JFReturns' TVR Chimaera 4.0
Discussion
Not sure, haven't fitted them yet John. I don't think it is ignition coil, as the problem seems to get slightly better when hot, whereas a failed coil is the other way round. Might be dodgy distributor cap, I'll replace that next.
Hopefully I'll get a chance Sunday, will update this thread when I do.
Hopefully I'll get a chance Sunday, will update this thread when I do.
Stuttering solved!
So I started off by replacing all the leads and shrouds. The shrouds in particular were minging:
However, the car wouldn't start! I checked and double checked the leads, then noticed a tube looked slightly split. I must have knocked it and made it worse changing the leads. I think it is the vacuum advance pipe - snipped the end of, reattached and boom.
I'm pretty sure this was the cause of the stuttering, so I've replaced the shrouds and leads unnecessarily, but who cares they are SHINY
Just need to tidy up the leads and fit the induction kit next.
So I started off by replacing all the leads and shrouds. The shrouds in particular were minging:
However, the car wouldn't start! I checked and double checked the leads, then noticed a tube looked slightly split. I must have knocked it and made it worse changing the leads. I think it is the vacuum advance pipe - snipped the end of, reattached and boom.
I'm pretty sure this was the cause of the stuttering, so I've replaced the shrouds and leads unnecessarily, but who cares they are SHINY
Just need to tidy up the leads and fit the induction kit next.
Konrod said:
~ Helpful post ~
Thanks very much for this, very useful.Took me three hours, found it tough! But then I'm a mechanical n00b
The hardest bit was connecting the large engine bay pipe to the metal tube by the radiator bulkhead. Actually scrap that, the hardest bit was getting a jubilee clip on that connection! I'm still not convinced it is on properly.... I started her and she sounded okay, but I'm going to jack her up and try and get my eyes on the bottom of the connection to check it is flush.
Quite surprised by how much need trimming! We're talking inches, especially from the plenum to AFM elbow.
Still, should help the old girl breath nice cold air instead of heat soaked stuffy air from the engine bay. Some (bad) pics, please let me know if you spot anything wrong:
The old girl is booked in for a 6k service tomorrow so thought I'd give her a good clean up. Found some cubby holes I didn't know existed, and found this:
The owners manual and service book! I bought the car knowing it had no history, so finding this is a bonus.... the previous owner obviously didn't know it was there. The history starts from 2003 so I imagine the first owner lost the manual as it really is brand new looking. Also another immobiliser key.
Oh, and does this mean I've got a 5.0?
I suspect not... And finally I fed the leather (smells nice) and gave her a good clean. Shiny:
Hopefully I won't have a list as long as my arm that needs doing tomorrow.
The owners manual and service book! I bought the car knowing it had no history, so finding this is a bonus.... the previous owner obviously didn't know it was there. The history starts from 2003 so I imagine the first owner lost the manual as it really is brand new looking. Also another immobiliser key.
Oh, and does this mean I've got a 5.0?
I suspect not... And finally I fed the leather (smells nice) and gave her a good clean. Shiny:
Hopefully I won't have a list as long as my arm that needs doing tomorrow.
Just got back the Chim back home, she's had a good going over to find out bits that need doing. Firtly, and most importantly, the entire chassis needs a good clean up and paint but is otherwise sound 
She has also had a new clutch at some point, which is nice to know. A few little bits and pieces were done, but stuff that needs doing is:
- Rear offside shock is clunking
- Clutch master cylinder leaking
- Gear box bung and plate missing
- Hood ears missing
- Exhaust mount rear worn, slight crack around joint requires welding
I'll clean the chassis over the winter when I take her off road, so the most important thing is the master cylinder leak which I'll get done ASAP.
As for the shocks, I'm not keen on GAZ / Nitrons or any other track biased aftermarket shocks as I like how comfortable the Chim is (had to sell my VX220 on GAZ Gold Pro 2's as it caused neck pain). So if anyone has some standard Bilsteins available, let me know!
Robert
She has also had a new clutch at some point, which is nice to know. A few little bits and pieces were done, but stuff that needs doing is:- Rear offside shock is clunking
- Clutch master cylinder leaking
- Gear box bung and plate missing
- Hood ears missing
- Exhaust mount rear worn, slight crack around joint requires welding
I'll clean the chassis over the winter when I take her off road, so the most important thing is the master cylinder leak which I'll get done ASAP.
