Considering a Chim… coming from Caterham
Discussion
I’m toying with the idea of a Chimp….
I enjoy my 7 a lot, but it is possibly a compromise to far on todays potholed roads….
Budget 10-15k
V8 and TVR would be a nice itch to scratch before the end of pleasure motoring.
So, a few initial questions….
I’m 6’4 and no racing snake - I fit my SV fine, don’t know about the TVR.
What are the pure myths and the absolute realities of running one ?
It would be a fun car only, probably 3-4k miles annually.
Reliability/ handling ?
I’m sure these are centuries old questions to you guys, but I’m interested in the reality of owning one in today’s world.
I’m based not far from Milton Keynes, is there a good specialist locally ?
I enjoy my 7 a lot, but it is possibly a compromise to far on todays potholed roads….
Budget 10-15k
V8 and TVR would be a nice itch to scratch before the end of pleasure motoring.
So, a few initial questions….
I’m 6’4 and no racing snake - I fit my SV fine, don’t know about the TVR.
What are the pure myths and the absolute realities of running one ?
It would be a fun car only, probably 3-4k miles annually.
Reliability/ handling ?
I’m sure these are centuries old questions to you guys, but I’m interested in the reality of owning one in today’s world.
I’m based not far from Milton Keynes, is there a good specialist locally ?
For fit you'll be fine. Peter Wheeler was your height or taller and he drove all the cars. If you try one and don't fit it could be the seats are mounted close and high,
Ride quality I find superb even on rutted pothole filled roads, with old school wheel sizes and taller profile tyres. Could that be a fix on your 7? Smaller rims and more rubber?
You'll certainly find it a less compromising car to live with with more room and weather protection but it depends on what you want out of a toy car. Handling won't likely be as close to a 7
Ride quality I find superb even on rutted pothole filled roads, with old school wheel sizes and taller profile tyres. Could that be a fix on your 7? Smaller rims and more rubber?
You'll certainly find it a less compromising car to live with with more room and weather protection but it depends on what you want out of a toy car. Handling won't likely be as close to a 7
I know it won’t match the 7 for handling, for sure.
I currently have a huge bee in my bonnet about ride quality, and the 7 is not great in the dept.
I considered a small hot rod, or 34 Plymouth ish, but I know that’ll never handle well.
Overall speed isn’t important, but who doesn’t love a V8?
I currently have a huge bee in my bonnet about ride quality, and the 7 is not great in the dept.
I considered a small hot rod, or 34 Plymouth ish, but I know that’ll never handle well.
Overall speed isn’t important, but who doesn’t love a V8?
Obviously no comparison handling wise, the Tvr is more of a relaxed tourer where you can enjoy the noise.
400 performance is enough for our roads in reality but if your the type that likes to race people then a well driven 320d will show you a clean pair of heels.(slight exaggeration but you get the picture)
Care must be taken particularly in cold damp conditions, most cars by now would benefit from a suspension refresh and good geometry setting.
Performance tyres are almost non existent for the standard tyre sizes, check the ones on the car are not too old and in need of replacement.
All in all they are fantastic cars that really get under your skin, sure they have their faults but when these are rectified you should experience very little trouble.
400 performance is enough for our roads in reality but if your the type that likes to race people then a well driven 320d will show you a clean pair of heels.(slight exaggeration but you get the picture)
Care must be taken particularly in cold damp conditions, most cars by now would benefit from a suspension refresh and good geometry setting.
Performance tyres are almost non existent for the standard tyre sizes, check the ones on the car are not too old and in need of replacement.
All in all they are fantastic cars that really get under your skin, sure they have their faults but when these are rectified you should experience very little trouble.
The handling can be improved. Set up can be tweaked. A poorly balanced one will however weave about in the lorry lines on the motorway if you are not paying attention....
The noise is just sublime...... The burble along, and if you go through a tunnel and put your foot down, you can scare other cars....
It should be a lot more comfy than your Caterham and a little more refined. I would say drive a couple, take it from there.
The noise is just sublime...... The burble along, and if you go through a tunnel and put your foot down, you can scare other cars....
It should be a lot more comfy than your Caterham and a little more refined. I would say drive a couple, take it from there.
I had a 2000 reg silver Chimaera from 2013-17 that had black leather. Magnolia does seem to be far away the commonest, I expect other colours were an 'extra.'
The 400 is by far the commonest and for its time, fast and powerful (0-60 in just over 5s, 240 bhp but that's a bit of a fib, more like 220 if in fine fettle
), but not by modern, turbo standards. At only 1050 kg, they are very light compared to modern beasts.
The 400 is by far the commonest and for its time, fast and powerful (0-60 in just over 5s, 240 bhp but that's a bit of a fib, more like 220 if in fine fettle
), but not by modern, turbo standards. At only 1050 kg, they are very light compared to modern beasts.Some people choose to dye the interiors, there are some good products around.
There are lots of previous discussions on the engines on here but the 450 is seen as the sweet spot by most, the 400 is ok but maybe a bit underpowered for some.
The 500 steps it up a notch again but isnt without its problems due to the way it was built but these issues are few and far between tbh.
The other one the 430 is very rare but some say its the best engine of the lot.
There are lots of previous discussions on the engines on here but the 450 is seen as the sweet spot by most, the 400 is ok but maybe a bit underpowered for some.
The 500 steps it up a notch again but isnt without its problems due to the way it was built but these issues are few and far between tbh.
The other one the 430 is very rare but some say its the best engine of the lot.
Turn7 said:
Thanks chaps….
Did they ever use black or dark leather ? Some of the magnolia interiors look very worn in the pics…
Can’t imagine that would be a cheap refurb either.
What’s the pick of the engines ? 400?
I have seen the odd black leather one but honestly prefer a lighter interior, contrasting with a matching carpet sets them off nicely IMHO. Some good restoration work can be done on the leather to bring it back to life a bit.. You can do it yourself with kits too, a fair few sets out there.Did they ever use black or dark leather ? Some of the magnolia interiors look very worn in the pics…
Can’t imagine that would be a cheap refurb either.
What’s the pick of the engines ? 400?
The 4 is the most common. The 5 has the most torque. The question is what do you really want? The 4 is around 5 seconds to 60, not too slow really but do you want faster?? THe 4.5 is a reasonable compromise. The 5 pulls incredibly in all gears.... But it really does not feel like it is faster, until you look in the rear view mirror..........
To me you check the outriggers and I always would look at the velcro on the hood and the rear screen.. The last couple I have bought I have had them taken to somewhere like Top Cats racing and asked them to inspect it.
Turn7 said:
I’m toying with the idea of a Chimp….
I enjoy my 7 a lot, but it is possibly a compromise to far on todays potholed roads….
Budget 10-15k
V8 and TVR would be a nice itch to scratch before the end of pleasure motoring.
So, a few initial questions….
I’m 6’4 and no racing snake - I fit my SV fine, don’t know about the TVR.
What are the pure myths and the absolute realities of running one ?
It would be a fun car only, probably 3-4k miles annually.
Reliability/ handling ?
I’m sure these are centuries old questions to you guys, but I’m interested in the reality of owning one in today’s world.
I’m based not far from Milton Keynes, is there a good specialist locally ?
Hi, Your nearest specialist would be James Agger Autosport Ltd up in Leicestershire. I enjoy my 7 a lot, but it is possibly a compromise to far on todays potholed roads….
Budget 10-15k
V8 and TVR would be a nice itch to scratch before the end of pleasure motoring.
So, a few initial questions….
I’m 6’4 and no racing snake - I fit my SV fine, don’t know about the TVR.
What are the pure myths and the absolute realities of running one ?
It would be a fun car only, probably 3-4k miles annually.
Reliability/ handling ?
I’m sure these are centuries old questions to you guys, but I’m interested in the reality of owning one in today’s world.
I’m based not far from Milton Keynes, is there a good specialist locally ?
The can be very relaible if maintained well, though some of the cars electrics are now starting to tell - perhaps the outside elements are affecting them.
They are reasnobly comfortable with the standard Bilstein Suspension fitted.
The 450 Chimaera is probably the most user friendly.
A 500's cooling system is on the edge of not coping, well it is in a Griff 500 on a very hot day!
Brakes are good enough for road use at realistic speeds.
Can be very noisy with sports exhaust ystems fitted, which might well upset any near by Neighbours or give you a headache on long journeys.
Irespective of all of the above, they are a car that deserved to be used and enjoyed.
Chassis is the main concern really but there are things that are nice to have had done.
Alarm/Immobiliser upgrade
Fuel hoses replaced
Suspension refresh inc bushes
Good tyres
Camshaft replacement (not priority but they do wear quickly)
Engine electrics can age, the ignition components get a very hard life. Sadly high quality spares are not available which is why a lot of people fit aftermarket management systems and fully modernise.
If you read through various other threads there are a lot of rough running issues etc so if you could find one with aftermarket management its a huge bonus.
Alarm/Immobiliser upgrade
Fuel hoses replaced
Suspension refresh inc bushes
Good tyres
Camshaft replacement (not priority but they do wear quickly)
Engine electrics can age, the ignition components get a very hard life. Sadly high quality spares are not available which is why a lot of people fit aftermarket management systems and fully modernise.
If you read through various other threads there are a lot of rough running issues etc so if you could find one with aftermarket management its a huge bonus.
Belle427 said:
Chassis is the main concern really but there are things that are nice to have had done.
Alarm/Immobiliser upgrade
Fuel hoses replaced
Suspension refresh inc bushes
Good tyres
Camshaft replacement (not priority but they do wear quickly)
Engine electrics can age, the ignition components get a very hard life. Sadly high quality spares are not available which is why a lot of people fit aftermarket management systems and fully modernise.
If you read through various other threads there are a lot of rough running issues etc so if you could find one with aftermarket management its a huge bonus.
