Chim v Cerb Dilemma
Discussion
PhilH42 said:
Thats interesting about the Cerb...I'd only seen photos and video and was not getting what all the fuss was about but in the flesh I loved the things.
How do you get over MOT time, cat down the line? swap it about? or bribe the tester?
Did you go to Eann or Dom for yours?
I can't get away from how the Cerb looks but I am thinking if I had the extra power it would give me a welcome and deserved slap round the chops every time I considered straying!
As far as looks go i love them, proper British muscle car but didn't do anything for me when i drove it and it has to be a soft top for me. How do you get over MOT time, cat down the line? swap it about? or bribe the tester?
Did you go to Eann or Dom for yours?I can't get away from how the Cerb looks but I am thinking if I had the extra power it would give me a welcome and deserved slap round the chops every time I considered straying!
Friendly MOT tester, if i ever have a problem will be a cat down the line.
Went for one of Eann's full Turbo installations with ECU and set-up and mapping. Eann did the installation
The extra power is a bloody good smack round the chops
I recently moved from a Chim 400 to a Tuscan. Was initially looking for a Cerb, but I am very particular. Probably too particular - late model (post 2000) 4.5 (AJP) without that nasty headlight conversion, and in a classic / classy colour combination.
I looked for months.
Got fed up and went for a Tuscan, but ai love dearly. I felt the Chimaera was a fantastic car, superb GT, and at times I still miss it. But I'd done 20k miles of mostly euro road trips (alps, Black Forest, South of France, Italy) it ran flawlessly was very comfortable, and the noise of that V8 (honestly think the 400 on cherry bombs sounded the best of all the RV8 variations).
But it'd done its thing (and done it well) and I was wanting to move on. The Tuscan is similar in many ways, bit with the agression dialed up big time - steering, acceleration,throttle response,just incredible.but different. The Chim was like a comfortable old slipper, the Tuscan is like a riding a frantic terror.
I looked for months.
Got fed up and went for a Tuscan, but ai love dearly. I felt the Chimaera was a fantastic car, superb GT, and at times I still miss it. But I'd done 20k miles of mostly euro road trips (alps, Black Forest, South of France, Italy) it ran flawlessly was very comfortable, and the noise of that V8 (honestly think the 400 on cherry bombs sounded the best of all the RV8 variations).
But it'd done its thing (and done it well) and I was wanting to move on. The Tuscan is similar in many ways, bit with the agression dialed up big time - steering, acceleration,throttle response,just incredible.but different. The Chim was like a comfortable old slipper, the Tuscan is like a riding a frantic terror.
davetripletvr said:
As far as looks go i love them, proper British muscle car but didn't do anything for me when i drove it and it has to be a soft top for me.
Friendly MOT tester, if i ever have a problem will be a cat down the line.
Went for one of Eann's full Turbo installations with ECU and set-up and mapping. Eann did the installation
The extra power is a bloody good smack round the chops
Who knows I might feel the same when I drive one Friendly MOT tester, if i ever have a problem will be a cat down the line.
Went for one of Eann's full Turbo installations with ECU and set-up and mapping. Eann did the installation
The extra power is a bloody good smack round the chops
Eanns looks good for the money, what boost are you running and did you get the intercooler?
Yeah I bet it kicks you in the back...predictable power?
Malcster said:
I recently moved from a Chim 400 to a Tuscan. Was initially looking for a Cerb, but I am very particular. Probably too particular - late model (post 2000) 4.5 (AJP) without that nasty headlight conversion, and in a classic / classy colour combination.
I looked for months.
Got fed up and went for a Tuscan, but ai love dearly. I felt the Chimaera was a fantastic car, superb GT, and at times I still miss it. But I'd done 20k miles of mostly euro road trips (alps, Black Forest, South of France, Italy) it ran flawlessly was very comfortable, and the noise of that V8 (honestly think the 400 on cherry bombs sounded the best of all the RV8 variations).
But it'd done its thing (and done it well) and I was wanting to move on. The Tuscan is similar in many ways, bit with the agression dialed up big time - steering, acceleration,throttle response,just incredible.but different. The Chim was like a comfortable old slipper, the Tuscan is like a riding a frantic terror.
