Do Chimaeras need engine rebuilds often?

[del_17uk]

I’ve had a cerbera Speed 6, it lasted 7 weeks before the head gasket went, and when it was in to get fixed I found it needed a rebuild. The cost was.... well alot.

im now looking at something not as scary for my wallet so im looking at a chim, do these require periodic rebuilds like the speed 6?

ive done alot of research and think I know what im looking for with the chassis but not sure bout the engine, which one should i go for, i loved the power of the cerbera and i dont wanna drop too much power. Do any of the engines have worse reliability than the others?

I’ve searched for this but can’t really get a straight answer.

[2 sMoKiN bArReLs]

Generally speaking the Chimaera engine is fairly agricultural & robust.

They're all ageing a bit now, so yer pays yer money & takes yer chance!

[Gaffer]

Not really, the only time the engine comes out is for camshaft changes.

Saying that, when my cam comes out I am having additional work done on her as at 103K miles, she is in need of TLC.

Claire

[JonRB]

I've had my Chimaera for over 6 years and although I've had a cracked head that required a partial rebuild, I put that down to bad luck. Rebuilds and failures are unusual and exceptions to the norm.

[2 sMoKiN bArReLs]

Base engine design is knocking on for fifty years old. They reckons the cams on the 5 litre can wear. (They reckon about 50,000 miles).

A well maintained motor should in general be ok for 100,000 miles or more.

(With some luck)

[sapper]

The V8 is pretty robust as long as you look after it oil/water etc they seem to run forever. Power wise its enough for most. As for engine size the 4.5 seems to be the most sought after for driveability. Im sure others will be along soon to give more input, hope this helps.

[Seasider]

Gaffer said:

the only time the engine comes out is for camshaft changes.

[OscarT]

Surely the engine doesn't have to come out for a camshaft change.

[2 sMoKiN bArReLs]

OscarT said:

Surely the engine doesn't have to come out for a camshaft change.

I think that's what Seasider said! (in PH code )

[Gaffer]

well you take part of it out I think. I know mine is coming out cos after 103k miles on the orginal cam, I want some additional work doing.

Not a mechanic me I leave that to Ian...I just hand him things and make coffee. Oh and name his spanners and hammers its a girlie thing I think..!

Claire

Edited by Gaffer on Wednesday 19th September 21:40

[hiltonig]

Go for A 500 !! for grunt

Edited by hiltonig on Wednesday 19th September 21:40

[2 sMoKiN bArReLs]

Gaffer said:

well you take part of it out I think. I know mine is coming out cos after 103k miles on the orginal cam, I want some additional work doing.

Not a mechanic me :lol:

Claire

More of a top off, than a full out methinks

[del_17uk]

Thanks for the quick reply.

what’s your thoughts on the engine’s, are they much a muchness, i know about the cam shaft on the 500's how much does this cost to replace, is this the only thing to look for?

[2 sMoKiN bArReLs]

del_17uk said:

Thanks for the quick reply.

what’s your thoughts on the engine’s, are they much a muchness, i know about the cam shaft on the 500's how much does this cost to replace, is this the only thing to look for?

Tbh, the rest of the car is more likely to be busticated.

[Gaffer]

2 sMoKiN bArReLs said:

Gaffer said:

well you take part of it out I think. I know mine is coming out cos after 103k miles on the orginal cam, I want some additional work doing.

Not a mechanic me :lol:

Claire

More of a top off, than a full out methinks

I aint taking my top off....cheeky

[2 sMoKiN bArReLs]

Gaffer said:

2 sMoKiN bArReLs said:

Gaffer said:

well you take part of it out I think. I know mine is coming out cos after 103k miles on the orginal cam, I want some additional work doing.

Not a mechanic me :lol:

Claire

More of a top off, than a full out methinks

I aint taking my top off....cheeky

Ah well....................

[JonRB]

2 sMoKiN bArReLs said:

Gaffer said:

I aint taking my top off....cheeky

Ah well....................

It was a nice try.

[lifebegins@400]

I'm too new to this to give an informed opinion but why not talk to one of the specialists. Warren Gilbert at Topcats Racing would be a start point - most of these guys will have seen every variation of wear and componant failure and being enthusiasts themselves probably won't begrudge you a few minutes to chat things through (within reason obviously!)

Andy

[aerospoke]

Camshafts do wear on 4l too! Am on my third at 80k miles. To be honest I´m not shure if the second cam was really that worn or if the garage was just making some money on an inexperienced Tivver. BUt you live and learn.

Cheers Jens

[Alex Gurr]

The 500 seems to have more reliability issues than the smaller engines. Mine (a 500) has just gone in to V8 Developments for a re-build after just 29,000 miles