V8S to Griffith

[Monkeylegend]

Hope you don't mind me gate crashing this forum, but I am thinking of selling the V8S and getting a Griff 500. How do they compare in terms of driver involvement. How many Griff / V8S owners have made the change and wish they had stuck with the V8S?

I know it will be down to personal preferences, but what does the Griff give you that the V8S doesn't.

I am having sleepless nights wondering if I am doing the right thing.
Well not quite but I can't make my mind up. Maybe you Griff owners can convince me.

Any help or advice would be greatly appreciated

[2 sMoKiN bArReLs]

Won't you test drive one before buying? That'll calm your nerves.

[Ballistic Banana]

I came from the V6 S to the Griffith, and Boy was it different, A whole better driving experience.the Raw power was a huge step for me and I am still learning 4 years on. Better build quality...Just , nicer more modern feel to it but with the classic looks and can be tinkered with just as easily as the S to a degree. I felt a better road presence than the S to.

Get in one and take it for a spin, I think that will be enough to change your mind.

[Edt]

likewise went from s (only V6) to 500 quite a hike. However a pal had (and still has) a V8S so I was familiar with the performance; the experience. The 500 was in another league; took it very easy on the 1st drive home !
ED

[Monkeylegend]

Thanks for the replies. I have driven a 4 Litre on test and was impressed, but you can't really get to explore someone elses P&J properly. Decided I would want a 500, as the 4litre didn't seem any faster than the V8S. Your comments so far are guiding me towards the Griff, so just got to sell the V8S now, and start the search.

Let the fun begin

[veg]

Went from S to V8S to Griff 500 and each is a leap in performance.

The problem is the V8S is a brilliant reliable unstressed car that is cheap to ensure and run. Plenty fast enough to burn off most cars except........other TVRs
The Griff is a hot little b****er and can roast you in summer and is not a pussy cat in traffic like the V8S. The Griff needs that bit more pampering than the V8S and if like me you fall in love with it you will bankrupt yourself fitting all sorts of go faster stuff.
You must budget for this unreasoned, irrational, additional expense.

As an after thought I would only get rid off my Griff if I could get my V8S back and then spend on it.....

[Monkeylegend]

Agree about the reliability and running costs of the V8S. Apart from a set of shocks, (which you can almost regard as a consumable
item),I have had one service in the year ,another one due anytime now
and that has been it , apart from filling it up with Optimax.

And it doesn't overheat in traffic. Whenever I drive it I love it, but when I come on here and read about you boys and your Griffs, I want one. The only answer to my dilema is to keep the V8S and buy a Griff. If only.

Don't want to do a Giles though and end up being disappointed with the Griff, and wish I had kept the V8S.

I used to be indecisive, now I am not so sure.

[veg]

Well

Get one with an ally rad that has been breathed on by Mark Adams and you should be off to a flying start. Magencor leads, grooved and drilled discs, braided brake hoses and Nitrons would also help.

And if you do get one grab it by the scruff of the neck and ring it. You won't look back........

[GreenV8S]

veg said:

Get one with an ally rad that has been breathed on by Mark Adams

What, Mark does radiators now???

[steve-v8s]

I did exactly that, had a very tidy V8s for quite few years. I originally got the S over a Griff because at the time I preferred the styling both inside and out. After a couple of seasons Hill climbing it got swapped for the Griff 500 for a bit more power and to get rid of the not so nice trailing arm suspension. Initially I wondered if it was the correct decision but after a few months concluded it was ( and still is) generally better all round. Possibly apart from the roof, which is a pig to stow after the S, and obviously the rarity value. Also some people find they have to swap their girlfriend for one with shorter legs. As far as running costs are concerned I can’t see what the difference is, apart from the fine detail they are much the same car from a service point of view.

[Wildfire]

veg said:

Went from S to V8S to Griff 500 and each is a leap in performance. The problem is the V8S is a brilliant reliable unstressed car that is cheap to ensure and run. Plenty fast enough to burn off most cars except........other TVRs The Griff is a hot little b****er and can roast you in summer and is not a pussy cat in traffic like the V8S. The Griff needs that bit more pampering than the V8S and if like me you fall in love with it you will bankrupt yourself fitting all sorts of go faster stuff. You must budget for this unreasoned, irrational, additional expense. As an after thought I would only get rid off my Griff if I could get my V8S back and then spend on it.....

I went from S3 V6 to my Modified Griff 400 and this is my experience:

Pros:

IMHO looks. Griff to me looks better, but this is personal preference. Every time I see an S I do get a bit of a pang because I do like them
Power. The power increase is much bigger. I'm not so sure what this will be like from V8S to 500. Mine puts out around std 500 power, but with less torque. If you have a good V8S and got to a not so goo 500 then this could be not such a big difference.
Tuneability, over the V6 the V8 is much better
As with engine bits there are more shiney parts available for the Griff/Chims than the S.


Ummm that's about it, really. Not many. But it is a Griff.

Cons, this is for my car only:

Cuild Quality. Whistles and leaks much more than the S
Roof is a massive PITA!!
Parts are more expensive
Inusurance is more due to more power and increased value
Poor heater in Winter
Heats up like in the summer. In Summer the other half often questioned my sanity of having the roof off, 10 min down the road and she understood.
Lights are a PITA to change and there is very little upgrade options.
Feels a little more fragile than the Mainly Ford car (although this may just be me)
Handling is somewhat detatched compared to the S Series.

[pies]

At least you has lights on the Griff

[Monkeylegend]

"Also some people find they have to swap their girlfriend for one with shorter legs." (Quote function doesn't seem to be working.)

Thats not a problem for me, she is only 5' 4".It means she also struggles to reach the pedals, which in my book is a distinct advantage.

Anyway based on the positive comments re the Griff, the V8S is now up for sale, and I hope to be joining this forum a.s.a.p.

[veg]

GreenV8S said:

veg said: Get one with an ally rad that has been breathed on by Mark Adams What, Mark does radiators now???

Yes they are super. They have an amazing chip that can even put a comma in the , right place.