Some guidance and ideas please - T350T

[sv1]

OK, after a brilliant 6 months with my T350C, it's time to spec the T350T I ordered when I picked up the Coupe.

I didn't choose the spec on the Coupe (impulse purchase b4 the dealer could turn it into a demo!) but now I can so...any thoughts please on:

Sequential Gearbox
Hydratrak Diff
Improving the stereo model and sound?
The 50hp factory tune

Thanks all - good w/e
Simon

[Apache]

I've been told (by a good source) not to bother with the 50bhp upgrade. And will hydratrak really be useful in daily use? I'd be more inclined to go for aero additions, sexy exhaust (a la nubbin) or suspension tweaks. Your choice you lucky lad

[sewega]

Ordered a T the other week with performance upgrade.

From what I understand the upgrade is really worth having. It's not a 50bhp upgrade, it gives more like 20-30, but includes uprated brakes, exhaust, and some body mods ...

Didn't know that a sequential box was an option though!

[nubbin]

Maybe the close ratio box, definitely Tuscan S brakes, definitely sports exhaust, leather + air-con. The Hydratrak is supposed to make a difference, but I've never had one, so can't comment.

[neil.b]

What's different about the Tuscan S brakes?

[Tivster]

neil.b said:

What's different about the Tuscan S brakes?

They work!!

[Tivster]

Apache said:

I've been told (by a good source) not to bother with the 50bhp upgrade. And will hydratrak really be useful in daily use? I'd be more inclined to go for aero additions, sexy exhaust (a la nubbin) or suspension tweaks. Your choice you lucky lad

The performance upgrade is (sigh)

1. Engine Upgrade - reworked ignition mapping, induction and tuning to about 380bhp
2. Uprated Exhaust - much larger bore, completely different sound.
3. Tuscan S brakes - larger diameter vented discs = better stopping by far.
4. Body shell - different (nuff said)

All in all this provides a power to weight ratio greater than that of the Tuscan S.

Even not completely run in this equates to a real world 0-60 in the very low 4's - GPS measured and verified .
Throttle response is entirely different to the standard T350 with a sense of urgency I've never experienced before and the sound is much more throaty.
The car feels stiffer as a result of the different body shell, but the ride is still superb.

I get the feeling that given a decent length of off-public road track, this car will leave others for dead!! My 4.2 Cerbera would have had trouble keeping up with it for sure.

As for the sequential box, I'm glad it wasn't available at the time I ordered. Unless you are a racer it's not ever going to improve on the Borg Warner box.

All in all I'd go for the upgrade pack every time..

Tivster

>> Edited by Tivster on Monday 20th October 11:07

[christof]

Well, go and test the latest spec Tuscan S against the T 350 and you will be very surprised which one will win by a mile...

The Tuscan S is the fastest TVR I've ever driven !

>> Edited by christof on Monday 20th October 11:20

[apex]

...
I'm not an expert on this by any means but exactly how much difference does a stiffer bodyshell make to the T350. Thought the strength of TVR's is in the chassis/rollcage and that the body added very little to overall rigidity.

Any idea of price of changing the exhausts over from standard to sports ???

[Tivster]

christof said:

Well, go and test the latest spec Tuscan S against the T 350 and you will be very surprised which one will win by a mile... The Tuscan S is the fastest TVR I've ever driven ! >> Edited by christof on Monday 20th October 11:20

Yep the T350 with the performance pack without a shadow of doubt...

[Plotloss]

The difference in the bodyshell on the upgrade pack is that certain components of it are lighter so the car as a whole weighs less.

[Tivster]

apex said:

... I'm not an expert on this by any means but exactly how much difference does a stiffer bodyshell make to the T350. Thought the strength of TVR's is in the chassis/rollcage and that the body added very little to overall rigidity. Any idea of price of changing the exhausts over from standard to sports ???

Chassis's still flex - a more rigid bodyshell should reduce the flex allowing the power to be transmitted sooner and not wasted on distorting the chassis.
To use a windsurfing analogy, it is similar to the use of a carbon mast rather than an epoxy mast. Carbon has a much faster reaction time to forces applied to it and recovers its shape far quicker. Epoxy tends to react far slower and to a greater degree, recovering slower as a result (if the specs of the masts are identical bar the construction).

Tivster

[Tivster]

Plotloss said:

The difference in the bodyshell on the upgrade pack is that certain components of it are lighter so the car as a whole weighs less.

More rigid AND lighter - oh and far better finished as a by-product

Tivster

[Plotloss]

I find it difficult to believe that the core construction of the shell is any different for the money.

Think of the costs involved in tooling up for a completely different level of rigidity for the £5K extra, it would be a non starter.

I would suggest that the rigidity differences are a result of the lighter weight due to less force being exerted on the chassis as a result.

[christof]

Yep the T350 with the performance pack without a shadow of doubt... [/quote]

I really appreciate that you like your beastie Tivster, BUT you have to drive both cars side by side.

I have a T350 with the perf.pack and a Tuscan S with the 400bhp engine and, believe it or not, the T350 can't follow the S.

I've also owned a Cerbera RR before and as I stated before, the S is the fastest of all.

[nubbin]

Christof, you big show-off!!

[apex]

... Tivster I don't mean to be picky just curious re the bodyshell diffs you allude to

- from what I've understood from the posts its a
weight saving (what are we talking about (10, 20,
30kg+) benefit.

Thats fair enough, and whilst the body may exert less force on the chassis (another point I can relate to), isn't the case that the actual bodyshell is LESS rather than more rigid.

I ask because I understand TVR Power are releasing upgrades to standard T350's (like mine) and if as you state there is a bodyshell difference if you order the pack on order we (fatties !!!) can't I assume get the real deal without considerable expense.

This fact may also make a difference to those buying a used example (i.e retrofit Performance Pack v Factory Fitted Pack).

[Plotloss]

I would have thought that the difference in weight comes solely from a lighter door, bonnet and hatchback arrangement as it does in the Cerb (minus hatchback of course), anything else would just be too complex surely.

Also if that is the case then everything could be retrofitted...

[Apache]

How do they make the hatchback lighter? substitute perspex for glass?

[Plotloss]

Apache said:

How do they make the hatchback lighter? substitute perspex for glass?

Potentially I suppose, not sure.

I just cant see how it would be financially feasible for TVR to maintain two construction techniques for one car and hence it must be the bolt on bits...