Six month appraisal (what would I like to change?)
Discussion
For what it's worth and as a new owner (living in Toulouse) just wanted to post my thoughts.
Bought a '98 Griff 500 in February sourced through James Agger after having owned a Morgan Plus 8 for 13 years.
Car hadn't been used much for previous 12 months and I put the leaking brake master cylinder down to this. Yes it is a pig of a job to change but hopefully will not require changing again.
Found the standard seats very uncomfortable (I'm six foot and suffered a slipped disc 12 years ago), mainly due to lack of lumbar. This was easily sorted by a local upholsterer who changed the profile of the foam and restitched the leather. This has made them comfortable though maybe lacking a bit in lateral support under fast cornering.
Fuel consumption really is lousy. 24-25 mpg on a gentle run and around 18-20 otherwise. From reading posts on the forum this appears about right for the car but given that I got around 30 out of my Plus 8 on a run and an Aero 8 with similar performance (ok I know it has a modern engine) will give 28-29 this does seem a high price to pay for the grin factor; more on this later.
Love the aircon (as does wife) and also think power steering with its direct rack to be a real pleasure.
Roof panel is living more or less permanently in the boot and wife is making a storm/dust cover which can be fitted in seconds when parked to just go over targa position hood.
Electric boot opening still irritates and I must get around to fitting a mod kit.
What a shame chassis and wishbones aren't better rust proofed, still I suppose it gives someting to do in the winter!
Noise and performance are great and I have yet to feel I need more of either, not a bad thing given that both daughters are off at uni this Autumn and will be costing the proverbial.
Amazingly I find washing the car a joy. After the Morgan the smooth curves and total lack of protuberances/sharp edges make this a quick job.
Biggest gripe though is the low gearing. From speedo and rev counter (car is on standard tyres) seems to pull around 25.5 mph per 1000 rpm whereas on my Plus 8 it was around 29mph. Car has got so much grunt that I think it would easily support over 30mph per 1000 rpm and would expect this also to give substantial gain in fuel economy on a run. Whilst accepting it will affect low speed acceleration in all honesty I'm prepared to sacrifice some performance here. So is there a diff that I can install which will raise my back axle ratio by about 20%?
In summary though, fantastic car which is great to drive, great to look at and given current prices great value for money.
Cheers
Philippo
Bought a '98 Griff 500 in February sourced through James Agger after having owned a Morgan Plus 8 for 13 years.
Car hadn't been used much for previous 12 months and I put the leaking brake master cylinder down to this. Yes it is a pig of a job to change but hopefully will not require changing again.
Found the standard seats very uncomfortable (I'm six foot and suffered a slipped disc 12 years ago), mainly due to lack of lumbar. This was easily sorted by a local upholsterer who changed the profile of the foam and restitched the leather. This has made them comfortable though maybe lacking a bit in lateral support under fast cornering.
Fuel consumption really is lousy. 24-25 mpg on a gentle run and around 18-20 otherwise. From reading posts on the forum this appears about right for the car but given that I got around 30 out of my Plus 8 on a run and an Aero 8 with similar performance (ok I know it has a modern engine) will give 28-29 this does seem a high price to pay for the grin factor; more on this later.
Love the aircon (as does wife) and also think power steering with its direct rack to be a real pleasure.
Roof panel is living more or less permanently in the boot and wife is making a storm/dust cover which can be fitted in seconds when parked to just go over targa position hood.
Electric boot opening still irritates and I must get around to fitting a mod kit.
What a shame chassis and wishbones aren't better rust proofed, still I suppose it gives someting to do in the winter!
Noise and performance are great and I have yet to feel I need more of either, not a bad thing given that both daughters are off at uni this Autumn and will be costing the proverbial.
Amazingly I find washing the car a joy. After the Morgan the smooth curves and total lack of protuberances/sharp edges make this a quick job.
Biggest gripe though is the low gearing. From speedo and rev counter (car is on standard tyres) seems to pull around 25.5 mph per 1000 rpm whereas on my Plus 8 it was around 29mph. Car has got so much grunt that I think it would easily support over 30mph per 1000 rpm and would expect this also to give substantial gain in fuel economy on a run. Whilst accepting it will affect low speed acceleration in all honesty I'm prepared to sacrifice some performance here. So is there a diff that I can install which will raise my back axle ratio by about 20%?
In summary though, fantastic car which is great to drive, great to look at and given current prices great value for money.
Cheers
Philippo
Philip,
An excellent boot opening kit is supplied by Carl Baker at www.tvruk.tv. I have it on my Griff and is a smalll fob which opens the boot when car is locked or whenever. A cheaper kit is the mod-wise version, also very good. They are both mentioned on this site if you do a search.
An excellent boot opening kit is supplied by Carl Baker at www.tvruk.tv. I have it on my Griff and is a smalll fob which opens the boot when car is locked or whenever. A cheaper kit is the mod-wise version, also very good. They are both mentioned on this site if you do a search.
