Changing from a Chimaera to a Tuscan - your thoughts please

[tacoma]

OK,

I was going to have the headlight conversion by TVR Bodyshop done to my letre Chimaera, but when i said that the car was Rosso Pearl they backed away. The car would probably need a total respray as a colour match is almost impossible so the bill would be circa £5000. I was also going to change the seats to Tuscan seats, a mod i know many have done and i think looks great but would be £700.

I don't mind the expenditure as such but as my missus said, "why not just buy a tuscan".

I have no experince of the Tuscan, how the drive differs, cost of ownership, etc, so i would value your thoughts. I am guessing that there are probably a few ex-chimaera drivers here.

thanks

mike

[ntel]

I went from a Chim 450 to a new Tuscan 2 last October. I had spent £7000 on the Chim in 18 months on upgrades, engine rebuild, respray (Rosso Pearl) etc etc etc. Basically trying to make it into a new car. Even after all that I wanted a new interior, upgraded suspension and list goes on. I thought, if I want a new car I might as well bite the bullet and get one. So I chopped the Chim in for the Tuscan.

I miss the low down grunt and the rumble of the RV8 and find that the Tuscan 2 keeps me busier in terms of making sure i'm in the right gear all the time. The handling of the Tuscan is loads better especially now I have had the Nitrons fitted. The standard zorst cans had to go (not loud enough) and titanium CCC cans were fitted.

Up to now the cost of ownership is a lot less than the Chim (I'm ignoring the depresiation) because of the 3 year / 36000 mile warranty. All I have to pay for are upgrades (if I want any) and serving. The 6000 mile service costs about the same as the Chim, give or take, but the 12000 mile service will be quite a bit more due to the valve adjustments.

In terms of petrol consumption I am averaging about 21 mpg from the Tuscan where as 18 mpg from the Chim was normal. Insurance is about £150 more for the Tuscan.

All told, I'm really enjoying the Tuscan because of the increased performance, comfort, and handling but if I'm honest, I really miss the Chim and wish I could have kept it as well as buying the T2.

[Big Al.]

tacoma said:

I am guessing that there are probably a few ex-chimaera drivers here.

OH

DO IT!

Still love the Chim and always will.

BUT the Tuscan is a different animal altogether, Cost? difficult, Mine (touch wood) has in all honesty not cost THAT much more to run. Parts tend to be a little more expensive to replace, I had to have a new LCD display fitted yesterday cost £155! and that was just for the part.
Parts also seem to be less readily available, clutches, windscreens to name but two.

Six Speed engine problems aside, I prefer the higher revving engine and I find that it suits my driving style better.

Get out and drive a few, have driven 3.6's, 4.0's, Red Rose, and S's, unless you have a good driving ability (I don't ) they all feel much the same, the later models do tend to ride and drive better that the early models.

Hope this helps

Edited by Big Al. on Friday 4th August 12:50

[timmybob]

Hi Mike,

Just about to swap my 450 for a Tuscan (picking it up tonight!!!), so will let you know how I get on. From the drives I've had already, it's a different car in character to the Chim, and they each have their strengths so it may come down to personal preference.

[tacoma]

Thanks to all who have contributed so far, please keep them coming.

Timmybob i will wait with interest to hear your experience, reading some of the other threads they do sound a bit of a beast and that from experienced PHers and TVR drivers alike.

So tempted to just buy Cheeky's and sell the Chim in slow time. If i was going to trade in does anyone have any recommendations or people to avoid?

m

[ggt]

I had a 4ltr then a 5ltr chim, both great cars, i have now had 3 tuscans, all i can say is
get the tuscan you wont look back( only to see what you have overtaken)

[grumbledoak]

Hi Mike

If you want a new car don't torture yourself with mods - get a new car !

I went from a 4L Chim(p) to a T350, and though I'll always have a soft spot for the Chim I wouldn't ever consider going back. Ride and handling are greatly improved, as are the cars "manners", especially for town driving. The interior feels more solid too, though I can't put my finger on it exactly as I never felt my Chim wasn't solid. The general character is very different (less lazy, more revvy) but I quickly found I prefer it this way. The burble at idle is maybe the only downside I could list, but as the revs rise you won't be disappointed, and sports exhausts are available for the deaf .

Have a test drive...

[b2tus]

Go on - do it. I spent months wondering whether or not to switch but eventually decided to go for it.
Decided that I didn't want to spend the rest of my life wondering what it might have been like? The Tuscan is an amazing car - every TVR addict should have one at some time in their life.
Went from a Chim to a Tuscan myself 18 months ago - no regrets whatsover.

[ticker]

Hi,

had V8s for past 4 years, changed to a Tusc, had it 8 weeks now, and the difference is day and night. Miss V8 rumble but for grunt and pose, u just can`t come close to the tusc, do it, u won`t regret it

Dave

Edited by ticker on Saturday 5th August 14:41

Edited by ticker on Saturday 5th August 14:41

[cheeky]

tacoma said:

So tempted to just buy Cheeky's and sell the Chim in slow time.

Sounds like an excellent idea ... as long as you let me gaze longingly at it every so often if I'm ever in the area afterwards!

As someone said earlier, Nitrons can make all the difference. Try it and I think you'll like it.

Edited by cheeky on Monday 7th August 17:59

[timmybob]

Had the Tuscan for just over a week now so thought I would post an update. Off work last week, so got a chance to play (including a trip up the M6). It is a very different beast to the Chim. I had a 2001 last edition Chim which drove really well (especially compared to some I tried), so the Tuscan doesn't feel too different handling wise. The power delivery is completely different though, and (once the oil is up to temp) the performance is staggering!! But it's also easy to pootle around town. No regrets so far...

[fad sucker]

Hello Mike, just gone from a Chim to Tuscan and had it nearly a week now. Although i loved the Chim I think I've made the right decision to change. The Tuscan really is a totally different drive and needs to be treated with respect until you get used to it's characteristics. I've driven it nearly every day now and done 500 miles, I LOVE IT!!. Do it you won't regret it if you get a sorted machine.