Buying a 4.3 Griffith

[markh]

Due to old sod writting my Chimaera off, I'm on the hunt for a 4.3 pre-cat Griff, I have afew questions which I hope someone can help me with.

i any special points that differ from my ond Chimaera.

ii how many were made

iii.most seem to be green with magnolia (or similar colours) any one selling one NOT in these colours, silver or blue would be good.


Many thanks MArk

[andy43]

As follows...
i - can't get golf clubs in it (good point?), slightly faster than a 4.0, louder/better even without changing exhaust, twitchier handling, no PAS, easier to spell than Chimenareana...bugger, looks ace (personal opinion)
ii - approx 300 made of each - 4.0 and 4.3
iii - mines not for sale (and its green anyway...)
Best of luck finding a good one...

[jigs]

Sorry to hear about your run-in with the old sod. At least every cloud has a silver lining i.e. you've now decided to replace your Chim with a pre cat Griffith. Good choice but may be hard to track down a good un. Took me almost two years. Not sure I want you to get a 4.3 precat anyway as I like being unique in Ireland - it's bad enough more Griffith 500s appearing over here. Guessed who I am yet?
Seriously give me a bell if you wish to discuss tactics re.4.3 hunting.
Change of topic - did you have an FSE valve fitted to your now defunct Chim? If so do you rate them?

[markh]

Alan, thanks for your email , I guess thats the three of us now David, Patrick now me. I fancy a 4.3 to rake around in, will find out for sure about the chimaera this weeks but it looks pretty bad (I ended up in A&E) its at Mole Valley at the moment.
Will you be at the track day next month? we are having a barby close by the day before if you fancy it (will drop you an email)No more thrashing around like a looney with Garth for a few months.

Mark

>> Edited by markh on Tuesday 22 April 00:01

[jigs]

Mark

Yes I hope to be at track day on 5th and the race meeting at Kirkiston on the 3rd.

Patrick is organising a run west of the Bann for this Sat 26th too. You're very welcome to join me in the Griffith 4.3 if you want. In the words of that Aussie bloke, Rolf Harris - 'Did you think I would leave you crying when there's room on my horse for two --.' All join in now.

Has anyone you know fitted a FSE valve?

Alan

PS Are you having a Barbie or a baby or a baby that looks like Barbie?

>> Edited by jigs on Tuesday 22 April 16:32

[markh]

Alan
thanks for that I'm to sure we are up next weekend can I let you know. Thats barbecue old chap is that okay! Whats an FSE valve, thats a new one on me....
They are talking about £8.5k to repair the Chimaera so who knows what will happen, so still looking into a 4.3 griff

Mark

[jigs]

Does that mean it's technically a write-off or do you need another old sod to hit you even harder?
BTW the FSE valve is a replacement for the fuel pressure regulating valve (the valve sits at back of engine on the fuel rail and changes fuel pressure in line with the inlet manifold pressure changes). In theory as far as I can gather the FSE valve causes a greater fuel pressure increase in relation to inlet pressure (1.75 to 1, instead of the standard 1 to 1) as the throttle is opened thus allegedly giving sharper acceleration response. At steady throttle openings the valve returns to normal so as not to bugger mpg.

Any opinions?

>> Edited by jigs on Tuesday 22 April 20:20

[markh]

Hi Alan
thats a new one on me sounds a good idea.Have you seen this http://cars.potn.com/product_info.php/cPath/618_619_656/products_id/248505


Mark

>> Edited by markh on Tuesday 22 April 21:48

[Colin L]

now boys, the boss is top speed on track & road, if you want to be ahead of Garth, just tell him to watch for the potholes !!!!
Colin L

[griffman]

i had one of these gizmos fitted to my 92 precat 4.0 griff approx 2 years ago. it made a huge differance and had it rolling road tested and it got to 238bhp. also pops out the odd flame now aswell.

[jigs]

Griffman - Are they easy to fit? Who supplied it? Did your mpg suffer? Etc.

[griffman]

it was fitted by a company in luton bedfordshire and then rolling road set up. as for the mpg it did suffer a bit but mainly due to wanting to use the right foot to much. if your thinking of doing it i would recommended it but in conjunction with a rolling road session.

[jigs]

Thanks for the advice, Griffman. Did Mark Adams rolling road it?

MarkH. Have the insurers definitely written your smacked Chimaera off?

Jigs

>> Edited by jigs on Friday 25th April 21:31

[griffman]

no mark did not do the session but ive heard good reports about him. as i said before defo woth going down that route.

[markh]

Alan, No the chimaera will live to go again!(much to my suprise) insurance company have given the go ahead for the work to start (6-8 weeks) see you next weekend.

Mark

[Ballistic Banana]

markh said: Alan, No the chimaera will live to go again!(much to my suprise) insurance company have given the go ahead for the work to start (6-8 weeks) see you next weekend.

Mark

Who's doing the work Mark.

BB

[markh]

Mole Valley in Redhill, It nedds a new front end due to dome senile ols bastard knocking the front off. Have been following your Griffs progress I bet you are looking forward to getting it back, how long now.

mark

[BRITZMAN]

I'm surprised an 8.5K repair bill came close to a write off. Had the front end of my 4.3BV Griff rebuilt about 2 years ago, and the total bill came to 17K, although the estimate at the time of the original go-ahead from the insurance compant was 12K.

I think the expense was mainly due to a custom fron-end rebuild, as the 4 litre noses were no longer available from the factory, and extensive electrical repairs. (I was told that there must have been some kind of electrical surge at the time of impact as virtually all fuses and bulbs were blown, not sure if I believe that though as I remember the hazard lights still worked).