TVR Tamora (2002-06)

COMMON FAULTS
Please Note: Common Faults in Regularly Used Vehicles vs. Low-Mileage Stored Vehicles that have been used consistently over many years, accumulating approximately 10,000–12,000 miles annually, are more prone to common faults due to regular wear and tear. These issues typically arise from the natural aging of components subjected to frequent use, such as engine parts, suspension systems, brakes, and tires. In contrast, vehicles with low mileage that have been stored or preserved are likely to experience different types of issues. These vehicles are often better maintained to ensure their longevity and may avoid some of the typical wear-and-tear problems seen in regularly driven cars. However, they can still face unique challenges such as degradation of rubber seals, corrosion from prolonged inactivity, or fuel system issues caused by old or stagnant fuel.

The **TVR Tamora** (2002–2006) had several common faults, many of which were typical of TVR’s Speed Six-powered models. Here are some of the most frequently reported issues:

- **Engine reliability**: The **Speed Six engine** was known for **premature valve wear**, leading to costly rebuilds.
- **Hot start problems**: Some owners experienced difficulty starting the car when the engine was hot, often due to electrical issues or fuel evaporation.
- **ECU faults**: The **MBE ECU** could throw up error codes, sometimes related to **temperature sensors**, **crank sensors**, or **fuel injection faults**.
- **Electrical gremlins**: Like many TVRs, the Tamora suffered from **wiring issues**, including faulty relays and intermittent dashboard warnings.
- **Alarm and immobilizer problems**: Some cars had **incorrectly wired Meta alarm systems**, leading to starting issues.
- **Cooling system concerns**: Overheating could occur due to **radiator leaks**, **coolant sensor failures**, or **air pockets in the system**.

Despite these issues, many Tamoras have been well-maintained by enthusiasts, and proper servicing can help mitigate these faults.
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Generations/Trim Levels
The **TVR Tamora** (2002–2006) was a **single-generation** model with no official trim levels. It was designed as an **entry-level TVR**, filling the gap left by the **Chimaera** and **Griffith**.

While there were no distinct trims, buyers could customize their Tamora with different **paint colors**, **interior finishes**, and **wheel options**. Most cars were ordered with **18-inch wheels**, though **16-inch alloys** were standard.

The Tamora featured a **3.6L Speed Six engine**, producing **350 hp**, paired with a **5-speed manual gearbox**. It shared its **chassis and suspension** with the **TVR Tuscan**, making it a lightweight and agile roadster.
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Engine/s
The **TVR Tamora** was powered by TVR’s **3.6L Speed Six engine**, delivering **350 hp** at **7,200 rpm** and **289 lb-ft (393 Nm) of torque** at **5,500 rpm**. Here are its key specifications:

- **Engine Type**: Naturally aspirated **inline-six**
- **Displacement**: **3,605 cc**
- **Compression Ratio**: **11.8:1**
- **Fuel System**: **Sequential multi-point fuel injection (SMPFi)**
- **Transmission**: **5-speed manual**
- **Drivetrain**: **Rear-wheel drive (RWD)**

The Tamora’s **lightweight chassis** and **high-revving Speed Six engine** made it a thrilling, raw driving experience—true to TVR’s philosophy of **unfiltered performance**.
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Performance
The **TVR Tamora** (2002–2006) delivered thrilling performance, staying true to TVR’s philosophy of **raw, unfiltered driving**. Here are its key performance specs:

- **Engine**: 3.6L Speed Six inline-six
- **Power Output**: **350 hp (261 kW) @ 7,200 rpm**
- **Torque**: **393 Nm (290 lb-ft) @ 5,500 rpm**
- **0–60 mph Acceleration**: **4.2 seconds**
- **Top Speed**: **175 mph (282 km/h)**
- **Weight**: **1,060 kg (2,337 lbs)**
- **Brakes**: **AP Racing vented discs (12.0 inches front, 11.1 inches rear)**
- **Suspension**: **Double wishbone setup with coil springs and anti-roll bars**

The Tamora was designed as an **entry-level TVR**, but its **lightweight chassis** and **high-revving Speed Six engine** made it a seriously fast and engaging roadster.
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Rivals
In **2002**, the **TVR Tamora** competed with several high-performance roadsters in the UK. Here’s how its main rivals stacked up:

- **Porsche Boxster S (986)**
- **Engine**: 3.2L flat-six
- **Power**: **252 hp**
- **Torque**: **305 Nm (225 lb-ft)**
- **0–60 mph**: **5.7 seconds**
- **Top Speed**: **162 mph (261 km/h)**

- **Mercedes SLK32 AMG**
- **Engine**: 3.2L supercharged V6
- **Power**: **349 hp**
- **Torque**: **450 Nm (332 lb-ft)**
- **0–60 mph**: **4.9 seconds**
- **Top Speed**: **155 mph (250 km/h) (electronically limited)**

- **TVR Tamora** (for comparison)
- **Engine**: 3.6L Speed Six inline-six
- **Power**: **350 hp**
- **Torque**: **393 Nm (290 lb-ft)**
- **0–60 mph**: **4.2 seconds**
- **Top Speed**: **175 mph (282 km/h)**

The Tamora was **faster** than both the Boxster S and SLK32 AMG in terms of acceleration and top speed, but it lacked the **refinement and reliability** of its German rivals.
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Designer/Dimensions
The **TVR Tamora** was designed by **Lee Hodgetts** and **Darren Hobbs** (exterior), with **Damian McTaggart** leading the interior design. It was developed as an **entry-level TVR**, filling the gap left by the **Chimaera** and **Griffith**.

**Dimensions**
- **Wheelbase**: **2,361 mm (93.0 in)**
- **Length**: **3,925 mm (154.5 in)**
- **Width**: **1,715 mm (67.5 in)**
- **Height**: **1,204 mm (47.4 in)**
- **Kerb Weight**: **1,050 kg (2,315 lb) (dry weight)**

The Tamora was built on a **fiberglass body over a tubular steel chassis**, sharing its platform with the **TVR Tuscan Speed Six**.
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Spares/Specialists NI
If you're looking for **TVR Tamora** spares in the **UK or Ireland**, here are some great sources:

- **[Racetech Direct](https://racetechdirect.co.uk/)** – One of the longest-running independent TVR parts suppliers, offering a wide range of **aftermarket and original equipment** parts.
- **[Motaclan](https://motaclan.com/product-category/tvr/)** – Specializes in sourcing and distributing **classic British car parts**, including TVR spares.
- **[TVR Parts Limited](https://www.tvr.co.uk/genuine-parts)** – The official supplier of **TVR Genuine Parts**, authorized by TVR itself.
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Specialists NI
If you're looking for **specialist TVR garages** in **Northern Ireland**, one great option is **Torqueflyte Engineering**, located just outside **Ballygowan**. They specialize in **TVR repairs, maintenance, and restoration**, ensuring your car gets expert care.

You can also check out the **TVR Heritage Network**, which lists authorized garages that provide **servicing, parts, and restoration** for TVRs.
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Racing
The **TVR Tamora** was not widely used in professional racing, but some private owners and clubs did modify and race them in **track days** and **club-level motorsport events**. Unlike TVR’s more track-focused models like the **Tuscan Challenge cars** or the **T400R**, the Tamora was designed primarily as a **road-going sports car**.

TVR has a rich motorsport history, with models like the **Tuscan**, **Cerbera Speed Six**, and **T400R** competing in **British GT** and even **Le Mans**. However, the Tamora itself did not have an official factory-backed racing program.
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Valuation
In **2025**, the **TVR Tamora** is valued between **£16,080 and £31,356**, with a **median price of £21,796**. Prices vary depending on **condition, mileage, and service history**, with well-maintained examples fetching higher values.

If you're looking to buy or sell one, platforms like **PistonHeads** often have listings.
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Clubs
If you're in **Northern Ireland** and looking for **TVR owner clubs**, you have a few great options:

- **[TVR Car Club Ireland Region](https://tvrcc-ireland.org/)** – This club is dedicated to TVR enthusiasts in **Ireland and Northern Ireland**, offering **meetings, events, and discussions** for owners and fans.
- **[TVR Car Club UK](https://www.tvr-car-club.co.uk/)** – While based in England, this is the **largest TVR club**, with regional meetings across the UK, including Northern Ireland.

These clubs provide a great way to **connect with fellow TVR enthusiasts**, share knowledge, and attend **TVR-related events**.
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