Discussion
)pwd95 said:
Already booked in mid March. He did my previous Chim too. His full upgrade with boot release & hot start cure is simply a must with these cars IMHO. Top job. 
If TVR had wired the otherwise reliable Meta system correctly in the first place the Griffith & Chimaera models could have gone a long way to help overcome the the marque's reputation for poor reliability.
More than any other TVR before or after it, the Chim and Griff models came with the foundation of very reliable engineering components mated to a decent design, it doesn't surprise me in the least the Chimaera out sold other models by three to one.
The dependable Rover V8 engine, a tough proven BW T5 gearbox, the strong & durable BTR diff, and every day reliable Ford brakes ect ect, the list of quality ingredients were consistently let down by the poor wiring.... which is a real shame.
To me the Chimaera sits at the sweet spot of TVR production, a fundamentally good design that overcame most of the failings of models that came before it whilst still utilising strong proven engineering from big mainstream manufacturers with proper development budgets.
Later TVRs needed their own engine and ever increasingly complex electronics to compete with the competition from Porsche & BMW, but with in-house engines and wiring/electronics being TVR's weak points the writing was already on the wall.
The way I see it, it's a lot cheaper and easier to sort the Meta system on a Chimaera than it is to resolve the wiring issues on a Cerbera or to rebuild the AJP6 in a Tuscan.
All this makes a Chimaera & Griffith the safest purchase for anyone thinking about their first TVR, it also makes running one a damn sight cheaper than any other TVR model.
Sort out the Meta security system and a few other niggles and there's no reason why a Chim or Griff couldn't be as reliable as any other car.
Like I say "resolving the immobiliser woes is without doubt the best thing you can do to improve the reliability of any Griffith or Chimaera"
That's for sure...
I had Carl sort mine out on my first Chim now booked in for mid March for my second one. He knows he's got his work cut out though as someone had a Cobra system fitted about 10 years ago and the wiring really doesn't look pretty in the dashboard.
As said above top guy and really good work.
As said above top guy and really good work.
MIne has been perfect since the day Carl fitted a new system with the 60 seconds delay to allow you to start it, and the remote boot release, and took the hot start mod out.
And talking for Europe seems to be a common thread among TVR experts......
.....something to do with loving the cars.
Carl Baker, Mark Adams, Mat Smith, Jools, to name just a few.....indeed any of you lot (me included) when we get together.
Seems to be part of the fun of TVR ownership to me, having experts and friends who are willing to discuss the problems fully and chat away about the cars.
If I tell my wife I am "popping in to see Mat on my way home", or "just going to give Peter/Alex a quick call", she bins the clock and gets the calendar out.
And talking for Europe seems to be a common thread among TVR experts......
.....something to do with loving the cars.
Carl Baker, Mark Adams, Mat Smith, Jools, to name just a few.....indeed any of you lot (me included) when we get together.
Seems to be part of the fun of TVR ownership to me, having experts and friends who are willing to discuss the problems fully and chat away about the cars.
If I tell my wife I am "popping in to see Mat on my way home", or "just going to give Peter/Alex a quick call", she bins the clock and gets the calendar out.
ChimpOnGas said:
Couldn't agree more, resolving the immobiliser woes is without doubt the best thing you can do to improve the reliability of any Griffith or Chimaera.
If TVR had wired the otherwise reliable Meta system correctly in the first place the Griffith & Chimaera models could have gone a long way to help overcome the the marque's reputation for poor reliability.
More than any other TVR before or after it, the Chim and Griff models came with the foundation of very reliable engineering components mated to a decent design, it doesn't surprise me in the least the Chimaera out sold other models by three to one.
The dependable Rover V8 engine, a tough proven BW T5 gearbox, the strong & durable BTR diff, and every day reliable Ford brakes ect ect, the list of quality ingredients were consistently let down by the poor wiring.... which is a real shame.
To me the Chimaera sits at the sweet spot of TVR production, a fundamentally good design that overcame most of the failings of models that came before it whilst still utilising strong proven engineering from big mainstream manufacturers with proper development budgets.
