1st TVR looking for a Griffith

[Adam12]

Hi, I'm new to this site, and have joined in search of helpful tips and advice.. I've always wanted a Griffith 500 and now in a position to get involved..

I plan to buy privately, and have found two candidates, one in the North East and one in West London, can anyone point me to inspection services?

I also can't work out whether to get as new as possible or whether there's really no issue with a 96/97 model, any thoughts around this?

Thanks...

[The AJP Griff]

Theres a chap called Rob Ingleby that does an inspection service,i've not used him myself,but plenty have.Do as much research on here and through owners club etc,and check all the things to look for.Condition is far more important than model year,as although minor improvements were made throughout the life of the Griff,these were minor,and the first cars can be just as good to own as the last ones.
Look at lots of them and get a feel for what a good one is,as even a crap one could easily 'blind' you with its looks and performance.Above all,have fun

[coetzeeh]

Rob Ingleby's web address is www.findasportscar.com

[jeffsy]

Great advice from Mike (AJP Griff) above...get it checked even if buying from a main dealer if I were you...

Good luck and make sure that you come back on here for any updates, help, advice etc before or after you buy.

If you havent bought by August then come to the Griff Growl to see around 150 Griffs in one place and chat to owners etc (see thread aove for details...)

If you have bought by August then come to the Griff Growl to see around 150 Griffs in one place and chat to owners etc (see thread aove for details...)

Good luck

[burriana]

The AJP Griff said:

Theres a chap called Rob Ingleby that does an inspection service,i've not used him myself,but plenty have.

Costs quite a bit for the service though

James Agger is a very good source and only sells top notch cars. However, there are a fair few in the classifieds and plenty of help and info available on these forums.

Oh, and if you like yellow, then mine will be in the classifieds shortly

[Adam12]

Thanks very much, all appreciated..

I've read and heard good things about the double or triple plenum upgrades - supposed to even out and extend the rev range - does this solve a genuine problem with the Griffs?

Also, should I be concerned about a car that has seen some track action, albeit not a great deal?

Thanks...

[V8 GRF]

Adam12 said:

Thanks very much, all appreciated..

I've read and heard good things about the double or triple plenum upgrades - supposed to even out and extend the rev range - does this solve a genuine problem with the Griffs?

Also, should I be concerned about a car that has seen some track action, albeit not a great deal?

Thanks...

First question, no there's no problem as such to sort particularily with regards to later cars. The plenum upgrades are not cheap and really need to be done in association with other performance enhancing bits like chipped ECUs, injectors, induction hoses, air flow meters and upgraded plug leads to be worth it. I'd suggest you bought a standard Griff to start with get used to it and then spend money if you crave more power

Second question I'd say no problem about a car having done track days.

[Adam12]

It's more that I am looking at a car which has had a few modifications, including: Upgraded AVO Suspension, Wilwood brakes, the plenum upgrade with trumpets, air intake, Bosch injectors, Bosch AFm and Mark Adams remap, 2 speed Mark Adams Fan upgrade with glove box control. It also has money spent in other areas, new starter motor which seems to have fixed the hot start, Leven bits and bobs, Combined key/alarm fob, remote boot opener and Magnecor leads. Oh yeah, and it had an engine rebuild at 17000 miles, but has since has 25k miles of no issues.

They all sound great and make sense from what I've talked through and read, however the seller obviously wants a few extra quid for the car, and without a frame of reference from a standard Griff are these things of any value to me......

Or, if these things are worthwhile upgrades that solve genuine issues or make life easier then it's well worth getting a car with them already done.

I'm also yet to find out what effect this has to insurance....

[V8 GRF]

Adam12 said:

It's more that I am looking at a car which has had a few modifications, including: Upgraded AVO Suspension, Wilwood brakes, the plenum upgrade with trumpets, air intake, Bosch injectors, Bosch AFm and Mark Adams remap, 2 speed Mark Adams Fan upgrade with glove box control. It also has money spent in other areas, new starter motor which seems to have fixed the hot start, Leven bits and bobs, Combined key/alarm fob, remote boot opener and Magnecor leads. Oh yeah, and it had an engine rebuild at 17000 miles, but has since has 25k miles of no issues.

They all sound great and make sense from what I've talked through and read, however the seller obviously wants a few extra quid for the car, and without a frame of reference from a standard Griff are these things of any value to me......

Or, if these things are worthwhile upgrades that solve genuine issues or make life easier then it's well worth getting a car with them already done.

I'm also yet to find out what effect this has to insurance....

This actually sounds very similar to the work done on mine, whilst I've got Nitrons all round as opposed to the AVO shocks
I haven't got the carbon plenum.
It all adsds up to a very sorted and slightly quicker car that is very smooth to drive. Downside
is the increased fuel consumption. I can't get more than 25mpg on a run. When I first had it and was doing
'demo runs' with friends in the car I saw as low as 11mpg. That said you're not buying the car for it's economy
are you?

It all depends on how much more money they guy wants for the car. I got mine from a dealer and while I paid
top end it wasn't all that much more than a 'sorted' standard car. I'd say it was worth it as long as the
premium isn't too much.

Didn't really effect my insurance

[profstoff]

burriana said:

The AJP Griff said:

Theres a chap called Rob Ingleby that does an inspection service,i've not used him myself,but plenty have.

Costs quite a bit for the service though

Not when you compare it to an AA or RAC inspection and especially when you factor in his knowledge of the cars. And it is a small fraction of the cost of the car. I used Rob when I bought my Griff in March and he gave me a good service and more than paid for the bill in the amount I got knocked off the asking price. I'd recommend him.