L77 vs T5 Gearbox
Discussion
Hi Guys
I'm looking to have my first foray into TVR ownership and planning to buy a Chimaera soon. I wondered if anyone had much experience in comparing the earlier L77 gearboxed cars with the later T5's.
I ask this because i've heard the 430 is a good engine, but most of them (all of them?) have the L77 gearboxes which I read somewhere are a bit more notchy. Anyone think there's that much of a difference? I plan to start getting out to look at some soon and I just want to make sure I don't waste my time with an early one if i'm better off with looking at a later 400 with a T5 box.
Apologies if this has been covered before, i couldn't find many people commenting on this specifically.
Cheers
Dave
I'm looking to have my first foray into TVR ownership and planning to buy a Chimaera soon. I wondered if anyone had much experience in comparing the earlier L77 gearboxed cars with the later T5's.
I ask this because i've heard the 430 is a good engine, but most of them (all of them?) have the L77 gearboxes which I read somewhere are a bit more notchy. Anyone think there's that much of a difference? I plan to start getting out to look at some soon and I just want to make sure I don't waste my time with an early one if i'm better off with looking at a later 400 with a T5 box.
Apologies if this has been covered before, i couldn't find many people commenting on this specifically.
Cheers
Dave
Thanks Chilliman, I guess i just want to make sure i'm looking at the right cars before I waste anyone's time going to view them - trying to weigh up the best overall package. I'm not sure if that makes sense and i do realise that everyone has personal preferences, but since i'm new to TVRs i value the opinions of those with experience!
I'll also bear in mind the fact that condition is just as important (if not more so) than age or model.
I'll also bear in mind the fact that condition is just as important (if not more so) than age or model.
NickOrangeTVR said:
I have a old 400 (1994) with an L77 and it is definitely slightly heavier - but I like the feel of it (and yes I have driven quite a few T5 Chims) - the ratios are also slightly different - 1st - 2nd especially is shorter, so not quite so ideal for a drag strip.
That sounds like the first excuse for the pod Daz will be twitching 
Doc Toad said:
Had both and also prefer the LT77, not sure why there is a question over durability, they were used in the Rover SD1 and that was half a ton heavier than a Griff/Chim 
I am not sure either. When I was thinking up-grade or change, I was interested in the TVR Power Turbo install and Dom didn't think the standard box would be up to it.One thing I do know, if you change the oil on the LT77 to Difflock you have a very smooth gearbox.
davo23 said:
Hi Guys
I ask this because i've heard the 430 is a good engine, but most of them (all of them?) have the L77 gearboxes which I read somewhere are a bit more notchy.
Hi Dave, I've got a 430 with a T5 box, one of the last 430's made. Mine was registered start of April '94' which is around the time T5's were introduced, mine can be a little notchy into third on fast gear changes, but that could just be me.I ask this because i've heard the 430 is a good engine, but most of them (all of them?) have the L77 gearboxes which I read somewhere are a bit more notchy.
I sure I read somewhere that the LT77 was the weaker box due to the bearings, I could be wrong and will probably be chastised by LT77 fans for saying it.
Regardless of gearbox as always recommended get the best you can afford and enjoy, good luck hunting.
As with anything on a car of that age, how it's been looked after and driven will have a lot to do with it. A shagged t5 box will feel worse than a good lt77 and vise versa, all I know is that my 430 is very healthy, outpaced many a bigger engine chims /griffs on track and the box is ok. Little notchy when on track but you learn how to work it.
TV8 said:
snippity...................
One thing I do know, if you change the oil on the LT77 to Difflock you have a very smooth gearbox. snip
+1 ^^^One thing I do know, if you change the oil on the LT77 to Difflock you have a very smooth gearbox. snip
After 10-years ownership of an early Chim with LT77, I wasn't overly happy when Sprinting/Hillclimbing until I discovered Diff lock - best thing that happened. The LT 77 used on Chim/Griffs is the very latest and last version of a stronger box than people give it credit for.
Wish my Tamora had a similarily smooth box - even with Diff lock in the T5 it has inproved it, but not as sweet as the LT 77
Trev
Rib said:
As with anything on a car of that age, how it's been looked after and driven will have a lot to do with it. A shagged t5 box will feel worse than a good lt77 and vise versa, all I know is that my 430 is very healthy, outpaced many a bigger engine chims /griffs on track and the box is ok. Little notchy when on track but you learn how to work it.
Give Difflock oil a try. It might stop the notchy change you get on track. It did for me and othersI have had two 4.3 Griffs (sorry)one with a T5 box, which wasn't standard, and the current one with the original L77. The T5 box was a little smoother and quicker, but IMHO the ratios of the L77 suit the 4.3 really well, its slightly more agricultural but again suits the car, although as has been said, the gearbox oil is critical.
It is also a lot stronger than people think and was fitted in a Sherpa Van.
Incidentally, I have also had a 4.0 Griff with a L77 gearbox. The 4.3 is a gem of an engine and although both of mine have been original Big Valve engines from the factory, you don't need to spend too much on them to have similar performance to a 500. My 4.0 litre produced around 212 bhp and both of the Big Valve engines are / were producing around 275 bhp, on various different dynos.
I hope that helps.
It is also a lot stronger than people think and was fitted in a Sherpa Van.
Incidentally, I have also had a 4.0 Griff with a L77 gearbox. The 4.3 is a gem of an engine and although both of mine have been original Big Valve engines from the factory, you don't need to spend too much on them to have similar performance to a 500. My 4.0 litre produced around 212 bhp and both of the Big Valve engines are / were producing around 275 bhp, on various different dynos.
I hope that helps.
I have Mobil 1 0/40 engine oil in mine. I have tried atf and ordinary synthetic mtf fluid and found the mobil the best. Have to admitt i havent tried the Difflock. Do a search on the Wedge forum, they all run the lt77. There are plenty of oil threads on there. Mobil 1. Gets a thumbs up.
Have a read of this and also the linked thread in Adams opening line.
http://www.pistonheads.com/Gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...
Have a read of this and also the linked thread in Adams opening line.
http://www.pistonheads.com/Gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...
Edited by carsy on Thursday 10th October 15:06
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