4.0 tuned 350i upgrade to 4.0 Griff/Chim...?
Discussion
Has anyone experience of owning both types of cars?Would I regret making this upgrade big style i.e. would I feel like I was driving something a lot more common..?
Oh and what performance/longevity benefits would I feel (bearing in mind most things on my 350 have been replaced)?
Just something I am pondering!
Oh and what performance/longevity benefits would I feel (bearing in mind most things on my 350 have been replaced)?
Just something I am pondering!
Well ponder on fella!
Get yourself in a Bigger Badder Wedge. I was thinking about the same thing, 'shall I sell up and buy a Chim or a Griff' - but then came to my senses!
Book yourself a ride in either a SEAC or a 400 or 450SE or something and buy the first tidy one you come across. Spend the money you have then just saved yourself on a bloody good holiday a couple of strippers and some good boozy nights in the casino - you can then squander the rest!
You don't think that Griffs or Chims need their chassis painted/oil pump gears replaced/exhausts patched/springs re-newed/dampers replaced/tyres changed/veneer recoated etc, etc - except at three times the price as owning a wedge.
And then there is the insurance hike!!!
Also you will be parking on your own at the BBWF!
Think on it.
Mike
Get yourself in a Bigger Badder Wedge. I was thinking about the same thing, 'shall I sell up and buy a Chim or a Griff' - but then came to my senses!
Book yourself a ride in either a SEAC or a 400 or 450SE or something and buy the first tidy one you come across. Spend the money you have then just saved yourself on a bloody good holiday a couple of strippers and some good boozy nights in the casino - you can then squander the rest!
You don't think that Griffs or Chims need their chassis painted/oil pump gears replaced/exhausts patched/springs re-newed/dampers replaced/tyres changed/veneer recoated etc, etc - except at three times the price as owning a wedge.
And then there is the insurance hike!!!
Also you will be parking on your own at the BBWF!
Think on it.
Mike
I agree with Mike, though I love the shape of a Griff and Tuscan. The Chim doesn't do much for me. I test drove one and came away thinking my 350i seemed quicker.
I haven't driven a wedge bigger than my 350 but would love to drive an SE and SEAC just to make the comparison.
You never can tell unless you have tried it....
I haven't driven a wedge bigger than my 350 but would love to drive an SE and SEAC just to make the comparison.
You never can tell unless you have tried it....
This used to be mine , I spent loads on it , and the current owner has spent even more ( lets forget the one in between) if you want a good golfclub carrier , this could be the one !!
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=9835&item=4530235144&rd=1&tc=photo
For a pic of when I had it :
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=9835&item=4530235144&rd=1&tc=photo
For a pic of when I had it :
jmorgan said:
What 4ltr is it, if you don't mind me asking? Stock or modified?
stage 3 heads, adj cam timing, 200 cam (vizard type whatever that is), power boost valve, and MA ecu, thats about it. I've got an old rolling road sheet saying 222bhp (239 Lbs.ft torque)at 5373rpm when they put the new engine in (13,000 miles ago). No idea if its doing that now.
>> Edited by planman350i on Thursday 24th February 21:39
planman350i said:
I've got an old rolling road sheet saying 222bhp (239 Lbs.ft torque)at 5373rpm when they put the new engine in (13,000 miles ago). No idea if its doing that now.
Is that at the wheels or an adjusted flywheel figure?
If its the former, probably not much in it in a straight line compared to a standard 400se (whatever that is). I certainly noticed a big difference moving from a fairly standard 350 to a poorly set up 4.3se. More importantly, have you upgraded the brakes, cooling, wheels/tyres etc?
Is that at the wheels or an adjusted flywheel figure?
If its the former, probably not much in it in a straight line compared to a standard 400se (whatever that is). I certainly noticed a big difference moving from a fairly standard 350 to a poorly set up 4.3se. More importantly, have you upgraded the brakes, cooling, wheels/tyres etc?[/quote]
I've no idea. Its a pwr engineering print out - doesn't say. Upgrading - last year I had bushes, redline adj. shocks and new springs fitted by RT. Its also got the granada est calipers and slotted vented discs. Cooling is standard.
If its the former, probably not much in it in a straight line compared to a standard 400se (whatever that is). I certainly noticed a big difference moving from a fairly standard 350 to a poorly set up 4.3se. More importantly, have you upgraded the brakes, cooling, wheels/tyres etc?[/quote]
I've no idea. Its a pwr engineering print out - doesn't say. Upgrading - last year I had bushes, redline adj. shocks and new springs fitted by RT. Its also got the granada est calipers and slotted vented discs. Cooling is standard.