As for the shocks, I'm not keen on GAZ / Nitrons or any other track biased aftermarket shocks as I like how comfortable the Chim is (had to sell my VX220 on GAZ Gold Pro 2's as it caused neck pain). So if anyone has some standard Bilsteins available, let me know!
Robert
Decided that shock absorbers is going to be a job for Autumn / Winter.
As mentioned above, Paul at Waldonway confirmed my chassis / outriggers were solid but needed a good clean and repaint. Again, I'll do this over the winter, but anyone got any tips for this? I was thinking of getting a wirebrush drill attachment, then getting waxoyl on there.
Summer job is detailing the paint work, and started today. Bloody hell it's time consuming! Managed to finish the boot today, not perfect but still:
Before
After
More gratuitous shiny shots
Only doors, wings, boot and bumpers left to do
As mentioned above, Paul at Waldonway confirmed my chassis / outriggers were solid but needed a good clean and repaint. Again, I'll do this over the winter, but anyone got any tips for this? I was thinking of getting a wirebrush drill attachment, then getting waxoyl on there.
Summer job is detailing the paint work, and started today. Bloody hell it's time consuming! Managed to finish the boot today, not perfect but still:
Before
After
More gratuitous shiny shots
Only doors, wings, boot and bumpers left to do
Righto, its taken me the majority of the weekend but the Chim has finally been fully machine polished and sealed. Need to apply a few layers of wax but could not resist going for a drive in this beautiful weather.
Here are some pics, marvel in the shinyness!
Very happy with the paint - I reckon I've got 80% of the swirls and scratches out, but will need to invest in a micrometer before taking any more off. LOVE THIS CAR!!!
P.S. This is quite clearly the best colour for a Chim
P.P.S I put the naughty plates on at the BHP show but I forgot to take them off, honest!
Here are some pics, marvel in the shinyness!
Very happy with the paint - I reckon I've got 80% of the swirls and scratches out, but will need to invest in a micrometer before taking any more off. LOVE THIS CAR!!!
P.S. This is quite clearly the best colour for a Chim
P.P.S I put the naughty plates on at the BHP show but I forgot to take them off, honest!
Righto, now the paint is sorted for the summer, I turned my attention to the wheels. They aren't kurbed, but the paint is bubbling in places. I can't be bothered doing a proper refurb, that can wait for the winter, so I've stripped the worst of the paint and will do a dirty refurb in matt black. Should look pretty cool, but if not then meh, I'll put them back to silver once she's off the road around October.
Wheels off, on axel stands:
Stripped and primed:
Doing them two at a time as not get enough stands. I'll also do the calipers red, should look pretty good.
Finished pics to follow in a week or so Oh and SWMBO doesn't know yet, but her bloody rabbit ran under the wheel just as I did the first spray... I might be in trouble tomorrow when "Fudge" gets her breakfast and SWMBO sees it has a primed grey backside
Wheels off, on axel stands:
Stripped and primed:
Doing them two at a time as not get enough stands. I'll also do the calipers red, should look pretty good.
Finished pics to follow in a week or so
Oh and SWMBO doesn't know yet, but her bloody rabbit ran under the wheel just as I did the first spray... I might be in trouble tomorrow when "Fudge" gets her breakfast and SWMBO sees it has a primed grey backside 
I've posted these pics in another thread, but thought I'd post them here too:
Wheel refurbs are holding up nicely. Car is running sweet as a nut, in fact, my little KA has been misbehaving recently and the Chim has been called into action as a daily driver and has been faultless (if a little thirsty). So much for the reputation of being unreliable! Makes me wonder if I should just use it every day?
I've got a few jobs that need doing. Impressed with Dan et al at Taylor TVR so will use them, but the majority of the work will be done in Spring.
Wheel refurbs are holding up nicely. Car is running sweet as a nut, in fact, my little KA has been misbehaving recently and the Chim has been called into action as a daily driver and has been faultless (if a little thirsty). So much for the reputation of being unreliable! Makes me wonder if I should just use it every day?
I've got a few jobs that need doing. Impressed with Dan et al at Taylor TVR so will use them, but the majority of the work will be done in Spring.
Finally got my dampers sorted - went for Gaz Gold Pros in the end. I was a bit worried about comfort but Dan at Taylor TVR recommended trying relatively soft springs (spring rating 400 F, 325 R) and I'm very happy. They retain a pliant ride, less roll and all the knocks and rattles have gone! Best investment made on the Chim so far.
Dirty already:
Dirty already:
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