advice on griffith purchase

[steve1]

Hi,I've just joined, so this is my first post,( so bare with me if it goes on a bit ) I've been looking into buying a griff, have always liked them, but never been in the situation where I can have one and not have to use it as my everyday car, but now I am able to do this. Have owned several bmw's, the last being an e46 m3, in fact still have one as my every day car (e30 325i tourer ), wife has got her cooper s ( works ) mini, so I need something to put a smile on my face whenever I get in it. Did start to look at original e30 m3 (lhd), bit of a minefield, and after having a go in one I wasn't that impressed, so tvr it is then. I've been looking at e few of the posts on here concerning the 4.0/4.3 against the 500, and it seems it's down to personal preference, would this be right, ( my pref is the 500 ). Anyway I said it would go on a bit so I'll stop here and give you a chance to offer some advice, as it seems there's a lot of knowledgable people out there.
cheers, steve.

[Apache]

Hi Steve, Griff owners are passionate about their cars and many will prefer the precat 4.0/4.3 to the 5.0 for the sound. IMO buy the car you feel at home with.
Check for a good history, do not be put off by high mileages as this merely confirms a well used and thus reliable car. Things do need replacing after a while such as wishbones, bushes, cams, manifold gaskets, clutches etc just make sure this is in the history. Check the chassis around the rear of the front wheel arches for rust and make sure the owner has waxoyled it on a regular basis.
Personally I'd go for a 500hc, not cos I'm biased but because these have the later gearboxes, diff, suspension etc and as such can be modified as you get used to the power (check my profile and richb's for ideas.
Finally get the help of an expert like Rob Ingleby or James Agger, find them on the homepage under links. Welcome to the club, it's becoming quite popular

>> Edited by Apache on Sunday 28th December 15:25

[zz top]

Hi steve1, welcome.The 500 is my prefered choice and have owned one since april 2000 and have never regreted my purchase. I did however test drive 9 500's and everyone "felt" different,but you will know which one is right for you.About 6 weeks ago i had one of those urges to buy a tuscan s, but after speaking to many members on PH i decided to keep my griff and have performance engine upgrades presently being carried out by Peninsula tvr.IMO the 500 is the only tvr to have and im sure others on this thread will convince you likewise. Cheers.....zz

[steve1]

Apache, have seen these names on other posts, seem to be the people to speak to, have tried to find them on the links you said about, but no joy, am I looking in the right place.

[zz top]

Steve1, for Rob Ingleby check out...[url]www.findasportscar.co.uk. Before i purchased i became a member of the tvr car club{www.tvrcc.co.uk} which not only produces a fantastic monthly magazine but also helps when finding insurance{discount for membership].

>> Edited by zz top on Sunday 28th December 15:56

[steve1]

Just a couple of things, looking at the classifieds as you do, is the HC for high compression, or something like that, and what's " serpentine ".

[apache]

Steve for James use this link

www.jamesagger.com/

HC is a confusing acronym that may or may not apply to your engine regardless of wether the badge says it is....apparently and I've forgotten what it means, serpentine is refering to the later belt and pulley arrangement, it also has an improved oil pump I believe.

[steve1]

can someone please tell me how to get rid of the edit and delete icons from my posts, thank-you.

[apache]

you can't they appear only to you to allow you to delete or edit your posts, we can only see them on our posts too.

Next?

[Ballistic Banana]

Hi Steve,

See you found PH then. Welcome to the mad house

Would of advised you buy Apaches as its a Gem, but hes not selling just yet, he is/he isnt/he is/ he isnt. sorry Pete so glad i am not in you predicament

Dont Think Robs site is working at the moment.
Something on one of teh other threads but will be soon.

Steve, wht sort of price Bracket are you looking at?

BB

[simpo two]

Ballistic Banana said:

It had to happen...

[steve1]

Apache, do I feel stupid or what, thanks


Ballistic, It's going to be my second car, so upper limit of 15k

[simpo two]

steve1 said:

so upper limit of 15k

I'd suggest a good 4.x and some change for contingencies. You can always get a 500 in another year or two if you like the breed.

[Apache]

simpo two said:

Ballistic Banana said: It had to happen...

beaut!

[DustyC]

Go to the FAQs here for an excellent buying guide.
www.tvrbooks.co.uk/

Good luck and let us know how it goes.

[_DJ_]

Gazboy said:

I've seen plenty of interior piccies of Chim, but does anyone have pics of the griffs? Also, do all models have leather seats? >> Edited by Gazboy on Tuesday 30th December 19:05

The interiors are fairly similar. There's usually a number of pictures in the Pistonheads Classifieds. Not all cars have full leather (it was an option) but all have part leather.

DJ

[_DJ_]

Gazboy said:

_DJ_ said: Gazboy said: I've seen plenty of interior piccies of Chim, but does anyone have pics of the griffs? Also, do all models have leather seats? >> Edited by Gazboy on Tuesday 30th December 19:05 The interiors are fairly similar. There's usually a number of pictures in the Pistonheads Classifieds. Not all cars have full leather (it was an option) but all have part leather. DJ erm, no. I forget the name of the material but it's synthetic 'leather look'. It's actually really good and cars are often sold as full-hide (even when they're not) because it looks so realistic. DJ Cloth middle/center bits?

[simpo two]

Never cloth 'middle/centre bits' - vinyl unless full leather is specified. TVR vinyl is called 'ambla moquette' - a very good imitation of leather.

[pies]

Surprised Ballistic Bannana didn't mention his buying guide which can be found here

Every bit of info helps

[RichB]

steve1 said:

Apache, have seen these names on other posts, seem to be the people to speak to, have tried to find them on the links you said about, but no joy, am I looking in the right place.

steve1 said:

Just a couple of things, looking at the classifieds as you do, is the HC for high compression, or something like that, and what's " serpentine ".

Hi Steve, good luck with your search, you'll find that once you get out and look at a few all the minor nuances become clear. If not just ask us! HC indicates a High-lift Cam and all 5Ltrs. are HC regardless of whether or not is says HC on the rocker covers. The serpentine engine is spotted by the alternator & water-pump drive-belts which take a rather tortuous route around the front of the engine, hence "serpentine". The significance is that this engine was introduced around (but not exactly at) the time of the Borg Warner T5 box, which is regarded as better and can be spotted by the fact that reverse is to the right and back i.e. under 5th. There were many incremental improvements to the Griffith over the years and apart from the noise (which can be addressed with an exhaust conversion) these came together in the 500's. I strongly recommend you get a copy of Steve Heath's book "The TVR Griffith and Chimaera" commonly known as the Bible! Available from the tvrcc and Steve's web site. http://ourworld.compuserve.com/homepages/shpub/ and www.tvrcc.com/

Cheers Rich… www.greenbear.org.uk

edited to add that a couple of other books you may find usefull are TVR The Complete Story by John Tipler and TVR Muscles and Curves by Iain Ayre, I managed to order both of these from my local library when I first got into TVRs.



>> Edited by RichB on Wednesday 31st December 11:37