New owner experiences

[Nzchim]

Fellow enthusiasts! I took the plunge late last year and bought myself a 97 400hc (Malaysia build). Living in NZ means that choices are limited, even so I got to see 3 before settling on mine. To the best of my knowledge we have one renowned TVR specialist for the whole country (Jim Gamsby). So he was my first port of call after the deal was done. Jim seemed fairly relaxed when he brought out his list of things to do... I was less so when I saw it ran to three pages of A4. Admittedly many on Jim's list were cosmetic and things I could easily do myself, even so it was a reality check regarding the joys of ownership. We agreed that he would only do the lifesaving stuff... radiator, exhaust manifold leaks (engine out), clutch, bonnet hinge, water pump, etc etc.
Fast forward to 6 weeks later and despite the large dent in the wallet and looks of 'what have you done' from the better half... all was forgiven as I started her up and drove away from Jim's garage. I've had faster cars but none that elicit such a sense of occasion as the chim, even at 30kmh. When it comes to speeding NZ is no go area so having the ultimate performance is in my opinion a waste. The tvr is a great choice.

After completing my first good road trip my spine can however testify to the fact that the suspension must be shot. Our roads are not the best, but anything other that billiard table smooth had me white knuckling the wheel going round any moderate corner. I had Nanas in hatchbacks looking more relaxed than me. I had already bought a complete poly bush set from tvr parts on a recent trip back to the uk, but haven't had the balls to start the job yet. I'm thinking that shocks are probably a requirement so will do my research on here and look to your collective expertise for guidance.

Looking forward to many (s)miles.

[black_potato]

Welcome.

I'm only a couple of months into my 1st TVR ownership so I am going through similar I expect, mine is a Griff but to they are very similar.

Just read as much as you can and then if in doubt check with an expert as not everything you will read online is 100% correct 100% of the time. Still there is a lot of useful stuff to be found here and about.

P.S. By some Nitron Dampers, everybody who advises you of something else is 100% wrong

[fullpull]

black_potato said:

P.S. By some Nitron Dampers, everybody who advises you of something else is 100% wrong

You are of course 100% right.
Had Nitrons with fresh bushes on my Chimaera. Transformed her into a (comfortable) gokart.
Try to get Cerbera Mk1 seats too and you’ll be in Chimaera heaven.

[Brithunter]

Ahhh surely Poly bushes will make it harsher!!! being less forgiving that the original metalistic (rubber) type.

Now am new to TVR and Chimaera ownership as well and had a pre inspection report done on mine and one of the things Heath of X Works said was shocks appear original and bit tired. So got new ones and Heath fitted them for me and set the car up. Now I have not driven it as yet as it's still some 3000 km away from here but am expecting it to not rattle the fillings out.

Your one up on me there as your actually driving yours! Another plus is have one TVR specialist ................................. there are none in country here. There a couple of other TVR's though a Cerbera, a Tuscan, and have heard rumours of a Sag! My Chimaera might be the first one in country it seems. Oh yes roads are not good here either.

Enjoy your beastie and welcome to the club.

[Nzchim]

Having been a member of these forums before (for a Porsche 968) I did learn not to take everything as gospel (now there's an oxymoron!). So thanks for the tips on the shocks. I'm assuming getting anything special will be a costly and patient exercise down under. My current projects apart from the suspension, are to get the AC working again, new brakes all round (the fade is a little scary) align the bootlid (the hinge is bent), and take the dash off to ensure the air vents are being serviced and replace a couple of bulbs. So far I've replaced the receiver/drier on the AC and the tri switch, I'm hoping to find the TX valve under the dash. Also took the siren off as it just started to wail of its own accord... I hardly ever lock it anyway as I reckon no other bugger would be able to work out how to open the doors.

Ive found myself using the 'they all do that' excuse qute a bit!

[Brithunter]

As my intention is to use the Chimaera for what it was designed, a Grand Tourer, I stuck with new Bilstins as shocks as that is how they were originally and as there are no track days being even thought of plus add in the poorer roads and it seemed like a good idea.................................................. well to me at least.

Luckily a previous owner took her back to TVR and had a 5 stud hub upgrade with 4 pot brakes up front under 16" Spiders so braking is sorted. She has also had a chassis refurbishment, new screen, and repaint along with other new bits in the restoration before I bought her. After X Works going over here and doing a few mods like the headlight access hatch and relocating the fuse board am hoping for now issues for a while.

The Bilstins were not an outrageous price but one of the bushes is a bit pricey and nigh on £100 each. Am currently gathering my touring and break down kit ready for the drive across Europe.

[phazed]

What bushes were £100 each?

[Brithunter]

phazed said:

What bushes were £100 each?

Ahhh sorry my error just checked and the four new bushes C0414 cost £94.32 last August. Which is possibly why I got confused and thought just under £100 each .........................the other bushes C0092 were only £29.28 for the four. Shocks were £276.00 a pair for front and rear.