Tracking an S
Tracking an S
Author
Discussion

Cavey

Original Poster:

522 posts

260 months

Tuesday 3rd July 2007
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Hi all. Would be grateful for any commentds...

I'm considering buying an S, and will want to use it for some track days. Appreciate that these are not the most track focused cars in the world, and I won't be keeping up with the Caterfield/Elise crowd, but I also want a car which I can commute in sometimes, and use at wekeends without getting soaked etc. etc. Love TVRs (had a Chim 450 before) and particulary their sonorous exhausts!

So just wondered how many of you track your cars, and what your impressions are? Do the mechanicals stand up to it OK (tyres/brakes excepted of course)?

Cheers

Martin

Psychobert

6,318 posts

285 months

Wednesday 4th July 2007
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There will be someone along soon no doubt with far more experience than I, but I understand there is a monsterous green V8S that gets tracked fairly frequently, and trackcar here does the same, (plus is an excellent source of upgrades as well as being an all round top chap).

I knew my V8S had been tracked occasionally, but discovered over a beer recently that it has been aroudnthe entire circuit at Le Mans a few years ago.. smile

Dave N500 CHM

810 posts

280 months

Wednesday 4th July 2007
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I had three fantastic years with my S3C. I drove all over the peaks and lakes, two trips down to Le Mans and three or four track days.

One of them was at Snetterton in the wet and that would be my ground hog day.
I over took Chims Griffs Cerbs and Tuscans biggrin
In the dry you can hang the back out in complete control.
I often day dream about that car I loved it so much.

Was the most reliable car I've ever owned (prob not saying much as I love brit cars), Only time it ever let me down was when the throttle cable broke(common problem) which my gf fixed, small hands wink

Get one you won't regret it

the gazman

1,686 posts

249 months

Thursday 5th July 2007
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No doubt that the S is more nimble round a track than many other Tivs, particularly on the tighter ones.

Cavey

Original Poster:

522 posts

260 months

Thursday 5th July 2007
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Cheers guys, well that's all nice and positive. S3 here we come...

tvrgaas

1,483 posts

299 months

Thursday 5th July 2007
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Three suggestions from a novice.

Trackdays do stress the car, so you'll find all the faults. Even an S3 is over 15 years old, so buy with care, or be prepared to upgrade.... Which reminds me a few things to do for the MOT.

The S is LOUD - invest in a pair of extra silencers (inserts etc)... I think I was well over 110dBa at Castle Combe au natural.

If you're going to do a lot, consider a roll cage - spining off at Craner Curvers at Donington on to the wet grass, thinking where're going next?....

... I missed everything, crept back to the pits, while the marshalls removed the mud from the road. Did a few more laps in a later session and then drove home down the M1/A34.

Cavey

Original Poster:

522 posts

260 months

Thursday 5th July 2007
quotequote all
110dba - that's icredibly loud! biggrin A friend has a pre-cat 4.3 Griff and that usually tests at 103 at Combe, 99.x with extra cans on the back.

Thanks for the pointers - I do appreicate that track use can have its consequences...

Jed-S

660 posts

245 months

Monday 9th July 2007
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Regarding the noise levels for track use...

I dug out the sound meter this afternoon and recorded mine. 4000rpm at 1 metre and 45 degrees and it recorded 98db. Managed to record a peak of 101db by backing off the throttle quickly after reaching 4000rpm. Coming off the throttle gently consistently recorded 98db. Something to remember when doing the sound tests.

My exhaust has had the main box opened up and all the wadding replaced so unless yours has a near new or recently repacked system it will be louder. Made a huge difference to the noise level and the booming noise has dropped. Can now hear the exhaust note for a change.

To give you an indication of how long the exhausts last - or dont... My exhaust was replaced in 1998 and has done 29,000 miles since and the main box was almost completely empty of wadding.