Discussion
I viewed two 4.3s earlier this year, both of which had merits and downsides, then lockdown came along and I parked the idea of buying one. I'm resurrecting my search, not in a rush, and hopefully something that suits will come along over the winter ready for next spring.
My question is why do pre-cats continue to sit towards the bottom of the price range? To my mind the lack of pre-cats is a major benefit and I prefer the lack of pas and pre estoril wheels. Is the increased ethanol content in petrol a problem for these engines or fuel lines? Is the 4.3 fragile? Or is there simply a market assumption that a 500 must be better so worth more?
There are only a couple of 4.3s in the classifieds and I'm after a well maintained example that has seen regular recent use. The example for sale with the Surrey dealer appeals, apart from the grey trim, but goes against everything I've read on this forum in terms of buying advice. Where does one find such a car - calls to dealers, facebook (don't use it), TVR CC or PH ads? Given I believe they were mostly all registered in 1992 and not all survive I guess maybe it's just a case of waiting for a good one to be advertised.
My question is why do pre-cats continue to sit towards the bottom of the price range? To my mind the lack of pre-cats is a major benefit and I prefer the lack of pas and pre estoril wheels. Is the increased ethanol content in petrol a problem for these engines or fuel lines? Is the 4.3 fragile? Or is there simply a market assumption that a 500 must be better so worth more?
There are only a couple of 4.3s in the classifieds and I'm after a well maintained example that has seen regular recent use. The example for sale with the Surrey dealer appeals, apart from the grey trim, but goes against everything I've read on this forum in terms of buying advice. Where does one find such a car - calls to dealers, facebook (don't use it), TVR CC or PH ads? Given I believe they were mostly all registered in 1992 and not all survive I guess maybe it's just a case of waiting for a good one to be advertised.
Hi, I also have a 4.3 non PAS, purchased last October, my 5th TVR, the 4th being a 500 with PAS.
I’m not too concerned about future values personally, rather how the car drives and getting up seriously early to go for a blast. I do know from my own experience that I much prefer the revvier more sporting nature and sound of the 4.3. The 4.3 is a rawer drive and reminds me of the 3l Marcos I had when I was 18 (arghh, 40 years ago!) and an E-Type I had for 13 years.
I can understand the merit in getting a 500 with the various improvements introduced later in development, but still see having no cats as a bonus for the earlier cars.
I think in the longer term the condition of a particular car will drive value rather than engine size, I’m actually grateful that they are relatively affordable at the moment, the Jag had increased in value 6-fold to the extent that I was worried about using it!
Dom
I’m not too concerned about future values personally, rather how the car drives and getting up seriously early to go for a blast. I do know from my own experience that I much prefer the revvier more sporting nature and sound of the 4.3. The 4.3 is a rawer drive and reminds me of the 3l Marcos I had when I was 18 (arghh, 40 years ago!) and an E-Type I had for 13 years.
I can understand the merit in getting a 500 with the various improvements introduced later in development, but still see having no cats as a bonus for the earlier cars.
I think in the longer term the condition of a particular car will drive value rather than engine size, I’m actually grateful that they are relatively affordable at the moment, the Jag had increased in value 6-fold to the extent that I was worried about using it!
Dom
I think all variants would be similarly affected by ethanol, not engine dependent. I guess you would assume that you’ll change the fuel lines for the latest ethanol-resistant material unless you have proof it has been recently done. I use Esso Supreme which is ethanol free at the moment in the NW and also an inhibitor, the FBHVC have tested and recommend one from Millers. I don’t think any variant of the engine is fragile as such, each has their own advocates for good reasons!
I bought from Mark at Amore Cars and would happily recommend, may be worth discussing your requirements?
I bought from Mark at Amore Cars and would happily recommend, may be worth discussing your requirements?
SFTWend said:
I viewed two 4.3s earlier this year, both of which had merits and downsides, then lockdown came along and I parked the idea of buying one. I'm resurrecting my search, not in a rush, and hopefully something that suits will come along over the winter ready for next spring.
My question is why do pre-cats continue to sit towards the bottom of the price range? To my mind the lack of pre-cats is a major benefit and I prefer the lack of pas and pre estoril wheels. Is the increased ethanol content in petrol a problem for these engines or fuel lines? Is the 4.3 fragile? Or is there simply a market assumption that a 500 must be better so worth more?
