RE: PH Fleet: Lexus LS400/TVR Chimaera 400

RE: PH Fleet: Lexus LS400/TVR Chimaera 400

Author
Discussion

Matt UK

17,699 posts

200 months

Monday 27th February 2012
quotequote all
TVR noise video cloud9

ProjectBayern

40 posts

155 months

Monday 27th February 2012
quotequote all
This weekend a guy on ebay contacted me to see if i wanted to buy his Tuscan as he spotted that I'm a trader with a couple of odd ball cars, I said no but now I've seen that video I think I should be contacting him back!!!!!

Oooooh that noise was beautiful! And your car looks mint, especially as it sounds like you use it a lot.

Good article, this is why I love PH so much!

newdogg06

266 posts

189 months

Monday 27th February 2012
quotequote all
The TVR. One day I will have one. Oh yes.

Like the vid. Shades of Ferris taking the 250GT out of Cameron's dad's garage!

jbi

12,671 posts

204 months

Monday 27th February 2012
quotequote all
The Chimera would be better off with the lexus engine in it TBH

Matt UK

17,699 posts

200 months

Monday 27th February 2012
quotequote all
jbi said:
The Chimera would be better off with the lexus engine in it TBH
confused

jbi

12,671 posts

204 months

Monday 27th February 2012
quotequote all
Matt UK said:
jbi said:
The Chimera would be better off with the lexus engine in it TBH
confused
Better in every conceivable way than the rover V8 apart from physical dimensions. I'm not sure it would fit under the bonnet.

MUDGUTZ

117 posts

147 months

Monday 27th February 2012
quotequote all
I am still really pleased with my 1997 LS400, it's coming up to 156,000 miles and drives really well.

When I have had a long day at work and am quite tired, it takes me up the M1 to home so easily. My previous barge (1995 BMW 525) was good for that journey but this is a lot better. I couldn't hope for a better car for the money. These cars are very under-rated as a Luxo-Barge.

I paid £884 for it 7 months and 9000 miles ago, have sold the registration for £500 and spent £2800 on:

MOT
All the plugs, HT leads, Distributor Caps and Rotor Arms replaced
A good service, including all the filters, oil change, etc.
4 Pirelli tyres, 4 wheel tracking, etc.
Changed the Transmission Fluid
A few other bits to keep it running well.

I get around 27 MPG

Edited by MUDGUTZ on Monday 27th February 18:22

slipstream 1985

12,220 posts

179 months

Monday 27th February 2012
quotequote all
fantastic, i too have the "i NEED to buy something urge. Can't get rid of the noble and the clio same millage as your lexus continues to plod on so hard to justify changing it. I think i understand the womans thing about buying shoes...

rtz62

3,369 posts

155 months

Monday 27th February 2012
quotequote all
The access to the battery (behind the footboard in the passenger footwell) could be easier!
However, an ex TVR mechanic fitted a fiendishly effective and simple mid that put both the +Ve and -Ve, via extensions, inside the engine compartment, making charging and jump starting easier (although I only ever had one new battery, which was prior to that!).
I'd suggest hard wiring an Accumate into the car as well, keeps the car charged and the battery conditioned.

Garlick

40,601 posts

240 months

Monday 27th February 2012
quotequote all
Fortunately I do have that battery extension to the engine compartment, it's been a godsend.

Problem with chargers is a lack of power in my garage, but I do have a lightsocket and received a link from a PHer where you can buy a socket that connects to the light fitting. Not sure about that.....

tommy vercetti

11,489 posts

163 months

Monday 27th February 2012
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The noise from the TVR cloud9

Dave Hedgehog

14,555 posts

204 months

Monday 27th February 2012
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whose RS3?

Garlick

40,601 posts

240 months

Monday 27th February 2012
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RS3 is an Audi press car smile

Dave Hedgehog

14,555 posts

204 months

Monday 27th February 2012
quotequote all
Garlick said:
RS3 is an Audi press car smile
how does it compare back to back with the GTi?


oh and it needs black rims biggrin

Jaged

3,598 posts

194 months

Monday 27th February 2012
quotequote all
Garlick said:
Fortunately I do have that battery extension to the engine compartment, it's been a godsend.

Problem with chargers is a lack of power in my garage, but I do have a lightsocket and received a link from a PHer where you can buy a socket that connects to the light fitting. Not sure about that.....
An Acumate will run off the light circuit no problem.

But for others without any power, I disconnected my Cerbera battery for winter 2010/11 and 3 months later on connecting it, she started first time!

Keep the TVR, I sold my Cerb last July and miss it like mad!

Junk that barge Lexus and get and get the much lighter D2 Aluminium A8.

Or (as I've had a D2 A8), get that Jaguar! That Supercharger sound is addictive!


Rum Runner

2,338 posts

217 months

Monday 27th February 2012
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Go for a Monaro VXR or VXR8..similar price wise to the Chim. Similar performance and will do the job of both.

Garlick

40,601 posts

240 months

Monday 27th February 2012
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Considered a VXR Monaro, i might, perhaps....

I just wonder if it feels as 'special' as the TVR.

JamesK

2,124 posts

279 months

Monday 27th February 2012
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Well, if by "special" you mean "Vauxhall" then yes, yes it will smile

Skyedriver

17,856 posts

282 months

Monday 27th February 2012
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Miss the Chimaera too
M945NOP where are you now?
Since I used you as a daily driver for 3 years I suspect you are now off the road due tocorroded chassis
Don't think I could afford the fuel anymore at 19 mpg
Enjoyed the time, sad to think I cannot anymore

exgtt

2,067 posts

212 months

Monday 27th February 2012
quotequote all
Lovely, just watched that clip 7 times with some decent headphones on. The lady in the clip probably saw the camera, heard the TVR and thought "dont look, dont look, dont look"