Chim v Cerb Dilemma
Discussion
So here I am with a Chim 400, the car of my dreams for some 20 odd years, yet my minds spinning on which way to go. Therefore I could really do with some good solid advice from the guys on here with plenty more years in Tvr than me.
I've owned her for a year now after moving from an S...spending plenty on the S to bring her up and a damn sight more on the Chim doing the inside,cam,coil overs, cooling and much more. Don't get me wrong I've enjoyed the journey so far immensely but I can't keeping throwing thousands at cars if I'm not going to keep hold. I had to go this route as despite opportunities over the years to buy a Chim first the money always needed to go elsewhere and I could never pull enough together at one point to go straight in.
So my problem is seeing a couple of Cerbs in the flesh in recent weeks and I'm hooked. The general consensus with mates is that I'm mad to be selling my pretty sorted dream car for one thats arguably more complicated and vastly more expensive to own, but the idea is still in my mind.
The Chim flew through the MOT but the chassis has got surface rust in places and although I've treated and painted the outriggers and all seems very solid everywhere, my next job was body off. I posted on the S forum the other day about Chassis obsession and ridiculously low prices on some TVR's but I'm struggling to decide on whether to do any of the following or if I'm just being an idiot.
Chassis refurb- should I do it if I'm going to change up...it will make it more saleable obviously but I can't see myself recouping what I've spent even to this stage.
Move to a Cerb full stop?
I'm now thinking I should probably be posting this in the general tvr forum as I'm writing but I may as well finish as I'm nearing the end of boring you all stupid
Is this just a normal part of Tvr ownership?...I mean I love driving her, shes a great car and nothing else but a Tvr is for me...its just the bleeding Cerb has taken the edge off.
Anyone else had itchy feet changing from a Chim and what was the outcome....good or bad?
I'm not expecting anyone to show me the way forward, I'm big enough and ugly enough to do that myself, but any experience, thoughts or ideas very welcome.
Cheers.
I've owned her for a year now after moving from an S...spending plenty on the S to bring her up and a damn sight more on the Chim doing the inside,cam,coil overs, cooling and much more. Don't get me wrong I've enjoyed the journey so far immensely but I can't keeping throwing thousands at cars if I'm not going to keep hold. I had to go this route as despite opportunities over the years to buy a Chim first the money always needed to go elsewhere and I could never pull enough together at one point to go straight in.
So my problem is seeing a couple of Cerbs in the flesh in recent weeks and I'm hooked. The general consensus with mates is that I'm mad to be selling my pretty sorted dream car for one thats arguably more complicated and vastly more expensive to own, but the idea is still in my mind.
The Chim flew through the MOT but the chassis has got surface rust in places and although I've treated and painted the outriggers and all seems very solid everywhere, my next job was body off. I posted on the S forum the other day about Chassis obsession and ridiculously low prices on some TVR's but I'm struggling to decide on whether to do any of the following or if I'm just being an idiot.
Chassis refurb- should I do it if I'm going to change up...it will make it more saleable obviously but I can't see myself recouping what I've spent even to this stage.
Move to a Cerb full stop?
I'm now thinking I should probably be posting this in the general tvr forum as I'm writing but I may as well finish as I'm nearing the end of boring you all stupid
Is this just a normal part of Tvr ownership?...I mean I love driving her, shes a great car and nothing else but a Tvr is for me...its just the bleeding Cerb has taken the edge off.
Anyone else had itchy feet changing from a Chim and what was the outcome....good or bad?
I'm not expecting anyone to show me the way forward, I'm big enough and ugly enough to do that myself, but any experience, thoughts or ideas very welcome.
Cheers.
Some good points here already guys thanks.
The sensible money says keep and modify or go the Chim 500 route, I like the Griff as well but the additional cost over a Chim 500 is unjustified IMHO. I suppose my concern is that if I do either of those I'll still find myself thinking the same 6 months down the line. I thought very seriously of SC or turbo but I think I'd rather stay na if I decided on this and buying a 500 straight seems the cheaper option albeit Mine is well sorted.
I can't believe I said this the other week (and I apologise for any offence that may be caused by my next comment) ......"compared to the Cerb the rest look Mickey mouse"!
Agree with the comments about reliability of the Cerb, what with the dodgy early cast cranks and over complicated electrics....coupled with the many cautious and knowledgable TVR enthusiasts steering clear its not looking like one of my brightest ideas! I didn't realise that the engine was that unreliable though....an original factory speed six yes but not the AJP?
I do take the roof off most of the time and enjoy it but I've been spoiled with convertibles in recent times so I think for at least now, it's not quite so important to me.
My 400 is....in standard form at least.....as good as it gets and it's fast, but yes maybe part of this madness is wanting more dynamic performance...I still look at the Chim and think it's a beautiful car (despite the stupid comment above) so when you pretty much all say go for or at least try the 500 I've got to take that seriously before committing financial suicide.
Anyone in the Essex area who wouldn't mind taking me for a quick blast in a 500 so I can feel the difference? I think that may be a good starting point and may focus the mind and might (no guarantees) stop all the silliness I'm not sure I should even get in a Cerb.
The sensible money says keep and modify or go the Chim 500 route, I like the Griff as well but the additional cost over a Chim 500 is unjustified IMHO. I suppose my concern is that if I do either of those I'll still find myself thinking the same 6 months down the line. I thought very seriously of SC or turbo but I think I'd rather stay na if I decided on this and buying a 500 straight seems the cheaper option albeit Mine is well sorted.
I can't believe I said this the other week (and I apologise for any offence that may be caused by my next comment) ......"compared to the Cerb the rest look Mickey mouse"!
Agree with the comments about reliability of the Cerb, what with the dodgy early cast cranks and over complicated electrics....coupled with the many cautious and knowledgable TVR enthusiasts steering clear its not looking like one of my brightest ideas! I didn't realise that the engine was that unreliable though....an original factory speed six yes but not the AJP?
I do take the roof off most of the time and enjoy it but I've been spoiled with convertibles in recent times so I think for at least now, it's not quite so important to me.
My 400 is....in standard form at least.....as good as it gets and it's fast, but yes maybe part of this madness is wanting more dynamic performance...I still look at the Chim and think it's a beautiful car (despite the stupid comment above) so when you pretty much all say go for or at least try the 500 I've got to take that seriously before committing financial suicide.
Anyone in the Essex area who wouldn't mind taking me for a quick blast in a 500 so I can feel the difference? I think that may be a good starting point and may focus the mind and might (no guarantees) stop all the silliness
I'm not sure I should even get in a Cerb.Agree with the reliability comment as well as feeling confident in your motor.... Since I've sorted everything cooling, engine and hot start problem the experience is so much sweeter.......reliability changes everything with a car and makes owning a TVR even more fantastic...so massively important!
gruffalo said:
Not a Chim 500 but a Cerb owner here, I am at Snetterton on Monday, why not pop up and jump in the passenger seat for a few laps and see what you think.
The Cerb is a completely different car to the Chim, the V8 is pretty bullet proof but the T5 gearbox can have trouble handling the power on tap. The electrics are quirky but not massively complicated to work out.
Do drop by if you can., to my mind the Cerb is the best compromise with regard to roof as well with the whole side open but still with the cover of a roof it is much less tiring on a long pan Europe run foe example and the air conditioning is really quite effective if it is really hot and you want the windows up.
And just when it's all starting to fall into place The Cerb is a completely different car to the Chim, the V8 is pretty bullet proof but the T5 gearbox can have trouble handling the power on tap. The electrics are quirky but not massively complicated to work out.
Do drop by if you can., to my mind the Cerb is the best compromise with regard to roof as well with the whole side open but still with the cover of a roof it is much less tiring on a long pan Europe run foe example and the air conditioning is really quite effective if it is really hot and you want the windows up.
I heard something about 3rd and 5th being weak...don't know if that's right? I like the set up with the top and one larger window, the air con is a bonus.
Good to hear from a Cerb owner and a great offer as well which I'd jump at but I have a meeting and Tender to get out on Monday so I'm stuffed. Seriously though please let me know the next time and I'm there!
Cheers for the offer Gruffalo.
davetripletvr said:
Have read and agree with most of the comments. For me like many, my Sunday/hobby car has to be a roof off jobby as you just can't beat it and love the sound of the V8.
I have owned my car(Chimaera 400) for 6 years now and have been through the same torment as you, i would go and look at cars for sale and test drive them and to be honest Cerbs didn't impress me(my personal opinion) but come away uninspired due to the condition and price as mine is a very tidy car, but when i actually sat down and thought about it and weighed up engine rebuilds, and reliability issues compaired to the Chimaera and what i had already spent to get it where it was at the time, i realised what i had got and what i wanted from my car, which was a bit more power. So i decided after going in a couple of modded cars to upgrade and go for a Turbo installation, ECU, Intercooler the works.
Now the car has the power and is everything i want so i am happy as larry with it and its a keeper.
So think long and hard and drive the cars, also nip across to the Cerbera forum and have a read, can you afford the extra expense and upkeep
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.I have owned my car(Chimaera 400) for 6 years now and have been through the same torment as you, i would go and look at cars for sale and test drive them and to be honest Cerbs didn't impress me(my personal opinion) but come away uninspired due to the condition and price as mine is a very tidy car, but when i actually sat down and thought about it and weighed up engine rebuilds, and reliability issues compaired to the Chimaera and what i had already spent to get it where it was at the time, i realised what i had got and what i wanted from my car, which was a bit more power. So i decided after going in a couple of modded cars to upgrade and go for a Turbo installation, ECU, Intercooler the works.
Now the car has the power and is everything i want so i am happy as larry with it and its a keeper.
So think long and hard and drive the cars, also nip across to the Cerbera forum and have a read, can you afford the extra expense and upkeep
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!
ChilliWhizz said:
Beware!! Gruffalo's car is no ordinary Cerb... I know, I've been in it round Snett's.... I live ten minutes from Snetts and have a Chimaera 500 but unfortunately won't be home until the end of next week... Happy to take you out in the Chim when I'm home, it's not quite as quick as Gruffalo's Cerb tho, I only have a measly 360bhp 
Seriously, If you want a meet up in October I should be about..
Chilli
I reckon Gruffalo is trying to kill me to take away the pain Seriously, If you want a meet up in October I should be about..
Chilli
I think its pretty evident from all the very much appreciated comments here that I need to be patient, try, test and weigh it up again once I've dotted the i's and crossed the T's. When it comes to Tvr though I seem to get swept up and carried away a bit...on any other car I'm cursing something that needs replacing on the Tvr I'm in celebration mode looking at new shiny bits.
Happy to wait Chilli...offer very much accepted when you get 5 next month.
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.
ukkid35 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
No thanks
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.
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