400 or 450

[danielson]

Ok without wishing to sound like a broken record..im still saving pennies for first TVR and no change in going for a Chim, but i always had it in my head i would get the entry level 400..however 450s are in my budget and quite a few of you seem to rate them as the best all-rounder..so obvious question really, is there a big jump in maintainence/petrol from the 400,im sure some of you have done this jump? as i may stop dismissing the 450 classifieds from now on

[Li'l Pugs]

Don't bother debating which one, 400, 450, 500........

There is a simple formula......

How much money/ the best car available or, the best car you can afford is the right one to get.
Yes there is a difference between the 400 and the 450 and the 500, but they all have to be run, and they all get faults and problems. The best car for the money will, in theory, be an easier proposition to keep on the road.

Does that make sense ??

[pbrettle]

As said - get the best condition / providence car that you can and if it happens to be a 450 then great, but if it is a 400 then fine.

BUT, the 450 is the newer and better engine. Therefore as a guide the 450 is the one to go for. However, if you can afford it a good 500 is THE one to get...

[danielson]

cheers for the advice both of you

[Incorrigible]

pbrettle said:

BUT, the 450 is the newer and better engine. Therefore as a guide the 450 is the one to go for. However, if you can afford it a good 500 is THE one to get...

All the serpentine engines run basically the same block don't they. the 450 isn't specifically a newer and better engine

Personally I'd go for a 400 serp than an old 500, the lieklyhood (and it's only a bit of statistics remember) is that the newer (serp) engine will be more reliable

If you're likely to do a lot of town work the larger engines will be more likely (again not definately) to have heating problems

You won't notice much difference between any of them below 70, although the 500 is a different beast above that

[yiw1393]

Correct Incorrigable - the only 'basic' difference is the crank - longer stroke giving extra cc bore diameters are the same.

[zumbruk]

I have a 450. I want a 500. Question answered?

[ribol]

I think most people on here would agree a good Chim is a pleasure to own, equally, a bad one will make you regret you ever thought of buying one. With that in mind, I would decide how much you want to spend and get the best you can for your money 400/450. A good 400 is better than an average 450 any day. If you end up with a 400, fear not, you will still be able to overtake buses with confidence.

Ivan

[oggs]

ribol said:

If you end up with a 400, fear not, you will still be able to overtake buses with confidence. Ivan

O yes

[HarryW]

zumbruk said:

I have a 450. I want a 500. Question answered?

And when you have the 500 you'll want to put a twin/triple plenum, bigger/better trumpets and a P404 cam. Where will it all end .............

Harry