Griffith Meetup

[sirtyro]

Does anybody know of any future TVR meetups in the next few weeks around solihull/b'ham? I'm looking to buy a griffith and have done a lot of reading on here. Yes this will be my first TVR, my current car is a little boring and ever since I was young I've loved the TVR. Now I'm almost 27 and can afford my teenage poster car (VERY EXCITED) I just want to talk to current owners and get some ideas on what to look for.

The real challenge is knowing if to go for the pre-cat or the 500. I love the look of this one http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/259732.htm but I'm really not sure what I should be looking for

Any help would be appreciated.

[5.0LTR]

YHM

[OscarT]

Never been on track? - yet roll-bar, harnesses, etc.

[Simpo Two]

Ah yes, possibly the best time of TVR ownership is going out hunting for one and bringing it home

For all the lowdown on what to look for/questions to ask, get the Steve Heath handbook, also known as the 'Bible'.

Enjoy!

[mrmaggit]

This coming Sunday Lunchtime is the West Mids Meet, the Bulls Head, Meriden.

[sirtyro]

Been on the track once or twice in a Jade.



Great fun, really enjoy it. But I doubt I would use it for the track. I dont live to far from there, think I will have to venture out this sunday

[Bluebottle]

OscarT said:

Never been on track? - yet roll-bar, harnesses, etc.

My first thoughts to

[lazyitus]

Bluebottle said:

OscarT said:

Never been on track? - yet roll-bar, harnesses, etc.

My first thoughts to

Taped up driving lamps too. A wanabe trackdayer ? Curious.

Looks very nice though and even if it has been on track, I wouldn't let that put me off, personally.

[Ballistic Banana]

Probably hasn't been on the track if owners says along with there normally too noisy for most especially with ACT exhausts.

I have a roll bar on mine and the advise i have been given is with the Roll bar a harness is better than a seat belt as it holds you better. And less likely that your head would it it in an accident than wit the normal seat belt. Many people have a Roll bar that haven't been on the track..

From info pics it doesnt look a bad model but its hard to say without seeing it in the flesh.

BB

[sirtyro]

Thanks BB.

I've actually just booked a test drive with fernhurst. Cant wait now

Still thinking about the difference between the 500 and 4.3?!

Any suggestions?

[FlipFlopGriff]

sirtyro said:

Thanks BB.

I've actually just booked a test drive with fernhurst. Cant wait now

Still thinking about the difference between the 500 and 4.3?!

Any suggestions?

We'll probably be bringing both ours - one 500, one 4.3 (to Meriden on Sunday). THere are usually 8 or 9 Griffs there. I don't know the guy selling but he's had it for 11 years so it probably has been looked after - try contacting one of the Essex guys (seasider/reeso) to see if they know the car.
FFG

Edited by FlipFlopGriff on Wednesday 14th November 12:49

Edited by FlipFlopGriff on Wednesday 14th November 12:53

[RAFBOY]

Griff 500 every time.........
If or more likely, by the the sound of it, when you buy one I have one piece of advice, book a 2 day Ride Drive course. These guys are seriously good at showing you what YOUR car can and can't do. Im speaking from experience as I went from Ford Mondeo to Griff 500 and believe me its like going from the Doc Martins Flip Flop Division to the Premeiership over night. The course was the best £500 Ive ever spent and really makes you appreciate the car.... Come on and join the 500 club

Edited by RAFBOY on Wednesday 14th November 13:01

[sirtyro]

Thanks FFG.

I prob wont be able to get down there till 1pm on sunday. Will you guys still be there?

PS: You have to promise not to laugh at what I show up in

Edited by sirtyro on Wednesday 14th November 13:35

[lazyitus]

RAFBOY said:

Griff 500 every time.........
If or more likely, by the the sound of it, when you buy one I have one piece of advice, book a 2 day Ride Drive course. The course was the best £500 Ive ever spent and really makes you appreciate the car.... Come on and join the 500 club

Or spend a day with Andy Walsh at First Lotus on an airfield.

I'd recommend expert tuition in a Griffith just to show you the 'cans' and 'cant's' capabilities.

Whichever you get, you'll love. Awesome cars.

[Guillotine]

looks like a very nice car.
good spec

pre-cat - 500? not much in it. nothing wrong with that car.
the 4.3 is one of the best and will sound great, they only went to 500 to account for the addition of a cat and to keep up with the Porsche image.

pre-cats are older so watch the chassis!

Andy Walsh is Cool, development guy/racer with Lotus...Ride Drive ex-cops. Defo do something if you can, but if you can handle a Jade you can handle a Griff!

Andy
Finding her is part of the fun!

[SLOWER]

Looks good enough to eat....great colour and wheels.

[red griff roger]

Don't buy the first one you look at - that's what they all say. First one I tried, I bought. They have that effect .

Wouldn't put me off if a car had been tracked - it will be looked after. Nice colour (like mine!)

[fastandcurious]

If a car has been tracked, it's more likely to have had the suspension sorted, unlike mine. Must do next year!

[FlipFlopGriff]

Guillotine said:

pre-cats are older so watch the chassis!

Not much between a 92/93 pre cat and a 94/95 500. The chassis protection is patchy at best with many later cars suffering more than earlier cars so whatever the age a good inspection is a must.
I don't agree that it has to be a 500 as the pre cats are a much different drive and experience and there isn't much in it in acceleration terms, in fact there are many pre cats puishing out better figures than the 500's (as proved at the Growl).
Condition is key but take in a s much advice from owners/ex owners as you can - take no advice from the man in the pub as he/she is tainted by press BS about unreliability and loack of spares to keep you on the road - all rubbish.
FFG

[OscarT]

Regarding chassis condition I have seen many precat chassis in tip-top condition and some 500 chassis in poor condition - my theory is that in 1992/93 there was such a demand for Griffiths that the chassis were put into production as soon as they were finished whereas in later years some chassis were stockpiled (sometimes outside) before being put into production meaning extra handling and exposure to damp, etc. It's just my theory - may be right, may be wrong.

Try both a good 500 and a good 4.3 precat - not much difference in performance and the 4.3 is a very sweet version of the RV8 IMO. An improvement with mpg as well - if that matters to you.

OscarT