I want to buy a chim.
Discussion
Hi John, interesting question you pose. 
I had a convertible 2003 E3 SMG II, now have Range Rover (as a day car) and 1998 Chim 450 for fun. I'm finding that i'm driving the Chim most days, it is such a great car. The rangie is gather dust on the drive!
I spent several months looking for the right car, and decided that as it was to be my first Tiv, i wanted a car from a dealer with a substantial warranty. I acknowledged that i would be paying a little more doing this, but the peace of mind is worth it.
Having tried a few different cars, the power steering is needed for parking. Decided therefore that a post '96 car would be the best bet. I wanted as much power as possible, but read several reports that the 500 can be a little difficult when cold and at slow speed - so went for the 450 - a sensible compromise. The rover V8 seems to be very solid, and plenty of dealers and parts avaiable should they be required.
I visited several dealers, but found that Ferhursts were head and shoulders above the best, and they offered a full 12 month parts and labour warranty.
In summary, buy the best that you can afford, and you will be absolutely delighted, but be prepared to wear an inane grin every time you drive it - good luck in your search
I had a convertible 2003 E3 SMG II, now have Range Rover (as a day car) and 1998 Chim 450 for fun. I'm finding that i'm driving the Chim most days, it is such a great car. The rangie is gather dust on the drive!
I spent several months looking for the right car, and decided that as it was to be my first Tiv, i wanted a car from a dealer with a substantial warranty. I acknowledged that i would be paying a little more doing this, but the peace of mind is worth it.
Having tried a few different cars, the power steering is needed for parking. Decided therefore that a post '96 car would be the best bet. I wanted as much power as possible, but read several reports that the 500 can be a little difficult when cold and at slow speed - so went for the 450 - a sensible compromise. The rover V8 seems to be very solid, and plenty of dealers and parts avaiable should they be required.
I visited several dealers, but found that Ferhursts were head and shoulders above the best, and they offered a full 12 month parts and labour warranty.
In summary, buy the best that you can afford, and you will be absolutely delighted, but be prepared to wear an inane grin every time you drive it - good luck in your search
Hi there mlc, I would agree with e2 on getting as newer model as poss. If you're used to M3 power then i would sugest a 4.5 or 5.0li. My 450 was slightly quiker than mates M3 so would think 4.0 about same as bmw. You dont mention your budget, if you have been looking at dealers prices you may be surprised to see what is available privately. Essential to have the car up on a ramp and given a thorough insp of chassis and susp arms wether dealer or private sale. I had a 97 450 for 5yrs(20k miles)bought privately. No big spends and a v good experience. I'm told that T5 box and serp engine best so maybe go for that. I would personally save a few thou and forsake a warranty as the cars are relatively cheap to maintain and service but this may not be your cup of tea! Whatever you decide a sensibly bought car should suffer v low depreciation and be relatively cheap to run.................
Oh and be grrreeaat fun
And welcome to Pistonheads, its the only place to have a midlifecrisis
>> Edited by R TOY on Monday 1st May 23:12
Oh and be grrreeaat fun
And welcome to Pistonheads, its the only place to have a midlifecrisis
>> Edited by R TOY on Monday 1st May 23:12
e2djh said:
Having tried a few different cars, the power steering is needed for parking.
Not true. You try both, then decide. This should not be an over-riding factor - IMHO.
e2djh said:
Decided therefore that a post '96 car would be the best bet.
Sorry, e2djh - not true. PAS was available on earlier models.
e2djh said:
In summary, buy the best that you can afford, and you will be absolutely delighted, but be prepared to wear an inane grin every time you drive it
Very true!
Buy on condition, history and feel. The T5 gearbox is tougher and preferred. 4.0, 4.3, 4.5 will stir your loins - the 5.0 is brutal. If you need professional help contact Rob Ingleby at www.findasportscar.co.uk
Hi There, If your coming from an M3 I would definately go for at least a 4.5, probably a 5.0 TBH.
