The Rover V8 engine in the Chimaera comes in 4.0-litre form with 240hp or an optional 255hp and a 280hp 4.3 was also offered from launch. In 1994, the engine was uprated to the Serpentine motor, which is easily identifiable by its single multi V-drive belt that replaces the previous motor's multiple belts with a single one. At the same time, the 5.0-litre 500 engine was introduced with 340hp, while a high compression (HC) 275hp version of the 4.0-litre replaced the 4.3 at this point.
Then, in 1997, a 4.5-litre 450 V8 arrived with 285hp to take over from the 4.0 HC.
The same checks apply to all of the engines, so before firing up the motor look for any emulsified 'mayo' on the oil filler cap that might indicate a failed head gasket. When starting from cold listen out for an uneven idle. When warmed through, it should tick over smoothly and oil pressure should 15psi at tickover and 25-30psi higher on the move. Oil leaks are far from rare with the Rover V8, so don't be surprised by any from around the rocker covers and make sure their bolts are tightened at every service to minimise this.
Camshaft wear is a problem common to all Rover V8-powered cars, not just TVRs. If the oil and filter have been changed every 6,000 miles as recommended by the factory and specialists, this shouldn't be a worry but reckon on replacing the camshaft at 50,000-mile intervals. The cam chain should last 100,000 miles before it needs to be replaced, but factor this into your expenditure if there's no recent evidence of this work. Also, the hydraulic lifters can sludge up if the car has had infrequent use.
Overheating shouldn't be a problem, especially on cars made from 1995 onward as they had upgraded radiator fans. However, given the youngest Chimaera is now 14-years old, it's worth checking the header tank, most importantly on earlier models. It can fail and allow water to leak and that can lead to failed head gaskets. The thermostat cooling fan should kick in promptly when the engine water temperature hits 90-degrees Centigrade. If not, the switch has most likely failed, which is a cheap and easy replacement. The radiator itself can fracture and leak, so a replacement is often needed at 25,000-mile intervals and will cost around £270. A new water pump is £160 and you should also think about fitting new coolant hoses as a matter of course if they look past their best.
Under bonnet temperatures can cook the starter motor, making it difficult to restart in traffic or after a long, hard run. During a test drive, get the car thoroughly warmed through and then turn off the motor to see if it fires up again easily.
Exhaust gaskets can blow which now can be hard to extract and in severe cases the engine has to be lifted to tap these snapped ones out and the manifolds have been known to crack, so look, listen and feel for any escaping gasses. A stainless steel exhaust system helps solve this for about £1,500 but even if a car has this fitted remember to check underneath for any damage caused by the car grounding out on speed bumps. Any car that has a de-catted exhaust fitted should come with the original catalytic convertors in case you need to fit them for an emissions test. Also, they cost £400 to replace so you might as well have them with the car even if they're not fitted.
The LT77 and Borg Warner T5 gearboxes (the latter on August 1994 cars onwards) used in the Chimaera are both regarded as strong and reliable. To tell which is fitted to a car, the LT 'box has reverse to the left of first gear, while the T5 has it down from fifth in the gate. A crunch when selecting reverse in the T5 'box is common and not an issue. Most owners avoid the graunch by putting the lever into fifth first and then sliding back for reverse. Swapping the newer, tougher T5 transmission into an older Chimaera is not simple as the centre tunnel needs to be widened. If you're carrying out a complete chassis swap, this would be the time to make this change. As for clutches, check for any slip as you accelerate.
Lastly, the Lucas engine management system is not as sophisticated as modern equivalents and it doesn't have an OBD port. If you want to look at tuning a Chimaera beyond standard, a new ECU is the place to start before throwing money at the engine itself. Both Emerald and the MBE system from Powers Performance come recommended by owners.
PHer's view:
"Mechanically, Chimaeras are relatively straightforward to work on, and most parts are readily available as they're borrowed from other brands. Often eBay is your friend. However, it remains an 'exotic' car in some ways; they do love regular maintenance and tinkering, and they do like quality replacement parts. Whereas parts are often affordable, TVR specialists do cost money so take that into account when you cannot do major mechanical work yourself."
Arjan Blok