Just bought one
Discussion
Big Al. said:
And if it's wetTAKE BLOODY IT EASY
>> Edited by Big Al. (moderator) on Sunday 4th May 17:24
Is this dual driving and career advice? Maybe he never intended to go anywhere near a computer?
Good luck Nevin - you'll never look back - well, just occasionally to see what you just passed
Hutch
Just bought a 96 Red Chimaera which I am picking up on Tuesday. Can barely contain my excitement.
Seats are looking a little worn though. Anyone got any idea how much it costs to get them re-upholstered?
Nice to have you in the fold.
Re your seats, I have seen a couple of threads on this in the past - just put in a search on the subject.
I have had mine done, but I am unable to remember how much it cost. I don't think that It was bad or I would have remembered.
Go out in the rain just be smooth on the gas, brakes and steering and you will be fine - anyway, a little sideways is GOOD!!
Cheers
SPS
Nevin said: Thanks guys. If it's wet I'll probably be too scared to drive it anyway.
You'll be fine, even in the rain. There is a much bigger difference between wet and dry road condition behaviour of these cars however they are perfectly drivable in the wet. Just remind yourself to sort your braking and gears out in a straight line, so that you can __gently__ accelerate through the bends.
Also, Once you're used to the car, I'd recommend getting yourself on an airfield day or similar. You'll learn more about your car in a few hours than you would in months of driving on the road. You will fear the limits of the car more if you've not experienced them and therefore can't tell how close you are to them from how the car feels etc. Standard fear of the unknown stuff and healthy in my opinion.
Summary, sit back, enjoy the noise and let your experience build. Remember, you'll be doing this for a long time, so where's the rush?
Cheers,
Steve
Hi Nevin
Welcome to the gang.
I bought my Chimeara in Jan and had to wait over 2 months before the weather picked up and the roads dried out. However i did drive it - just took it easy and had no problems - i found as long as you respect the car then there is no problem.
Start practicing the grinning
and dont forget to wave 
Welcome to the gang.
I bought my Chimeara in Jan and had to wait over 2 months before the weather picked up and the roads dried out. However i did drive it - just took it easy and had no problems - i found as long as you respect the car then there is no problem.
Start practicing the grinning
and dont forget to wave I plan to get as much training as I can afford, but am really looking forward to it.
Less than 24 hours to go. Will post some pics when I have a chance.
Am just scared as this the first remotely powerful car I will have driven since I passed my test ten years ago (apart from a Porsche Le Mans car, but that's a different story).
Bring it on
>> Edited by Nevin on Tuesday 6th May 00:05
Less than 24 hours to go. Will post some pics when I have a chance.
Am just scared as this the first remotely powerful car I will have driven since I passed my test ten years ago (apart from a Porsche Le Mans car, but that's a different story).
Bring it on
>> Edited by Nevin on Tuesday 6th May 00:05
After years of being in the passenger seat of interesting cars i have now bought a 1997 Chimaera of my own. After 2000 miles of unbelievably joy in the dry I have just had first interesting moment in 'wet after dry' conditions to teach me some respect. Have also just read through Pistonheads discussion on how fast is too fast inthe wet. Although I am middle aged and a lawyer I am just as susceptible to showing off and girl racer behaviour as anyone, especially with my new toy, but think reading this correspondence has really helped get it through my head that to avoid killing anyone else or myself I need to accept plenty of advice from those who've been there before me! Do hope 'don't drive it in the wet' isn't the answer, though finding a skid pan where I can use my own car to discover limits and learn skills may be. Anyone know of one?
Don't worry too much, Sue, they're not that dangerous. If you've driven rear wheel drive before, BMW, Old Fords, etc, you won't have a problem. Just don't go too loopy in the wet 'til you know what it's going to do. I've found my Chimaera quite difficult to make break away, except in snow and ice when i go to play in the car parks of the area. They're just pussycats really. The people who complain about their cars handling on here only drive them on sunny weekends to Asda and back, go out and use it.
There is quite a bit section in the bible 2 about appropriate driving techniques as many owners do not appreciate exactly what they are getting into. There is really no substitute for smoothness and getting driving instruction on a track. Plenty of courses and track days to choose from.
The "if you driven an old Ford or BMW you'll be alright" comments are only part of the story as the main cause of moments is misuse of the amount of torque these cars have and failing to understand about weight transfer and how that reduces or improves grip. To be honest there is nothing out there that prepares you for this.
The key to driving these cars is smoothness and don't treat the throttle as an off on button. Don't engine brake and generally brake in a straight line. If it is wet or slippery, use a next higher gear as that softens the delivery and makes things that bit easier.
Steve
www.tvrbooks.co.uk
The "if you driven an old Ford or BMW you'll be alright" comments are only part of the story as the main cause of moments is misuse of the amount of torque these cars have and failing to understand about weight transfer and how that reduces or improves grip. To be honest there is nothing out there that prepares you for this.
The key to driving these cars is smoothness and don't treat the throttle as an off on button. Don't engine brake and generally brake in a straight line. If it is wet or slippery, use a next higher gear as that softens the delivery and makes things that bit easier.
Steve
www.tvrbooks.co.uk
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