500SE in the Classifieds

[Transmitter Man]

The subject of the Griff gearbox was brought up by a couple of posters.

Am I correct in that the T5 was used and if so is it that much better than the LT77?

Phil 'LT77' 420 SEAC

[grahamw48]

I believe the earlier Griffs used the LT77, changing 94/95, when serp was introduced ?

[2mad]

yes the lt77 gearbox was used in all of the wedges but with different bearings etc as this box was used on alot of different vehicles like rovers landrover
sherpa vans etc always check the numbers stamped on the side of the gearbox.

[2mad]

Transmitter Man said:

The subject of the Griff gearbox was brought up by a couple of posters.

Am I correct in that the T5 was used and if so is it that much better than the LT77?

Phil 'LT77' 420 SEAC

t5 gearbox has been used in alot of cars including sierra cosworth its an improvment over the lt77

[Transmitter Man]

In what way better?

Smoother gearchange?

Better ratios?

Better torque handling?

Phil
420 SEAC

[2mad]

Transmitter Man said:

In what way better?

Smoother gearchange?

Better ratios?

Better torque handling?

Phil
420 SEAC

i would say more direct gear change better ratio &more torque +power handling.slightly notchy.

[mikeb]

pwd95 said:

Fancy a blat out Sunday Mike? Weather's supposed to be very good. Any other Wedgers fancy an early one up the Brecons?

Hi Wyn thanks for the invite - missed it though - sorry, the Griffith is too slow anyhow! and TBH I am still not to chuffed to be see out in it!!! the car is far too girly ;-)

I am off for a week in Great Yarmouth Monday (for my sins) and then off to Johannesburg in South Africa with work for a bit - don't know which I am more likely to be mugged / shot / knifed in though!.

The Griffith will be up for sale at some point after that and then look out, water pistols at the ready....... as I said I have a plan....

On the subject of the LT77 there were a few 'hardened' ones about apparently for police work etc but I don't think they are up to the job of the big V8's power output. Mine went in the 450SE even.

MikeyB

[rev-erend]

Common knowledge on TVR's boxes is roughly ..

LT77 - good for 300 bhp .. reliable
400 bhp .. now a consumable (think yearly..ish rebuilds)

T5 - good for 400(ish) bhp reliable (used in Griff 500 (300), Cerb 4.5 (400)
450+ bhp .. now a consumable (think yearly..ish rebuilds)

450 ~ 500+ you should now consider other options .. TKO, special gear kits in T5, Holinger, etc..

[Gandalf]

mikeb said:

pwd95 said:

Fancy a blat out Sunday Mike? Weather's supposed to be very good. Any other Wedgers fancy an early one up the Brecons?

Hi Wyn thanks for the invite - missed it though - sorry, the Griffith is too slow anyhow! and TBH I am still not to chuffed to be see out in it!!! the car is far too girly ;-)

I am off for a week in Great Yarmouth Monday (for my sins) and then off to Johannesburg in South Africa with work for a bit - don't know which I am more likely to be mugged / shot / knifed in though!.

The Griffith will be up for sale at some point after that and then look out, water pistols at the ready....... as I said I have a plan....

On the subject of the LT77 there were a few 'hardened' ones about apparently for police work etc but I don't think they are up to the job of the big V8's power output. Mine went in the 450SE even.

MikeyB

Come on Mikey relieve old Dickymint of that SEAC its sacralige to not have it out burning up the Brecons! As for the girly Griff give it to the Brownies!

[Lockhouse]

Hi,

I just found this thread, sorry for resurrecting it. Just a bit about the Mica Blue 500SE.

I bought the car in the late 90's, had her for around 3 years and sold her around 2000 to someone from Yorkshire. I bought the car from someone in South Woodford who had bought her from the guy who had the modification work done originally.

I believe the car was converted by TVR Power. It did not roll off the production line as a 500SE. However at the time I believe TVR Power were much more closely affiliated with the factory so it could possibly be called an "officially sanctioned conversion" as I also believe that TVR provided many of the parts for the upgrades which were not available at the time anywhere else (hearsay).

More interestingly there were two cars that had the 500 SE conversion at around the same time, the Blue one and a Grey one from up North. This grey car definitely existed as I spoke to two people who had seen it, one of whom was the cousin of the original owner. Where it is now is anyone's guess.

I have many fond memories of my 500SE, never have I had a nicer sounding car for sure!

Cheers,

Andrew Collier

[grahamw48]

Fascinating.

Many thanks for posting.

[2001se]

I own the 500se wedge that Andrew once owned..I bought it from a guy in Harrogate.. It was knackered so I took it back to DOMINIC at TVR power.. Had engine made into a full 5 litre and a tar aka conversion.. . Very fast beast.. Number plate was 2001se but now it's WED9E. Needs a respect but for now it's under cover in the garage

[2001se]

Should say respray not respect

[Lockhouse]

Hello Mr Ellison,

Nice to know the car is being looked after. She was in really good condition when I sold her on apart from the hood being slightly worn. If you don't mind me asking, what was the mileage when you bought her?

Andrew

[2001se]

Hello Andrew just seen your reply.. it wasn’t in great condition and engine was knackered ..I took it back to TVR power and had engine turned into a 500… also had the taraka conversion..

[BlueWedgy]

Is this the longest gap to reply?

[2001se]

I think it must be

[Lockhouse]

2001se said:

I think it must be

I'm still here though. Hope the car is too.

[2001se]

Yes the car is still fine ..needs a respirator but still sounds superb

[Matt4.3]

Evening Stephen
Do you still own your 500SE? If so would you ever think about selling the car. I’m asking on behalf of a good friend that loves his Wedges. I totally understand if the answer is no! Just thought I would be cheeky and ask. Hope this is ok.
Kind regards Matt.