I agree with Mike.
Obviously a big wedge won't do if you prefer the rounded shapes or want a comfortable daily driver, or even (unless you get a well sorted and developed one) a car that has contemporary braking and handling.
However, you won't get the noise, the aggressive looks or the rarity either and in terms of performance the initial acceleration and response of a big wedge is as quick cc for cc although you would have to run the revs higher to stay up after the first few seconds.
Having owned a 350 and a 450 they're difficult to compare. They both have merit's but in different areas - the 350, in many respects, was easier to live with on a daily basis but there is a bit of a gap in the level of performance. A full throttle run in the 450 is a real attack on the senses and it is a genuinely fast car rather than being quick.
>> Edited by chunder on Friday 25th February 06:09
Obviously a big wedge won't do if you prefer the rounded shapes or want a comfortable daily driver, or even (unless you get a well sorted and developed one) a car that has contemporary braking and handling.
However, you won't get the noise, the aggressive looks or the rarity either and in terms of performance the initial acceleration and response of a big wedge is as quick cc for cc although you would have to run the revs higher to stay up after the first few seconds.
Having owned a 350 and a 450 they're difficult to compare. They both have merit's but in different areas - the 350, in many respects, was easier to live with on a daily basis but there is a bit of a gap in the level of performance. A full throttle run in the 450 is a real attack on the senses and it is a genuinely fast car rather than being quick.
>> Edited by chunder on Friday 25th February 06:09
Biggest performance difference is in weight, The Chimp will be quite close to its 1060 kg weight. Never seen a Wedge yet get anywhere near its figure of 1150 ish. Took 90kg off the 520 a couple of years ago and it came in at standard weight.
The stripped out Tazzie racers come in at around 1000 kg. Nice thick GRP on Wedges.
The stripped out Tazzie racers come in at around 1000 kg. Nice thick GRP on Wedges.
For my two-penny's worth and humble opinion I have owned both, a 4.3 Griff and now a 400SE. Chalk and cheese the Griff lovely rounded shape with sculptured interior the wedge at first glance all angles and points (Lovely OK I am that 80s disco dancing dude)
Call me old fashion but I prefer the wedge for a number of reasons. No doubt the Griff is a lovely shaped car but if you look at the blend of angles and very subtle curves of the SE or SEAC it is a beautiful design.
From a money stance £ for £ value, the cost between a late wedge and early Griff is immense, rarity of the wedges is another factor and spares I would suggest are a lot cheaper.
With regards to performance and handling I don't think there is too much difference between them, both had their faults but from a buzz factor I got a huge buzz from the Griff but I get an even greater buzz from the wedge, the noise, the raked windscreen the view down the bonnet.
But in all honesty I don’t think you will be disappointed with either TVR, however the Griff is a popular car with the masses hence their resale value (Not sure how sustainable these prices are as the likes of Tuscans become more accessible) while the wedge appeals to (Dare I say this) a unique group of individuals with exquisite taste
So apart from the waffle above in summary
STICK TO A WEDGE IT MAKES SENSE
Good luck with whatever you decide
Best regards
Hamish
>> Edited by h2dca on Friday 25th February 10:03
>> Edited by h2dca on Friday 25th February 10:04
Call me old fashion but I prefer the wedge for a number of reasons. No doubt the Griff is a lovely shaped car but if you look at the blend of angles and very subtle curves of the SE or SEAC it is a beautiful design.
From a money stance £ for £ value, the cost between a late wedge and early Griff is immense, rarity of the wedges is another factor and spares I would suggest are a lot cheaper.
With regards to performance and handling I don't think there is too much difference between them, both had their faults but from a buzz factor I got a huge buzz from the Griff but I get an even greater buzz from the wedge, the noise, the raked windscreen the view down the bonnet.
But in all honesty I don’t think you will be disappointed with either TVR, however the Griff is a popular car with the masses hence their resale value (Not sure how sustainable these prices are as the likes of Tuscans become more accessible) while the wedge appeals to (Dare I say this) a unique group of individuals with exquisite taste
So apart from the waffle above in summary
STICK TO A WEDGE IT MAKES SENSE Good luck with whatever you decide
Best regards
Hamish
>> Edited by h2dca on Friday 25th February 10:03
>> Edited by h2dca on Friday 25th February 10:04
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