400/450/500/400HC pros and cons?
Discussion
Hi folks,
I've started to look for a Chim, having recently sold my Z4M Roadster... the car became too easy/clinical to drive.
I'm on the look out for a 40-60k miles example, with a preference for blue with cream interior, outriggers done, good service history etc etc - those options, plus budget, I'm settled on.
However, I'm flitting between my options on engine. Plenty of 400s out there and my budget sees me in a perfectly fine example. It makes the noise, has sufficient go, is relatively simple when it comes to servicing and potential problems... However, I'd wondered about the 500 because of rarity, over speed. Suggestions from a few good eggs (gents at Amore Autos included, where the bug well and truly bit after a buddy picked up a 4.2 AJP Cerb) are that the 500 likes to hunt and although rare is perhaps not the best engine for my needs. So then I'd considered the 450 as the best all rounder?
Keen to get as much info as possible on your views on each engine - I'm in no rush. Any and all input very much appreciated.
James
I've started to look for a Chim, having recently sold my Z4M Roadster... the car became too easy/clinical to drive.
I'm on the look out for a 40-60k miles example, with a preference for blue with cream interior, outriggers done, good service history etc etc - those options, plus budget, I'm settled on.
However, I'm flitting between my options on engine. Plenty of 400s out there and my budget sees me in a perfectly fine example. It makes the noise, has sufficient go, is relatively simple when it comes to servicing and potential problems... However, I'd wondered about the 500 because of rarity, over speed. Suggestions from a few good eggs (gents at Amore Autos included, where the bug well and truly bit after a buddy picked up a 4.2 AJP Cerb) are that the 500 likes to hunt and although rare is perhaps not the best engine for my needs. So then I'd considered the 450 as the best all rounder?
Keen to get as much info as possible on your views on each engine - I'm in no rush. Any and all input very much appreciated.
James
So you were not tempted by the rebuilt 430 that Amore have on offer?
Rarity I believe the 430 Chimaera has that and people claim it is a sweet engine that revs freely like the 4.0L but with a little more ooomph
after reading basically all I could find it was the 430 that drew me in the one at Amore was right on my budgets limit and left nothing for the transport to my new home. It helps for me that I prefer the early larger open grill.
Rarity I believe the 430 Chimaera has that and people claim it is a sweet engine that revs freely like the 4.0L but with a little more ooomph
after reading basically all I could find it was the 430 that drew me in the one at Amore was right on my budgets limit and left nothing for the transport to my new home. It helps for me that I prefer the early larger open grill.500 gets my vote. I have owned two Griff 500's (same engine as Chim 500) during most of the last 20 years (I didn't believe it until I checked!) and, without wishing to tempt fate, I've never had an engine issue with either in well over 100K miles.
When buying, I typically look for top condition examples that have been garaged from new and looked after by one or more of the top garages. Also look for a low number of owners, as if people keep them for a while, it means they are happy with the car.
When buying, I typically look for top condition examples that have been garaged from new and looked after by one or more of the top garages. Also look for a low number of owners, as if people keep them for a while, it means they are happy with the car.
Brithunter said:
So you were not tempted by the rebuilt 430 that Amore have on offer?
Rarity I believe the 430 Chimaera has that and people claim it is a sweet engine that revs freely like the 4.0L but with a little more ooomph after reading basically all I could find it was the 430 that drew me in the one at Amore was right on my budgets limit and left nothing for the transport to my new home. It helps for me that I prefer the early larger open grill.
Colour combo and mk1 grill doesn't do it for me. Mk2 is my preference, hence the Neil Garner one that's currently up suits just right... I just want to make sure I'm making the correct decision on engines...Rarity I believe the 430 Chimaera has that and people claim it is a sweet engine that revs freely like the 4.0L but with a little more ooomph
after reading basically all I could find it was the 430 that drew me in the one at Amore was right on my budgets limit and left nothing for the transport to my new home. It helps for me that I prefer the early larger open grill.To be honest, I wasn't bothered what engine my Chimaera had when I was looking last summer, it was purely by chance that it had the 450.
For me, the deciding factors were the condition of the car, proof of maintenance and expenditure and it's provenance. I also believe that in the real world, up to legal speeds, is there really that much difference between them?
Since buying my car, many other owners have said that the 450 is the best compromise of usability, reliability and power.
Others may disagree, but my advice for what it is worth is don't get het up about the engine size - just buy the best one you can afford.
For me, the deciding factors were the condition of the car, proof of maintenance and expenditure and it's provenance. I also believe that in the real world, up to legal speeds, is there really that much difference between them?
Since buying my car, many other owners have said that the 450 is the best compromise of usability, reliability and power.
Others may disagree, but my advice for what it is worth is don't get het up about the engine size - just buy the best one you can afford.
