500 HC

[8Speed]

Can someone explain if there is much difference between a Griffith 500 & a 500HC?
Thanks.

[rigga]

Was under the impression all 500 versions were HC, so pocketed pistons and high lift cam.

[8Speed]

Have been informed that the HC (high compression) had 20 bhp more (i.e. 340) - downrated after 1996.

[SMB]

8Speed said:

Have been informed that the HC (high compression) had 20 bhp more (i.e. 340) - downrated after 1996.

This has been covered many times but all 500s are HCs , the down rating was quoted for driveAbility but in real terms was just Tvr resetting bhp expectations a little closer to reality. ( not too close mind you)

Hc stands for high lift cam.

[spitfire4v8]

As this is posted in the griffith forum then yes I think all 500s were pocketted pistons / high lift cam.

If this was in the general TVR, or S or Chimaera or Wedge forums though that info would be / might be incorrect.

Original 500 Chims were rated at 290hp with a softer cam, as was the 1 (2?) factory 5 litre S models. I don't know what was fitted to the 5 litre wedges the factory made though... possiby the kent 214 as per other hot wedges.

Fact is though, many tvrs will have had replacement cams anyway by now, so could be anything in there unless you have supporting paperwork detailing the spec.

[rigga]

As jools says above, my Griff is a HC, even stated on the build plate under the bonnet, BUT, I know its had a cam change to a 218, so not as original now.

[8Speed]

Thanks All - I'm better educated now!

[ChimpOnGas]

The surfix HC was not only used by TVR on the 5.0 litre, they also offered a 4.0HC Chimaera for a period.

What turns a regular 4.0 litre ito a 4.0HC is the exact same Kent 435 cam as used in the 5.0 litre Chims and Griffs.

So the real answer is anything with the HC surfix just means the engine recieved the more agressive Kent 435 cam

[DaveG]

I have a Griff 95 500 HC. The 435 cam has been replaced but there are no pocketed pistons?