Discussion
shpub said:Don't be a spoil-sport Steve, it's only a little day-dreaming of the "what about if we did this" kind. In any case the only difference AFAIK between the Griff and Cerbera "chassis" is that there is additonal triangulation at the front - nothing that couldn't be sorted, all other differences are suspension brakes etc. all of which can be upgraded quite nicely these days, perhaps with some Nitrons and the factory brake upgrade. Anyway it would be nice to see a well sorted AJP V8 Griff. Rich...
Before you lot get too carried away... The AJP was intended for the Griff but the final package highlighted many discrepancies with the Griff chassis, suspension, brakes etc etc that stopped it in its tracks.
It was decided that the combination did not make a car that was driveable for mere mortals and this prompted the Cerbera work and development. What this also means that any power increase will hit the same limitations. Nothing that can't be coped with but it adds to the costs tremendously and can/will make a car that is very very tricky to drive and cope with.
Actually there were some pretty fundamental differences. The 11 inch increase in wheel base which is pretty difficult to reproduce in a Griff, the modified uprights and wishbones that didn't bend under power, the full roll cage that fully triangulates the chassis, the modified anti-roll bar mounts and drop links...
As Steve suggested when TVR evaluated the AJP Griffith, they decided that it was just too savage for an "open top", well there are now quite a few griffs & Chimaeras about with enough power (Rover) to trounce a Cerbera, the question is, is it sensible ? probably no , but i guess if you love the Griff that much but want Cerbera performance and preferably have "large titanium balls", oh and "a bit" of spare cash, its the only way to go ? but its more than just an engine upgrade.
The Wheeler AJP Griff must be around, i thought John Ravenscroft was driving it recently.
Tim
The Wheeler AJP Griff must be around, i thought John Ravenscroft was driving it recently.
Tim
2 sheds said:
As Steve suggested when TVR evaluated the AJP Griffith, they decided that it was just too savage for an "open top", well there are now quite a few griffs & Chimaeras about with enough power (Rover) to trounce a Cerbera, the question is, is it sensible ? probably no , but i guess if you love the Griff that much but want Cerbera performance and preferably have "large titanium balls", oh and "a bit" of spare cash, its the only way to go ? but its more than just an engine upgrade.
The Wheeler AJP Griff must be around, i thought John Ravenscroft was driving it recently.
Tim
Yes i have titanium balls (even though they fire blanks now)I know brakes etc are important but i must admit i like to live on the edge (when i am driving on my own)the main thing for me is power & a nice fast car.I think i have made up my mind & will go for cebera as i like the power (extra seats are good for plodding about nice & safe with the kids as well)I just hope the running costs dont force me to sale,if i do i will be back on your site for griff,
thanks everyone for your help on this!
shpub said:It’s only a pipe-dream Steve! But I’ll I beg to differ on one point - the Cerberas I've seen at the factory only have a roll hoop at the rear which isn't triangulated or braced backwards and a hoop in front screen surround again not fully braced to the rear like the T350 - so the Griff's chassis would be stiffened up with a decent Tower View roll-bar – which is triangulated, and as you say it's 11" shorter so it's less likely to twist
Actually there were some pretty fundamental differences. The 11 inch increase in wheel base which is pretty difficult to reproduce in a Griff, the modified uprights and wishbones that didn't bend under power, the full roll cage that fully triangulates the chassis, the modified anti-roll bar mounts and drop links...
some decent wishbones, poly bushes and Nitrons from Penninsula etc. hummm I reckon it’d work! 
Rich... The Cerbera roll bars are braced by the way they are fitted into the body shell. There is also a massive side impact bar in the door which helps as well. The chassis is simply a lot lot stiffer and doesn't flex like the Griff one does when pushed hard.
Yes you could make a Griff cope but it would be more like a race car than a everyday car that the Cerbera is. I've got the 520 to cope with Cerbera level of power and a bit more but there is no way I would describe it as an everyday road car when being serious. That is one of the joys of the Cerbera that TVR managed to pack some much performance in without making it an out and out racer.
Sorely tempted to get another...
Yes you could make a Griff cope but it would be more like a race car than a everyday car that the Cerbera is. I've got the 520 to cope with Cerbera level of power and a bit more but there is no way I would describe it as an everyday road car when being serious. That is one of the joys of the Cerbera that TVR managed to pack some much performance in without making it an out and out racer.
Sorely tempted to get another...
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