4.0 or 4.3 in earlyish chims
Discussion
If you look at the quoted numbers for bhp & torque, there's quite a difference. On the road however, it's less likely to show. That's probably more because of individual car set-up meaning there are good 4.0's and poor 4.3's. There are considerably less 4.3's available - less than Griffs even so would command a scarcity premium. Personally I like that aspect and it's the reason I went for one - and the potential extra oomph!
The advise you will get is to go for one you like and are comfortable with. Try as many as possible in all engine configs. History and condition (especially underneath - chassis & wishbones) is most important. However, I do know of a gorgeous early 4.3 in Cosmos Blue going (too) cheap - not mine! N. London area. If you're serious e-mail me for details.
The advise you will get is to go for one you like and are comfortable with. Try as many as possible in all engine configs. History and condition (especially underneath - chassis & wishbones) is most important. However, I do know of a gorgeous early 4.3 in Cosmos Blue going (too) cheap - not mine! N. London area. If you're serious e-mail me for details.
Not that this is really important but..... The 4.3 Chimaera I test drove when new and others I saw at TVRCC meets SOUNDED a full 100 bhp more than the standard 4.0ltr. They seem to have more of a snarl to them and this is v. important in a sports car, all IMHO. Mind you if sound counted that much, none of us would see which way the Wedges, or even the V8S, went at traffic lighs!!!!!!!!!!
than my previous 4.0 - not that it was slow!! Both great fun though....Chimaera buyers guide on www.tvrbooks.co.uk that goes through the main differences and what to look for.
4's are cheap as chips as it was the most popular version. 4.3 are not that common as they were not made for very long.
Steve
4's are cheap as chips as it was the most popular version. 4.3 are not that common as they were not made for very long.
Steve
shpub said:
Chimaera buyers guide on www.tvrbooks.co.uk that goes through the main differences and what to look for.
4's are cheap as chips as it was the most popular version. 4.3 are not that common as they were not made for very long.
Steve
I dont know too much about the 4.3 but cant say I notice any difference in price to the same year 4's. They all seem to be about the same price IMO.
shnozz said:
shpub said:
Chimaera buyers guide on <a href="http://www.tvrbooks.co.uk"><a href="http://www.tvrbooks.co.uk">www.tvrbooks.co.uk</a></a> that goes through the main differences and what to look for.
4's are cheap as chips as it was the most popular version. 4.3 are not that common as they were not made for very long.
Steve
I dont know too much about the 4.3 but cant say I notice any difference in price to the same year 4's. They all seem to be about the same price IMO.
Ultimately though with a 10 year old car, if the extra 300cc's made say £500-£750 difference on the price, then due to all the other things that have happened to a car in 10 years eg:
Service History/mileage/respray/Shiny Bits/Condition, you are never going to see the difference as all these cars at this age are going to be a bit different/better/worse than each other in other areas to "fudge" the price differential.
Cheers
Matt.
>> Edited by M@H on Monday 12th January 10:03
Thanks muchly for all your contributions, i guess ill just have to choose on condition,just wanted to avoid 'you shouldnt've bought one of THEM' syndrome, although im expecting that from wife anyway 
Im going to buy 'the bible' but meantime any other relavent advice will be much appreciated, im hoping to get my chequebook out in the next month or so if the right thing shows up
thanks again
Im going to buy 'the bible' but meantime any other relavent advice will be much appreciated, im hoping to get my chequebook out in the next month or so if the right thing shows up
thanks again
4 litre cars are the most popular and vary wildly from giveaways to frankly way too optimistic. Given a 4.3 and a 4 of the same condition the 4.3 will get a premium price and would probbaly be easier to sell on as it is rarer. It might only be about £750 to 1000 but that is something like about 7-10% premium. Not insignificant. This doesn't mean that the condition etc can't be ignored
not arguing steve, just when i was on the hunt i couldnt notice a difference. M@H may be right in that when you consider other factors with these oldish models the price difference may be consumed.
a quick flick at the PH classifieds shows 2 4.3's on the first couple of pages, both at comparitive prices to the 4 counterparts that are advertised in there.
