Potential new owner
Discussion
I am new to posting here but do read regularly. I currently have a Triumph TR7 V8, however, I am interested in a Chimaera maybe the 400 or the 450. I have had the TR for 27 years and loved every minute and still do truth be told. My wife however, prefers the looks of the TVR and would let me get one! Would this be a good step to take as there are very definite comparisons between the two cars, although a TVR has more power and a separate chassis, fundamentally though the setp up is similar.
Has anybody else done a similar swap and if so what do you think?
Has anybody else done a similar swap and if so what do you think?
Firstly, go to a local TVRCC meet and have a close look at the cars, get a ride in one. Next step would be to get a drive... I wouldn't advise buying a car without having driven one and on the basis that the OH likes the look of it.
If you then decide you want one you'll get all the advice conceivable here as to what to do/look for.
One thing I would strongly urge you not to do is sell the TR7 to buy a Chim. 27 years is a long time to own a car, and if after 6 months into TVR ownership you come to the conclusion that maybe it's not for you'll hugely regret having let the TR7 go... and hate TVR's forever... If it's possible to keep the TR for a while do it....
Just my personal opinion....
Out of interest what lump have you got in the TR? I'd guess it'd be the 3.5 RV8? If so I suspect you'll see a huge difference between that and a Chimaera 400...
Good luck,
Chilli
If you then decide you want one you'll get all the advice conceivable here as to what to do/look for.
One thing I would strongly urge you not to do is sell the TR7 to buy a Chim. 27 years is a long time to own a car, and if after 6 months into TVR ownership you come to the conclusion that maybe it's not for you'll hugely regret having let the TR7 go... and hate TVR's forever... If it's possible to keep the TR for a while do it....
Just my personal opinion....
Out of interest what lump have you got in the TR? I'd guess it'd be the 3.5 RV8? If so I suspect you'll see a huge difference between that and a Chimaera 400...
Good luck,
Chilli
I am in the UK, Lancashire, Morecambe, if that helps. I think the advice of keeping my TR7 V8 is good as I am attached to it! The TR has a standard 3.5, with tubular manifolds, K&N filters and sports exhaust. It does feel quick but not overly so. I have uprated the suspension and brakes to match also.
I had thought of uprating the engine to a higher spec along with bigger brakes. That made me think that the TVR is already there! I really am at the thinking stage but it is good to have found people who can help.
I had thought of uprating the engine to a higher spec along with bigger brakes. That made me think that the TVR is already there! I really am at the thinking stage but it is good to have found people who can help.
They suit people who are willing to tinker a lot, i find myself doing this even though i bought a good car to start with!
Every car seems to be different in terms of build quality and reliability, so take your time and try to find someone local who will let you take a good look at their car first.
Every car seems to be different in terms of build quality and reliability, so take your time and try to find someone local who will let you take a good look at their car first.
![](http://thumbsnap.com/sc/IQVHYNQI.jpg[/img]</a> <a href="http://thumbsnap.com/lJI5dj3g" Target="_blank">[img]http://thumbsnap.com/sc/lJI5dj3g.jpg)
Maki65 said:
I am in the UK, Lancashire, Morecambe, if that helps. I think the advice of keeping my TR7 V8 is good as I am attached to it! The TR has a standard 3.5, with tubular manifolds, K&N filters and sports exhaust. It does feel quick but not overly so. I have uprated the suspension and brakes to match also.
I had thought of uprating the engine to a higher spec along with bigger brakes. That made me think that the TVR is already there! I really am at the thinking stage but it is good to have found people who can help.
I think I know where you are with this I had thought of uprating the engine to a higher spec along with bigger brakes. That made me think that the TVR is already there! I really am at the thinking stage but it is good to have found people who can help.
I had a factory MGBGT V8, loved it to death, bought the MG RV8 manifolds for it (which I still have) that needs holes cut in the inner wings, and was looking at all sorts of performance upgrades... then I had an attack of the 'it's no longer original' guilt, dropped all the modifying plans and shortly after went TVR hunting I had to sell the BV8 a few months after getting the TVR, it wasn't being used which wasn't doing it any good at all, and I ran out of storage space. By golly I Soooo regret selling that car 
Here's a piccie..
Edited by ChilliWhizz on Sunday 8th February 14:34
Maki65 said:
I am in the UK, Lancashire, Morecambe, if that helps. I think the advice of keeping my TR7 V8 is good as I am attached to it! The TR has a standard 3.5, with tubular manifolds, K&N filters and sports exhaust. It does feel quick but not overly so. I have uprated the suspension and brakes to match also.
