Discussion
Sorry guys.
Just agreed to swap my S3 (and rather a lot of cash) for a Chim 400.
Beautiful though the S is I found the boot space a bit restrictive and it wound me up when occassionally I could not shake off some hot hatches (Clio 172's etc).
I'm sure I'll miss it big time but I'm looking forward to picking up my new monster tomorrow.
Should be interesting as I've had a thorough inspection carried out by a specialist and he found a couple of very minor faults but overall as straight as they come. It's also had high lift cams, lifting gear, vernier timing kit, carbon plenem and big radius inlet trumpets, all from V8 developements together with a Mark Adams chip and s/steel exhaust fitted which all equates to 285 bhp! (I rather think the power figure is very optimistic but it goes like stink!).
I'm looking forward to the comparison.
Anyone else here switched from an S to a Chim?
What was your verdict?
Thanks for all the help and info you've given... it was hugely appreciated, particularly from Podie.
I'll be continuing to peruse the S forum and intend to stay in touch. I'll definately have a soft spot for my First TVR.
Best to you all.
Steve. (Pookie).
Just agreed to swap my S3 (and rather a lot of cash) for a Chim 400.
Beautiful though the S is I found the boot space a bit restrictive and it wound me up when occassionally I could not shake off some hot hatches (Clio 172's etc).
I'm sure I'll miss it big time but I'm looking forward to picking up my new monster tomorrow.
Should be interesting as I've had a thorough inspection carried out by a specialist and he found a couple of very minor faults but overall as straight as they come. It's also had high lift cams, lifting gear, vernier timing kit, carbon plenem and big radius inlet trumpets, all from V8 developements together with a Mark Adams chip and s/steel exhaust fitted which all equates to 285 bhp! (I rather think the power figure is very optimistic but it goes like stink!).
I'm looking forward to the comparison.
Anyone else here switched from an S to a Chim?
What was your verdict?
Thanks for all the help and info you've given... it was hugely appreciated, particularly from Podie.
I'll be continuing to peruse the S forum and intend to stay in touch. I'll definately have a soft spot for my First TVR.
Best to you all.
Steve. (Pookie).
I made the same change earlier this year when my S got stuffed from behind by 'white van man'.
Chimaera is much more refined, alot quieter and lots more power than S3 and a more practical everyday car (except thirst for super unleaded). Somehow it is less fun than the S3 was and I am not convinced it handles as well (or was that my Gaz dampers on the S?) - no real regrets though, suits my new pipe and slippers - soon I might even take up golf...nooooooooo.
Chimaera is much more refined, alot quieter and lots more power than S3 and a more practical everyday car (except thirst for super unleaded). Somehow it is less fun than the S3 was and I am not convinced it handles as well (or was that my Gaz dampers on the S?) - no real regrets though, suits my new pipe and slippers - soon I might even take up golf...nooooooooo.
chris_chim said:
I made the same change earlier this year Chimaera is much more refined, alot quieter and lots more power than S3 and a more practical everyday car (except thirst for super unleaded). Somehow it is less fun than the S3 was and I am not convinced it handles as well (or was that my Gaz dampers on the S?) - no real regrets though, suits my new pipe and slippers - soon I might even take up golf...nooooooooo.
This is the opinion of most, the S does seem to be more fun to drive, more thrills of the pants ride, rather than the more comfortable Chim/Griff!
If you are looking for an everyday car then a Chim is deinitely the way to go, but as a second car, like me, then a V8S is the better option
All IMHO.
Mike
RichardR said:
What Chris said...
You never got stuffed from behind by whitevanman! At least, he never mentioned it...
oooooooooooooooooh matron.
well, apart from that bit. Loved my S and a V8S would be a good choice. However, when I change cars I have to go for different look too to justify handing over many £s. Hence I went for the chim. If I do change for a 5 litre I'll probably go down the Griff route, just for a change in shape. Equally like both Griff and Chim but need to justify where my ££s go.
WildfireS3 said:
If I could, I would go for a Griff. You not thought about a Cerbie Shnozz?
yep, lots of people say that although I cant understand why everyone wants Griffs over chims when originally it was 3 - 1 the other way around?!?! exclusivity perhaps. Very weird though the numbers sold when new compared to market these days. Personal view was that I liked both equally. I wasnt that fussed over the larger boot although it came in handy when i did 2000 miles around europe after this years le mans.
