Chimaera 500 question..

[dave38]

Just a quickie....

Did all 500's have the serpentine engines and T5 gearboxes ? If not can someone tell me if the pre serp / old Rover box handles the power okay (and which way reverse is on each type so I can tell when loking at one)

Thanks

[beano500]

dave38 said:

Did all 500's have the serpentine engines and T5 gearboxes ?

Must have done - don't think they started putting the 500 in until about '97!

I stand to be corrected by an expert, though

[shpub]

beano500 said:

dave38 said: Did all 500's have the serpentine engines and T5 gearboxes ? Must have done - don't think they started putting the 500 in until about '97! I stand to be corrected by an expert, though

No. Serp engines have a single poly vee fan belt. T% box has reverse on bottom right. Rover box is top left.

Steve
www.tvrbooks.co.uk

[beano500]

Sorry - I meant (and assumed from the forum posted) that we are talking about Chimaeras?

[jellison]

Bit like Beano - not 100% sure - but would imagine when the Chim went to 500 spec the Griff was on Serp engine by then. So most likely all Serp and also more than likely T5 - both boxes should be up to it - T5 just better change and a bit stonger by all accounts.
No Expert though....

[shpub]

beano500 said:

Sorry - I meant (and assumed from the forum posted) that we are talking about Chimaeras?

So... Doesn't make a difference! The majority are Serp/T5 but I think there are a handful that may not be. Whether they are retro upgrades or genuine factory versions is not clear. TVR don't start referring to 500s until 1996 but I am pretty sure there are some earlier cars.

[dave38]

Hmmm. Was considering an 'M' plate so must be one of the very first Chimaera 500's....??

Bit nervous now. Used to have an early 4.0. Sold so I could buy a Griff 500 but think I can get a Chimaera 500 in better condition cheaperas they seem less popular and more common (if that's not a contradiction in terms !)

Are 4.0's easier to sell or do 500's tend to be more sought after / valuable (or are they about the same)? I'm guessing that the 5.0 appears to the 'weekenders' (like me) and the 4.0 to the 'use every day' types ?

Thanks for responses

Dave

Edited - I meant appeals not appears - d'ohhh!!!!

>> Edited by dave38 on Monday 7th July 16:41

[victormeldrew]

My 96 500 is a Serp. I suspect the first serps were 95 vintage.

[Steve_T]

Get a 500, because it won't be long before you wonder what one's like otherwise. If you own a 500, I doubt you'll worry too much about what a 400 is like. Re. the T5 box, it's definitely preferable to a Rover box with the 500 engine. If I remember my history, the T5 box came along as a result of the clutch attached to the Rover box not standing up to the extra torque of the 500 engine too well. Re. the serpentine engine, there are changes that are worth having - good thread on the engines forum a while ago about this - but less important than a T5 in my opinion.

Steve.

[jellison]

A 500 everytime ifyou can put up with a fair bit higher fuel consumption and alot more Speed!

[philip_cooke]

dave38 said:

I'm guessing that the 5.0 appears to the 'weekenders' (like me) and the 4.0 to the 'use every day' types ?

I have a 96 Chim 500 with the serp engine and it is used daily. Fortunately I can get fuel at 25p/litre so running costs are not an issue - and yes it is GREAT to drive it every day - more reliable as well!

[simpo one]

Is petrol really only 25p/litre in Belgium or do you own an oil refinery?