagaris spring rates, and a good standard+ride height.
Do you mean like this? The T350 answers your 'spec' almost exactly even has a 4.0 engine in.
https://www.pistonheads.com/buy/listing/11562862
https://collectingcars.com/for-sale/2005-tvr-sagar...
https://www.pistonheads.com/buy/listing/11562862
https://collectingcars.com/for-sale/2005-tvr-sagar...
PPPMAT said:
They are not refined and they are a firm ride but not uncomfortable. They don’t like sitting in traffic much but cruise well.
I would say if you want to put miles on it via long trips that’s fine but if you wanted to use it a few times a week every week during all weathers it might get a bit tedious.
It’s a beautiful looking car to my eyes and is a real event to drive. Also half the cost of a sag.
Agreed. I drove my T350 back to back with a 996 C4S (which is less refined than a 997). NVH is much harsher in the TVR but not uncomfortable. I would say if you want to put miles on it via long trips that’s fine but if you wanted to use it a few times a week every week during all weathers it might get a bit tedious.
It’s a beautiful looking car to my eyes and is a real event to drive. Also half the cost of a sag.
I have a bad back so I use the seat cushion as a back rest. This allows me to sit lower while having lower back support. I've done long journeys in it and it's been fine.
I think, once you've tried one, the thrill of it will more than make up for the NVH as long as you can sit comfortably in the seat. It's just such a visceral and exciting car to drive even though no where near as accomplished as a 991.
Regular usage with over half hour journeys will keep the car more happy i.e. less things going wrong - they just don't like to sit around for long periods without being used.
I prefer the looks of the T350 to the Sagaris. In fact I think it’s one of the best looking sports car of all time.
I also witnessed one exiting the Goodwood motor circuit under full power in 2005. It was the best sounding car I’d heard all day.
‘I must have that’, I thought. 16 years and counting…
I also witnessed one exiting the Goodwood motor circuit under full power in 2005. It was the best sounding car I’d heard all day.
‘I must have that’, I thought. 16 years and counting…
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