I had a 4 and with in about a week wished I'd bought a 5.0, they are not THAT quick.
Have a look at www.jamesagger.com usually a few on there but he can locate for you to your spec if needed.
I had a 95 non-evo M3 and it was definately quicker than the 4.0 Chimaera.
Whats your budget?
Which M3 do you have at present?
cheers Rich
>> Edited by RCA on Tuesday 2nd May 02:22
I had a 4 and with in about a week wished I'd bought a 5.0, they are not THAT quick.
Have a look at www.jamesagger.com usually a few on there but he can locate for you to your spec if needed.
I had a 95 non-evo M3 and it was definately quicker than the 4.0 Chimaera.
Whats your budget?
Which M3 do you have at present?
cheers Rich
>> Edited by RCA on Tuesday 2nd May 02:22
Hi Guys,
I had a tuned Nissan 200sx running around 280bhp before my Chim 450. That being my first TVR.
I've not driven a 500 but my 450 is meant to be a good one.
Anyway, my point is, im glad i went for the 450. It feels quicker than the 200sx and after a year of ownership i'm not bored. Which for me is quite something.
If you have your head switched on and dont just stamp your foot on the 'Loud Pedal' i personally dont think any of the Chims (400,450 or 500) should be anything to be scared of.
More important i think is to do your homework and know what you are buying and to look at as many as possible.
It is quite a different buying experience from a more mainstream car like the BM.
cheers,
Nick
I had a tuned Nissan 200sx running around 280bhp before my Chim 450. That being my first TVR.
I've not driven a 500 but my 450 is meant to be a good one.
Anyway, my point is, im glad i went for the 450. It feels quicker than the 200sx and after a year of ownership i'm not bored. Which for me is quite something.
If you have your head switched on and dont just stamp your foot on the 'Loud Pedal' i personally dont think any of the Chims (400,450 or 500) should be anything to be scared of.
More important i think is to do your homework and know what you are buying and to look at as many as possible.
It is quite a different buying experience from a more mainstream car like the BM.
cheers,
Nick
I best not get involved in this - Ooh sod it buy private - why give a dealer anything just for buying in a car and slapping on the lot at 3 - 5 k more!
If you find a good one and are in any doubt get in a specialist to go over it for a small fee.
Bigger the better. All about power to weight with TVR, hence why a 450 with 230 - 240bhp is faster than a Nissan 200 with 280!
If you find a good one and are in any doubt get in a specialist to go over it for a small fee.
Bigger the better. All about power to weight with TVR, hence why a 450 with 230 - 240bhp is faster than a Nissan 200 with 280!
jellison said:
All about power to weight with TVR, hence why a 450 with 230 - 240bhp is faster than a Nissan 200 with 280!
Funny you should say that, but the Nissan is acutally pretty light. around 1250kg.
And the turbo generates big torque.
Its the instand urge of the TVR that makes the difference.
Regarding figures... you cant resist quoting your 'real life' TVR figures can ya?
Fire99 said:Regarding figures... you cant resist quoting your 'real life' TVR figures can ya? No - I do like to point it out and won't STOP!
All about power to weight with TVR, hence why a 450 with 230 - 240bhp is faster than a Nissan 200 with 280!
Funny you should say that, but the Nissan is acutally pretty light. around 1250kg.
And the turbo generates big torque.
Its the instand urge of the TVR that makes the difference.
Regarding figures... you cant resist quoting your 'real life' TVR figures can ya?
I am not a fan of Turbo's if a big blower - smaller or 2 small ones can be good. But LAG is a total pain.
but 1070 vs 1250 is alot less - if I lost that off my racer I'd be lapping 1 - 2 seconds faster!
jellison said:
All about power to weight with TVR, hence why a 450 with 230 - 240bhp is faster than a Nissan 200 with 280!
Funny you should say that, but the Nissan is acutally pretty light. around 1250kg.
And the turbo generates big torque.
Its the instand urge of the TVR that makes the difference.