Later TVRs needed their own engine and ever increasingly complex electronics to compete with the competition from Porsche & BMW, but with in-house engines and wiring/electronics being TVR's weak points the writing was already on the wall.
The way I see it, it's a lot cheaper and easier to sort the Meta system on a Chimaera than it is to resolve the wiring issues on a Cerbera or to rebuild the AJP6 in a Tuscan.
All this makes a Chimaera & Griffith the safest purchase for anyone thinking about their first TVR, it also makes running one a damn sight cheaper than any other TVR model.
Sort out the Meta security system and a few other niggles and there's no reason why a Chim or Griff couldn't be as reliable as any other car.
Like I say "resolving the immobiliser woes is without doubt the best thing you can do to improve the reliability of any Griffith or Chimaera"
That's for sure...
Mine booked in for March. If TVR had wired the otherwise reliable Meta system correctly in the first place the Griffith & Chimaera models could have gone a long way to help overcome the the marque's reputation for poor reliability.
More than any other TVR before or after it, the Chim and Griff models came with the foundation of very reliable engineering components mated to a decent design, it doesn't surprise me in the least the Chimaera out sold other models by three to one.
The dependable Rover V8 engine, a tough proven BW T5 gearbox, the strong & durable BTR diff, and every day reliable Ford brakes ect ect, the list of quality ingredients were consistently let down by the poor wiring.... which is a real shame.
To me the Chimaera sits at the sweet spot of TVR production, a fundamentally good design that overcame most of the failings of models that came before it whilst still utilising strong proven engineering from big mainstream manufacturers with proper development budgets.
Later TVRs needed their own engine and ever increasingly complex electronics to compete with the competition from Porsche & BMW, but with in-house engines and wiring/electronics being TVR's weak points the writing was already on the wall.
The way I see it, it's a lot cheaper and easier to sort the Meta system on a Chimaera than it is to resolve the wiring issues on a Cerbera or to rebuild the AJP6 in a Tuscan.
All this makes a Chimaera & Griffith the safest purchase for anyone thinking about their first TVR, it also makes running one a damn sight cheaper than any other TVR model.
Sort out the Meta security system and a few other niggles and there's no reason why a Chim or Griff couldn't be as reliable as any other car.
Like I say "resolving the immobiliser woes is without doubt the best thing you can do to improve the reliability of any Griffith or Chimaera"
That's for sure...
Carl applies all known fixes to the alarm/immobilizer and hot start circuits. A good investment for future reliability IMO.
Remote boot release should be a real bonus too!
ChimpOnGas said:
To me the Chimaera sits at the sweet spot of TVR production
Not wishing to get flamed and I am a real TVR nut, but having just spent two weekends working on my friends 1999 500 Chim, I had to chuckle at that statement; even my friend said he felt my V8S was a far better build quality than his car.Agree about the wiring; I installed a relay mod to assist with his electric windows as they were grinding to a halt half way up. The wiring as fitted to the window lifter motor by the OEM manufacturer could have jump started a 747. The wiring TVR ran to the other side of the connection on the OEM loom was the thickness of a human hair; well almost. TVR seemed not to be interested in the cost of cost saving.
I can’t speak highly enough of Carl. In 2012 he fitted a new alarm, remote boot release and hot start kit to my recently acquired Chim. I arrived late due to traffic but Carl worked in to the night to get the job done. In 2014 and out of warranty I started to have a problem setting the alarm so sent Carl an email, as I knew he had moved to France I fully expected an email reply. Within 10 minutes Carl was on the phone very concerned I had a problem. After suggesting a couple of fixes we arranged to meet on one of Carls visits to Taylor TVR. Carl then spent the best part of a Sunday morning diagnosing the problem which turned out to be a faulty multiplug. No charge, great conversation and coffee. Five star rating
Oldred_V8S said:
Not wishing to get flamed and I am a real TVR nut, but having just spent two weekends working on my friends 1999 500 Chim, I had to chuckle at that statement; even my friend said he felt my V8S was a far better build quality than his car.
