4.3 BV or not BV?

[gjm]

I don't want to stir up the old hornets nest of which is better 4.0, 4.3, 4.3BV, 5.0 etc but i have just purchased a 1992 Griff 4.3 and having read Steve Heath's book i was interested to find out if mine was a Big Valve (slightly more desirable, more BHP, more blagging to my mates etc). I gave both TVR head office and TVR-power a call with my engine and chassis number. TVR-power said it was standard valves and TVR (the service department) informed me that as mine had a "G" at the end of the engine number it was a Big Valve. Is there any way of finding out for certain (short of lifting off the heads) and who is correct?

[M J H]

I,ve also recently bought a 4.3 1992 Griffith from a main TVR dealer who in fact sold it new 9 years ago. The engine no. also has a G at the end, I.m sure that if mine is a BV then the dealer would have known. In fact I.ve the full history from new and no mention of any thing other than ordinary 4.3.

[shpub]

quote: Is there any way of finding out for certain (short of lifting off the heads) and who is correct?

No. If you don't have any provenance to document it is a BV, then this is the only way. There were a lot of forgeries/aftermarket upgrades which as resulted in more BV cars that were ever made.

Steve
www.tvrbooks.co.uk