Chimaera to Tamora

[rbryant]

Hi guys

After 9 years of Chim ownership I think the time has come for a change, and I have always liked the Tamora - just couldn't afford it 9 years ago when I bought the Chimaera.

So I know it is a rocketship, has no safety kit, will drink like a fish, and cost me a bit in servicing. I also know that it is a lot more up-to-date drive than the Chimaera. And I know that what I really really want is one with an engine that Str8 Six or Racing Green have rebuilt.

But what about words of wisdom from you boys about the practicalities of a 30 mins daily commute down country lanes, and any drawbacks I may have overlooked about regular use? For instance, do the rebuilt engines now stand a decent mileage.

Cheers

Richard

[S6OOH]

I think regular use suits them best, I am on 50k miles without a rebuild so imagine the rebuilt ones should be good.

Choose carefully and enjoy

[shep1001]

If you can drive a Chim you can drive Tamora. Use your head before you prod the welly pedal too hard and you will be fine. The beauty of the 3.6 is its a pussy under 3K and can be driven easily, it only gets exciting over 4K. It should handle better than the Chim but you can't deny the laws of physics.

Running costs will be a little higher, tax is £225, my insurance with protected NCD and an agreed value of £20K was £450. Servicing and repairs vary depending on who you use but my 6k service just cost me £300, 12K with tappets next year will be £620 ish. 20-24mpg is normal but you can get 28-30 taking it easy at 70mph.

Shep

[QBee]

I have a Chim and have driven a Tamora.
And I wouldn't want one.
It's very personal.
I hated the floor mounted pedals, but I have a foot problem.
I like the interior but didn't like the seats.
The lighter clutch was nice.
I love the V8 rumble.
I loathed the straight six grind.

My advice to you is get a good long test drive and really test everything.

[alex_gray255]

One for Nick this!

Other essential equipment will be...







Other than that - enjoy it!

[chris watton]

Tamora handles straight out of the box, the Chim doesn't - the latter is cool if all you want is a drag race type car. I too came from Chim (450) to Tamora, would never go back, TBH, it would seem too much like a retrograde step. IMOHO of course....

[TOV!E]

QBee said:

I have a Chim and have driven a Tamora.
And I wouldn't want one.
It's very personal.
I hated the floor mounted pedals, but I have a foot problem.
I like the interior but didn't like the seats.
The lighter clutch was nice.
I love the V8 rumble.
I loathed the straight six grind.

My advice to you is get a good long test drive and really test everything.

Blimey that does surprise me, I would have never thought that

[QBee]

There We Are Then

[rbryant]

Well all interesting thanks. My Chim has a V8 Developments rebuilt 300 bhp 4.6 and Intrax suspension, and does handle now. Avoid early cars with no rebuild then?

[sidpinup]

This may be surprising coming from a 4.3 Tam owner.....but get one, they are f'ing brilliant!

[shep1001]

rbryant said:

Well all interesting thanks. My Chim has a V8 Developments rebuilt 300 bhp 4.6 and Intrax suspension, and does handle now. Avoid early cars with no rebuild then?

Nout wrong with my 52 plate car now on 30k miles. No engine rebuild, still on its original clutch. In11 years the only things it HAD to have was a battery, lambda sensor, shocks, throttle body re-bush and a set of throttle pots which was my choice to sort a very light stutter at 4k rpm

Better advice would be to buy on condition irrespective of age, even young cars can be a money pit if not maintained and looked after.

[donski58]

rbryant said:

Well all interesting thanks. My Chim has a V8 Developments rebuilt 300 bhp 4.6 and Intrax suspension, and does handle now. Avoid early cars with no rebuild then?

Good luck with your search I am sure you will enjoy the Tam.

You forgot to mention TVR Power in your original post with regard to rebuilds.

Don

[rbryant]

Ah yes sorry Don.

Anyone know this car and opinions on engine change?

http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/t...

[shep1001]

rbryant said:

Ah yes sorry Don.

Anyone know this car and opinions on engine change?

http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/t...

The devil is in the detail. £6800 is cheap for a new engine, clutch & fly wheel. I would want to know more about the engine. Was it a replacement or was it rebuilt. A replacement need not have been worked on rather sourced and replaced....

[TV8]

Hi Richard,

Have you driven one? I drove one and it was noticeably better than a Chimaera in some areas but it all felt a bit too modem for me. I still Ike them and the steering is very good, so have fun looking!

[Getsis]

There are a lot of sh!t tams out there now! my advice is go for a facelift one, ensure it is full leather not the bison!. A/C should be a priority if you are going on summer trips away. Some leak badly, check for water marks/damp in to boot and behind the seats. Ensure the car is cold when viewing so you can see how the car idles from cold, if you have to keep the revs on then it needs a tune up or throttle bodies may need bushing, the later will show itself by shunting on the test drive. Check the front valance for cracks and damage underneath, this area can get a pounding from speed bumbs. If the car is de-catted make sure it comes with the old cats and they are useable. Doors can drop, check fit alignment and any rubbing from door closing. Original shocks don't last long check each corner. Hood window can crack due to neglect when folding back, worse in cold weather. If changing gear is difficult the clutch or slave could be the problem.

The one at TVR Mads is probably the best one on the market at the moment.

[900T-R]

Here's another one who's not getting along terribly well with the T-cars' standing pedal arrangement. I'm sure if you owned one you'd get used to it, but it's definitely a case of try before you buy...

[Getsis]

900T-R said:

Here's another one who's not getting along terribly well with the T-cars' standing pedal arrangement. I'm sure if you owned one you'd get used to it, but it's definitely a case of try before you buy...

I hated it at first too but got used to it.

[Kingy220]

I looked at quite a few before choosing my red beast, would agree with the green one at MADS being the best available at the moment.

Rgds

[Kingy220]

I looked at quite a few before choosing my red beast, would agree with the green one at MADS being the best available at the moment.

Rgds