There are only a couple of 4.3s in the classifieds and I'm after a well maintained example that has seen regular recent use. The example for sale with the Surrey dealer appeals, apart from the grey trim, but goes against everything I've read on this forum in terms of buying advice. Where does one find such a car - calls to dealers, facebook (don't use it), TVR CC or PH ads? Given I believe they were mostly all registered in 1992 and not all survive I guess maybe it's just a case of waiting for a good one to be advertised.
hmmmm, watch this space...the 4.3 pre-cat is amazingly, still a real sleeper with regard to investment potentialMy question is why do pre-cats continue to sit towards the bottom of the price range? To my mind the lack of pre-cats is a major benefit and I prefer the lack of pas and pre estoril wheels. Is the increased ethanol content in petrol a problem for these engines or fuel lines? Is the 4.3 fragile? Or is there simply a market assumption that a 500 must be better so worth more?
There are only a couple of 4.3s in the classifieds and I'm after a well maintained example that has seen regular recent use. The example for sale with the Surrey dealer appeals, apart from the grey trim, but goes against everything I've read on this forum in terms of buying advice. Where does one find such a car - calls to dealers, facebook (don't use it), TVR CC or PH ads? Given I believe they were mostly all registered in 1992 and not all survive I guess maybe it's just a case of waiting for a good one to be advertised.
As u say, those buying are mainly divorced from the origins of the Griff...and (wrongly IMHO) assume that newer / more power must be the better deal....
I tested them back to back...and returned the 500 within minutes (both similar used car asking price at the time) as it lacked all the 'laugh out loud' engine character of the 4.3 - both the CAT and power steering corrupted the raw appeal of the classic original - The original RV8 engine tuner and RV8 guru with decades experience, John Eales also affirms that the 4.3 is the purest of all TVR Rv8 options, even against the 4.3bv and 4.5 variants with best driving characteristics and balance between bore, stroke, cam etc
The Griff is a frisky little blighter with a very short wheelbase to track ratio and a tendency to unweight the rear wheels under braking ...power steering makes it all too easy to upset what little poise remains under such conditions...equally u might say that it would then be quicker to catch the slide....u need to be lucky and have a good degree of road space to catch a fishtailing Griff in the wet - The 500's torque is more difficult to modulate too
As with exotics such as Ferrari, the low volume purest of breed will be the models that soar in value in the future - owners of these models, open to selling, are likely holding off, particularly until the Brand is eventually re-launched
IMHO the 4.3 will indeed be the one that wins in the investment side of things - I havent checked, but presumably the SEAC is worth more than the std wedge alternative due to rarity
we shall see...4.3 should hit solid twenties within couple of yrs? - Could well then go on into thirties within a further five..
SFTWend said:
Many thanks for the replies gents. Confirnation that a 4.3 is the right model for me.
if u enjoy pure intoxicating engine sound from bass prof-undo to tenor scream...at an affordable price, coupled to a sensuous body and rare torque / weight ratio....there are few UK alternatives 
Thank you, Fella.!!
...after further research, it appears that TVR took the 4.275cc of Rover, and replaced the 8.13:1 pistons with the 3.9 higher compression ones, 9.35:1, along with better timing gear/chain and fettled heads, and of course a cam change and BV heads, as an option, coming up with 4.280cc, oddly enough!
...after further research, it appears that TVR took the 4.275cc of Rover, and replaced the 8.13:1 pistons with the 3.9 higher compression ones, 9.35:1, along with better timing gear/chain and fettled heads, and of course a cam change and BV heads, as an option, coming up with 4.280cc, oddly enough!
Edited by hillclimbmanic on Wednesday 25th November 13:42
Patience now wearing thin waiting for a good 4.3 to come to market and wondering if I should have bought one of what sounded like some nice 500's that have come and gone. I really would prefer a 4.3 though.
I'm only aware of two 4.3s currently advertised;
- red one in Suffolk that has been for sale for ages and the description differs materially from the MOT history.
- green one up Yorkshire way, for sale on behalf of a customer also for ages on and off, which appears nice but the selling garage doesn't appear to have great reviews.
If anyone knows the green car or any others that might be available please point me in their direction.
Many thanks.
I'm only aware of two 4.3s currently advertised;
- red one in Suffolk that has been for sale for ages and the description differs materially from the MOT history.
- green one up Yorkshire way, for sale on behalf of a customer also for ages on and off, which appears nice but the selling garage doesn't appear to have great reviews.
If anyone knows the green car or any others that might be available please point me in their direction.
Many thanks.
I really like my ‘98 5.0 Griffith and have completed my “list” to make it just right for me. Nobody says their own baby is ugly so if you own a 4.3 your bound to think it’s the best ! I would suggest you drive a few (which of course I did not, bought the 1st one I saw !)
