My 1992 Griffith 400 (250)

[griffster]

where do you find your energy from??!

I couldnt reproduce your article let alone do all that work

time to put your feet up for a wee while?

[TR4man]

Can't believe that I've missed this thread, but just read it from the beginning. Talk about triumph over adversity, hopefully you can have some trouble free driving now.

[Moose v8]

Hi, Alan excellent read myself I have a pre cat Griff regarding exhaust manifolds used the Act manifold bolts 3\8 socket head lot easier to fit with Norlock washers.

[Moose v8]

A better photo

[jay-kay-em]

2021!

Nearly another two years, so thought I would do an update.

COVID changed everything without a doubt. A car with typically low use got even less use... and skipped an MoT due to the extension rules.

Back in the garage to cure the following faults...





Sidelamp Switch

This has always been on the blink since the purchase of the car! It is a "push-to-latch" switch that didn't always latch. It would normally need a couple of attempts to latch. I lived with this, as it was easier than replacement by a long way.

The problem escalated to a higher level of concern, because headlamp operation is daisy-chained off sidelamps first. I was driving home one night and hit only the slightest of small pot holes, and lost all headlights. It was a total brown pants moment.

That memorable event triggered the following activity...



It was the job I didn't want to do, but ended up doing it anyway.

My car has aluminium covers on the switches... may be 'Leven', but i'm not sure as I didn't buy them.

Here is the defective switch and the Leven (?) cover removed...



This is where the fun started; trying to find an original switch that will accommodate these very trims. Otherwise, you have to replace ALL the switches for uniformity.

Thankfully, Racetech Direct list a replacement. It is 99% accurate to the original...



Amazingly, the black cover (as supplied) lifts off, and my aluminium trim can replace it, with the smallest dab of adhesive...




Dashboard Illumination

Whilst i'm here...



Dashboard illumination has always been a joke, some bright, some dark. One bulb had actully fallen out and was doing a better job of illuminating the footwell

The bulbs actually use a rubbery green cap that pushes over the glass. Of course, these were aged and burnt off mostly.

On top of that, not all the bulbs are the same base cap, or wattage....

The capless bulbs are actually 3W, which is different from normal sidelamp capless (5W). With a bit of hunting on ebay, all available though.



Anyway, bulbs purchased with a green tint to restore some uniformity to my night-time driving.




Thermostat

A rare problem on here... reports of running too cold!

Slightly annoyed as the 'old' thermostat, in terms of miles, is virtually new. But I guess age and lack of use are the problem here.

New thermostat fitted - of standard 82'c type - obtained from Racing Green. I purchased this blind over the phone and was slightly gutted it didn't have a jiggle-pin.



Anyway, all fitted, and it was noticeably slower to fill coolant without that jiggle pin. To make sure I had coolant up top, I whipped out the temp sensor as a bleed point...



All good now, temperature gauge more 90'c and solid as a rock.


Ignition

Not a breakdown, not even a misfire, but just the smallest of 'flutters' the other day. Really spooked me. Could of been absolutely anything. However, no messing about, I immediately paid attention to two key items:


Coil; my old coil was anonymous with no manufacturer markings whatsoever. New Bosch coil ordered and fitted...



Ignition Module; I have always wondered the vintage of this...



I thought it would be welded to the dizzy with old paste, but after removal of the corroded screws, it simply fell off...



I also believe it to be dated 14th week of 1992 so it has done more than its fair share of duty.... the whole life of the car no less....



New ignition module kit from Racing Green with the conversion fly-lead....



...and the heat paste applied liberally....



No more 'hiccups' as yet. Who is to say what that was and i'm sure it's over cautious - but it can't be argued these two new items aren't for the best.


MoT 2021

I then took it for an MoT and the bu88er failed!

High CO..... my limit is 3.5% for a pre-cat 1992. I tipped the scales at 3.6% which is a total "computer-says-no" verdict by 0.1%!

Perhaps the stale petrol from COVID lockdown? Perhaps the new ignition module or coil affecting timing?

Anyway, I crafted an airflow meter adjustment tool...



Borrowed the MoT lane for ten mins - just a half turn at the AFM and CO fell to 2.7% which will do me just fine... better rich than lean...




Pastures New?

It has now been 7 years and it comes with a heavy heart that I might move on. I miss originality concours (yes, i'm a massive geek) and that is one thing missing with the TVR scene - originality. This is primarily because they have to be modified to survive!

I will never better that soundtrack or improve on those wheels.

I know most people reading this will already have a high maintenance, impractical, plastic toy car already... but it'll be for sale very soon.







Here's to a show season for 2021. I know my TVRCC event emails have started again.

All the best; JKM.