The TVR S series - 1st edition

The first edition has now been superceeded by the second edition. This is double in size with over 300 pages.

The TVR S series - 2nd edition

Page 157: The suspension settings are slightly ambigious.
The ambiguity has been removed. Download PDF here (80 kb) here.

Pages 221-222 : The tables were corrupted. The tyre size information is correct but the in gear speeds are incorrect. Correct tables were inserted in the 2002 reprint. The spread sheet used to create the tables is here.
Download the new pages PDF (684 kb) here.

The S series V6 engine tappets.

The bible refers to adjusting these tappets on both the 2.8 and 2.9 V6 engines. It has come to light that some of the catalytic equipped 2.9 litre V6 engines were fitted with hydraulic lifters and therefore do not need their tappets adjusted. This was discussed on Pistonheads in March and it was stated at that time that all S3C engines had hydraulic tappets. Interestingly enough, many of the other 2.9 litre manuals for the Sierra and Scorpio for cars made during this period make no mention of any hydraulic lifters. In addition, none of the archive material I have refers to this either.

I have been looking into this and came up with some interesting information from TVR which states that from around May 1991, the S3C engine was fitted with a S3 type of engine with solid lifters which require the tappet adjustment. As 1991 was a big year for S3 production in both forms, it is reasonable to assume that the statement that all S3C have hydraulic tappets and therefore these do not need adjusting is wrong. To back this up, I now have confirmation from TVR.

According to TVR, S3C cars from VIN SDLDSC2P1MD011340 will be fitted with the same engine as fitted to the S3 with solid lifters (and higher compression, updated ECU). These should be treated as an ordinary 2.9 and have their tappets adjusted.

Earlier S3C should have hydraulic lifters. S2 cars are not effected and need their tappets adjusting. I also assume that the S4C has the same engine as the later S3C with solid lifters.

So contrary to the general concensus, this means that the hydraulically fitted 2.9 engines are the exception rather than the rule. This leads to several questions. The first is how do you recognise if the engine has hydraulic lifters. The short answer is that this is difficult as the tappet adjustment mechanism is present on both. With the hydraulic lifter engines, this is used to setup the pre-load.

If an hydraulic lifter car is setup as a solid lifter it will not sound right and will need to be reset. The procedure is as follows:

With the valves closed:

1. Turn the screw until there is no clearance (0.0mm).

Easier said than done especially if oil has been pressed out of the lifters and if the push rod bends. It is worth holding the pushrod in place with one hand and adjusting the clearance and then check to see if the rod moves i.e. there is still clearance.

2. With the 0mm clearance set, turn in the screw by 1.5 turns (corresponds to compressing the spring in the tappet by 2mm).

If you have any doubt over what valve type you have, I would suggest seeking professional advice.