What to replace a TVR Chimaera 500 with?
Discussion
After buying a lovely TVR Chimaera 500 just over a year ago I have finally had a bit of a chance to to drive it a bit the last couple of months. I have got to know it much more and it is a really raw and intoxicating beast that is for sure. It was rolling road tested at 320bhp when it had its full refurb a couple of years back and it feels all of that and more. I have not used more than 75% throttle yet and that is scary. I cannot fault the car and the way it is. It is raw, intoxicating, involving, uncompromising and everything many might want in a 3rd car or weekend toy. I am not sure if I'm getting old but I have come to the conclusion it is too raw and intoxicating for what I am looking for.
It is an amazing car and thrill. So raw and alive but I think a little too much for me. Not the speed but how pared back and back top basics it is. Of course a TVR is all of things as a default but this 500 is another level up from the previous 400's I have had. So I have decided I am going to look to replace it. I did drive a Tuscan 4.0 Speed Six before I bought my first Chimaera 400 and really liked it. So I am not going to rule out a Tuscan or maybe a Tamora Speed Six.
It is a shame as I spent a while finding this particular Chimaera 500 and took a while to work out a deal with the seller. It had a full body off chassis refurb, with engine/gearbox/diff rebuild, new suspension, brakes, lines, full interior retrim and loads more. I believe the refurb costs were something like £16k! It really is a beast but maybe I went a little too far with this 500 as it is a real step up over the 400's to a different ball game.
My question is has anyone else done the same with same/similar cars. I am looking for a fun weekend toy and not one that is a great daily as well but nothing as raw and as uncompromising as I have found the Chimaera 500 to be. Ideally a manual, only needs 2 seats, a 6 or 8 cylinder would be great but keeping an open mind. Don't really want a convertible ideally but will if required. The targa/convertible format in the TVR's is a great option. I'll be using the Chimaera money and would use it all and maybe add more for a better or the right car maybe upto £30k max price ideally. So anything I guess from £15k-£30k. If there was something really really special I might push the boat out further. Don't really mind how old or new it is.
Out of all the searching around so far these seem to be possible options:
TVR Tuscan
TVR Tamora
Lotus Evora V6 S
Porsche Cayman S (R would be great but maybe too pricey.
Porsche 911 Carrera 2S 997
Mazda MX5 RF ND
BMW Z4M Coupe
Any experiences, thoughts or ideas?
It is an amazing car and thrill. So raw and alive but I think a little too much for me. Not the speed but how pared back and back top basics it is. Of course a TVR is all of things as a default but this 500 is another level up from the previous 400's I have had. So I have decided I am going to look to replace it. I did drive a Tuscan 4.0 Speed Six before I bought my first Chimaera 400 and really liked it. So I am not going to rule out a Tuscan or maybe a Tamora Speed Six.
It is a shame as I spent a while finding this particular Chimaera 500 and took a while to work out a deal with the seller. It had a full body off chassis refurb, with engine/gearbox/diff rebuild, new suspension, brakes, lines, full interior retrim and loads more. I believe the refurb costs were something like £16k! It really is a beast but maybe I went a little too far with this 500 as it is a real step up over the 400's to a different ball game.
My question is has anyone else done the same with same/similar cars. I am looking for a fun weekend toy and not one that is a great daily as well but nothing as raw and as uncompromising as I have found the Chimaera 500 to be. Ideally a manual, only needs 2 seats, a 6 or 8 cylinder would be great but keeping an open mind. Don't really want a convertible ideally but will if required. The targa/convertible format in the TVR's is a great option. I'll be using the Chimaera money and would use it all and maybe add more for a better or the right car maybe upto £30k max price ideally. So anything I guess from £15k-£30k. If there was something really really special I might push the boat out further. Don't really mind how old or new it is.
Out of all the searching around so far these seem to be possible options:
TVR Tuscan
TVR Tamora
Lotus Evora V6 S
Porsche Cayman S (R would be great but maybe too pricey.
Porsche 911 Carrera 2S 997
Mazda MX5 RF ND
BMW Z4M Coupe
Any experiences, thoughts or ideas?
For completely different reasons I bought a limited edition Boxster S RS60.
Similar performance but absolutely shrieks and howls at the top end but still has a lot of torque for pootling about.
