JFReturns' TVR Chimaera 4.0
Discussion
Was at a tyre place today, getting my battery changed (excellent work by a 50+ geezer who has a 2.8 Z3. Whole job cost me £7 more than the best Internet price I found, and he did all the work, excellently and without fuss, taking loving care of my Chimaera).
Saw the front discs on a Freelander - they looked about the same size as those on my Chimaera. Note to self - upgrade the discs BEFORE the next track day........
Saw the front discs on a Freelander - they looked about the same size as those on my Chimaera. Note to self - upgrade the discs BEFORE the next track day........
JFReturns said:
Brakes seem powerful enough to me, even locking up once or twice. Does the Chim really need bigger brakes or is it an aesthetic exercise? I've no plans to track her....
I have had mine on track with standard brakes (Green Stuff pads and braided hoses) and they have been fine. These cars are not heavy, I think the standard disks and calipers are more than adequate.Indeed, with proper pad compounds (Ferodo DS2500 et al) the brakes are more than man enough for the road and putting on bigger, heavier ones will only serve to highlight one area where the cars could bear improvement - composure when upping the pace on roads that aren't entirely smooth - to some extent.
For a non-track biased Chim, I would - if anything - put on lighter brakes, not bigger ones. Sadly I've so far failed to locate a set up that would significantly reduce unsprung and rotating weights compared to the OE set up - there are lightweight calipers that bolt straight onto a Sierra hub and work with a 260 mm disc, but these are meant for the Seven/lightweight market... In the end I went with Tarox grooved and heat-treated discs and Ferodo DS3000 front pads (DS2500 rear).
For a non-track biased Chim, I would - if anything - put on lighter brakes, not bigger ones. Sadly I've so far failed to locate a set up that would significantly reduce unsprung and rotating weights compared to the OE set up - there are lightweight calipers that bolt straight onto a Sierra hub and work with a 260 mm disc, but these are meant for the Seven/lightweight market... In the end I went with Tarox grooved and heat-treated discs and Ferodo DS3000 front pads (DS2500 rear).
I use mine on track and have no issues with standard brakes myself - but everyone else who drives it complains.
I now use 888s on the track, so can go to bigger brakes, as i am a bit of a fiend for catching people by late braking.
On the road the standard brakes are fine. I can still lock the brakes if i stamp hard enough, but in general use the tyres and brakes about match, thus avoiding lockups.
Indeed, IMO just about everything standard on a Chimaera is well specced, balanced and thought out for road use. The only driving issues I have suffered have occurred in heavy rain or from inappropriate use of a heavy right foot, thanks to all that lovely power going through a light weight rear end. And that is easily cured by a beer trip to Tescos.......
I now use 888s on the track, so can go to bigger brakes, as i am a bit of a fiend for catching people by late braking.
On the road the standard brakes are fine. I can still lock the brakes if i stamp hard enough, but in general use the tyres and brakes about match, thus avoiding lockups.
Indeed, IMO just about everything standard on a Chimaera is well specced, balanced and thought out for road use. The only driving issues I have suffered have occurred in heavy rain or from inappropriate use of a heavy right foot, thanks to all that lovely power going through a light weight rear end. And that is easily cured by a beer trip to Tescos.......
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:
JFReturns said:
Brakes seem powerful enough to me, even locking up once or twice. Does the Chim really need bigger brakes or is it an aesthetic exercise? I've no plans to track her....
This depends on who you speak to. I will admit to being a bit of a case, and I have most (if not all) of the magazines that have ever featured a Chim. If you read the original reviews back in 1993/4, they'll all say the brakes are really good. Times have moved on though, and (a) your brakes might not be as good as new and (b) brakes are better now, and people have higher expectations.I see you use Dan Taylor. He has a super-duper brake bleeding apparatus that made a huge improvement to my brakes. It's a bugger bleeding the Chim properly.
Having big discs and posh branded calipers does look good. Got to make sure you retain f/r bias though.
Well the Chim has been off the road for a few months now, and it's killing me not driving her 
I've been starting her up and moving her around the private land round the back to keep the engine lubricated and battery topped up, but its obvious the battery isn't getting enough juice. I think by next week she won't start at all. Whats the best way to sort this - new battery, jump starter or trickle charger?
Also, what is this button meant to do? I can't see it does anything
Couple of pics of the gorgeous curves and colour to stop it being a boring update
I've been starting her up and moving her around the private land round the back to keep the engine lubricated and battery topped up, but its obvious the battery isn't getting enough juice. I think by next week she won't start at all. Whats the best way to sort this - new battery, jump starter or trickle charger?
Also, what is this button meant to do? I can't see it does anything
Couple of pics of the gorgeous curves and colour to stop it being a boring update
AV8 said:
You'll need a trickle charger/ battery conditioner to keep it topped up even with a new battery. The button is for locking the doors from the inside.
......as you will discover if someone leans on it on getting out of the car and you have left the keys inside. Easily done.....but you only do it once away from home. Make sure you know how to get in without keys......Do you leave it unlocked in your garage? I got me one of these: battery isolator
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