Griffith Buyers Guide
Discussion
Hi Guys,
After a trip up to Offord Motor Company and a chat with the very enthusiastic Bill (top man) I am keen to look for a Griffith 500. This would be my first TVR, having previously come out of an Elise 111s and Caterham Superlight, and have been seduced by the looks, simplicity of mechanicals and the sound (although I have yet to drive one properly yet).
I am going to take my time and look at a few cars, but wondered if there was a buyers guide posted anywhere that might give me some hints and tips to help find the right car?
Also, is there anyone in the Hertfordshire area (Hitchin way) who might be willing to take me out for a spin and chat TVR? Enthusiastic owners are always the best way to really get to know about a car.
Cheers guys.
After a trip up to Offord Motor Company and a chat with the very enthusiastic Bill (top man) I am keen to look for a Griffith 500. This would be my first TVR, having previously come out of an Elise 111s and Caterham Superlight, and have been seduced by the looks, simplicity of mechanicals and the sound (although I have yet to drive one properly yet).
I am going to take my time and look at a few cars, but wondered if there was a buyers guide posted anywhere that might give me some hints and tips to help find the right car?
Also, is there anyone in the Hertfordshire area (Hitchin way) who might be willing to take me out for a spin and chat TVR? Enthusiastic owners are always the best way to really get to know about a car.
Cheers guys.
Alex
I did something similar to you. I upgraded from a VX220 and bought a Griff 500. I bought mine from Simon at Offord and have been really pleased with them. I am based in Cambridge and would be more than happy to take you out if you are up this way. As for a buyers guide, there is a basic one here, also all the guys on here will also be able to helps as well. If you are thinking of buying one then now is a good time, there seems to be soome good bargains out there.
www.thegriffithpages.com/buyers-guide.html
Good luck and hopefully soon in the club.
Regards
Edward
I did something similar to you. I upgraded from a VX220 and bought a Griff 500. I bought mine from Simon at Offord and have been really pleased with them. I am based in Cambridge and would be more than happy to take you out if you are up this way. As for a buyers guide, there is a basic one here, also all the guys on here will also be able to helps as well. If you are thinking of buying one then now is a good time, there seems to be soome good bargains out there.
www.thegriffithpages.com/buyers-guide.html
Good luck and hopefully soon in the club.
Regards
Edward
Thanks guys, much appreciated. I will take a look at both sources of info and hope it doesn't put me off 
Edward, thanks for the very kind offer. I am busy house hunting this week, but if the weather remains fine and you are still willing I will give you a shout in a couple of weeks. Many thanks.
Oh, is there a local meet that I might be able to rock up to. Something close to Hitchin/Stevenage area?
Edward, thanks for the very kind offer. I am busy house hunting this week, but if the weather remains fine and you are still willing I will give you a shout in a couple of weeks. Many thanks.
Oh, is there a local meet that I might be able to rock up to. Something close to Hitchin/Stevenage area?
You should also take a look at The Griffith Pages also try visiting the TVRCC meeting at The Crow's Nest, Tring for a beer and a chat. Ask for Justin, he runs the meeting and I'm sure someone will be happy to take you for a blast. TVRCC Buckinghamshire
Edited by richb on Monday 5th February 12:31
Hi Alex. You gotta get a Griff with your surname.
Please don't discount the pre-cats - the 500s are very nice, and invariably younger, but the 4.x sound great even with standard zorsts! A sorted 430 and you'll struggle to notice the difference in performance in real world driving, unless you intend to track it.
Please don't discount the pre-cats - the 500s are very nice, and invariably younger, but the 4.x sound great even with standard zorsts! A sorted 430 and you'll struggle to notice the difference in performance in real world driving, unless you intend to track it.
richb said:
p.s. Don't listen to him... 
If you get anything less than the "Full-Monty" you'll always have this lingering doubt in your mind 
"should I have got the 5 litres?" 
If you get anything less than the "Full-Monty" you'll always have this lingering doubt in your mind "should I have got the 5 litres?" 
There are thrunty gazillion 500s out there -they're common as muck. Get yourself something with a bit more kudos... you know it makes sense.
LordGrover said:
richb said:
p.s. Don't listen to him... If you get anything less than the "Full-Monty" you'll always have this lingering doubt in your mind "should I have got the 5 litres?"