Well you got your monies worth by the sounds of it before the change up. Yes probably a big ask if like most of us you have some sort of budget, but like you say if your going to get one you want it to be fundamentally right....I hate the headlight conversion...I don't know why so many people think its looks better..each to their own though.I looked for months.
Got fed up and went for a Tuscan, but ai love dearly. I felt the Chimaera was a fantastic car, superb GT, and at times I still miss it. But I'd done 20k miles of mostly euro road trips (alps, Black Forest, South of France, Italy) it ran flawlessly was very comfortable, and the noise of that V8 (honestly think the 400 on cherry bombs sounded the best of all the RV8 variations).
But it'd done its thing (and done it well) and I was wanting to move on. The Tuscan is similar in many ways, bit with the agression dialed up big time - steering, acceleration,throttle response,just incredible.but different. The Chim was like a comfortable old slipper, the Tuscan is like a riding a frantic terror.
The sound and rumble of an Rv8 is one of the best I think....agree with previous comments of the Cerb sound...its different with the flat plane crank but still good in its own way I'd say. The tuscan is a great looking car and I did consider the possibility for a while.
To me the Chim 400 is a very quick car when put on the road in normal conditions against everyday cars but its not shockingly fast just damn good fun.
Love to keep the both...I'd like one of all of them if I had the money and space. Sadly I don't have enough of either.
PhilH42 said:
I'd like one of all of them if I had the money and space. Sadly I don't have enough of either.
Exactly!If I was planning a laid back cruise through the Italian alps, I'd want a Chimaera for company.
A manic weekend blast, I'd go for the Tuscan.
Not sure where the Cerb would sit, perhaps a track day? Or trip with the kid uo north?
I'd have one of each, just to cover all occasions.
Although my introduction to TVRs was as a passenger at track days with my mate in his TVR S and Chim, I've only owned a Cerb. But I'm not sure why it would be more expensive to run a Cerb than a Chim. There's no expensive roof mechanism for a start, body and chassis are vaguely similar, although most places charge more for Cerb outrigger replacement (but not all).
Surely the main difference is engine (rather than drive train), as I presume you can swap out a poorly RV8 relatively cheaply; I don't think you have that option with the S6 or AJP8.
There has been a lot of talk about the T5WC on this thread, and sure enough my car has been off the road until recently because the gearbox input shaft failed. However that was entirely my fault for failing to replace a £6 pilot bearing (consequential loss was about £2k), and nothing to do with the T5WC.
Because I do virtually all work myself, and I started off with a 'project' (basket case), my Cerb spends most of it's life on axle stands, but when it isn't it is sublime.
http://vimeo.com/155739530
Surely the main difference is engine (rather than drive train), as I presume you can swap out a poorly RV8 relatively cheaply; I don't think you have that option with the S6 or AJP8.
There has been a lot of talk about the T5WC on this thread, and sure enough my car has been off the road until recently because the gearbox input shaft failed. However that was entirely my fault for failing to replace a £6 pilot bearing (consequential loss was about £2k), and nothing to do with the T5WC.
caduceus said:
The engine note on acceleration is too 4 pot'ish, and peak power doesn't start till 5.5k revs. I don't like revving the nutts off engines. I prefer low down grunt and the ability to drift when the mood takes me 
On another thread I did a side by side comparison with QBee's dyno chart, and the torque curves were almost the same except the RV8 torque came in about 1500 lower. Admittedly the AJP8 goes mad above 6k, but you have to be fairly committed to use that.Because I do virtually all work myself, and I started off with a 'project' (basket case), my Cerb spends most of it's life on axle stands, but when it isn't it is sublime.
http://vimeo.com/155739530
AceOfHearts said:
The cerb has a lot more electronics, custom brakes and clutch which are very expensive to replace and I believe the suspension is different too (Chimaera has Ford hubs).
I think that the only thing the same is the gearbox but I might be wrong on that?
You are right about the clutch and brakes, TVR Parts are quoting £810 vs £270 for the clutch pack. The rear discs used to be a real problem, but now they are only £230 pair, but that compares with £100 pair for the Chim.I think that the only thing the same is the gearbox but I might be wrong on that?
