13 replies to this topic

[AlexHillTVR]

Anyone ever done this? I am considering a swap due to the fact that the TVR sees minimal use because it's so impractical- constantly on trickle charge, never driven in the wet, horrendous on fuel, too hot to drive in warm weather and never gets taken on really long runs simply because it's hard to trust. What could I expect from changing? How easy is the VX to keep as a 2nd car? What's the performance difference like between a VX turbo and a high cam 4ltr TVR? Any help would be lovely!

[JamesC]

Ive had a couple of TVR's Griff and Chimaera and since then 2 VX220 Turbos.

 

In reality they are very hard to compare as they are chalk and cheese. 

 

The Chim is much more of a GT car, its comfortable, great for touring with plenty of luggage space while the VX is harder, sharper and more suited to a B road blast and track work.  

 

The VX is relatively cheap to run, no rust issues to worry about (TVR outriggers), fuel economy is good, (35+mpg is easily achievable) and insurance is reasonable.  Performance of the VX even in standard form will be better than a 400 car.  It lacks the low down torque but its in the corners and ability to carry speed where it excels.

 

To be honest your complaints about your TVR could easily apply to the VX, although ive found mine to be very reliable.  But that could be said of my TVR's which I used as my only car at the time, regular use does help with reliability.

 

One thing I will always miss is the noise! 

 

Not sure that helps a great deal, but just my 2p. 

[WrightStuff]

We are a friendly bunch. A local VXer will take you out for a spin if you ask nicely and that will probably answer most of your questions.

Unfortunately I am in the midlands!

[Mangham54]

Anyone ever done t

Anyone ever done this? I am considering a swap due to the fact that the TVR sees minimal use because it's so impractical- constantly on trickle charge, never driven in the wet, horrendous on fuel, too hot to drive in warm weather and never gets taken on really long runs simply because it's hard to trust. What could I expect from changing? How easy is the VX to keep as a 2nd car? What's the performance difference like between a VX turbo and a high cam 4ltr TVR? Any help would be lovely!

 

The "too hot to drive in warm weather" is actually going to be worse in the VX. 

 

Reliability will be a massive step forward, but whether it is more practical is contentious - but i'll let you decide on that matter when you get to pax in one.

[ratboiler]

I have a TVR Tuscan Mk3 and a VXR220 stage 4 The VXR will leave the TVR for dead in the acceleration department, maybe not top speed. Handling the VXR feels so safe it is unreal mine has been lowered and is fitted with nitrons. It will outbrake the TVR as well. As already said the TVR is like a GT, comfortable and fast, and sounds like no other car and most of all has a road presence to die for, together with a boot fit for a lady. The VXR (well the one I have)has mental acceleration, handles well, will use half the fuel of a TVR if that's what you are looking at, has a small boot and in my opinion and is a small car. Which car do I use most of the time the TVR.

[wowzer]

If you live in the East Sussex area your welcome to take my stage 2 turbo for a drive

[AlexHillTVR]

Thanks for all the replies guys.

 

I'm in Surrey postcode CR and would love to have a look around someone's car if they are offering. Thanks for the offer to drive wowzer but people normally change their minds when they find out I'm 20!

 

How hot does it get then in the VX? The TVR is missing it's eyeball vents meaning there is hot air constantly from when it warms up. On a summers day this equates to a cabin temperature of somewhere around 40 to 45 degrees C with the roof off.

 

I'm bantamweight 5ft8 so getting in and out I'm sure wouldn't be much of an issue. But in terms of practicality, does everybody generally keep their cars on a trickle charge and in a garage? I don't really mind about the size of the boot to be honest, the TVR's is big but a lot of the space I find is taken up by the spare and tools/coolant, just in case!

 

Is the car more of a get in and go affair? 

[Andrew aka Stuwy]

a standard VX with little or no track use can be a very economical fun 2nd car..

 

As long as you stay away from the shiny things

[badgerade]

But in terms of practicality, does everybody generally keep their cars on a trickle charge and in a garage?

I don't. The last time my car was driven was at the start of June, and it started easily earlier on today. It's kept on the driveway which doesn't seem to cause any issues.

[kg55]

I have had many TVR,s over the years and still race a tuscan. I have been lucky in that none of them ever caused me much trouble. As everybody knows TVR,s are about noise and acceleration and most make very good GT cars. The vxt is the complete opposite and is more of a drivers car with far better handling and is more of a second fun/weekend car.

Going from a chimera to a vxt is night an day having owned several chims in the past the vxt in standard guise has better performance so no need to get more power etc but it is a basic fun/weekend car compared to a chimera which is a much more comfortable GT tourer type car. Have go in a vxt first as it may not be your cup of tea that said i will never sell my standard vxt.

[P11 COV]

 How hot does it get then in the VX? The TVR is missing it's eyeball vents meaning there is hot air constantly from when it warms up. On a summers day this equates to a cabin temperature of somewhere around 40 to 45 degrees C with the roof off.  

In hot weather like at the moment the VX is very hot. With the roof off on the move you get a good breeze but at low speed/traffic jams it sweltering. Heat comes from the engine aswell as the sun. Roof on Is warm too as no air con. For standard uk. Weather it's ok. The winter will be cold, unless you have a uprated/improved heater installed. On a few trips I have done to the south of France I find the heat a real nuisance.

[Guesty88]

My parents live in Caterham/Coulsdon and I was planning on heading down that way this weekend, so I'd happily show you around mine, only thing is it's an N/A so you wouldn't be able to find out how quick a VXT would be in comparison to the TVR. You would be able to check it out for comfort/boot size/practicality/grip, though, which could be handy. Would give me an excuse for a blast, too!

[wowzer]

I'm in Back On Track in Surrey again soon your welcome mate to jump in the passenger seat I have a stage 2 turbo with mods

[Detta]

We should touch base at some point Wowser, perhaps tackle some jobs neither of us has the confidence to do alone!

 

I'm going to need a new cam belt sometime soon, mine seems fine but it's big service time soon (but expect this is best left to the professionals?), I'm also contemplating attempting short belt mod. Have you done this on yours?