Nah, don't listen to the big boys. A nice little old 400 is what you want. Why? Because after your mate keeps blowing you away in his Cerb, you'll be p#ssed off. Then you'll want MORE POWER just like Clarkson says. And the easiest and cheapest to tune up to get that power is the little 400 due to its compression ratio. Bolt on a supercharger or turbo and the measly (claimed) 340 bhp - at the flywheel - of the 500 fades away.
Now, don't say you wont go down this route, like all us other numpties, because you will and your wallet will be empty in nanoseconds.
Now, don't say you wont go down this route, like all us other numpties, because you will and your wallet will be empty in nanoseconds.
A freshened up 400 with a nice cam etc would probably be comparable performance wise to the Z4M, it all depends on what your happy with.
As said the 450 seems to be the sweet spot for performance and reliability.
I love the idea of supercharging the 400 but by the time it's complete your probably looking at around £5k which I personally could not justify.
As said the 450 seems to be the sweet spot for performance and reliability.
I love the idea of supercharging the 400 but by the time it's complete your probably looking at around £5k which I personally could not justify.
I looked a 4.3, it seemed to fit what I was looking for.
As with all car purchases, check the engine and chassis numbers against the stamped number on the chassis and the numbers in the log book.
Buying a good one is a nightmare, look, look and look again.
Hope you find "the one"
Regards
Frank
As with all car purchases, check the engine and chassis numbers against the stamped number on the chassis and the numbers in the log book.
Buying a good one is a nightmare, look, look and look again.
Hope you find "the one"
Regards
Frank
I used to work for a main dealer many moons ago and if I had anything to offer it would be :
400 - lovely cruiser, but don't expect too much speed.
450 - probably the best balance of power and smoothness
500 - disgraceful amount of power, but a bit rough at low speed.
After a 17 year gap, I've just back into TVR (with a Imperial blue/magnolia car) and went for a Chim 500. It's a little bit rarer, I love the wheels and the grunt is so utterly compelling that It's costing me a fortune in fuel - I absolutely adore it.
400 - lovely cruiser, but don't expect too much speed.
450 - probably the best balance of power and smoothness
500 - disgraceful amount of power, but a bit rough at low speed.
After a 17 year gap, I've just back into TVR (with a Imperial blue/magnolia car) and went for a Chim 500. It's a little bit rarer, I love the wheels and the grunt is so utterly compelling that It's costing me a fortune in fuel - I absolutely adore it.
Does it have standard ECU with coil and distributor ignition? If so, you may be one of the fortunate ones. 
Actually, you only usually here from people with problems, so people get the wrong impression, it goes for any make of car on Pistonheads. You rarely hear when things are just fine, so it's nice to hear.
I've just bought a 400, but with Canems aftermarket ignition. Smooth from cold straight away and pulls in any gear too.
Actually, you only usually here from people with problems, so people get the wrong impression, it goes for any make of car on Pistonheads. You rarely hear when things are just fine, so it's nice to hear.
I've just bought a 400, but with Canems aftermarket ignition. Smooth from cold straight away and pulls in any gear too.
I've had...
Chim 430.
Griff 500
Chim 400
Chim 450.
My Griff 500 was down on power for some reason but still felt faster than all of them! All the rest were very healthy. The 430 was very lively, felt almost as good as the 450. The 400 produced 230 bhp on the rollers. It felt very satisfying to drive, especially if you used all the rev range but fully loaded... i.e Darling rev limiter & a couple of cases. It felt a little wanting. Had to plan my overtakes a lot more carefully.
A healthy 500 with a few breathing mods & a remap would be my natural choice.
Chim 430.
Griff 500
Chim 400
Chim 450.
My Griff 500 was down on power for some reason but still felt faster than all of them! All the rest were very healthy. The 430 was very lively, felt almost as good as the 450. The 400 produced 230 bhp on the rollers. It felt very satisfying to drive, especially if you used all the rev range but fully loaded... i.e Darling rev limiter & a couple of cases. It felt a little wanting. Had to plan my overtakes a lot more carefully.
A healthy 500 with a few breathing mods & a remap would be my natural choice.
A freshened up 400 with a nice cam etc would probably be comparable performance wise to the Z4M, it all depends on what your happy with.
As said the 450 seems to be the sweet spot for performance and reliability.
I love the idea of supercharging the 400 but by the time it's complete your probably looking at around £5k which I personally could not justify.
As said the 450 seems to be the sweet spot for performance and reliability.
I love the idea of supercharging the 400 but by the time it's complete your probably looking at around £5k which I personally could not justify.
Belle427 said:
A freshened up 400 with a nice cam etc would probably be comparable performance wise to the Z4M, it all depends on what your happy with.
As said the 450 seems to be the sweet spot for performance and reliability.
I love the idea of supercharging the 400 but by the time it's complete your probably looking at around £5k which I personally could not justify.
Groundhog Day?As said the 450 seems to be the sweet spot for performance and reliability.
I love the idea of supercharging the 400 but by the time it's complete your probably looking at around £5k which I personally could not justify.
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