Noise level - std 500 chimaera

[macca]

Thinking of doing a few track days and see that noise limits are generally set at 98db. Does a standard chimaera 500 come under this? I'm in Notts so would naturally go to Donnington, any suggestions for other locations?

Any pointers much appreciated.

[roseytvr]

Standard normally about 96db. Don't rule out travelling for track days otherwise you will miss out on great tracks like Snetterton and castle Combe. Keep a look out on the forums, plenty normally to go at

[QBee]

Track day noise limits generally are between 101 and 105 decibels, so as long as you don't modify the exhaust you should be fine.

Donnington is a nice open circuit, as is Silvertsone, and there is Mallory Park if it is still going. Cadwell Park in Lincs is fun, but those barriers are quite close in places. Watch out for Bedford Autodome's limits - they are strict on the drive by, which can catch out some of those who pass the static test.

Personally I would not get too carried away with race circuits, especially tight ones with close barriers. A lot of fun can be had on airfield track days, and you can test the car's and your own limits better where there's nothing to hit.

RAF Wittering (on the A1 just north of Peterborough) does track days, Blyton in north Lincs is a specially laid surface on an airfield. And RAF Marham in West Norfolk has one coming up in just over five weeks time.

If you are car proud, use some gaffer tape to protect the front of your car from stone chips, especially on airfields.

[wuckfitracing]

I did Donington track day in December last year, mines a 430 but standard exhaust. There were a lot of much noiser cars there than mine,but no one had an issue. You can buy from fleabay exhaust inserts, I took some in case but didnt need them.

[macca]

Do they have any timing gear?
Presume own helmet is required?
What's a spirited morning like on brakes and tyres?

[Alun450]

Timing not normally allowed on a trackday, I'd make sure there's plenty of fat on all your pads, that's about it. Oh that and big balls! Mind you I have no idea I'm just about to do my first trackday this wk end so if I'm still around next wk I'll tell the tale? Regards noise tests, if your a standard exhaust you should be ok, be abit conservative on revs, should be ok. I'd book at track in southern Spain right now though!??! Gulp!

[QBee]

macca said:

Do they have any timing gear?
Presume own helmet is required?
What's a spirited morning like on brakes and tyres?

You are not meant to time yourself on track days.
Helmet required, you can often hire them from the organisers if you don' mind a lottery.
I found an entire weekend in 30 degree heat including braking down hard from 130 to 70 every lap caused no issues in the Chimaera, unlike many other cars. TVRs are built for the track.

[Alun450]

Well that's true, my mates Honda S2000 ate the fronts, be nice if the Chimi does'nt.

[QBee]

I did 300 miles on the track weekend in 30 degree heat, got through 25 gallons of fuel, brakes never faded and the pads were fine after. Do make sure you have a full tank on arrival at the track. You won't be doing much over 10 -15 mpg if you are trying.

[wuckfitracing]

As previous posts, track days no timing allowed. Own helmet reqd although they will rent you a sweaty one at Donington. Tyres and brakes all OK. Best advice is enjoy and dont try and keep up with the track prepped cars. They will spin off at some point as well.
Ps sorry for late reply in China at moment. See naff all TVRs here

[QBee]

Donnington is clockwise.
For the future, beware of afternoons at anti-clockwise tracks (or tracks with long left handers). If you have less than one third of a tank of fuel you may find the engine stuttering mid-corner. This is a result of all your remaining fuel being over on the right hand side of the tank, whereas the fuel pump takes it from the left hand side!