Regarding figures... you cant resist quoting your 'real life' TVR figures can ya?
I am not a fan of Turbo's if a big blower - smaller or 2 small ones can be good. But LAG is a total pain.
but 1070 vs 1250 is alot less - if I lost that off my racer I'd be lapping 1 - 2 seconds faster!
The difference between the weight of them two cars is probably the same as a chim V a Lotus elise which is well known for its excellent handling due to its low weight, excellent suspension and chasis, So I agree the difference is actually alot in head to head terms...
I had a 4.0 Chim as a Courtesy car, got me used to the TVR traction control and drivers aids
before I took delivery of my baby - a 4.5 LW Cerbera.midlifecrisis said:
I am looking for a Chim 94 to 96ish (have an M3 now) I fancy a 500 but should I start with a 400 (dont want to die yet). Also how does a T5 box or serpantine engine differ from the Rover, what is best. Can someone advise.
Get yourself to a meet and see if people will take you for a spin - that's a good start.
When it comes to buying, I'd recommend Mr Agger (as someone on here has said). However, if you are having a car inspected, get it done by someone who has access to a ramp and knows TVRs - also check what you are getting for your money and whether you have any recourse.
jellison said:
Ooh sod it buy private - why give a dealer anything just for buying in a car and slapping on the lot at 3 - 5 k more!
jellison said:
, hence why a 450 with 230 - 240bhp
The 450 was rated at 285bhp with 300ft.lbs torque. weight=1060kg
4.0 was rated at 235bhp with 260ft.lbs torque.
500 was rated at 320bhp with 320ft.lbs torque.
Power to weight ratios of 221bhp/t- 268bhp/t- 301bhp/t
call me statto
And dont you start quoting those rolling road figures at me jellison, we only want to know the best ones
>> Edited by R TOY on Tuesday 2nd May 21:35
[quote=jellison]I best not get involved in this - Ooh sod it buy private - why give a dealer anything just for buying in a car and slapping on the lot at 3 - 5 k more!
Quite agree with jellison. I looked at 6 TVRs before I mine. I went back and brought the 5th one, all private sellers.
If you know what to look for buy private.
Good luck to you.
Bebee
Quite agree with jellison. I looked at 6 TVRs before I mine. I went back and brought the 5th one, all private sellers.
If you know what to look for buy private.
Good luck to you.
Bebee
Don't forget the 4.0HC and they where still around on 97-98 even though many people say not . They are 5hp less than a 450 and the same amount less on torque, its Another option ,and they sound great at the high rpm.Oh you may find the insurance cheaper as its classed the same as a standard 4.0
jellison said:
I best not get involved in this - Ooh sod it buy private - why give a dealer anything just for buying in a car and slapping on the lot at 3 - 5 k more
Not necessarily.
I bought a well looked after Chimaera from an indie (albeit all-makes) dealership, and:-
I) They knocked £500 off the (reasonable) asking price. This made it an irresistable price.
II) I asked them to replace the windscreen, FOC, as part of the deal (due to a small crack on the lower edge)- they agreed.
III) Asked if they would give the car a full 12K service- including new serpentine belt etc- done.
IV) I got a year's warranty which I used for the replacement of the oil pressure sender a few months later.
Think about it. You buy a car privately and your'e off on your own.
Meanwhile, I'm glad I didn't have to pay the bill for all of the above.
All I'm saying is, there are benefits to shopping around
.R TOY said:
Ooh sod it buy private - why give a dealer anything just for buying in a car and slapping on the lot at 3 - 5 k more!
jellison said:
, hence why a 450 with 230 - 240bhp
The 450 was rated at 285bhp with 300ft.lbs torque. weight=1060kg
4.0 was rated at 235bhp with 260ft.lbs torque.
500 was rated at 320bhp with 320ft.lbs torque.
Power to weight ratios of 221bhp/t- 268bhp/t- 301bhp/t
call me statto
And dont you start quoting those rolling road figures at me jellison, we only want to know the best ones
>> Edited by R TOY on Tuesday 2nd May 21:35
Yep.. Only big, humungus figures for me too... Until mine is run on the rollers that is..