Electric roof. A/C, switchable suspension, sports mode, (louder exhaust and remap power) etc, etc and the best part, goes around bends like on rails!
If you’re in the area come down for a spin.
Similar performance but absolutely shrieks and howls at the top end but still has a lot of torque for pootling about.
Electric roof. A/C, switchable suspension, sports mode, (louder exhaust and remap power) etc, etc and the best part, goes around bends like on rails!
If you’re in the area come down for a spin.
phazed said:
For completely different reasons I bought a limited edition Boxster S RS60.
Similar performance but absolutely shrieks and howls at the top end but still has a lot of torque for pootling about.
Electric roof. A/C, switchable suspension, sports mode, (louder exhaust and remap power) etc, etc and the best part, goes around bends like on rails!
If you’re in the area come down for a spin.
Thanks. Is that a 987? How much different is the RS60 and what do you get different to a stock 3.2 S?Similar performance but absolutely shrieks and howls at the top end but still has a lot of torque for pootling about.
Electric roof. A/C, switchable suspension, sports mode, (louder exhaust and remap power) etc, etc and the best part, goes around bends like on rails!
If you’re in the area come down for a spin.
I had a 2005/55 987 3.2 S a few years back and really enjoyed it. Never really used the convertible much though and not much of a fan of convertibles much but I guess a Cayman S is the option. Will look if they do any special model Cayman's.
If it were me I would hold fire and allow some time to adjust to it. If I was certain about selling and wanted to move away from TVR I would sell in spring when the market is better for convertibles. If I was looking for something more modern my list would be headed by an F Type followed by the Cayman.
PhilF329 said:
If it were me I would hold fire and allow some time to adjust to it. If I was certain about selling and wanted to move away from TVR I would sell in spring when the market is better for convertibles. If I was looking for something more modern my list would be headed by an F Type followed by the Cayman.
I would normally agree as am quite a patient person. I think this 500 is s massive step up to a different world from my previous 400's. Great if that is what you want but I think I think the previous 400 suited me better. Maybe a 450 would have been a better fit.rockits said:
Thanks. Is that a 987? How much different is the RS60 and what do you get different to a stock 3.2 S?
I had a 2005/55 987 3.2 S a few years back and really enjoyed it. Never really used the convertible much though and not much of a fan of convertibles much but I guess a Cayman S is the option. Will look if they do any special model Cayman's.
Yes, a 987. Spec is really good. As said before plus nav, leccy seats, etc, etcI had a 2005/55 987 3.2 S a few years back and really enjoyed it. Never really used the convertible much though and not much of a fan of convertibles much but I guess a Cayman S is the option. Will look if they do any special model Cayman's.
0-60, 5 secs, 170mph. A proper sports car that that will pound the bends but will still cruise at low speed if needed.
rockits said:
I would normally agree as am quite a patient person. I think this 500 is s massive step up to a different world from my previous 400's. Great if that is what you want but I think I think the previous 400 suited me better. Maybe a 450 would have been a better fit.
Is your car on the original Ecu Dean. I found my 450 felt unruly, sort of just on or off throttle, really hard to control the exact amount of power you require, unnerved me a bit to be honest. Hate to say this but a modern ecu has transformed the throttle response and allows me to give totally accurate throttle inputs, I can control the torque far better. The 500 is worse for simply dolloping most of its torque out with any meaningful throttle setting and from even very low revs, . I think it’s responsible for a good few loosing the rear end over the decades.
Anyway just a thought. Hmmm.
Goodluck with whatever you chose going forward.
Out of interest what tyres are on your Chim.
Classic Chim said:
phazed said:
Yes, a 987. Spec is really good. As said before plus nav, leccy seats, etc, etc
0-60, 5 secs, 170mph. A proper sports car that that will pound the bends but will still cruise at low speed if needed.
You can’t deny a word of it. Nice rear end 0-60, 5 secs, 170mph. A proper sports car that that will pound the bends but will still cruise at low speed if needed.
This is a Tvr Page remember.
Classic Chim said:
rockits said:
I would normally agree as am quite a patient person. I think this 500 is s massive step up to a different world from my previous 400's. Great if that is what you want but I think I think the previous 400 suited me better. Maybe a 450 would have been a better fit.