Pasco
For me issue of fuel consumption is only part of issue. When you have such a big engine as in the Griffith with loads of torque, one of the benefits should be tall gearing and an engine that is just turning over at cruising speeds. For instance if I'm not mistaken a Dodge Viper manages close to 50 mph at 1000rpm in 6th, now albeit that's an engine over 50% larger in capacity but nevertheless trust you'll see what I'm getting at.
Cheers Philip
For me issue of fuel consumption is only part of issue. When you have such a big engine as in the Griffith with loads of torque, one of the benefits should be tall gearing and an engine that is just turning over at cruising speeds. For instance if I'm not mistaken a Dodge Viper manages close to 50 mph at 1000rpm in 6th, now albeit that's an engine over 50% larger in capacity but nevertheless trust you'll see what I'm getting at.
Cheers Philip
philippo said:
Pasco
For me issue of fuel consumption is only part of issue. When you have such a big engine as in the Griffith with loads of torque, one of the benefits should be tall gearing and an engine that is just turning over at cruising speeds. For instance if I'm not mistaken a Dodge Viper manages close to 50 mph at 1000rpm in 6th, now albeit that's an engine over 50% larger in capacity but nevertheless trust you'll see what I'm getting at.
Cheers Philip
For me issue of fuel consumption is only part of issue. When you have such a big engine as in the Griffith with loads of torque, one of the benefits should be tall gearing and an engine that is just turning over at cruising speeds. For instance if I'm not mistaken a Dodge Viper manages close to 50 mph at 1000rpm in 6th, now albeit that's an engine over 50% larger in capacity but nevertheless trust you'll see what I'm getting at.
Cheers Philip
The Viper and the 7 litre Corvette use the T56 gearbox. This is basically a 5+1 gearbox where the 6th gear is VERY tall, so an economy gear and not the gear that top speed will be reached in. They need this to escape the gas guzzler regs in the USA. Suppose it would be possible to change a TVR diff, but then using the T5 it would be more like a 4+1 gearbox.
philippo said:
For what it's worth and as a new owner (living in Toulouse) just wanted to post my thoughts.
Bought a '98 Griff 500 in February sourced through James Agger after having owned a Morgan Plus 8 for 13 years.
Car hadn't been used much for previous 12 months and I put the leaking brake master cylinder down to this. Yes it is a pig of a job to change but hopefully will not require changing again.
Found the standard seats very uncomfortable (I'm six foot and suffered a slipped disc 12 years ago), mainly due to lack of lumbar. This was easily sorted by a local upholsterer who changed the profile of the foam and restitched the leather. This has made them comfortable though maybe lacking a bit in lateral support under fast cornering.
Fuel consumption really is lousy. 24-25 mpg on a gentle run and around 18-20 otherwise. From reading posts on the forum this appears about right for the car but given that I got around 30 out of my Plus 8 on a run and an Aero 8 with similar performance (ok I know it has a modern engine) will give 28-29 this does seem a high price to pay for the grin factor; more on this later.
Love the aircon (as does wife) and also think power steering with its direct rack to be a real pleasure.
Roof panel is living more or less permanently in the boot and wife is making a storm/dust cover which can be fitted in seconds when parked to just go over targa position hood.
Electric boot opening still irritates and I must get around to fitting a mod kit.
What a shame chassis and wishbones aren't better rust proofed, still I suppose it gives someting to do in the winter!
Noise and performance are great and I have yet to feel I need more of either, not a bad thing given that both daughters are off at uni this Autumn and will be costing the proverbial.
Amazingly I find washing the car a joy. After the Morgan the smooth curves and total lack of protuberances/sharp edges make this a quick job.
Biggest gripe though is the low gearing. From speedo and rev counter (car is on standard tyres) seems to pull around 25.5 mph per 1000 rpm whereas on my Plus 8 it was around 29mph. Car has got so much grunt that I think it would easily support over 30mph per 1000 rpm and would expect this also to give substantial gain in fuel economy on a run. Whilst accepting it will affect low speed acceleration in all honesty I'm prepared to sacrifice some performance here. So is there a diff that I can install which will raise my back axle ratio by about 20%?
In summary though, fantastic car which is great to drive, great to look at and given current prices great value for money.
Cheers
Philippo
Bought a '98 Griff 500 in February sourced through James Agger after having owned a Morgan Plus 8 for 13 years.
Car hadn't been used much for previous 12 months and I put the leaking brake master cylinder down to this. Yes it is a pig of a job to change but hopefully will not require changing again.
Found the standard seats very uncomfortable (I'm six foot and suffered a slipped disc 12 years ago), mainly due to lack of lumbar. This was easily sorted by a local upholsterer who changed the profile of the foam and restitched the leather. This has made them comfortable though maybe lacking a bit in lateral support under fast cornering.
Fuel consumption really is lousy. 24-25 mpg on a gentle run and around 18-20 otherwise. From reading posts on the forum this appears about right for the car but given that I got around 30 out of my Plus 8 on a run and an Aero 8 with similar performance (ok I know it has a modern engine) will give 28-29 this does seem a high price to pay for the grin factor; more on this later.
Love the aircon (as does wife) and also think power steering with its direct rack to be a real pleasure.
