4.0, 450, 5,0...?
Discussion
What is the general concenus, is the 450 the best compromise?
I really wanted a 500, but would i notice a difference with a 450?
Whats the power/torque figures etc..? Is there a website that gives these figures?
Not really looking at 400's as i previously had a 400SE wedge and fancy moving up in the 'grunt' stakes..
(sorry for all the questions?)
I really wanted a 500, but would i notice a difference with a 450?
Whats the power/torque figures etc..? Is there a website that gives these figures?
Not really looking at 400's as i previously had a 400SE wedge and fancy moving up in the 'grunt' stakes..
(sorry for all the questions?)
Have a search round the chim forum fella, all the info is there.
Basically a good 450 will produce as power as a std/poor 500, maybe a bit less torque. My old one which was standard developed 254bhp and 310 lb/torque which was pretty good. TVR quotes 280bhp and 300lb which is optimistic. Same for a good 400 VS std/poor 450.
Can't remember exact outputs by TVR but they are all over the top and no std chim produces the claimed power.
Performance wise again all depends on condition if all examples are in good condition then 400-450 is not much difference, same for 450-500 but 400-500 it seems there is a noticeable difference.
Just make sure the car has been serviced on the dot and has not been left standing round for months on end, they like to be driven.
Basically a good 450 will produce as power as a std/poor 500, maybe a bit less torque. My old one which was standard developed 254bhp and 310 lb/torque which was pretty good. TVR quotes 280bhp and 300lb which is optimistic. Same for a good 400 VS std/poor 450.
Can't remember exact outputs by TVR but they are all over the top and no std chim produces the claimed power.
Performance wise again all depends on condition if all examples are in good condition then 400-450 is not much difference, same for 450-500 but 400-500 it seems there is a noticeable difference.
Just make sure the car has been serviced on the dot and has not been left standing round for months on end, they like to be driven.
simonb9 said:
Your profile says you have just bought a 500 in Feb ?? Whats happened ??!!
Yes, i almost did. Car wasn't as described in advert..unfortunately
All here..
www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?t=353630&f=8&h=0
Oh dear, sorry mate !! Been there a couple of times myself. Travelled a few miles and spent some time on the road to see somethings that weren't exactly as described......I'd go for a 450 (not that I would exactly turn down a 500 !!) but then again I've seen some shabby ones so if a 400 turned up that was in good nic I wouldn't hesitate.
waynester said:
would i notice a difference with a 450?
If you were racing one away from the lights you would, but how often does that happen? They're both exceptionally quick cars and in almost any situation you can think of the difference between drivers will make more difference than the difference between the engines.
Roberto Rica said:
Hi
I understood that the 4.5 block was the only one that came as cross-bolted out of the box. If so then it's a good choice if you want to embark on bhp upgrades.
Rob
I understood that the 4.5 block was the only one that came as cross-bolted out of the box. If so then it's a good choice if you want to embark on bhp upgrades.
Rob
AFAIK Rover produced 4 and 4.6 cross-bolted blocks from '94, but I didn't think TVR's used them.
Waiting to be corrected though.....
7.
number 7 said:
Roberto Rica said:
Hi
I understood that the 4.5 block was the only one that came as cross-bolted out of the box. If so then it's a good choice if you want to embark on bhp upgrades.
Rob
I understood that the 4.5 block was the only one that came as cross-bolted out of the box. If so then it's a good choice if you want to embark on bhp upgrades.
Rob
AFAIK Rover produced 4 and 4.6 cross-bolted blocks from '94, but I didn't think TVR's used them.
Waiting to be corrected though.....
7.
Not a long wait, my 99 450 is cross bolted
GreenV8S said:
waynester said:
would i notice a difference with a 450?
If you were racing one away from the lights you would, but how often does that happen? They're both exceptionally quick cars and in almost any situation you can think of the difference between drivers will make more difference than the difference between the engines.
As ever good advice from Peter. IMHO don't get hung up on what you buy engine wise. Use all the advice you have received and I'm sure you will be more than happy.
Unless of course you want a 5.0l then you can have mine
Edited by ray_von on Saturday 10th February 16:38
If you want a 500,then get a 500,there is no substitute.Dont be fooled by the 450 crossbolted large journal block bits you hear,as it makes no difference in the real world,they are all good,and even then the last 500's were crossbolted large journal!!The 500 is beautifull to drive,if properly set up,despite what others might tell you(perhaps to put you off,or perhaps because they don't really know).All versions of the RV8 are very reliable,so just follow your instinct.
The 500 was/is the ultimate TVR RV8 spec,and for very good reason
The 500 was/is the ultimate TVR RV8 spec,and for very good reason
i think a 500 is a good financial buy as its likly to hold its value the best...
i wouldn't go all out to buy either, condition is the most important factor, i've driven my 450 and my mates griff back to back and we've "played" and there really isn't anything in it, the most noticable thing was the griff handles MUCH better out of the box
i wouldn't go all out to buy either, condition is the most important factor, i've driven my 450 and my mates griff back to back and we've "played" and there really isn't anything in it, the most noticable thing was the griff handles MUCH better out of the box
IIRC it was only the Griff 4.x that did NOT come with a rear ARB... my early Chim 4.3 (date of 1st registration June 11th, 1993) certainly has one...
As for engines... the 5.0 definitely is a bit more fragile than the smaller capacity versions - have never heard tales of cranks breaking on anything except five-ohs (and 4.2 AJP V8s but that another kettle of fish) - yes I know it's a rare thing to happen but that's little consolation if it's you who has to shell out for a new lump! It's not as eager to rev as the smaller capacity versions, instead of that it majors on stump-pulling torque - arguably it'd be better suited to a Rangie than to a light sports car! Personally I find the five litres a bit too lairy for the way the Chim is set up, would always go for either 4.3 or 4.5. The former I find a very sweet thing indeed, but as they were not made past '94, I doubt whether any were made with the T5 gearbox and the larger brakes, both of which are rather desirable items to have.
As for engines... the 5.0 definitely is a bit more fragile than the smaller capacity versions - have never heard tales of cranks breaking on anything except five-ohs (and 4.2 AJP V8s but that another kettle of fish) - yes I know it's a rare thing to happen but that's little consolation if it's you who has to shell out for a new lump! It's not as eager to rev as the smaller capacity versions, instead of that it majors on stump-pulling torque - arguably it'd be better suited to a Rangie than to a light sports car! Personally I find the five litres a bit too lairy for the way the Chim is set up, would always go for either 4.3 or 4.5. The former I find a very sweet thing indeed, but as they were not made past '94, I doubt whether any were made with the T5 gearbox and the larger brakes, both of which are rather desirable items to have.
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