Discussion
Getting to that stage when the purchase of a TVR is becoming more and more inevitable. I've taken the advice that the wise have offered and been looking at as many Chim's as possible. Went for a test drive in a 5L last week 
couldn't wipe the smile off my face for the rest of the weekend. Anyway, looking around, and I can see many 94/95 Chims up for sale, all around the 12-14K mark. I'm not sure what to go for
. I understand there are differences, not just cosmetic, but with the engines and Gear box (Borg warner box and Serpentine engines - I have been doing my homework - Honest). Can anyone offer any advice?
Also, I've spoken briefly to Rob Ingleby who was very helpful.
couldn't wipe the smile off my face for the rest of the weekend. Anyway, looking around, and I can see many 94/95 Chims up for sale, all around the 12-14K mark. I'm not sure what to go for. I understand there are differences, not just cosmetic, but with the engines and Gear box (Borg warner box and Serpentine engines - I have been doing my homework - Honest). Can anyone offer any advice? Also, I've spoken briefly to Rob Ingleby who was very helpful.
Depends what your expectations are!!
I did everything wrong and bought the first one I saw at David Geralds. I've been lucky and its been great, but then I do quite a bit of tinkering with it myself.
Mine is a 93, with an SD1 box and a pre-serp engine. I find the box is fine, bit grumbly about reverse, and the engine is also fine.
Other differences? (someone like Steve H will give you chapter and verse!) but mine has the door opening knob , gearstick and handbrake in the same 'hole' in the trim (no great difference to anything!). It has an older style dashboard (pain if you want to replace it - but you would preferentially refurb. anyway). It has locks on the door, but an aftermarket alarm / immobiliser than removes the need for a key. Has a front loading battery (easier by all accounts - although no tidier).
There's a few combinations of things like brakes, differentials etc. but these are unlikely in themselves to materially affect the handling or feel of the car. The condition it has been kept / looked after is far more important!
I did everything wrong and bought the first one I saw at David Geralds. I've been lucky and its been great, but then I do quite a bit of tinkering with it myself.
Mine is a 93, with an SD1 box and a pre-serp engine. I find the box is fine, bit grumbly about reverse, and the engine is also fine.
Other differences? (someone like Steve H will give you chapter and verse!) but mine has the door opening knob , gearstick and handbrake in the same 'hole' in the trim (no great difference to anything!). It has an older style dashboard (pain if you want to replace it - but you would preferentially refurb. anyway). It has locks on the door, but an aftermarket alarm / immobiliser than removes the need for a key. Has a front loading battery (easier by all accounts - although no tidier).
There's a few combinations of things like brakes, differentials etc. but these are unlikely in themselves to materially affect the handling or feel of the car. The condition it has been kept / looked after is far more important!
banjo - in hindsight, all things being equal, I think I personally would be after a post-97 chassis as a priority. Remember that the post 97 cars shared the full griffy chassis after that date & thus gives you better mounting for a rollbar should you so require... plus of course all the other internal/external updates of the mk II chim. Seriously, tho - I'd be looking at the chassis condition before the car, but then maybe that's just me... good luck! T
Getting to that stage when the purchase of a TVR is becoming more and more inevitable. I've taken the advice that the wise have offered and been looking at as many Chim's as possible. Went for a test drive in a 5L last week
Also, I've spoken briefly to Rob Ingleby who was very helpful.
Go for the latest you can afford. TVR learning curve is usually about three years which means that if you buy a 97/98 model the problems should have been ironed
out. Good luck!
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