And also a running cooling system. If the seller is asking you to not let the car running when stopped, this is not good (I'm speaking from experience Alarm/Immobiliser upgrade
Fuel hoses replaced
Suspension refresh inc bushes
Good tyres
Camshaft replacement (not priority but they do wear quickly)
Engine electrics can age, the ignition components get a very hard life. Sadly high quality spares are not available which is why a lot of people fit aftermarket management systems and fully modernise.
If you read through various other threads there are a lot of rough running issues etc so if you could find one with aftermarket management its a huge bonus.
). This is basic but this can ruin the experience, no leaks, clean radiator and working fans. Then the car should not overheat (except maybe climbing a mountain pass in August behind a campervan but still without boiling).The chaps answering here have great understanding and experience so I won’t top it, but if you can find a car that’s had a body off restoration it is likely that other bigger jobs will have been looked at.
I have a 400 that has all of the above done by the previous owner, though I still had to replace the clutch and brake hydraulics as they came to the end of their time in my hands. A pain but not impossible.
I also had to chase a few leaks away, but inexpensive to deal with.
Then I’ve been on a mixture of elected upgrades and some things that just needed attention - mostly electrical.
I would love to swap out the engine management but that’s a big price tag, so if you see one that’s been done ideally by a reputable company or a DIYer who knows their stuff, it’s a plus point.
Despite my wife’s grumbles, I love it, and that sound is incomparable in my book.
Yes, I’m not as fast as plenty of other cars now, but it’s so much more interesting to drive and own.
I have a 400 that has all of the above done by the previous owner, though I still had to replace the clutch and brake hydraulics as they came to the end of their time in my hands. A pain but not impossible.
I also had to chase a few leaks away, but inexpensive to deal with.
Then I’ve been on a mixture of elected upgrades and some things that just needed attention - mostly electrical.
I would love to swap out the engine management but that’s a big price tag, so if you see one that’s been done ideally by a reputable company or a DIYer who knows their stuff, it’s a plus point.
Despite my wife’s grumbles, I love it, and that sound is incomparable in my book.
Yes, I’m not as fast as plenty of other cars now, but it’s so much more interesting to drive and own.
If your reasonably confident with electrics you can do a Megasquirt conversion yourself, a custom made loom is available to save time too which means not having to reuse old connectors etc.
Costs around £1000 for the Megasquirt kit and your old 14cux stuff should sell for £500 ish so it becomes a bit of a no brainer really.
The Megasquirt will come with a base map to get you started and you can autotune it on the move, final rolling road tuning is recommended to check it.
A very interesting project and some extra ponies too.
http://www.extraefi.co.uk/products/RV8_kits.html
Costs around £1000 for the Megasquirt kit and your old 14cux stuff should sell for £500 ish so it becomes a bit of a no brainer really.
The Megasquirt will come with a base map to get you started and you can autotune it on the move, final rolling road tuning is recommended to check it.
A very interesting project and some extra ponies too.
http://www.extraefi.co.uk/products/RV8_kits.html
That ECU package looks good value.
Factor in new power cables from battery etc.
What engines in your 7.
Such different cars the advice must be to try a few Tvr out.
At 6’4 it’s touch and go wether you’d be comfortable or not though you can change seats and indeed you can lower the existing seats by about an inch by removing the blocks Tvr used to mount them to the runners.
Factor in new power cables from battery etc.
What engines in your 7.
Such different cars the advice must be to try a few Tvr out.
At 6’4 it’s touch and go wether you’d be comfortable or not though you can change seats and indeed you can lower the existing seats by about an inch by removing the blocks Tvr used to mount them to the runners.
comparing a seven-ish (kit-)car with a TVR is a bit difficult...as i do all spannering myselves here my opinion:
say goodbye to easy access to all components
say goodbye to easy and realxed spannering
say goodbye to have a lot of space during spannering around your car (talking about the typical tight standard garage)
say Hello to many electric-components and gremlins.
say Hello to a torquey V8, instead a high reving 4cylinder
say Hello to higher maintenance and running-costs.
so now its up to you to decide.....
say goodbye to easy access to all components
say goodbye to easy and realxed spannering
say goodbye to have a lot of space during spannering around your car (talking about the typical tight standard garage)
say Hello to many electric-components and gremlins.
say Hello to a torquey V8, instead a high reving 4cylinder
say Hello to higher maintenance and running-costs.
so now its up to you to decide.....
Classic Chim said:
That ECU package looks good value.
Factor in new power cables from battery etc.
What engines in your 7.
Such different cars the advice must be to try a few Tvr out.
At 6’4 it’s touch and go wether you’d be comfortable or not though you can change seats and indeed you can lower the existing seats by about an inch by removing the blocks Tvr used to mount them to the runners.
Ford Sigma with Caterham 150 kit, rolling road proven 150hpFactor in new power cables from battery etc.
What engines in your 7.
Such different cars the advice must be to try a few Tvr out.
At 6’4 it’s touch and go wether you’d be comfortable or not though you can change seats and indeed you can lower the existing seats by about an inch by removing the blocks Tvr used to mount them to the runners.
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