I had thought of uprating the engine to a higher spec along with bigger brakes. That made me think that the TVR is already there! I really am at the thinking stage but it is good to have found people who can help.
I am a bit further down the coast in Southport, if you are ever passing I would be more than happy to take you out for a spin and have a natter over a cuppa.I had thought of uprating the engine to a higher spec along with bigger brakes. That made me think that the TVR is already there! I really am at the thinking stage but it is good to have found people who can help.
ChilliWhizz said:
One thing I would strongly urge you not to do is sell the TR7 to buy a Chim. 27 years is a long time to own a car, and if after 6 months into TVR ownership you come to the conclusion that maybe it's not for you'll hugely regret having let the TR7 go... and hate TVR's forever... If it's possible to keep the TR for a while do it....
Totally agree with Chilli here. I was in exactly the same position as you, having owned my factory MGB GT V8 for 28 years when the TVR bug bit. In my case my wife and two sons all forbade me to sell the MG. My very understanding wife then decreed that if I was serious, I'd better buy the TVR - as well!!!That was nearly 3 years ago and I haven't looked back. I very much enjoy owning and driving my 450 Chim and in a bizzar way it makes me appreciate the MG even more. See November '13 Sprint article for details of the 8 wheels and 8 litres that fill my garage.
Go on, you know you want to!
ChilliWhizz said:
I think I know where you are with this I had a factory MGBGT V8, loved it to death, bought the MG RV8 manifolds for it (which I still have) that needs holes cut in the inner wings, and was looking at all sorts of performance upgrades... then I had an attack of the 'it's no longer original' guilt, dropped all the modifying plans and shortly after went TVR hunting I had to sell the BV8 a few months after getting the TVR, it wasn't being used which wasn't doing it any good at all, and I ran out of storage space. By golly I Soooo regret selling that car
Here's a piccie..
Ha! Only just seen this later post Chilli. So we share the same ancestry! I had a factory MGBGT V8, loved it to death, bought the MG RV8 manifolds for it (which I still have) that needs holes cut in the inner wings, and was looking at all sorts of performance upgrades... then I had an attack of the 'it's no longer original' guilt, dropped all the modifying plans and shortly after went TVR hunting I had to sell the BV8 a few months after getting the TVR, it wasn't being used which wasn't doing it any good at all, and I ran out of storage space. By golly I Soooo regret selling that car Here's a piccie..
Edited by ChilliWhizz on Sunday 8th February 14:34
Mine is teal blue and is the 100th production vehicle. Well there you go.... 
Hi,
It sounds as though you are very attached to your TR7 V8, perhaps you did the conversion yourself like me (2 conversions carried out and thoroughly enjoyed both the responsive sporty cars).
Have you actually driven a good Chimarea yet? If the answer is NO, then I consider this is a MUST DO - a.s.a.p. Since TVRs (of any format) create such a sense of occasion when driving them - smiles per miles, even more on sunny days.
Try driving a Chimaera back to back against the TR7 V8, a good Dealer should be happy to accommodate your requirements
I know of a person that had owned Morgan Plus 4 V8,s for many years, this person was then invited to go for a test drive in a Chimaera and the outcome was that the Morgan was no more.
Hope this helps you, buying another car can create massive dilemmas,
It sounds as though you are very attached to your TR7 V8, perhaps you did the conversion yourself like me (2 conversions carried out and thoroughly enjoyed both the responsive sporty cars).
Have you actually driven a good Chimarea yet? If the answer is NO, then I consider this is a MUST DO - a.s.a.p. Since TVRs (of any format) create such a sense of occasion when driving them - smiles per miles, even more on sunny days.
Try driving a Chimaera back to back against the TR7 V8, a good Dealer should be happy to accommodate your requirements
I know of a person that had owned Morgan Plus 4 V8,s for many years, this person was then invited to go for a test drive in a Chimaera and the outcome was that the Morgan was no more.
Hope this helps you, buying another car can create massive dilemmas,
pb450 said:
Ha! Only just seen this later post Chilli. So we share the same ancestry! Mine is teal blue and is the 100th production vehicle. Well there you go....
Hi Peter, yep that was my third BGT, and sitting next to beastie in the garage is a Mine is teal blue and is the 100th production vehicle. Well there you go.... '72 roadster that I've owned for a number of years... I seriously miss the V8 though, and in hindsight wish I'd kept that instead of the roadster.... I envy you still owning one
Just looked at your profile, seems we also work in the same industry!
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