5 WAYS TO MAKE IT BETTER

1 GIVE IT MORE RELIABLE POWER

Though the Speed Six was fairly reliable by the time it made its way into the Sagaris, some owners have decided switching to a General Motors LS V8 (as found in Corvettes) is less hassle in the long run. As well as better reliability, the V8 provides extra character, power and torque – conversion isn’t simple, but is a well-trodden route and can be done for around £20,000 with a new ‘crate’ engine.

2 BORE IT OUT

For those who do want to keep the Speed Six, but still want more performance, it is possible to increase engine capacity to 4.5 litres. Powers Performance offers such a package, including numerous other engine upgrades, that increases torque to nearly 400lb ft – and brings that torque lower down the rev range, which is what many feel the engine lacks compared to previous TVR powerplants.

3 SWAP THE CLUTCH

The mechanical weak point of the Sagaris is undoubtedly its clutch, with its short lifespan becoming tiresome over long-term ownership. TVR Parts Ltd. offers a bespoke motorsport specification replacement that provides longer life for £1074 – that may seem a lot, but at £370 more than a standard clutch, it starts to make sense when labour costs are included.

4 FIT A NEW ECU

Never a company with the most resources, TVR’s engine management system didn’t really change from the mid-1990s onwards, meaning it was quite old-fashioned even when the Sagaris was new. TVR Parts Ltd. has developed a package using Syvecs parts that it claims is the ultimate management system for Speed Six engines, providing smoother running and power delivery for just under £4000.

5 MAKE IT QUIETER

While part of getting a TVR is listening to its engine, many owners complain about an unpleasant booming effect from the exhaust around 2500-3000rpm – the typical cruising engine speed in other words. Increasing the Sagaris’ marginal sound insulation is the most cost-effective way of tackling this, and is a simple DIY job that only costs around £200 in materials.