It always struck me as a little strange that there didnt appear to be a premium for the 4.3 with the extra power - hence it stuck in my mind that there wasnt much of a price difference.
a quick flick at the PH classifieds shows 2 4.3's on the first couple of pages, both at comparitive prices to the 4 counterparts that are advertised in there.
It always struck me as a little strange that there didnt appear to be a premium for the 4.3 with the extra power - hence it stuck in my mind that there wasnt much of a price difference.
Surely you'd be better off stretching that little bit further for a '95 car with the T5 box if you could find one in appropriate condition ofcourse.
From my own experience the Rover box just isn't that strong but the T5 seems great.
Spanner? In the works?
Me, with my reputation?
VS
:runaway....:
From my own experience the Rover box just isn't that strong but the T5 seems great.
Spanner? In the works?
Me, with my reputation?
VS
:runaway....:
marcos maniac said:
I'm currently looking for a chim myself to use as a 2nd/3rd car (playtime toy) >13k and would be interested in opinions as to whether I should look at private sales or dealers.
If i looked at private sales - who should I get to do an inspection?
If you roughly know what you are looking at or know someone who does and don't mind a little risk, then buy private as it saves paying for the dealers premium. If you are concerned and want the "backing" (!?) of a dealer.. effectively someone to moan at.. then go with a dealer.
I reckon on a 93-95 Chimaera you would save about £2000+ buying privately instead of off a forecourt. I'd much rather find a car privately and "pocket" the £2000, then if I've messed up and something goes wrong which costs £2000 to fix I haven't lost anything.. if I made a wise purchase then I've saved £2000.
Cheers,
Matt.
M@H said:
I'm currently looking for a chim myself to use as a 2nd/3rd car (playtime toy) >13k and would be interested in opinions as to whether I should look at private sales or dealers.
If i looked at private sales - who should I get to do an inspection?
If you roughly know what you are looking at or know someone who does and don't mind a little risk, then buy private as it saves paying for the dealers premium. If you are concerned and want the "backing" (!?) of a dealer.. effectively someone to moan at.. then go with a dealer.
I reckon on a 93-95 Chimaera you would save about £2000+ buying privately instead of off a forecourt. I'd much rather find a car privately and "pocket" the £2000, then if I've messed up and something goes wrong which costs £2000 to fix I haven't lost anything.. if I made a wise purchase then I've saved £2000.
Cheers,
Matt.
Have never been down the TVR route before so I suppose if I buy privately I should try and get a specialist to have a look for me - any reccomendations?
verysideways said:
Surely you'd be better off stretching that little bit further for a '95 car with the T5 box if you could find one in appropriate condition ofcourse.
From my own experience the Rover box just isn't that strong but the T5 seems great.
Spanner? In the works?
Me, with my reputation?
VS
:runaway....:
Do all 95 onwards chims use this gearbox, is it that much better? im not anti later cars i just didnt think my budget would run to it
fatboy chim said:
Surely you'd be better off stretching that little bit further for a '95 car with the T5 box if you could find one in appropriate condition ofcourse.
From my own experience the Rover box just isn't that strong but the T5 seems great.
Spanner? In the works?
Me, with my reputation?
VS
:runaway....:
Do all 95 onwards chims use this gearbox, is it that much better? im not anti later cars i just didnt think my budget would run to it
I had no problems at all with my earlier box on my 93. There are a lot of other things to worry more about when choosing an early Chimaera than what gearbox is in it.
Cheers
Matt.
fatboy chim said:
Surely you'd be better off stretching that little bit further for a '95 car with the T5 box if you could find one in appropriate condition ofcourse...........
Do all 95 onwards chims use this gearbox, is it that much better? im not anti later cars i just didnt think my budget would run to it
The T5 box was introduced early 94 IIRC. I didn't have any problems with my Rover box in the wedge although I used to miss 5th occasionally
I much prefer the layout (door knob position) of the later box.
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