Griff gurus needed, I might get another one!
Griff gurus needed, I might get another one!
Author
Discussion

CraigVmax

Original Poster:

12,248 posts

311 months

Wednesday 27th April 2011
quotequote all
Hi Gents,

Its been a few years since I was in here. I'm most frequently on the vmax forum as I organise the event.

I had a lovely Griffith 500 (L plate) about 8 years ago and always missed it. At the time it felt insanely fast and the noise still haunts me!

I currently run a Porsche 996 Turbo X50 which is incredibly quick so its not really the speed I'm after (although its always nice). I just fancy keeping a Griff as a long termer and interested in your thoughts on a 4.0 I have seen here:

http://www.carandclassic.co.uk/car/C187287

Questions really are ,is this a badmove, am i better hanging out for another 500? are the early 400's much slower?

Ideally I'd like a 4.3 BV but they command a bit more of a premium than I can spend.

All help gratefully received, cheers.

LordGrover

34,163 posts

241 months

Wednesday 27th April 2011
quotequote all
I've not driven a 400 Griff and while others may disagree my old 430 was at least as quick as any stock 500 I came across. The 400 Chimps I tried when I was looking first were definitely sluggish in comparison. Still quick by other standards but compared with a well sorted 430 or 500 a bit st.
Never driven nor been in a 450 or the new fangled 460s so can't comment on those.
Obviously, give it a try - if it floats your boat it's a good'n. Good luck. thumbup

CraigVmax

Original Poster:

12,248 posts

311 months

Wednesday 27th April 2011
quotequote all
hmm ok, thanks LG, I might keep looking for a 4.3 then. it doesnt have to set the world alight but if it feels a bit sluggish that could get tedious

davep

1,157 posts

313 months

Wednesday 27th April 2011
quotequote all
What I'd do: buy that 400 in your link (very nice car, full leather, very desirable) and start saving for a 4.6 short engine from V8 Developments. smokin

CraigVmax

Original Poster:

12,248 posts

311 months

Wednesday 27th April 2011
quotequote all
ooooh! roughly how much?

davep

1,157 posts

313 months

Wednesday 27th April 2011
quotequote all
CraigVmax said:
ooooh! roughly how much?
What you pay for the car + £1995.00 + install. So £11K - 12K gets you a very well-sorted pre-cat.

LordGrover

34,163 posts

241 months

Wednesday 27th April 2011
quotequote all
As the existing engine appears to be okay maybe get a few bob for it too? scratchchin

CraigVmax

Original Poster:

12,248 posts

311 months

Wednesday 27th April 2011
quotequote all
blimey, that sounds very reasonable, what sort of performance?

LordGrover

34,163 posts

241 months

Wednesday 27th April 2011
quotequote all
There's a write-up on Ant.'s in last month's Sprint: click.

davep

1,157 posts

313 months

Wednesday 27th April 2011
quotequote all
With 275-280 BHP it should be quick enough, depends on the camshaft. I've got an MC1 in mine, which is a good all-rounder, plenty of performance and no 'shunting' around town. Talk to Rob at V8 Developments for advice, etc.

CraigVmax

Original Poster:

12,248 posts

311 months

Wednesday 27th April 2011
quotequote all
cool thx

carsy

3,019 posts

194 months

Wednesday 27th April 2011
quotequote all
Theres a 4.3 BV for sale in the classifieds.

CraigVmax

Original Poster:

12,248 posts

311 months

Wednesday 27th April 2011
quotequote all
the grey one? if so, gorgeous, but a bit too pricey for me.

griffdude

1,926 posts

277 months

Wednesday 27th April 2011
quotequote all
davep said:
What I'd do: buy that 400 in your link (very nice car, full leather, very desirable) and start saving for a 4.6 short engine from V8 Developments. smokin
+1 driving

The body looks in good nick & nice colour combo with the interior. Someone has looked after this Griff. I'd still have a REALLY GOOD look at the outriggers tho'.

MPoxon

5,329 posts

202 months

Wednesday 27th April 2011
quotequote all
Hey Craig hope you are well.

If you had a 500 Griff before I am not sure that a 400 would seem fast enough in comparison. I would personally look out for either a 430 pre-cat or another 500.

As has already been suggested purchasing that one you linked to and having a rover v8 of your choice installed in it is a good option be it one of the many offerings from V8D, JE, TVR Power etc.

Good luck with the search fella.

Matthe

Ant.

5,254 posts

310 months

Wednesday 27th April 2011
quotequote all
Yes, 460 engined pre-cats are the future, just like garlick bread.

300 + Bhp and the noise to die for.

And for some reason the pre-cats are not too expensive.




It probably wont feel like your porker, but if you are ever passing Stoke, give me a knock..

Colin RedGriff

2,541 posts

286 months

Wednesday 27th April 2011
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You could always look at putting a supercharger on it smile

Mr MoJo

4,698 posts

245 months

Thursday 28th April 2011
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That grey BV is lovely. Used to live not far from me. Must resist !! My dream garage is an SE and a BV.
Mrs MoJo would kill me !!

CraigVmax

Original Poster:

12,248 posts

311 months

Thursday 28th April 2011
quotequote all
Bet it sounds awesome

LordGrover

34,163 posts

241 months

Thursday 28th April 2011
quotequote all
Back to the advert mentioned... it says restored in the title but nothing more is mentioned in the description, certainly not the chassis which is one of the biggest potential costs with any TVR. If you're seriously considering it I'd ask what is meant by restored and specifically ask the question whether it's ever been written off, as well as get an HPI check before handing over the readies.

I have no reason to doubt this or any other car - I just don't see why they'd describe it as 'restored' unless it's a careful way of saying restored from accident damage. I've been wrong many times before.