What to replace a TVR Chimaera 500 with?

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Classic Chim said:

What’s wrong with TVR build quality, in 1993 most people were impressed , I didn’t care as long as they carried on making them until I could afford one.

Much better built now after years of enthusiastic owners improving them for sure. Still not up to modern car standards of course. All part of the ownership experience so enhances the experience doesn't it

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If anyone can help offer their 2p's worth on what they think I should look to sell mine for it would be much appreciated?

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e42 said:

No help re price I’m afraid, but I enquired about your car last year with the PO, who was most helpful, to the extent of additional photos and the build spec for the engine. I have to say that it sounded terrific, the problem I had at the time was having to sell another car to placate SWMBO. By the time I was in a position to buy you had beaten me to it and I went down the pre- cat Griff route. Absolutely cracking car though.

As an aside - The Noble M12 is also a possible alternative, or second the Corvette suggested earlier!

Dom

Sorry Dom, if I had known you were first on it I would have left you to it. It took ages to get to view the car as the PO was working in/out/around the country a lot. Then I offered a price really early a little bit below the sticker price and he wanted the sticker price or almost damn it so declined my offer. Then he came back to me after some time and we worked a deal out a little below the sticker price.

It clearly has had a lot of work done with a lot of money spent. The engine is very strong so you can feel it is a newly built unit making the power it did on the dyno print out.

I'll have to get out (maybe!) and drive a few as am sure they will be so different. I've been a passenger in an M12 round Llandow and loved it. Not sure if it will be too raw still on the road though.

I think it was sold to the PO with a price starting with a 2 I understand. I suspect it will need to be starting with a 1 in the current climate regardless of how much was spent.

Dean

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Belle427 said:

Values seem to be only going one way on these if your a Porsche fan and can justify the price.
https://www.pistonheads.com/buy/listing/10791169?c...

Nice and exactly what my neighbour down the lane has just bought. I suspect it will be too fast and clinical for me though. I am not a fan of Turbo motors per se. Prefer and N/A or S/C unit in the main. Always Petrol !!

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swisstoni said:

I do not think any TVR is in order for the OP as they appear to be too basic.
There’s no point in hoping that a Tuscan is a massively different animal from a Chimaera - they aren’t.

Something mainstream and refined like a Boxster would seem to be a better fit.

I have had a 987 Boxster 3.2 S Manual and enjoyed it but wouldn't say it was special. A very capable car and I really liked it but didn't have that something you can;t quite put your finger on. I have a Maserati 4200 and have had 3 of them and a QPV as well and they seem to hit that spot quite well.

The TVR's do hit the spot indeed but just think I have gone a step too far with this Chimaera 500. It is exactly what it should be so no fault of the car. It is raw, intoxicating, involving, a challenge but just one notch too far for me.

I am looking for something in the middle I guess between your mainstream production cars that often double as dailies as well as sports cars. I don't need boot space, back seats, auto box or any niceties as such just a good driving sports car maybe a notch down from the current Chimaera 500.

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wormus said:

If you like the slightly agricultural, unpolished feel of the TVR but less extreme, you could try a Monaro. Thumping V8, loads of character and depreciation proof. Supercharged ones are rare but good for a tail happy 600hp. Or a good NA LS2 with an intake will make 500hp. How nuts you want to go is down to you.

I have looked at Monaro's many a time and always bought something else although they have always appealed. I have an X351 Jaguar XJL SuperSport as a big lumpy comfy sports thing and really happy with that so it will stay for a while I think. Already had for 3 years and don't see the point in selling. Great VFM they are.

I have thought about an MX5 project maybe dropping in a V6 or other ideas but just exploring all options at the moment. Not in any rush so happy to find the right thing.

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Anyone know if this is anyone's on here?

https://www.brightwellslive.com/lot/details/490153

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wormus said:

The Monaro will have little in common with your Jag. They share many of the “mechanical” characteristics of the TVR and feel quite raw/lairy to drive when you want them to but they don’t leak and generally reliable. Think old school muscle car, manual, rwd and less refined than a modern Mustang.

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=8JndzWBWZrQ

It does look a monster that VXR500 version. Even the VXR500 version though is a third of the new price, same power and pace as my XJL believe it or not. Likely more expensive second hand as well and much older. Not sure it makes sense unless I was replacing the XJL. I am sure a little bit more sporty though as the XJL is comfort first sporty second but still cracks along well.

Many never look at an XJL SS but it is amazing value for money. It was over £100k new, £17k to buy 3 years ago, 503bhp, sub 5 secs to 60 and tons of space and luxury.