Is your car on the original Ecu Dean. I found my 450 felt unruly, sort of just on or off throttle, really hard to control the exact amount of power you require, unnerved me a bit to be honest. Hate to say this but a modern ecu has transformed the throttle response and allows me to give totally accurate throttle inputs, I can control the torque far better. The 500 is worse for simply dolloping most of its torque out with any meaningful throttle setting and from even very low revs, . I think it’s responsible for a good few loosing the rear end over the decades.
Anyway just a thought. Hmmm.
Goodluck with whatever you chose going forward.
Out of interest what tyres are on your Chim.
On reading the OP I wondered about things like geo and tyres as I found my Tuscan S to be much more racy / raw than my Chim 500, both set up well (I think!) by the same people. To answer the OP directly, how about my first thought after the Chim, which was a Corvette?
rockits said:
O mage said:
What about a s6 cerb,set for the road, the longer base means they are far more forgiving. And you can take the kids.
Could certainly be an option as I did like the Speed Six engine when I drove a Tuscan.She's a pussycat to drive really
Classic Chim said:
Is your car on the original Ecu Dean. I found my 450 felt unruly, sort of just on or off throttle, really hard to control the exact amount of power you require, unnerved me a bit to be honest.
Hate to say this but a modern ecu has transformed the throttle response and allows me to give totally accurate throttle inputs, I can control the torque far better. The 500 is worse for simply dolloping most of its torque out with any meaningful throttle setting and from even very low revs, . I think it’s responsible for a good few loosing the rear end over the decades.
Anyway just a thought. Hmmm.
Goodluck with whatever you chose going forward.
Out of interest what tyres are on your Chim.
It is on the original ECU Alun. I agree that a newer modern ECU would make a big and positive difference. Just not sure it would make enough of a difference to me and would need a few k invested further into the car. I think when Mark Hunter had this complete rebuild commissioned on this car it seems he was keen to keep it very stock Mk1 Chimaera 500 which I can totally understand.Hate to say this but a modern ecu has transformed the throttle response and allows me to give totally accurate throttle inputs, I can control the torque far better. The 500 is worse for simply dolloping most of its torque out with any meaningful throttle setting and from even very low revs, . I think it’s responsible for a good few loosing the rear end over the decades.
Anyway just a thought. Hmmm.
Goodluck with whatever you chose going forward.
Out of interest what tyres are on your Chim.
I have an XJL SuperSport with 510bhp and lots of torque from the SC motor. It just goes so well but I guess I am looking for something maybe in between.
I drove Nick Simpson's modified Chimaera he was selling a while back and really liked it. It was so smooth and tractable but with the turbo and mods it partly lost that TVR Chimaera V8 noise for me. It was a really great drive though and maybe in hindsight might be better suited to my needs. I didn't think so at the time but it is always so hard to get to know a car enough and what you are looking for in a short test drive.
The tyres are Toyo Proxes T1-R. There is no issue with mechanical traction and it is actually really really good. It doesn't squirm or have issues and grips well. I only take her out of the garage when the weather is perfect warm and dry.
phazed said:
Yes, a 987. Spec is really good. As said before plus nav, leccy seats, etc, etc
0-60, 5 secs, 170mph. A proper sports car that that will pound the bends but will still cruise at low speed if needed.
Thanks Peter. It sure looks really nice. It is definitely on my list but suspect I would go Cayman over Boxster as won't any benefit for the soft top but will have the downsides without the upsides being useful to me.0-60, 5 secs, 170mph. A proper sports car that that will pound the bends but will still cruise at low speed if needed.
rockits said:
It is on the original ECU Alun. I agree that a newer modern ECU would make a big and positive difference. Just not sure it would make enough of a difference to me and would need a few k invested further into the car. I think when Mark Hunter had this complete rebuild commissioned on this car it seems he was keen to keep it very stock Mk1 Chimaera 500 which I can totally understand.
I have an XJL SuperSport with 510bhp and lots of torque from the SC motor. It just goes so well but I guess I am looking for something maybe in between.
I drove Nick Simpson's modified Chimaera he was selling a while back and really liked it. It was so smooth and tractable but with the turbo and mods it partly lost that TVR Chimaera V8 noise for me. It was a really great drive though and maybe in hindsight might be better suited to my needs. I didn't think so at the time but it is always so hard to get to know a car enough and what you are looking for in a short test drive.
