Faults:

The factory just used many parts from the 4 cylinder when they put in the 8. Within the first three years, under extended warranty:

Needed a new transmission twice (until they figured out to change the oil viscosity needed, and upgrade the oil pump)

Blew the rear end once.

Went through brakes very rapidly (and machining rotors, if I didn't catch it fast enough). Car badly under-braked for the power, and disks only on the front.

Once that was sorted, all was good for the next 15 years or so, until electrics started going one by one.

No problems with the running gear, even though did a lot of performance mods to it.

Went through about 4 convertible tops in 25 years.

General Comments:

Fabulous, once you got the right stuff dialled in.

Suspension was initially terrible, especially on the North American model that had the rear end raised even higher, for our hillbilly tastes, I assume. I dropped the rear end 2.5 inches, the front 1.5, put in hardened coils and spax gas shocks, P7's, handled like it was on rails. Before that, nearly killed myself several times when not too difficult corners turned into 360 degree slides.

Very fast. Did the Holley 4bbl mod and a few other things, probably added 70 hp, could blow by a lot of fast american cars. Very tall gearing, got it up to 145 mph before topping out in 5th. (extrapolating the indicated speed to the revs).

It came with a weird combination of Whitworth and American inch, and metric threads, between, and sometimes within parts. Always easy to put the wrong type of bolt in the hole, and strip things nicely.

Mucho fun. great for everyday, long road trips, occasional slaloms. Oddly enough, good in snow. Aerodynamics such that you could have the top down in rain or snow, and not get wet if doing over 25 mph.

Huge amount of cabin space - it's a two-seater, but the same outside size as a 66 Mustang. Great for us tall folks. Lots of trunk space too.

Impossible to sleep in. It is possible to have sex in it though, if you're sufficiently motivated!

Faults:

So far no problems except to replace the seat covers which were terrible, even when new.

General Comments:

I got rid of my Z4 because I got tired of getting trashed by a 55 year old lady in her TR8 Coupe.

Out ran me, out handled me, even beat me at an auto cross.

So now I have an 81 DHC bought from the original owner.

Replaced the 13" wheels with 15" mini-lites. Refreshed and upgraded the suspension. Changed the two SU's for a Weber 4 BBL. on an Edlebrock manifold and put a stainless steel exhaust on it.

She Flies!!! I don't know where these guys are getting their information, but the only car I haven't been able to run with was the Z8. Everything else mentionmed and others that were not... BEATEN in every way.

I also have about $14,000 dollars in change from my trade to the TR8 AND its more comfortable.

Faults:

In the first year I owned this car, the pop-up headlights stopped popping. When the mechanic was testing the circuit, he left one light unhooked. This caused the wiring harness to short, and required extensive rewiring.

Gaskets and seals had minor leaks.

Distributor would die for no apparent reason. finally replaced with an after market ignition.

Transmission grease gradually leaked out. Inspection hole on trans gives false reading. Rebuilt transmission.

Carburetors would not idle down. Had to rebuild. Next time will replace with 4-barrel.

General Comments:

I have essentially owned this car since it was new. Even with the problems I've had, I still find it hard to consider selling it.

This car is very fast. I can't believe it is only supposed to have 135 hp. It hits 95+ mph through the quarter mile, and has a top speed of 125+ mph (top up).

I would recommend to anyone considering buying a TR8 to replace the carburetors, ignition and exhaust. Also, never touch any electronics unless you disconnect the battery first. (saves replacing burned out wiring harnesses)