I think I would prefer a smaller lighter car ideally.

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e42 said:

Hi, no apology needed Dean, in fact I contacted you with a view to a possible part ex at the time and you were kind enough to take the time for a polite and considerate reply. Good luck with your sale.

Dom

Ah, OK. I remember now....sorry I'm 48 this year! Grey matter failing!! So that was when we were talking about my previous Chimaera 400. The Amaranth 400 with the Speed 6 front lights. Yes, weird time that was. I had done a deal to trade in a Maserati 4200 I had at the time with that Chimaera 400 to a dealer in Norfolk against Mac's old Chimaera 450 Turbo. The deal all fell through as I get beaten to the post and ended up selling the 4200 separate with the Chimaera 400 going in part ex against a V8 Vantage.

Wow, things happen quick and time passes fast. Yes, the part ex of the RS6 didn't really work for me at the time I'm afraid.

So you contacted Oliver about this Formula Red Chimaera 500 at the time as well? I hadn't known or realised that. Do you think you would have bought it then?

You should have let me know you were looking at it as I would never would have stood in the way or tread on your toes if I had known. I'm old school like that.

What did you buy then after this? Any links or pics?

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deeen said:

I love that interior! Estimate seems high, or am I just out of touch? Really though, my Tuscan S was far more racy to drive than my Chim 500, ok so the 3.6 in this is a notch down, but I bet this is still a less relaxing drive than a Chim?

Thanks for the input. Seems like other TVR options might not be a notch down to what I am looking for then. It might be a combination of various factors. It has a decat, Gaz suspension maybe on hardish setting so very loud, brash and uncompromising. Exactly what many might want!

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Welshbeef said:

Merc SLK 55 AMG

5.4 v8 brute

I've not had an SLK55 or driven one. Had an R129 SL60 AMG, R230 SL55 AMG and 2 x R129 SL500's. Even though I am not a fan of soft tops believe it or not but always liked an SL but they were always soft top with no Coupe option. It is the reason I prefer the MX5 RF to the standard MX5 and why I had the Chimaera as don't mind a targa but never used the full convertible ever.

So are all the other TVR options harder and more raw even then my Chimaera 500? I'd like the idea of another TVR if I could find an option that hit the spot. I'm not a big jessy and want a soft comfy modern car but just want a notch down off the rawness I currently have. Happy to compromise a fair bit just just seem to have gone a smidge too far this time.

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Classic Chim said:

According to your dyno graph you have 320ft lbs torque at 2000 revs
That’s some motor.
Isn’t that more torque than a speed six has at full chat!
What cam is in your 5.0 Dean.
Crickey that seems brutal.

Not sure what is in it. I'll post the V8D build spec. Maybe that is part of the reason why.

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Rob Robertson engine build specification

Engine TVR 500

The short engine consists a re-conditioned tvr 5.0 block, its the small journal variety which has been cross bolted, the block is checked and machined for
line bore accuracies, the deck heights are matched sides, fully chemically deep cleaned, fitted with new competition cam bearings and new side core plugs.
The crankshaft is a standard tvr 5.0 running 2.3”main bearings and 2”big end bearings the crankshaft is standard size but polished,
The connecting rods are stock tvr 5.0, the pistons are again stock 5.0 items, with the valve reliefs for the use of high lift camshafts.
The main bearings are made by glyco and the big ends are clevite, all moving parts are internally balanced. Including the flywheel and front pulley.

Valve train and camshaft
The camshaft is a stealth camshaft, the lift is .484 on inlet and .495 on exhaust, duration is @.0.50 215 inlet and 224 on exhaust, due to my profiles being
stolen no more information is allowed, lifters are competition specification, standard pushrods, reconditioned rocker arms with new shafts.

Cylinder heads
The cylinder heads are our stage 3 spec, fully ported and polished, valves are stainless steel with waisted stems, inlets are 1.630” exhaust is 1.4”, guides are
shortened and bulleted, combustion chambers all matched to within .2cc, overall chamber size is 31cc giving a total compression ratio of 10-3, guides are
fitted with the neoprene seals and double valve springs fitted, both head faces are skimmed.

Fasteners and gaskets
The head gaskets are a competition spec gasket .040” thick all other gaskets are factory oem land rover. The head bolts are our own spec bolt, comprising
of a high tensile metal and custom washers, all other bolts are factory land rover. Serpentine front cover fitted with new oil pump gears, helix competition
clutch, fully lightened flywheel.

Summary
Engine has been professionally built to a high standard, the use of where money permits we have used the best parts available, the engine should never
exceed 28 deg of ignition timing, in extreme driving such as track days I would recommend using super unleaded fuel, and on hot weather track days any
notice of pinking please back the timing off a bit.

