Chim test drive
Discussion
Hi there guys.
I have been for a drive in two Chims now, both 1994 4.0 ltr ones and I have walked away feeling disappointed both times. I love the look inside and out and the sound is amazing, performance is ok. However it felt very odd to drive, odd seating position, extremely heavy clutch and notchy gear change. Are these things that are not normal or do you just get use to them over time??
I have been for a drive in two Chims now, both 1994 4.0 ltr ones and I have walked away feeling disappointed both times. I love the look inside and out and the sound is amazing, performance is ok. However it felt very odd to drive, odd seating position, extremely heavy clutch and notchy gear change. Are these things that are not normal or do you just get use to them over time??
The one I'm getting next week feels exactly the same.
I put it down to driving cars with PAS for 10 years, never having driven so low to the floor, and basically less electronic gubbins between myself and the wheels/engine. My current car (soon to be gone) has an electronic accelerator, and heavily servoed brakes, and a very lightweight clutch, so its going to be a big change for me.
Then again, when somebody changes the seat/steering wheel after a service, how long does it take to change it back?
You'll get used to it, I'm hoping the more direct feel will make me a better and safer driver (although I have a clean license and no claims
)
>> Edited by parrot of doom on Thursday 17th February 16:50
I put it down to driving cars with PAS for 10 years, never having driven so low to the floor, and basically less electronic gubbins between myself and the wheels/engine. My current car (soon to be gone) has an electronic accelerator, and heavily servoed brakes, and a very lightweight clutch, so its going to be a big change for me.
Then again, when somebody changes the seat/steering wheel after a service, how long does it take to change it back?
You'll get used to it, I'm hoping the more direct feel will make me a better and safer driver (although I have a clean license and no claims
) >> Edited by parrot of doom on Thursday 17th February 16:50
The Chimaera is very height specific. If you're not 5' 10 to 6' you may find the pedals are a bit far away making you sit awkwardly. The pedals are adjustable for this reason.
You imply you weren't impressed by the power yet you compare it to an MR2 turbo. Well not to belittle the MR2 but these two cars are in different leagues. Power delivery in the TVR is instant, not waiting for turbo wind-up. Perhaps you were unable to open it up, the cold roads would have seen to that. Look at the stats, BHP/tonne, if you're not sensing a difference then there's something wrong.
If I were you I'd go buy a turbo Porka. It's probably nearer to the comparison improvement you're looking for.
You imply you weren't impressed by the power yet you compare it to an MR2 turbo. Well not to belittle the MR2 but these two cars are in different leagues. Power delivery in the TVR is instant, not waiting for turbo wind-up. Perhaps you were unable to open it up, the cold roads would have seen to that. Look at the stats, BHP/tonne, if you're not sensing a difference then there's something wrong.
If I were you I'd go buy a turbo Porka. It's probably nearer to the comparison improvement you're looking for.
the feel of a chim compared to other cars is different, once you have driven it for a while even if you driveanother car in between you still feel at home.
MR2 V Chim???????????????? what that about!!! power to weight, turbo lag etc etc, instant power as the other chim drivers point out they are in different leagues unless your Mr2 was heavily modified.
You cant explore a chim properly on a test drive Iam sure, and like the other said if the roads are cold that puts pay to a power run etc
buy a chim its bl**dy excellent
MR2 V Chim???????????????? what that about!!! power to weight, turbo lag etc etc, instant power as the other chim drivers point out they are in different leagues unless your Mr2 was heavily modified.
You cant explore a chim properly on a test drive Iam sure, and like the other said if the roads are cold that puts pay to a power run etc
buy a chim its bl**dy excellent
I had 265 bhp in the mr2, with very little lag. I do know what you mean about the chim being instant.I did open it up and gave it all it had, its not a slow car by any means. I think i was just expecting it to be faster.
I am 5,11 in height. I think that its like most things really, untill you are used to it it will always feel a little odd.
I wonder if I have just been in two cars that dont do the others justice.
I am 5,11 in height. I think that its like most things really, untill you are used to it it will always feel a little odd.
I wonder if I have just been in two cars that dont do the others justice.
