PAS on 500...is it a necessity?

[sb-1]

Thinking of buying a 500 without PAS.Is it a problem guys?
Steve

[Bassfiend]

I personally don't think it is ... sure the steering is heavy at parking speeds (it is on any) but they all lighten up at speed.

Doesn't seem any heavier than the old Pug 205 van I used to drive (that had no PAS) once you're moving at walking speed or above ... it's just parking where it's a pain.

Wifey insists on it though...

Phil

[RobM]

Dont try it on a 400 without pas and think its the same though. 500's have wider tyres you see.
Hopefully you'll be moving most of the time anyway eh

[wixer]

Have to disagree here. I haven't got PAS on my Griff 500 and I'm now looking to fit it. Don't care what people say, it's just too heavy, even on the move. The other advantage is you get an even quicker rack with PAS. If you can afford it, definately go for one with PAS.

I'm sure some will now disagree though.

[GreenV8S]

You'll get all sorts of conflicting opinions about it. Would seem sensible to try one with and one without and make up your own mind. Your opinion is the only one that matters at the end of the day?

[Paul V]

I find the Griff fine at anything above walking pace and even below it not any heavier than the mini, mine has the wider 225 tyres fitted on the front as well.

[p7ulg]

Just gone from a 400 to a 500, both fitted with power steering. I would say it makes a huge difference to the car.Think the only people who say you don't need it are people who don't have it!

[wixer]

p7ulg said:

Just gone from a 400 to a 500, both fitted with power steering. I would say it makes a huge difference to the car.Think the only people who say you don't need it are people who don't have it!

Couldn't agree more, wish I'd never listened to them !!

[MikeyT]

If you're buying a TVR, then any extras such as PAS etc are always a bonus.

I wouldn't have bought one without it.

Helps at resale time too ...

[Paul V]

Having driven Johno’s car I really didn’t get on with the PAS, I found it too light, then again I’ve never had it on any of my other cars so maybe it just what you used too!

Best thing to do is drive both see what you prefer, no need to rush into buying the wrong one, wait till you find the right one for you.

[AAAndy]

My personal preference by a very long way is with PAS.

BUT it is only a personal preference, lots of people much prefer the non PAS cars.

Bottom line is test drive both and see what you think, I did and thought that there was quite a big difference so it should easy to make up your mind.

Also depends on what you will use the car for most of the time, weekend blats through the country and track days only(maybe non PAS), or live in a city centre (PAS recommended).

[chimhunter]

I tried both. Non-assisted was way too heavy past about 1/8th turn, i.e. if you have to put some serious opposite lock on. Plus I can't say I noticed a huge amount of 'feel' through the wheel. It was just too heavy.

Assisted felt overly light and darty compared to un-assisted (and my S2000). Living in London I couldn't do without PAS and I've now got used to the lightness. It keeps you awake on a bumby road

Try them both, work out how much slow speed stuff you're going to do and then go for the PAS. You won't regret it.

Rob

[Apache]

Try both and make your choice, I think I'd have it if given the option but manual steering seems to fit in with the 'raw' feel of the Griff. Yes parking is a tw@ but I feel power would make it too twitchy on bumpy roads

[sb-1]

Anyone know :
1. What it costs to fit PAS.(about £2K?)
2. What price differential should there be between cars with/without? (if any)
Cheers
Steve

>> Edited by sb-1 on Thursday 11th September 17:53

[HeyAndy]

I dont have a Griff but have driven a wedge with and without PAS. The only time PAS really comes into its own is when you're parking up.

[RichB]

Stepping from S3c ownership to a new Griff 500 back in 99, wife and I tried both with and without and universally prefered without, which is what we bought. No problems. In fact it seemed light compared to the S although I agree compared to mundane PAS equiped saloons it may seem heavy. Rich...

[Trefor]

PAS racks are smaller lock to lock which is nice.

Try both then decide - it's all personal taste.

I like PAS, no point in fighting the bl00dy car every time you want to do a tight corner. I don't understand some people saying it feels a bit light - mine doesn't, I can 'feel' it assisting me, but light it certainly isn't. If it was overly light like an American car I would hate it too, but it isn't.

[RichB]

Trefor said:

I don't understand some people saying it feels a bit light - mine doesn't

Steve "the bible" heath once made a comment though that TVR progressivly improved the feel of the PAS system and although my car is a '99 the ones I was playing with at Portfield were '96-'97 cars. Maybe things changed for the better between years? R...

[jigs]

Bet a lot of you PAS TVR owners spend a fortune going to a Gym?

[chimburt]

i ached like a ba5tard for a week after getting my car ( obviously no PAS ), across my arms and right across the chest.

when i was test driving i found the PAS cars much more drivable, but i was coming from a big german saloon with PAS, and now i wouldn't want it at all.

1) you'll fur your tyres up parking
2) 'bout the only exercise i get on a regular basis!

try both, but IMO less complication on a TVR = good.