I love the cerbera. More than any other TVR. Its stunning looking, the performance remains unrivalled and the AJP V8 is proving reliable. It also sounds the mutts nutts and has an interior to die for. But the roof doesnt come off
Call me a poser but I like that wind in the hair feeling on days like today and back lane blasting. I am just not sure how I would live with a cerbera being a hard top. I guess I could try it and see how I get on and come back to soft tops if I miss it too much. The other option of a Tuscan is out for the time being. Despite some assurances from the more fortunate owners, its a ticking time bomb and I would be forever climbing into it thinking when it was going to need a rebuild. That would take away the enjoyment of ownership for me. Other thoughts are a 348 Fezza or chuck some money into a countach. I think the countach may have to wait and a business venture thats on the horizon also means I shouldnt put too many eggs in one basket.
shnozz said:
Very weird though the numbers sold when new compared to market these days. I love the cerbera. More than any other TVR. Its stunning looking, the performance remains unrivalled and the AJP V8 is proving reliable. It also sounds the mutts nutts and has an interior to die for. But the roof doesnt come off
The other option of a Tuscan is out for the time being. Despite some assurances from the more fortunate owners, its a ticking time bomb and I would be forever climbing into it thinking when it was going to need a rebuild. That would take away the enjoyment of ownership for me. Other thoughts are a 348 Fezza or chuck some money into a countach. I think the countach may have to wait and a business venture thats on the horizon also means I shouldnt put too many eggs in one basket.
I do like the Grif, its my fvourite shape of drop top TVR, although I prefer the V8S to drive! I have got to agree with you Shnozz on the Cerbera its absolutely beautiful but I couldnt get away with a hardtop! Couldnt TVR make a Cerbera conv? The Tusc is a bit of a time bomb and I am still not overly fussed about the shape!! I have looked at a 348 and I like them, it will feel a little slow after the Tiv though! And the open top leaks more than TVR's!!!
My 2p worth anyway.
V8Smith said:
Very weird though the numbers sold when new compared to market these days. I love the cerbera. More than any other TVR. Its stunning looking, the performance remains unrivalled and the AJP V8 is proving reliable. It also sounds the mutts nutts and has an interior to die for. But the roof doesnt come off
The other option of a Tuscan is out for the time being. Despite some assurances from the more fortunate owners, its a ticking time bomb and I would be forever climbing into it thinking when it was going to need a rebuild. That would take away the enjoyment of ownership for me. Other thoughts are a 348 Fezza or chuck some money into a countach. I think the countach may have to wait and a business venture thats on the horizon also means I shouldnt put too many eggs in one basket.
I do like the Grif, its my fvourite shape of drop top TVR, although I prefer the V8S to drive! I have got to agree with you Shnozz on the Cerbera its absolutely beautiful but I couldnt get away with a hardtop! Couldnt TVR make a Cerbera conv? The Tusc is a bit of a time bomb and I am still not overly fussed about the shape!! I have looked at a 348 and I like them, it will feel a little slow after the Tiv though! And the open top leaks more than TVR's!!!
My 2p worth anyway.
yep, agree with a lot of what you say Mike, which means the winner is.....
exactly! just cant see where I go next so I guess I'll end up holding on to the chimaera.
Although one point re the ferrari - dont just look at book figures re performance. Whilst the acceleration may not feel any more dramatic than what you have, in the real world the chassis of the 348 IMHO would leave any TVR apart from the latest generation Tamora/T350 in its wake.
shnozz said:
Although one point re the ferrari - dont just look at book figures re performance. Whilst the acceleration may not feel any more dramatic than what you have, in the real world the chassis of the 348 IMHO would leave any TVR apart from the latest generation Tamora/T350 in its wake.
Agreed
Mike
Hi Guys
just took the new one for a short blast. Awesome.
Different to the S. Bit smoother, not quite as raw but a fantastic roar from the V8. Incredible acceleration in all gears.
Chris Chim... I took up golf 5 years ago. You've got to catch up mate. Shame I didn't discover the wonders of TVR sooner!!
Steve.
just took the new one for a short blast. Awesome.
Different to the S. Bit smoother, not quite as raw but a fantastic roar from the V8. Incredible acceleration in all gears.
Chris Chim... I took up golf 5 years ago. You've got to catch up mate. Shame I didn't discover the wonders of TVR sooner!!
Steve.
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