If you get anything less than the "Full-Monty" you'll always have this lingering doubt in your mind "should I have got the 5 litres?" There are thrunty gazillion 500s out there -they're common as muck. Get yourself something with a bit more kudos... you know it makes sense.
Get yourself something with a bit more grunt... sound is no substitute for pace.
lazyitus said:
LordGrover said:
richb said:
p.s. Don't listen to him... If you get anything less than the "Full-Monty" you'll always have this lingering doubt in your mind "should I have got the 5 litres?"
If you get anything less than the "Full-Monty" you'll always have this lingering doubt in your mind "should I have got the 5 litres?" There are thrunty gazillion 500s out there -they're common as muck. Get yourself something with a bit more kudos... you know it makes sense.
Get yourself something with a bit more grunt... sound is no substitute for pace.
You see? They're just bullies!
Ahhh, this reminds me of the k-series vs Duratec debates on the Caterham Club website
A few years ago I had a brief drive of both a pre-cat 4.3 and later 500. To be honest I can see the merits in both cars, but I have to consider my wife who I want to be able to drive the car. A later 500 with power steering would be much more manageable for her and still plenty fun for me
Do I take it that the next Bucks TVRCC meet is the 16th Feb then? If so I will certainly try to pop along for a beer and a chin wag
Keep the advice/banter coming guys
A few years ago I had a brief drive of both a pre-cat 4.3 and later 500. To be honest I can see the merits in both cars, but I have to consider my wife who I want to be able to drive the car. A later 500 with power steering would be much more manageable for her and still plenty fun for me
Do I take it that the next Bucks TVRCC meet is the 16th Feb then? If so I will certainly try to pop along for a beer and a chin wag
Keep the advice/banter coming guys
profstoff said:
Seriously though...
What is the difference in performance between a 430 and a 500. I ask because I'm looking at the moment too and one of the first choices is engine size (apart from colour, but let's not into which colour is fastest).
What is the difference in performance between a 430 and a 500. I ask because I'm looking at the moment too and one of the first choices is engine size (apart from colour, but let's not into which colour is fastest).
Depending on which set of stats you choose, about 0.20 to 0.50 seconds difference on the 0-60mph, 50-60BHP and 5-10mph top speed - all in favour of the 500.
But... like I said above - under normal conditions and 'spirited' driving I'd challenge you to spot the difference. For me, the 4.3 has a smoother, freer revving feel that makes it a delight to drive. Others will tell you about the additional grunt that a 500 provides. Horses for courses really. I tried many 500s, some of them very good, but the one I chose happened to be a 430 - and I have no regrets.
Try as many as you dare and buy the best - for you!
Edited to add: Forget all that: buy the one with the best chassis! That's Green!
Edited by LordGrover on Monday 5th February 17:03
A 'GOOD' 500 with PAS is probaly the way to go for you...
And Ive owned an exceptionally good 4.3 and 500.
To be honest my 500 is by far better and smoother reving than my 4.3.
Then again mine is a 98 car, early griff 500's were tuned a bit differently, which the later ones 'cured' ie a bit more managebale in traffic, low revs, etc
Dark blue is definetly the fastest
B
And Ive owned an exceptionally good 4.3 and 500.
To be honest my 500 is by far better and smoother reving than my 4.3.
Then again mine is a 98 car, early griff 500's were tuned a bit differently, which the later ones 'cured' ie a bit more managebale in traffic, low revs, etc
Dark blue is definetly the fastest
B
Edited by bjwoods on Monday 5th February 18:07
I have a 4.0 pre cat, my Pal has a 500. On the way back from Le Mans last year he got seriously pissed off with me because he couldn't lose me! Mind you I was giving mine EVERYTHING.
There you go - not much difference in the real world.
Having said that despite him having removed all of the wadding from his silencers when they are stood beside eachother and both on tickover mine is the only one you can hear!
There you go - not much difference in the real world.
Having said that despite him having removed all of the wadding from his silencers when they are stood beside eachother and both on tickover mine is the only one you can hear!
Alex Gurr said:
When did the tuning of the 500 engine change? I am probably going to look for a 97 onwards, or as new and well cared for as I can get for £15k.
IIRC October 1997. However don't worry too much as TVR figures are way over-quoted, each car is different, and you're unlikely to be driving it on the red line that much (if you want to live!)Pity you're going for PAS though, it does castrate the feel IMHO.
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