Off to look at a Chim 500

[BrewsterBear]

After 4 Porsches of various vintages and engine locations I've decided that I finally need to experience a V8 and the best way to do so is with a Chim 500. I'm going to look at one next week with a bit of luck. I'm reasonably handy with the spanners and have a large(ish) garage so general maintenance is usually within my grasp.

I've read about out-riggers, wishbones and chassis in general suffering from tin worm and I'd like to think I'm savvy enough to spot it given a good inspection. Corrosion is what worries me the most as I'm not a welder of any description. I understand camshafts and starter motors can go too, although these things worry me less, probably being within my scope of ability. Other than a healthy maintenance record, a lack of corrosion, a good dose of WaxOyl, dodgy electrics and untidy hoods is there anything in particular I need to look out for?

Cheers.

[Grey Ghost]

Have a read of this

http://www.chimaerapages.com/resources_buyers.php

Should help

[OleVix]

Good luck! They are lovely cars, and bloody fast... Especially the yellow ones... it has something to do with drag I guess

[Andy JB]

My advice after owning a 500 after 7 odd years is to gradually replace all the ignition components (as you would on any 10 year old car) to minimise potential reliability issues (plus leads & extenders, coil, dissy cap, rotor arm, and upgrade thermostat switch), starter motors can cook but are cheap & easy to replace. Fuel pump/filter.

Most of these parts are cheap as chips and can be treated as an upgrade if replaced as better than original. The rest of the main mechanicals are pretty bullet proof, and if maintained correctly should give you plenty of trouble free motoring, and a lot quicker than most porsches i've driven without mods.

It responds well to handling upgrades - springs /dampers/ drop links/ alignment/ & moderate braking improvements help.

My only failures have been throttle cable (carry a spare £15) & refurb steering rack (seals) .

Good luck

[BrewsterBear]

Thanks for the advice guys, especially Andy. The car I'm hoping to look at already has Gaz Golds on so I'll inspect the bottom bush carriers for cracks as per the bad batch that was about. As long as I get a decent look/poke at the chassis and everything else seems in order then this could be the perfect car for me. I actually enjoy tinkering so if parts prices are reasonable (and compared to a Porsche most are) and the engineering is simple (Rover V8 with RWD) then it could prove a winner.

[BrewsterBear]

Unfortunately a deal couldn't be done on the Chim so I've advertised my 968 ClubSport in the hope that I can do a cash deal elsewhere, unless I find a TVR owner who fancies a more precise, if less thunderous, car.

[Chilliman]

Hi Brewster Bear, I note you're in Lincolnshire, which is home of V8 Developments near Spalding. Alot of guys on here have had engine work done by these guys and they know the RV8 inside out. So just a thought, if you want an engine health check (good starting point in case you start thinking about upgrades, which alot of owners do) then I'd reccommend them. (not related to them, not on commission, just a hopefully helpful suggestion )

Good luck with your search,

Chilli