400, 450 & 500... touchy one
Discussion
This may cause a bit of a stir, but I have to say I found it suprising, although there are many possible reasons for it....
I entered my 400 (94) for the TVRCC Castle Combe track day earlier this year. I have have done a few track days before, but would not call myself a particularly good driver, but I am quite confident.
Anyhow, I was posting times of around 1.29 (not too great seeing as an older shape M3 was doing about 1.25) - however, on the straights the 450's & 500 were not really pulling away from me?
Does the engine BHP differ that much from engine to engine that these could have been 'not so good' larger engines? Or am I missing something?
I do have track insurance (manning) and they may not, so this could account for possible 'holding back'.
A friend also has the 400HC - which does not keep up with mine????
Anyone else have similar experiences?
I entered my 400 (94) for the TVRCC Castle Combe track day earlier this year. I have have done a few track days before, but would not call myself a particularly good driver, but I am quite confident.
Anyhow, I was posting times of around 1.29 (not too great seeing as an older shape M3 was doing about 1.25) - however, on the straights the 450's & 500 were not really pulling away from me?
Does the engine BHP differ that much from engine to engine that these could have been 'not so good' larger engines? Or am I missing something?
I do have track insurance (manning) and they may not, so this could account for possible 'holding back'.
A friend also has the 400HC - which does not keep up with mine????
Anyone else have similar experiences?
Hi Scott, nice photo.
If you really want to know, put it on a rolling road used regularly by TVRs. Don't know of one near Bristol - anyone?
Maybe your exit speed from the corner was cancelling out any disadvantage on the straight.
Or, as you say, maybe you were just using the track day differently from others. I have never timed a lap on a trackday, for example...
If you really want to know, put it on a rolling road used regularly by TVRs. Don't know of one near Bristol - anyone?
Maybe your exit speed from the corner was cancelling out any disadvantage on the straight.
Or, as you say, maybe you were just using the track day differently from others. I have never timed a lap on a trackday, for example...
Firstly blue Chimaeras are fastest, just like blue Cerberas are fastest.
I had a 4.0L which was as quick as most 4.5s. Normally the 4.5 and 5.0L are a lot more powerful low down the rev range (torque), but some 4.0s are exceptionally sorted.
Also depends on the nut behind the wheel. Maybe some of the people you were on the track with we less confident booting it.
>> Edited by targarama on Thursday 14th October 09:21
I had a 4.0L which was as quick as most 4.5s. Normally the 4.5 and 5.0L are a lot more powerful low down the rev range (torque), but some 4.0s are exceptionally sorted.
Also depends on the nut behind the wheel. Maybe some of the people you were on the track with we less confident booting it.
>> Edited by targarama on Thursday 14th October 09:21
Nope boys I think you will find the ruby mica ones are the fastest.
and having only driven a 500 I cannot comment on acceleration in comparism to others Chims.
What I will say is the Tuscan S leaves me standing as does the T350.........
from a standing start)
>> Edited by jessica on Thursday 14th October 14:00
and having only driven a 500 I cannot comment on acceleration in comparism to others Chims.
What I will say is the Tuscan S leaves me standing as does the T350.........
from a standing start) >> Edited by jessica on Thursday 14th October 14:00
trinitycall said:
Firstly blue Chimaeras are fastest, just like blue Cerberas are fastest.
I too have noticed that blue chimaeras are amongst the fastest tvrs on the road.
Funny you should mention that! 
TVR quoted figures are 240bhp for the 400 and, IIRC, 340bhp for the 500 HC so, in theory, there is a substantial difference in power between the two. There's also an added kick at 3000rpm in the 500 HC.
trinitycall said:
Firstly blue Chimaeras are fastest, just like blue Cerberas are fastest.
I too have noticed that blue chimaeras are amongst the fastest tvrs on the road.
Totally, totally unbiased, but yes I have to agree !!
SERIOUS POINT
- sphorne - be VERY careful about declarations of timing your laps on track days. You show your no plate on the photo on your profile (which ANYONE on the web can therefore read/log etc, your insurance specifically prohibits timing, you then make a public declaration that you're timing on track ..... whoops !! Insurance underwriters can be PHers too you know !!
Also from experience of others that have been caught timing, any TDOs reading your post could literally attempt to BAN you (seriously), as evidence of timing at track days invalidates THEIR own insurance, as well as your own. Obviously there are massive implications for all here & I can only strongly advise you NOT TO, EVER.
If you do want to judge your performance against others/your mates etc, book a day at Palmer's Motorsport. You'll be actively encouraged to drive as fast as you can in some great machinery (the awesome Jaguar JP1, Palmer Audi single seater etc), timed & compared against all others on the day. All legitimately.
sphorne said:
This may cause a bit of a stir, but I have to say I found it suprising, although there are many possible reasons for it....
I entered my 400 (94) for the TVRCC Castle Combe track day earlier this year. I have have done a few track days before, but would not call myself a particularly good driver, but I am quite confident.
Anyhow, I was posting times of around 1.29 (not too great seeing as an older shape M3 was doing about 1.25) - however, on the straights the 450's & 500 were not really pulling away from me?
Does the engine BHP differ that much from engine to engine that these could have been 'not so good' larger engines? Or am I missing something?
I do have track insurance (manning) and they may not, so this could account for possible 'holding back'.
A friend also has the 400HC - which does not keep up with mine????
Anyone else have similar experiences?
Without a doubt, the chap/chapess behind the wheel has a greater impact than the size of the engine capacity (within reason obviously) - some are just naturally quicker than others, some have much more experience which will also generally quicken them up of course (knowledge of lines, H&Ting etc etc - simple as that - & yes the point you make about uninsured cars can also be valid.
I've been a passenger in a DIESEL Peugeot 406 driven by John Bussell (ex Porsche Champion) round the 'Ring & he was lapping quicker than the vast majority of other cars, incl quick Porsches etc !
It's not so much what you've got, it's the way that you do it !!
Also, choice of rubber, pads & dampers can have a bigger impact than just engine size.
>> Edited by 55jnj on Thursday 14th October 20:24
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