Re history and dealer ratings, I would not get too hung up about either. Your only going to see the dealer twice. After a good test drive and a poke around underneath will know if it’s a good car so back yourself. I like the both the red and green cars from the photos - good luck
Re history and dealer ratings, I would not get too hung up about either. Your only going to see the dealer twice. After a good test drive and a poke around underneath will know if it’s a good car so back yourself. I like the both the red and green cars from the photos - good luck
hillclimbmanic said:
Hey Guys!
Can anyone tell me if the 4.3 engine is based on the 4.2 Range Rover engine, or just a different stroke crank that TVR sourced?
Thank you in Anticipation.
Manic
I think the simplest way to describe a TVR 4.3 is a combination of the LR 4.2 (Iceberg) crank with 3.9 pistons that had half of the difference in stroke between the 3.9 and 4.2 (5.9 mm:2 = 2.95 mm) cut off the tops so they sit level with the block deck at TDC. Can anyone tell me if the 4.3 engine is based on the 4.2 Range Rover engine, or just a different stroke crank that TVR sourced?
Thank you in Anticipation.
Manic
In doing this, the capacity of the bowls in the piston tops is reduced from 22 cc to ~12cc (approximate as there are also valve reliefs cut into the piston tops for clearance), which in combination with either the copper head gaskets the factory used (long since NLA) or the currently used composite gaskets results in a nice high compression ratio some way past 10:1 (my online calculations based on the guesstimated 12 cc suggest somewhere in the region of 10.5:1. Although some report that some 4.3s were built this way starting from low compression 8.13:1 CR pistons rather than the regular 9.35:1).
The higher compression ratio is very probably the reason why even in catalysed form ('93 EU market Griffs and '93/94 Chimaera 4.3) they sound rather more urgent and rev harder than the other TVR RV8 variants. Apart from that they seem to be really nicely built, with extensive head porting.
Most 4.3s will have come with the Kent 214 cam, although later examples that were built concurrently with early 500 versions might have the same TVR R/M 435 cam that the 500 and subsequent 400 HC versions had. In either case, double valve springs were standard issue.
Timing chain should be Duplex with vernier timing gear.
All the other parts #s I've observed are standard Land Rover items (albeit cleverly adapted in the case of the pistons), there's no TVR bespoke components like in the 500.
Edited by 900T-R on Wednesday 14th April 10:40
So I've finally got myself a 4.3 Griff. My first TVR.
Confess I've not followed all the buying advice in that my car doesn't have a thick pile of invoices for maintenance and improvements. It is in fact an extremely original and unmolested very low mileage example in timewarp condition in terms of body, trim, chassis and even the OZ Racing wheels. The main giveaway to its age is a couple of cracks and lifting to the dash veneer. Don't think she has seen rain too often and the last long term owner clearly loved her.
Had a fabulous drive home Wednesday on the A272 from Haslemere to E Sussex. I love the way she sounds and feels even just cruising along country roads in traffic. I imagine the noise and hint of hot oil on the nostrils must be quite similar to what a WW2 pilot experienced flying their Spitfire. My 7 year old son burst out laughing when I started her up in the garage for his first ride out and spent most of the trip waving to everyone. We both had silly grins on our faces.
Massive thanks to Simon and Graham at Fernhurst TVR for giving the car a thorough pre sale going over, preparation and handover. A really pleasurable buying experience and I have every confidence they will look after me should the car exhibit any issues.
Obligatory pics;
Confess I've not followed all the buying advice in that my car doesn't have a thick pile of invoices for maintenance and improvements. It is in fact an extremely original and unmolested very low mileage example in timewarp condition in terms of body, trim, chassis and even the OZ Racing wheels. The main giveaway to its age is a couple of cracks and lifting to the dash veneer. Don't think she has seen rain too often and the last long term owner clearly loved her.
Had a fabulous drive home Wednesday on the A272 from Haslemere to E Sussex. I love the way she sounds and feels even just cruising along country roads in traffic. I imagine the noise and hint of hot oil on the nostrils must be quite similar to what a WW2 pilot experienced flying their Spitfire. My 7 year old son burst out laughing when I started her up in the garage for his first ride out and spent most of the trip waving to everyone. We both had silly grins on our faces.
Massive thanks to Simon and Graham at Fernhurst TVR for giving the car a thorough pre sale going over, preparation and handover. A really pleasurable buying experience and I have every confidence they will look after me should the car exhibit any issues.
Obligatory pics;
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