Hub/Wheelbearing assemblies are not particularly expensive, £90 each or half that for aftermarket (Jeep Cherokee). I doubt there's any real difference in cost of bushes or suspension arms, and they seem to be more like consumables than the hubs.
Not sure about the electronics, is there really anything the Cerb has that is missing on the Chim? Ice detector perhaps?
No thanksukkid35 said:
You are right about the clutch and brakes, TVR Parts are quoting £810 vs £270 for the clutch pack. The rear discs used to be a real problem, but now they are only £230 pair, but that compares with £100 pair for the Chim.
Hub/Wheelbearing assemblies are not particularly expensive, £90 each or half that for aftermarket (Jeep Cherokee). I doubt there's any real difference in cost of bushes or suspension arms, and they seem to be more like consumables than the hubs.
Not sure about the electronics, is there really anything the Cerb has that is missing on the Chim? Ice detector perhaps?
I heard the Electrics are overcomplicated...not sure exactly what and why though. Plus the shimming every 12k but thats what...about another £300 on the service.Hub/Wheelbearing assemblies are not particularly expensive, £90 each or half that for aftermarket (Jeep Cherokee). I doubt there's any real difference in cost of bushes or suspension arms, and they seem to be more like consumables than the hubs.
Not sure about the electronics, is there really anything the Cerb has that is missing on the Chim? Ice detector perhaps?
One things for sure I feel much more open minded to all avenues after the comments here
AceOfHearts said:
The cerb has a lot more electronics, custom brakes and clutch which are very expensive to replace and I believe the suspension is different too (Chimaera has Ford hubs).
I think that the only thing the same is the gearbox but I might be wrong on that?
Thry eat clutches about every 25k don't they...depending on driving style I suppose. Still lovely though I think that the only thing the same is the gearbox but I might be wrong on that?
ukkid35 said:
25k seems fair, but unless you would be using it as a daily driver that's probably at least a five year change interval.
Again...when you put it like that it doesn't sound too terrible.So it Would seem then on the face of it that the Cerb will cost more generally, but probably not anywhere as severe as made out.
ukkid35 said:
Although my introduction to TVRs was as a passenger at track days with my mate in his TVR S and Chim, I've only owned a Cerb. But I'm not sure why it would be more expensive to run a Cerb than a Chim. There's no expensive roof mechanism for a start, body and chassis are vaguely similar, although most places charge more for Cerb outrigger replacement (but not all).
Surely the main difference is engine (rather than drive train), as I presume you can swap out a poorly RV8 relatively cheaply; I don't think you have that option with the S6 or AJP8.
There has been a lot of talk about the T5WC on this thread, and sure enough my car has been off the road until recently because the gearbox input shaft failed. However that was entirely my fault for failing to replace a £6 pilot bearing (consequential loss was about £2k), and nothing to do with the T5WC.
Because I do virtually all work myself, and I started off with a 'project' (basket case), my Cerb spends most of it's life on axle stands, but when it isn't it is sublime.
http://vimeo.com/155739530
That's some top class driving, you've done a lap or two round there by the looks of it Surely the main difference is engine (rather than drive train), as I presume you can swap out a poorly RV8 relatively cheaply; I don't think you have that option with the S6 or AJP8.
There has been a lot of talk about the T5WC on this thread, and sure enough my car has been off the road until recently because the gearbox input shaft failed. However that was entirely my fault for failing to replace a £6 pilot bearing (consequential loss was about £2k), and nothing to do with the T5WC.
caduceus said:
The engine note on acceleration is too 4 pot'ish, and peak power doesn't start till 5.5k revs. I don't like revving the nutts off engines. I prefer low down grunt and the ability to drift when the mood takes me
On another thread I did a side by side comparison with QBee's dyno chart, and the torque curves were almost the same except the RV8 torque came in about 1500 lower. Admittedly the AJP8 goes mad above 6k, but you have to be fairly committed to use that.Because I do virtually all work myself, and I started off with a 'project' (basket case), my Cerb spends most of it's life on axle stands, but when it isn't it is sublime.
http://vimeo.com/155739530
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