Looking for a Griffith and some advice please

[sapper]

Morning Folks, a little advice please.
I am thinking of buying a Griffith and have set a budget of up to £20k.
On classifieds there are 3 in that bracket and all are different models.
There two from the same Dealer. A 4.5BV and a 5l Serp then there is a 3rd 5l which is a 5l pre serp private sale.
I have had 2 Chimaeras both had serp engines. The first was a 4.6 and the 2nd a 4l which I have Turbo Charged, but I know little about the pre serp or the 4.5BV.

I guess what I’m asking is out of the 3 which would be preferred.
Im leaning towards the 5l but do I go for the Pre serp or serp engine?????

Advice gratefully received.

[phazed]

I would go for the serpentine engine all the time.

Better oil pump design therefore better oil delivery.
Serpentine belt with self tensioner.
T5 gearbox.
Cross bolting? Can’t recall.

I’m sure there are more differences but these are just basic.


There is nothing wrong with the pre-– SERP but in my opinion the serpentine engines are related development and more desirable.

[sapper]

Thanks Peter, I’m leaning in that direction tbh, the SERP engine is more familiar to me anyway

[griffdude]

PreCats always sound better as standard.... A lot of later cars that should have CATs that have been modified to try to sound like a PreCat to varying degrees of success.

[mk1fan]

The one in best condition.

[lancelin]

I have the 500 with just the main CAT fitted and the pre cats removed. Best sound of them all.
With all the cats removed it’s a pain in the ear for longer trips and a tad embarrassing through villages. Main cat and standard silencers give a refined noise that most people like.

[SFTWend]

I'm on a learning curve.

All 500s have Cats, whether Serp or not, right?

I believe the engine was detuned slightly from 340 to 320 bhp some time in 1997, but when was the Serp version introduced?

Thanks.

[lancelin]

Yes, I believe all the 500s had cats. I removed the pre cats and left the main cat and passed the MOT. Some of the 500 guys remove all the cats to improve performance and probably know a dodgy MOT centre to get a pass!! The original 500 engine didn't make 340bhp! no way. I've have many mods and get 300 from a reconditioned engine. TVR were known for their dodgy figures on the 500 engine. Anyway, 300 is plenty on a bumpy country road!!!! go easy.

[mk1fan]

TVR Factory power claims were the first 'unicorns'

[macdeb]

SFTWend said:

I'm on a learning curve.

All 500s have Cats, whether Serp or not, right?

I believe the engine was detuned slightly from 340 to 320 bhp some time in 1997, but when was the Serp version introduced?

Thanks.

340 it's nearer 280 in standard trim. As a rule they are not x-bolted either, a few are but it's pretty rare.
BTW I've had two, a '94 pre-serp' and a 2000 serp. I'd go for the latter, nowt wrong with the other just my preference

[sapper]

macdeb said:

340 it's nearer 280 in standard trim. As a rule they are not x-bolted either, a few are but it's pretty rare.
BTW I've had two, a '94 pre-serp' and a 2000 serp. I'd go for the latter, nowt wrong with the other just my preference

Have you ever been tempted back to turbo chimaera Mac

[phazed]

Looks like a very nice 540 griff on classifieds.

Out of budget but I would haggle and pay the bit extra!

Factor in the money and upgrades and it is a sort of bargain.........ish.

[sapper]

Yes I’ve seen that one, very nice and at the same place as the SERP 500. Very easy to keep adding to the budget.

[Matthew Poxon]

That 540 looks like a bargain.

[sapper]

Matthew Poxon said:

That 540 looks like a bargain.

That won’t help me barter will it 😂

[ray von]

Yes the 540 is a massive bargain that's why it's been for sale for so long is that jeffsys old car?
My advice to anyone who has had a Chim and looking to get a Griff is think long and hard before you take the plunge

[5.0ltr]

ray von said:

Yes the 540 is a massive bargain that's why it's been for sale for so long is that jeffsys old car?

Yes it is Jeffsy's old one. Went to France and came back in a state 3-4 years ago.

[Matthew Poxon]

sapper said:

That won’t help me barter will it ??

LOL

I think it depends on your point of view. Upgrades are expensive but do not necessarily add value. If you intend to do some of those upgrades then yes it is a bargain but if you want a standard one then not so much.

[a1butch]

sapper said:

Morning Folks, a little advice please.
I am thinking of buying a Griffith and have set a budget of up to £20k.
On classifieds there are 3 in that bracket and all are different models.
There two from the same Dealer. A 4.5BV and a 5l Serp then there is a 3rd 5l which is a 5l pre serp private sale.
I have had 2 Chimaeras both had serp engines. The first was a 4.6 and the 2nd a 4l which I have Turbo Charged, but I know little about the pre serp or the 4.5BV.

I guess what I’m asking is out of the 3 which would be preferred.
Im leaning towards the 5l but do I go for the Pre serp or serp engine?????

Advice gratefully received.

Hi Mick, you maybe referring to my pre-serp 5 litre Griff in PH (Mica Blue?). As others have suggested and this is my mantra, buy the best condition car you can for your budget. It may require a little time travelling but in my experience it's worth it.
if indeed you are considering my car you are welcome to drop me a line.
Edit to say you will not have to improve much to my car in my opinion, you can always spend money on these cars but that can be down to personal taste and budget in hand.
I'm open to offers. I have to reduce down the number of cars I have, it's either this Griff or my 911 :-(

Edited by a1butch on Thursday 13th June 13:35

[citizen smith]

Wait, bide your time and buy PRIVATELY!!! The right car for you is out there somewhere, but as others have said you may well have to travel to find it.

A good Griff is a Joy to be hold.