Coming back to TVR, maybe a Tuscan?
Discussion
Hi All,
Not been on here for a LONG time, I sold my 400SE I'd owned for 15 year approx 7 years ago to buy a 911 which I still have but its never really floated my boat and Im thinking selling it and coming back to a TVR with a Tuscan or Tamora.
I remember the speed six engine had some major issues but cant remember exactly what the issues were and if they were only limited to certain model years. Can any of you help me get up to speed on this?
This one is not far from me and Im thinking of having a look at the weekend... https://www.pistonheads.com/regulars/ph-spottedyky...
Theres no mention of an engine rebuild so should I really only be looking at cars with engine rebuilds by Str8six or TVR Power, are these engines as bad as some of the internet says they are?
Any help / info / advice you can give will be much appreciated as I really need to know whats what before I start to looking for the 911's replacment.
Regards
Dave
Not been on here for a LONG time, I sold my 400SE I'd owned for 15 year approx 7 years ago to buy a 911 which I still have but its never really floated my boat and Im thinking selling it and coming back to a TVR with a Tuscan or Tamora.
I remember the speed six engine had some major issues but cant remember exactly what the issues were and if they were only limited to certain model years. Can any of you help me get up to speed on this?
This one is not far from me and Im thinking of having a look at the weekend... https://www.pistonheads.com/regulars/ph-spottedyky...
Theres no mention of an engine rebuild so should I really only be looking at cars with engine rebuilds by Str8six or TVR Power, are these engines as bad as some of the internet says they are?
Any help / info / advice you can give will be much appreciated as I really need to know whats what before I start to looking for the 911's replacment.
Regards
Dave
There is lots of talk of the S6 issues around and lots of theories.
Basically, the early engines were built using parts that were not good enough. This was mainly the finger followers and also valves and guides, meaning that a large proportion (possibly c.50% from stats at the time) of the engines from the first 3 years of production needed rebuilding. As the factory were using the same parts in the rebuilds some, including mine, ended up rebuilt several times. The followers could fail in the first few thousand miles and valve issues could take c20k miles to show up.
There was a step change about half way through 2002, when allegedly better parts and a slightly different cylinder head was used. Rebuilds dropped significantly from that point. Mine was last rebuilt in July 2002 and had no issues from that point.
Basically, the early engines were built using parts that were not good enough. This was mainly the finger followers and also valves and guides, meaning that a large proportion (possibly c.50% from stats at the time) of the engines from the first 3 years of production needed rebuilding. As the factory were using the same parts in the rebuilds some, including mine, ended up rebuilt several times. The followers could fail in the first few thousand miles and valve issues could take c20k miles to show up.
There was a step change about half way through 2002, when allegedly better parts and a slightly different cylinder head was used. Rebuilds dropped significantly from that point. Mine was last rebuilt in July 2002 and had no issues from that point.
Many thanks, so if the car im interested in was registered in August 2003 it should have the improved head design I guess. Does anyone have any experience with a 2003 3.6 engine either positive or negative or can offer any insight into reliabilty or the likelyhood of needing a rebuild in the future and if so after how many miles.
The car has been for sale since July 2024 so I wonder why it hasnt sold, is it simply too overpriced or do people just stay away from speed six engines of this vintage due to the fear of a rebuild?
The car has been for sale since July 2024 so I wonder why it hasnt sold, is it simply too overpriced or do people just stay away from speed six engines of this vintage due to the fear of a rebuild?
DP400 said:
Many thanks, so if the car im interested in was registered in August 2003 it should have the improved head design I guess. Does anyone have any experience with a 2003 3.6 engine either positive or negative or can offer any insight into reliabilty or the likelyhood of needing a rebuild in the future and if so after how many miles.
The car has been for sale since July 2024 so I wonder why it hasnt sold, is it simply too overpriced or do people just stay away from speed six engines of this vintage due to the fear of a rebuild?
There are plenty about with specialist engine rebuilds. I purchased my 4 litre tuscan in 2012. This had a powers rebuild in 2008 at 28000 miles, its now on 77000 and the engine is solid, uses no fluids at all. Personally i would buy a 4 litre as i felt after driving a friends 3.6 it lacked torque, just my opinion.The car has been for sale since July 2024 so I wonder why it hasnt sold, is it simply too overpriced or do people just stay away from speed six engines of this vintage due to the fear of a rebuild?
swisstoni said:
Perhaps the seller has forgotten to mention the rebuild history?
You could ask them.
Almost every Speed 6 will have had some remedial action by now.
Rebuilt properly by Powers Performance or Str8Six, they are fine.
Think Hartech, in 911 terms.
The car at Hilton & Moss hasn’t had a rebuild, I went to have a look at it at the weekend You could ask them.
Almost every Speed 6 will have had some remedial action by now.
Rebuilt properly by Powers Performance or Str8Six, they are fine.
Think Hartech, in 911 terms.
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