The tyres are Toyo Proxes T1-R. There is no issue with mechanical traction and it is actually really really good. It doesn't squirm or have issues and grips well. I only take her out of the garage when the weather is perfect warm and dry.
Yeah, made worse by no meet ups really. Events with owners having fun and drive outs can be very informative and gives you chance to spend more time talking to owners of various types and set ups. I have an XJL SuperSport with 510bhp and lots of torque from the SC motor. It just goes so well but I guess I am looking for something maybe in between.
I drove Nick Simpson's modified Chimaera he was selling a while back and really liked it. It was so smooth and tractable but with the turbo and mods it partly lost that TVR Chimaera V8 noise for me. It was a really great drive though and maybe in hindsight might be better suited to my needs. I didn't think so at the time but it is always so hard to get to know a car enough and what you are looking for in a short test drive.
The tyres are Toyo Proxes T1-R. There is no issue with mechanical traction and it is actually really really good. It doesn't squirm or have issues and grips well. I only take her out of the garage when the weather is perfect warm and dry.
Anthony Turbo is just the same, very smooth and a well organised set up Which is key to mods I think. Costly though.
Did you see my chassis,,,, jeez, What you can’t really see until you lift them off!
You have a quality Chim there’s no question, as you say just maybe a bit too raw in someways.
I don’t advise this as it’s already tuned well but I had a change of chip once for a more torquey one, it made the car hard to drive slowly, just so much power from even light throttle settings, car did go a bit faster mid range but not enough to live with it so I had it changed back, that was years before I went MBE.
It’s more an observation of how the chip alone changed the character of my tuning especially low down.
Have you advertised your car yet or just thinking about it! Got any decent pics as it’s ages since I’ve seen it,,, I liked it
Classic Chim said:
Yeah, made worse by no meet ups really. Events with owners having fun and drive outs can be very informative and gives you chance to spend more time talking to owners of various types and set ups.
Anthony Turbo is just the same, very smooth and a well organised set up Which is key to mods I think. Costly though.
Did you see my chassis,,,, jeez, What you can’t really see until you lift them off!
You have a quality Chim there’s no question, as you say just maybe a bit too raw in someways.
I don’t advise this as it’s already tuned well but I had a change of chip once for a more torquey one, it made the car hard to drive slowly, just so much power from even light throttle settings, car did go a bit faster mid range but not enough to live with it so I had it changed back, that was years before I went MBE.
It’s more an observation of how the chip alone changed the character of my tuning especially low down.
Have you advertised your car yet or just thinking about it! Got any decent pics as it’s ages since I’ve seen it,,, I liked it
I agree with this Alun and am sure an ECU change would help. Just know it won't quite still be what I'm looking for after I'm sure. So not sure the investment would sense as maybe a new buyer might not want this. It could be their option I guess.Anthony Turbo is just the same, very smooth and a well organised set up Which is key to mods I think. Costly though.
Did you see my chassis,,,, jeez, What you can’t really see until you lift them off!
You have a quality Chim there’s no question, as you say just maybe a bit too raw in someways.
I don’t advise this as it’s already tuned well but I had a change of chip once for a more torquey one, it made the car hard to drive slowly, just so much power from even light throttle settings, car did go a bit faster mid range but not enough to live with it so I had it changed back, that was years before I went MBE.
It’s more an observation of how the chip alone changed the character of my tuning especially low down.
Have you advertised your car yet or just thinking about it! Got any decent pics as it’s ages since I’ve seen it,,, I liked it
I love the new interior on my Chim and think Mark/SD did a great job keeping it original. if I kept it and it was close to what I was after I would do the ECU and a full respray and it would be a perfect long term TVR keeper. I understand that it had £19k or somewhere close spent on the restoration.
I have a folder here with a ton of pics/details/engine build spec and rolling road sheet:
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1fq71Akf7fd...
rockits said:
rossybee said:
Ahem - my lovely S6 Cerb is currently for sale in PH classifieds if you look for the one in Tayside.... just had her 12k service and running very sweet!
She's a pussycat to drive really
No harm in taking a look. Do you have a link to the Ad?She's a pussycat to drive really
https://www.pistonheads.com/buy/listing/10609192?c...
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