Just got a 450

[jbourne]

Folks. I have always wanted a Cerb, but I came across a barn find 450 I felt would be just WRONG to leave by the wayside. But that said, I am going to need a LOT of help as it’s 1) my first TVR and 2) I’m nowhere NEAR Europe.

I am waiting to get it into the garage. I can definitely confirm there is no key and no passenger seat. I am suspecting there’s a chance there’s no ECU. Can anyone advise where to start at least for keys? Once I get it here I’ll do a full inventory and see what’s what.

Honestly, super excited.

[pmc_3]

Ignition barrel is Vauxhall Cavalier, should be able to get one with a key on eBay and someone on here had instructions for an immobiliser bypass. Jules at Kits and Classics had some good used ECU's on the shelf if you find you need one.

[PabloGee]

I can help with the immobiliser bypass, just PM me with your email address.
If you will be reupholstering, maybe look for Cerbera or Tuscan seats, or MX-5 seats will go in with a bit of modification to the rail (and probably easier to come by).
For the ECU - if you have the budget, go for Emerald with coil packs, it will be a lot better than the original ECU and mechanical ignition system. Alternative ECUs are out there, MegaSquirt, Canems, tehy should also be available with a replacement loom; Speeduino if you are very hands on with build and programming.
Sounds like you'll have some fun with that...

[jbourne]

Thanks! PMd.

What about mirrors? Car is missing the driver side rearview mirror - did a quick search but looks like the Citroen AX ones aren't really "available". Do I need to get to a scrapyard?

This is in Japan, btw, so I don't exactly HAVE a Citroen scrapyard nearby... hehe.

Btw, FWIW, this is the limited-edition Clubman model with an LSD. I will post pictures when I get it delivered, hopefully in the next few days/week or so.

[The Three D Mucketeer]

What year is it ?? The VIN number in the engine bay plate should tell you .... If it's newer than 1998 maybe a Malaysian built car for the far East market Check inside the bonnet near the hinge for the 98 in the moulding.

Edited by The Three D Mucketeer on Wednesday 7th October 09:21

[jbourne]

The Three D Mucketeer said:

What year is it ?? The VIN number in the engine bay plate should tell you .... If it's newer than 1998 maybe a Malaysian built car for the far East market

The VIN is SDLBA03R7WBxxxxxx (not sure if I should post the whole thing or not). It is a 1998.

[The Three D Mucketeer]

Also slits in the front valance for an oil cooler which your engine may well have.

[jbourne]

The Three D Mucketeer said:

What year is it ?? The VIN number in the engine bay plate should tell you .... If it's newer than 1998 maybe a Malaysian built car for the far East market Check inside the bonnet near the hinge for the 98 in the moulding.

Edited by The Three D Mucketeer on Wednesday 7th October 09:21

This and the valence I will have to wait to get my hands on the car first, can't tell from the sale pictures.

[PabloGee]

There are a couple of other wing mirror options people go for, the Audi TT mk1, but also VW Corrado

https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dGH0vNmXOC0

https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...

[Belle427]

A used ECU will cost you at least £300 so budget carefully if you think you may go for a management upgrade.
You can always sell it on though, the old bits will sell for roughly £500 so it softens the blow a little.

[jbourne]

Belle427 said:

A used ECU will cost you at least £300 so budget carefully if you think you may go for a management upgrade.
You can always sell it on though, the old bits will sell for roughly £500 so it softens the blow a little.

Good info. Question: if the ECU is gone, should I automatically just plan for something more modern instead of getting an old one and then upgrading down the road? I do not know for a fact that it’s missing - just exploring eventualities based on pictures.

[Belle427]

Tricky decision, probably beneficial to take the easiest route to get the engine started to see if all is well which means original Ecu really.

[The Three D Mucketeer]

If you were in the UK , I would have no hesitation tell you to get Power Performance new MBE Engine Management installed by Dom... But if you have the skill (or know someone) then buy the kit and DIY. Gets rid of all the clockwork bits and if it's a "keeper" then worth spending that bit more

https://www.powersperformance.co.uk/store/slug/ele...

If it's not run stepper motor / AFM and other issues may well exist apart from the very outdated LUCAS ECU.

Edited by The Three D Mucketeer on Wednesday 7th October 14:13

[sixor8]

jbourne said:

Thanks! PMd.

What about mirrors? Car is missing the driver side rearview mirror - did a quick search but looks like the Citroen AX ones aren't really "available". Do I need to get to a scrapyard?

This is in Japan, btw, so I don't exactly HAVE a Citroen scrapyard nearby... hehe.

Btw, FWIW, this is the limited-edition Clubman model with an LSD...

I've seen Clubman ones repatriated to the UK at classic auctions. It's Citroën CX the mirror donor. They were also used on Lotus Esprit and various Aston Martin models, and are like hens teeth. As mentioned above, you'd be better off replacing them.

[ITVRI]

jbourne said:

What about mirrors? Car is missing the driver side rearview mirror - did a quick search but looks like the Citroen AX ones aren't really "available". Do I need to get to a scrapyard?

This is in Japan, btw,

You could also use VW Corrado mirrors.
As your based in Japan it may best to import from the UK using a specialist parts supplier who send parts to all over the world or eBay if the supplier will send to Japan?
Maybe a photo of where the missing mirror was would confirm if the stalk to mount it on is present.
There are 20+ years of postings here on Pstonheads to sift through that will help guide you. Unfortunately Pistonheads doesn't have its own search engine so you have to use one of the usual with Pistonheads and the topic you want to research .

[jbourne]

Thanks. I am running into an amusing problem collecting the car - since it’s a non runner, companies are refusing to transport it because they’re being lazy. Ah, the fun begins even before I have it in my garage

Noted on Corrado and TT. I’ll see what I do with it, but it does sound like original Chimaera will be unlikely, not that it matters much I suppose. Just annoying that Ill have to replace (and paint) two, rather than just one.

[BritishTvr450]

jbourne said:

Thanks! PMd.

What about mirrors? Car is missing the driver side rearview mirror - did a quick search but looks like the Citroen AX ones aren't really "available". Do I need to get to a scrapyard?

This is in Japan, btw, so I don't exactly HAVE a Citroen scrapyard nearby... hehe.

Btw, FWIW, this is the limited-edition Clubman model with an LSD. I will post pictures when I get it delivered, hopefully in the next few days/week or so.

Just so you’re aware, they all came with an LSD.

[The Three D Mucketeer]

BritishTvr450 said:

jbourne said:

Thanks! PMd.

What about mirrors? Car is missing the driver side rearview mirror - did a quick search but looks like the Citroen AX ones aren't really "available". Do I need to get to a scrapyard?

This is in Japan, btw, so I don't exactly HAVE a Citroen scrapyard nearby... hehe.

Btw, FWIW, this is the limited-edition Clubman model with an LSD. I will post pictures when I get it delivered, hopefully in the next few days/week or so.

Just so you re aware, they all came with an LSD.

I guess they mean it's got the BTR Hydratrak option rather than standard or the GKN on early models.