Have I got a ....

[philip_cooke]

BTR Differential fitted to my 96 Chim 500?

I was reading my owners manual last night (as every Chim owner should do at least once a week :tongueincheek: !!) and came to the section referring to 1996 model cars. There were only 2 chapters and these were on the Meta alarm and a BTR Differential. I know I don't have a Meta alarm (cos I had the bl**dy thing ripped out and replaced with a decent Thatcham Cat 1 alarm) but I don't know anything about BTR Differentials. Can I tell just by looking at the diff? or is it a bit more complicated than that. Also, if I don't have a BTR Diff, what diff do I have and what is the diff (as in difference, not differential if you get what I mean...)

[shpub]

Maybe. There are pictures in the bible of both diffs. The older cars had a GKN diff.

[philip_cooke]

Thanks Steve, but what is the advantage to having a BTR diff over the GKN diff? I'll have a look in my bible (mk 2) tonight for the pikkies.

[JB_]

Shane down www.sfrengineering.co.uk in Stockport told me it was something to do with unifying the Chimeara & Cerbera diff, I seem to remember. No point in keeping 2 different types of diff in stock when you can have one. Check out my mates links aswell - GingaNinga - he's just had to have his GKN replaced and the costs ain't good.
I recommend this bloke at SFR if anyone in Manchester needs TVR work done.

[dannyboyo]

I've got a late '95 Chim, and it is fitted with a GKN diff.

I think the way to tell is the GKN diff has cooling fins on the back of it. I think there's a pic in the bible.

As far as the difference between them, not sure really. I've heard that the GKN diff is a little more reliable, although a nightmare to find parts for apparently!

I had to have all the bearings replaced in mine last year as it was whining like hell.

There seems to be some doubt as to what car it is nicked from originally. Alot of people say it's a TVR own, but I can't imagine GKN producing a diff specially for a small car manufacturer like TVR. I've also heard that some Maserati's share the same diff to. But apparently it's a Sierra Cosworth diff, but altered, probably different ratio cogs inside or something.

Anyhow, I'm blabbing!

[K4TRV]

GKN diff - a little birdie says it was a Jag item. But since GKN was bought out by a rival and then ceased the production line, including spares, then we know why everyone with "older" TVR are/is having parts problems.

There's differences in the way the Limited slip operates GKN/BTR and within different BTR diffs as the option to have hydra-trac etc came along.

Trev McM

[beano500]

K4TRV said:

GKN diff - a little birdie says it was a Jag item.

If that's the case, maybe someone like Racing Green will know seeing as they're experts in both?


If you want a diff reconditioned I happen to know the Dave Batty can get them done at a fairly reasonable bundle of used fivers. Possibly half of the replacement cost. (Griff had one last year.....)