Adnic69 said:
I wonder if I have just been in two cars that dont do the others justice.
Could be. I drove many before buying. Fortunately the first one I drove was well planted so I knew where the base line was. I also drove some dogs so there is something to be said for looking elsewhere. Just for the comparison why not try a newer Chim. I never drove one near as old as those you speak of. Maybe these cars got better.
>> Edited by tvrbob on Thursday 17th February 17:36
Adnic69 said:
Hi there guys.
I have been for a drive in two Chims now, both 1994 4.0 ltr ones and I have walked away feeling disappointed both times. I love the look inside and out and the sound is amazing, performance is ok. However it felt very odd to drive, odd seating position, extremely heavy clutch and notchy gear change. Are these things that are not normal or do you just get use to them over time??
No you are not normal --I suggest you don't fit the car
Nothing wrong with the seat --check yours out!!!! and grow your left leg longer to compensate for the heavy clutch.
A smooth left hand is what you need for a notchy stick
which its not. If you walked away twice and didn't look back and found them both disappointing-- don't buy one then.
But you may live to regret it and you will never get over it
Adnic69 said:
Hi there guys.
I have been for a drive in two Chims now, both 1994 4.0 ltr ones and I have walked away feeling disappointed both times. I love the look inside and out and the sound is amazing, performance is ok. However it felt very odd to drive, odd seating position, extremely heavy clutch and notchy gear change. Are these things that are not normal or do you just get use to them over time??
Have you tried an MX5?
Gear changes on a Chim are more to do with good throttle and clutch control,its pretty easy to geta smooth power delivery through several gear changes, up and down the box.
The position is unusual to start with, but not that bad.
I've driven other modified 'jap' cars including Subarus, Skylines, MR2 turbos and Supras and although quick were in no way more exciting than a good chim.
I think you have just been unlucky and had some 'dogs', don't give up keep looking, it will be worth it in the end.
The position is unusual to start with, but not that bad.
I've driven other modified 'jap' cars including Subarus, Skylines, MR2 turbos and Supras and although quick were in no way more exciting than a good chim.
I think you have just been unlucky and had some 'dogs', don't give up keep looking, it will be worth it in the end.
Before we bought the Griff we tried a few 4.5 Chims and were impressed enough to go for a run in a 5.0, the difference was apparent immediately, instant grunt and, for the first time in my life, a realisation that I'd have to think about my input. I've owned small capacity turbos that appear to match the acceleration (FTP Saabs) but nothing matches the ability of a well fettled 5.0 V8 TVR to lay it down and that includes fully fettled 550BHP Vipers
Adnic69 said:
I have been for a drive in two Chims now, both 1994 4.0 ltr ones ..laa laa laa...notchy gear change.
Try driving a 1995 or later.. the gearchange on my 1997 is MUCH better than on my 1993 which had the early cogbox.. I'm guessing that both the 1994's you drove also had the early box. The 1997 has an excellent precise gearchange and will downshift etc perfectly well, however taking the 1993 again I could hardly get that into second gear at all when downshifting from fourth through the box for the "bus stop" at Llandow Circuit.
Cheers
Matt
Strange behaviour.Hmmmmmmm......posts like this always intrigue me !!
To me, a TVR is not about out and out performance because in the real world, you just cannot use it to the full (unless you are really silly and don't value your license).
A TVR has soul, has character and has a presence that cannot be matched by many other cars that fall within the realms of the everyday enthusiast.
They have the looks...the noise....oh that noise
and the only driver aid fitted is the throttle !!
TVR owners are very passionate about their cars...and rightly so...!
If you want one...buy one....if you don't....well buy something else.
It really is that simple
Stu.
To me, a TVR is not about out and out performance because in the real world, you just cannot use it to the full (unless you are really silly and don't value your license).
A TVR has soul, has character and has a presence that cannot be matched by many other cars that fall within the realms of the everyday enthusiast.
They have the looks...the noise....oh that noise
and the only driver aid fitted is the throttle !! TVR owners are very passionate about their cars...and rightly so...!
If you want one...buy one....if you don't....well buy something else.
It really is that simple
Stu.
Gassing Station | Chimaera | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff