1992 TVR GRIFFITH

Typical onset: 40,000-80,000 mi

Symptoms: Persistent overheating in traffic or spirited driving, Oil temperatures climbing above 240°F, Coolant loss with no visible external leaks, Oil-coolant mixing indicating oil cooler failure

Fix: The Griffith's cooling system was marginal from the factory. Engine oil cooler lines corrode and the cooler itself fails, sometimes contaminating coolant with oil. Expect 8-12 hours to upgrade the radiator, replace oil cooler, flush both systems, and re-route lines properly. Many owners upgrade to larger aftermarket radiators and add electric fans.

Estimated cost: $2,200-4,500

Typical onset: 50,000-90,000 mi

Symptoms: Severe driveline clunk on throttle application, Visible transmission movement at idle, Burning smell from transmission area, Hard shifting when hot

Fix: The factory transmission mounts are undersized for the V8's torque and fail early. The transmission oil cooler often leaks or becomes ineffective, causing hot shifts and accelerated wear. Replacing mounts takes 3-4 hours; adding or replacing the trans cooler adds another 2-3 hours. Upgrading to polyurethane mounts is common.

Estimated cost: $800-1,800

Symptoms: Intermittent headlight operation or complete failure, Dashboard gauges reading erratically or not at all, Starter motor engagement issues, Random electrical component failures

Fix: Lucas wiring and connectors corrode, especially in the front lighting circuits. Headlight assemblies fail due to poor grounding and moisture intrusion. Plan on 4-6 hours to diagnose and repair typical electrical issues, often requiring harness repair or relay replacement. Many owners rewire critical circuits with modern components.

Estimated cost: $600-1,500

Typical onset: 60,000-100,000 mi

Symptoms: Uneven brake pad wear, Pulling to one side under braking, Brake drag and excessive heat, Spongy or inconsistent pedal feel

Fix: Front and rear calipers use period-correct designs that don't tolerate moisture or infrequent use well. Pistons seize, seals leak, and slide pins corrode. Full caliper rebuild on all four corners takes 6-8 hours including proper bleeding. Parts availability can be challenging; some owners upgrade to modern Wilwood calipers.

Estimated cost: $1,200-2,400

Typical onset: 80,000-120,000 mi

Symptoms: Excessive oil consumption (more than 1 qt per 500 miles), Blue smoke on deceleration, Low compression on one or more cylinders, Loud valve train noise indicating worn camshaft or lifters

Fix: The Rover V8 is robust but suffers when oil changes are skipped or cooling issues persist. Valve guides wear, cam followers flatten, and rings lose tension. Full rebuild with modern upgrades takes 40-60 hours including removal, machine work, and reinstallation. Many opt for performance upgrades during rebuild.

Estimated cost: $8,500-15,000

Symptoms: Rough idle and hesitation, Loss of power at high RPM, Difficulty starting when hot, Check engine light with fuel trim codes

Fix: Fuel tanks rust internally on cars that sit, and rubber fuel lines degrade. The fuel filter clogs frequently if tank contamination exists. Filter changes take 1 hour but often reveal larger fuel system issues requiring tank removal and cleaning (12-15 hours total). Fuel pump access requires body work on some models.

Estimated cost: $300-2,800