Roof panel is living more or less permanently in the boot and wife is making a storm/dust cover which can be fitted in seconds when parked to just go over targa position hood.
Electric boot opening still irritates and I must get around to fitting a mod kit.
What a shame chassis and wishbones aren't better rust proofed, still I suppose it gives someting to do in the winter!
Noise and performance are great and I have yet to feel I need more of either, not a bad thing given that both daughters are off at uni this Autumn and will be costing the proverbial.
Amazingly I find washing the car a joy. After the Morgan the smooth curves and total lack of protuberances/sharp edges make this a quick job.
Biggest gripe though is the low gearing. From speedo and rev counter (car is on standard tyres) seems to pull around 25.5 mph per 1000 rpm whereas on my Plus 8 it was around 29mph. Car has got so much grunt that I think it would easily support over 30mph per 1000 rpm and would expect this also to give substantial gain in fuel economy on a run. Whilst accepting it will affect low speed acceleration in all honesty I'm prepared to sacrifice some performance here. So is there a diff that I can install which will raise my back axle ratio by about 20%?
In summary though, fantastic car which is great to drive, great to look at and given current prices great value for money.
Cheers
Philippo
Philip
Hope your well, just thought I would drop this scanned copy below featuring none other than your current Griffith
Classic Car weekly have just done a feature on the TVR Griffith and they asked for some pictures - they ended up with your car on the front and middle pages - not bad, get yourself a copy for your TVR file
I am sure it will help keep residuals decent and more people outside PH and TVRCC know about these superb sports cars
Just for your records its just come out today
31st August 2006 copy no 837
Hope your well and can you send some of that South of France weather up here please!
Edited by jamer on Thursday 31st August 00:51
Fair appraisal. However the mpg figure seem fair considering that (a) it's a 5 litre engine and (b) you probably spend most of the time accelerating 
Plus, if it's a second car you won't be doing 30,000 miles a year in it.
The gear ratios may seem low but that's what's gives the acceleration. If you get the power down well, make a good change into 2nd and keep the hammer down to 5,000 rpm, not much will keep up!
Agree about the seats though - mine are OK but could be better.
Plus, if it's a second car you won't be doing 30,000 miles a year in it. The gear ratios may seem low but that's what's gives the acceleration. If you get the power down well, make a good change into 2nd and keep the hammer down to 5,000 rpm, not much will keep up!
Agree about the seats though - mine are OK but could be better.
Edited by simpo two on Thursday 31st August 09:36
mongoose said:
shadowfax said:
Bluey's doing exactly 100mph in 5th at 3000
Mpg 18 average
Blimey thats high!My first Griff did just under 90 at 3k,my present one does just over 80 at same.Both of these are indicated figures on the clock,not gps,which is lower still-typically up to 10% lower.Mpg 18 average
At 3k mines at 70mph (ie loud) and 12.2 mpg is average (or wa for for first 3 months.
FFG
FlipFlopGriff said:
mongoose said:
shadowfax said:
Bluey's doing exactly 100mph in 5th at 3000
Mpg 18 average
Blimey thats high!My first Griff did just under 90 at 3k,my present one does just over 80 at same.Both of these are indicated figures on the clock,not gps,which is lower still-typically up to 10% lower.Mpg 18 average
At 3k mines at 70mph (ie loud) and 12.2 mpg is average (or wa for for first 3 months.
FFG
Maybe Bluey's speedo is reading a bit high. Mind you, I know a lad with a Chimmy400 which shows 90 at 3k rpm, so the added power of the 500 may account for a righteous increase. Or maybe I just got a great motor ... which is for sale on this site :mixed feelings icon:
Changed the Diff in mine because it was generating too much noise to live with. The plan was to have it rebuilt but ran out of time and went to Bell Hill instead. They asked “what ratio” and sent me under to look at the small tag attached to the Diff casing. They sold me one with the same tag but it turned out to have a higher ratio. Without trying it I can't report exact revs / speed. The major benefit is being able to floor it in 1st and actually pull away rather than make lot’s of smoke and 95 or more is achievable in third. A possible disadvantage is with a lumpy cam fitted the annoying shunting probably happens at a lower speed.
Interesting replies.
Having checked out against a couple of tintops I'm reasonable confident that my speedo is accurate at 75mph, +/- 2mph. Could my rev counter be out? Seat of the pants tells me it's not, but I just can't believe that it's geared for a tad over 25mph at 1000rpm. I'll be under the car this weekend to have a look at tag on diff
Steve -V8S, who are Bell Hill? Could you give me their contact details please?
James, many thanks for message about Classic Car Weekly, I'm getting hold of a copy for the file.
Having checked out against a couple of tintops I'm reasonable confident that my speedo is accurate at 75mph, +/- 2mph. Could my rev counter be out? Seat of the pants tells me it's not, but I just can't believe that it's geared for a tad over 25mph at 1000rpm. I'll be under the car this weekend to have a look at tag on diff
Steve -V8S, who are Bell Hill? Could you give me their contact details please?
James, many thanks for message about Classic Car Weekly, I'm getting hold of a copy for the file.
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