Agree about the wiring; I installed a relay mod to assist with his electric windows as they were grinding to a halt half way up. The wiring as fitted to the window lifter motor by the OEM manufacturer could have jump started a 747. The wiring TVR ran to the other side of the connection on the OEM loom was the thickness of a human hair; well almost. TVR seemed not to be interested in the cost of cost saving.
do you have a drawing for upgrading the cable with a relay ? where did you pick a new live from ? Do you fit a relay in each door ?Agree about the wiring; I installed a relay mod to assist with his electric windows as they were grinding to a halt half way up. The wiring as fitted to the window lifter motor by the OEM manufacturer could have jump started a 747. The wiring TVR ran to the other side of the connection on the OEM loom was the thickness of a human hair; well almost. TVR seemed not to be interested in the cost of cost saving.
Oldred_V8S said:
Not wishing to get flamed and I am a real TVR nut, but having just spent two weekends working on my friends 1999 500 Chim, I had to chuckle at that statement; even my friend said he felt my V8S was a far better build quality than his car.
Agree about the wiring; I installed a relay mod to assist with his electric windows as they were grinding to a halt half way up. The wiring as fitted to the window lifter motor by the OEM manufacturer could have jump started a 747. The wiring TVR ran to the other side of the connection on the OEM loom was the thickness of a human hair; well almost. TVR seemed not to be interested in the cost of cost saving.
You're clearly deluded mate Agree about the wiring; I installed a relay mod to assist with his electric windows as they were grinding to a halt half way up. The wiring as fitted to the window lifter motor by the OEM manufacturer could have jump started a 747. The wiring TVR ran to the other side of the connection on the OEM loom was the thickness of a human hair; well almost. TVR seemed not to be interested in the cost of cost saving.
I've driven an S and they aint all that.
The chassis rots like any other TVR except an S will always be older than a Chimaera or a Griff so will be more rotten unless it's been restored.
Then there's the stupid boot that has an aperture so small even TVR had to cut the roof in half, and I haven't even got onto the rear suspension design yet which is a bit... er.. rubbish!
The Griffith took over when the S was clearly on its last legs, not even the Rover V8 could save it because if you put much more that 240hp through the S rear suspension you'd be taking you life in your own hands.
Then came the Chimaera that improved on the Griffith packaging further still while retaining the reliable mechanicals.
There's a reason the Griff & Chim replaced the S, and it's because they are better designs.
It's called progress and the reason why TVR sold so many more Chimaeras than the S model.
Oldred_V8S said:
New live from the battery. 2 relays per door (up and down)
Nothing wrong with mine going down ,mine just stops a few inch short so i have to give it some help . Do you which know which colour to connect to ?I want to put a temporary live to see if it helps .
Edited by SILICONEKID345HP on Wednesday 18th February 21:09
SILICONEKID345HP said:
Oldred_V8S said:
New live from the battery. 2 relays per door (up and down)
Nothing wrong with mine going down ,mine just stops a few inch short so i have to give it some help . Do you which know which colour to connect to ?I want to put a temporary live to see if it helps .
Edited by SILICONEKID345HP on Wednesday 18th February 21:09
in a post above, I said that if the alarm went wrong again, I would take it to someone local. It did go wrong again and didnt get around to doing anything with it before I took the car in for its annual service at Dan Taylors.
Dan highlighted that the alarm was doing things it shouldnt and that he would speak with Carl and get it sorted. True to his word, Carl did sort it and changed some more parts, at his cost this time, so praise where praise is due. In life, things often dont go the way you would like them to and its how they are dealt that is important.
Thank you Carl Baker.
Dan highlighted that the alarm was doing things it shouldnt and that he would speak with Carl and get it sorted. True to his word, Carl did sort it and changed some more parts, at his cost this time, so praise where praise is due. In life, things often dont go the way you would like them to and its how they are dealt that is important.
Thank you Carl Baker.
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