But, back to the subject.. I think if you are no expert on TVR's a dealership like Fernhurst is a good start. Their cars seem well presented.
And dare i say, even if you dont decide to buy one from them then atleast you have a good benchmark to judge how good others are.
To be honest there are quite a few Chims for sale so take your time and look at a few and maybe pop to your local TVR Car Club meet and have a look at some nice ones there.
If you dont rush im sure you'll pick up a gem!
Rum Runner said:splitting hairs a bit here 4,0 and what ever a HC is (I know - but think alot of it is just scotch mist) - you are talking a nat cock differnce. Capacity and cam and tuning is where the power is.
Don't forget the 4.0HC and they where still around on 97-98 even though many people say not . They are 5hp less than a 450 and the same amount less on torque, its Another option ,and they sound great at the high rpm.Oh you may find the insurance cheaper as its classed the same as a standard 4.0
My 3000m only had about 150_bhp but went like stick cos it was only around 900kg.
I'm in a similar position my self at the moment.
Looking for a 4/4.5 97-99 car and am torn between private or trade. My current rule of thumb being if i but private (or from a non specialist) I'll definitely be getting an inspection and want to look at saving in the region of 2k over a dealer so I've got the cash if things go wrong.
Fernies B spec cars are aimed at competing with the private sellers and provide you with a list of faults on the cars, 12 month MOT and 3 months mechanical warranty so well worth a look.
I'd be wary of some of the warranties offered by non specialist garages as in my experience the list of things NOT covered is pretty comprehensive.
There's a car not far away from you that i looked at a couple of weeks ago. I've just noticed they've dropped the price so will send you a mail with the details and my thoughts.
Happy hunting!
Looking for a 4/4.5 97-99 car and am torn between private or trade. My current rule of thumb being if i but private (or from a non specialist) I'll definitely be getting an inspection and want to look at saving in the region of 2k over a dealer so I've got the cash if things go wrong.
Fernies B spec cars are aimed at competing with the private sellers and provide you with a list of faults on the cars, 12 month MOT and 3 months mechanical warranty so well worth a look.
I'd be wary of some of the warranties offered by non specialist garages as in my experience the list of things NOT covered is pretty comprehensive.
There's a car not far away from you that i looked at a couple of weeks ago. I've just noticed they've dropped the price so will send you a mail with the details and my thoughts.
Happy hunting!
jellison said:
My 3000m only had about 150_bhp but went like stick cos it was only around 900kg.
What did you do to it to weigh in at that? They weigh about 1040kg standard..perspex rear window?? no carpets etc?
I went from M turbo to Chim.. similar situation. I ended up paying just over £10k for a 43,000mile '96 400. very nice condition, good, consistent service history..Did think I shouldb spend more and go through a dealer for the warranty etc but got this with the extra dosh to spend if it goes on the wonk
jellison said:
Don't forget the 4.0HC and they where still around on 97-98 even though many people say not . They are 5hp less than a 450 and the same amount less on torque, its Another option ,and they sound great at the high rpm.Oh you may find the insurance cheaper as its classed the same as a standard 4.0
My 3000m only had about 150_bhp but went like stick cos it was only around 900kg.
Surely this makes for more than a nats cock of difference.
quote
TVR435R/M camshaft
Vernier camshaft sprocket and duplex roller chain
Double spring valves
Machined pockets in piston crowns for valve clearance
Standard diameter but Waisted Inlet Valves
I'm assuming shorter valve guides to allow for higher lift.
The heads have been machined to accept double springs but are unfortunately not ported though.
So the short of it is, if you want more power the double springs & valve cutouts will allow you to have a much more aggresive cam than normal 4 litre Rover V8's.
This maybe where the extra 30 ish hp comes from ?
>> Edited by Rum Runner on Wednesday 3rd May 13:25
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