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This was the list of works completed:

The car has had a total rebuild, with majority of works undertaken by TVR specialists
SD AUTOTEC for main rebuild works to completed car
TRIM TECHNICIAN for Interior fit out/retrim 
V8 DEVELOPMENTS for engine rebuild

•    2 owners from new(including myself as one of them)
•    Chassis and body separated
•    Chassis and wishbones sandblasted and powder coated
•    All chassis bushes throughout replaced with original spec
•    New  Gaz Gold adjustable shock absorbers all round, with upgraded drop links
•    Up rated rear vented discs and refurbished callipers
•    Up rated front vented  discs and up rated calipers(Cosworth larger spec)
•    s/s Braided brake and fuel lines
Ceramic ended HT Racing leads (temperamental plug extenders now not req)
•    Stripped &Rebuilt original T5 gearbox
•    Stripped & Rebuilt original rear Diff
•    Stripped and Rebuilt cross bolted rover 500 engine (spec available), engine run in to 1000 miles completed since work, all run in oils changed to semi synthetic performance
•    New Brake master cylinder
•    New Clutch master cylinder
•    New fuel pump
•    New alternator and various other ancillary components to complete the engine area
•    New engine wiring loom, original TVR replacement
•    New s/steel exhaust system installed to original spec
•    Custom made cat less Y piece installed(Clive’s little gem),pre-cats removed from manifolds, original TVR main cat available
•    TVR stamped front windscreen 
•    Refurbished & powder coated, swirl and expansion pots
•     17inch IMAGE split rim wheels all round with correct off sets, and TOYO TR1 tyres
16” Imola front & rear alloys available
•    TVR Power Assisted Steering system
•    New heat shields to full engine bay and underside of front bonnet
•    Refurbished re-cored radiator
•    New Full leather interior(dash area,seats,upper door cards etc)
•    New carpets including boot area
•    New Black hood
•    Original headlights re-chromed by specialist to new standard
•    Clear indicator and side repeater lenses
•    Dash fascia with PIANO BLACK finish( as stated, finish as piano tops)
•    Aluminium wiper and indicator stalks
•    Wiper motor stripped and rebuilt including new wiring points
•    Leven Tech windscreen wiper upgrade
•    Up to date entertainment system with blue tooth connections etc
•    Original TVR hood cover and spare wheel + cover
•    External Paintwork brought up to standard by professional Paint detailer, there are a few stone chips which you would expect for car of this age

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Classic Chim said:

According to your dyno graph you have 320ft lbs torque at 2000 revs
That’s some motor.
Isn’t that more torque than a speed six has at full chat!
What cam is in your 5.0 Dean.
Crickey that seems brutal.

Yes, looking at the dyno chart it does look like 320 ft lbs torque @ 2000rpm. You'll have to forgive me as although I am fairly technical in some things this isn't one of them so have no idea how that compares.

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Belle427 said:

I guess there is a point where they get a bit too powerful to enjoy properly.

I think this is very true and much of the reason I have little interest in many modern new super/hypercars. I found the 400 plenty fast enough for me and found you could rev it out more. I've not used much more than 50% throttle position in the current 500 and at most 75%.

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swisstoni said:

I’ve got a bog standard 2000 Chimaera 500.

For what it is, it’s a comfortable ride and nice and smooth in traffic. It’s perfectly possible to relax and drive it like any other car.

So I would perhaps remove any mods that have affected comfort and driveability.

Yes, I think maybe the mods are great for some and much lusted after but for me I think it is a step too far for me requirements.

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phazed said:

Is yours a red 500 Dean?

If so, those Image split rim wheels were mine and fitted on my 4.6 back in the day.

Limited photos available due to this being about eight years ago prior to iCloud! Daughter been taken to the prom. Funny enough there was another guy with a cerb there Delivering three girls them dressed in their finest absolutely shoehorned into the car. He had to have the heater full on in the summer because it was overheating! Don’t you just love those TVRs!

Yes, the red 500 is mine. Used to be Mark Hunter's when he consigned the resto to SD.

Ah, OK interesting to know about those rims. I think they suited this car well and looked good. I guess Mark wanted to return it to a more stock look when he sold it.

Very funny.....those poor girls must have been roasting! A day everyone won't forget I'm sure. You look and should be a very proud man there

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Interesting Cerbera

https://youtu.be/0h27Hf9TE44

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rockits said:

Interesting Cerbera

https://youtu.be/0h27Hf9TE44

Maserati 4.7 F136 engine and Tremec box