7-8K Chim? Confident amatuer mechanic.... good idea?
Discussion
Hi All,
I have decided to go a bit mad and have a budget for a new car of about £7-8K. I was looking at a mint 944 S2 / S2 Turbo when a few cheeky TVR's cropped up on the radar. I was just wondering that after the Tuetonic build and simplicity (relatively) of a 944, whether it would be a good idea to budget thi much for a Chim or Griff.
I am confident with the mechanical sides on my 944, brakes, suspension, anything short of weldiong and engine rebuild so far I am fine.
Am I mad, or can I get a non-nightmare TVR experience on a budget in this area.
I.e. I think its a right 'mare even to change the battery on some TVR's
I do LOOOOOOOOVVE the noise though.
I have decided to go a bit mad and have a budget for a new car of about £7-8K. I was looking at a mint 944 S2 / S2 Turbo when a few cheeky TVR's cropped up on the radar. I was just wondering that after the Tuetonic build and simplicity (relatively) of a 944, whether it would be a good idea to budget thi much for a Chim or Griff.
I am confident with the mechanical sides on my 944, brakes, suspension, anything short of weldiong and engine rebuild so far I am fine.
Am I mad, or can I get a non-nightmare TVR experience on a budget in this area.
I.e. I think its a right 'mare even to change the battery on some TVR's
I do LOOOOOOOOVVE the noise though.
miniman said:
ggnnnhhh, must resist until sale .... of ... 944 .... ahhh 
No Sir, you aren't mad. You sound about my level of spannering and I've completely looked after my car for the last 3 years.
They aren't unreliable, they just need TLC, so if you're happy with a spanner in your hand, tinkering and fettling, you'll be fine.
The other bonus is right here. Pistonheads is a fantastic source of information if you're going to attempt something and very confidence inspiring.
Be warned, once you've got the V8 you won't want anything else and you'll grin like an idiot every time you drive it so a quick visit to the dentist for a polish is a must
They aren't unreliable, they just need TLC, so if you're happy with a spanner in your hand, tinkering and fettling, you'll be fine.
The other bonus is right here. Pistonheads is a fantastic source of information if you're going to attempt something and very confidence inspiring.
Be warned, once you've got the V8 you won't want anything else and you'll grin like an idiot every time you drive it so a quick visit to the dentist for a polish is a must
Barreti said:
Be warned, once you've got the V8 you won't want anything else and you'll grin like an idiot every time you drive it so a quick visit to the dentist for a polish is a must
Yeah, it was probably being in and driving a few times my Dad's Jensen Interceptor MkIII that got me hook on V8's. (7.2 litres of it!!) miniman said:
Ow! If only someone would buy my boring Accord and that would be mine tomorrow!btw, found this good: http://www.chimaerapages.com/resources_buyers.php
This price bracket does contain some horror stories and some gems. After viewing a few armed with your buyers guide, you'll soon tell which is which.
I bought mine from a guy who wasn't an expert mechanic, but in 7 years of ownership had certainly made sure it had the right amount of money spent on it including a set of Nitrons.
Many of these cars change hands every year or two which means that owners tend to pass on expensive problems rather than fix them as they do not feel the benefit of their outlay.
If you're happy fettling regularly then you'll love it.
I bought mine from a guy who wasn't an expert mechanic, but in 7 years of ownership had certainly made sure it had the right amount of money spent on it including a set of Nitrons.
Many of these cars change hands every year or two which means that owners tend to pass on expensive problems rather than fix them as they do not feel the benefit of their outlay.
If you're happy fettling regularly then you'll love it.
miniman said:
mattikake said:
Already is! So do you have any better ideas? 
What are you asking for it? Got any pics? Joking aside, I do need a "sensible" car...http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/316234.htm Apparently there is supposed to be a link on my profile somewhere. :s
mattikake said:
miniman said:
mattikake said:
Already is! So do you have any better ideas?
What are you asking for it? Got any pics? Joking aside, I do need a "sensible" car...http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/316234.htm Apparently there is supposed to be a link on my profile somewhere. :s
Hi,
Mine is going to be for sale soon - haven't advertised it yet, as I am just about to waxoyl the chassis and re-roof it.
It's a 96 Chim 400, 55k miles.
PM me is you want any details.
In all seriousness, you will probably regret buying a v8 - just as I did, as you'll need one for the rest of your life now!
I'm only going to get rid as I'm getting my first house, an hours drive from work, and need a diesel :-(
I am competent mechanically, and have not had any trouble, bar a faulty ignition module, but they really are very simple beasites!
All the best, and I hope you find just what youre looking for
Mine is going to be for sale soon - haven't advertised it yet, as I am just about to waxoyl the chassis and re-roof it.
It's a 96 Chim 400, 55k miles.
PM me is you want any details.
In all seriousness, you will probably regret buying a v8 - just as I did, as you'll need one for the rest of your life now!
I'm only going to get rid as I'm getting my first house, an hours drive from work, and need a diesel :-(
I am competent mechanically, and have not had any trouble, bar a faulty ignition module, but they really are very simple beasites!
All the best, and I hope you find just what youre looking for
BTW, If you are going to go for a... Porsche, it has to be a 928, a 944 is just a glorified VW, I've been lucky enought to be invited to the UK 928 club track days at Castle Combe, a few 944s were there, no contest, but a 928, 32 valve V8 against my Chimarea 450 is a great contest, hard to know which is faster because when it's that close it's more about the driver, or about how much has been spent on the car.
If I ever strayed from TVR the 928 V8 would be an option... but I can't immagine that would ever happen ;-)
If I ever strayed from TVR the 928 V8 would be an option... but I can't immagine that would ever happen ;-)
Overhere said:
BTW, If you are going to go for a... Porsche, it has to be a 928, a 944 is just a glorified VW, I've been lucky enought to be invited to the UK 928 club track days at Castle Combe, a few 944s were there, no contest, but a 928, 32 valve V8 against my Chimarea 450 is a great contest, hard to know which is faster because when it's that close it's more about the driver, or about how much has been spent on the car.
If I ever strayed from TVR the 928 V8 would be an option... but I can't imagine that would ever happen ;-)
I went from a Griff 500 to a 928 GTS. Both fantastic cars. The fun factor of the Griff and the noise were amazing, but get it over 140mph and it got a bit hairy.If I ever strayed from TVR the 928 V8 would be an option... but I can't imagine that would ever happen ;-)
The GTS is a totally different prospect. Amazing build quality, great noise (with he help of X-pipes and RMB) and over 140mph, solid as a rock.
I have to say the poise of the 928 is unbelievable, it belies it's size. The brakes are phenomenal too. Also less scary on greasy/wet surfaces.
Ultimately I would like another Griff for the summer and a GTS for the rest of the year
(did i say i can also fit my bike in the back of the GTS, practicle too)Gassing Station | Chimaera | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff