New to TVR. What do I want to buy?
Discussion
Currently have a 300BHP Saab 900 turbo and a 220BHP Saab 99 turbo. Both obviously tuned!
Right, I want to buy a TVR which are scarce in Northern Ireland and I need some advice. I like my cars to be quick and I don't like them to be standard. I'm looking at a Chim 500 or a Cerb 450 because they've the most power. Some of what I read indicates that the 420bhp for the Cerb isn't accurate and it's more like 350bhp which is close to the Chim power. Tell me, which is quicker? Which is the better engine?
With regards to engine tuning, if I wanted about 400BHP, could I get this with either engine? I know there's alot of stuff around for the Rover V8, what about the AJP V8?
Cheers in advance.
Right, I want to buy a TVR which are scarce in Northern Ireland and I need some advice. I like my cars to be quick and I don't like them to be standard. I'm looking at a Chim 500 or a Cerb 450 because they've the most power. Some of what I read indicates that the 420bhp for the Cerb isn't accurate and it's more like 350bhp which is close to the Chim power. Tell me, which is quicker? Which is the better engine?
With regards to engine tuning, if I wanted about 400BHP, could I get this with either engine? I know there's alot of stuff around for the Rover V8, what about the AJP V8?
Cheers in advance.
Depends on what you want. Chimera is a bit softer in concept, while Cebrera is more hardcore. If you are an open air lover, there is no question anyway. I like the Cerbs better, because of the sleek line , low, long, threatening....I would, however, prefer a 4.2 Cerb. Up to 120 miles, you dont feel much of a diference to the 4.5, they are more reliable and are a bit rougher around the edges for the utmost sportscar feel. Even though, coming from a SAAB (nothing against SAAB) all TVRs might feel VERY rough around the edges...
The power statement sare always on ther optimistic side, but can be improved by a good tuning. The discrepancy seems to be bigger with the 4.5 than the 4.2.
>> Edited by Lutz on Saturday 10th July 07:33
The power statement sare always on ther optimistic side, but can be improved by a good tuning. The discrepancy seems to be bigger with the 4.5 than the 4.2.
>> Edited by Lutz on Saturday 10th July 07:33
Erm, I can tell you from experience that a classic Saab 99/900 Turbo tuned to this extent is not exactly the last word in 'refinement' either. Mine sounds uncannily like an S6 on idle (which in turn is much like a giant superbike at standstill, a bit like idling 'low' and uneven when it isn't), like an AJP (roaaaaarr!) at full chat, is just about as loud and always feels a bit awkward when going slowly. Not that there's something obviously wrong when you're pootling along, it just feels so much more 'right' on open throttle...
That's why, despite being drawn to the Cerbie, I think I will like an RV8 engined Tiv, which are simply glorious going slowly though villages with the top off. better to go with the Saab...
>> Edited by 900T-R on Saturday 10th July 14:19
That's why, despite being drawn to the Cerbie, I think I will like an RV8 engined Tiv, which are simply glorious going slowly though villages with the top off. better to go with the Saab...
>> Edited by 900T-R on Saturday 10th July 14:19
900T-R said:
Looking at the classifieds, that seems to be the going rate for a 2002ish Tam...
That's really dealership money isn't it? Dream Machines have two at £30k and one at £29k right now, all are under 10k on the clock. Private deals must be edging much closer to £25k?
>> Edited by julianhj on Saturday 10th July 18:34
markmccrea said:
I'm looking at a Chim 500 or a Cerb 450 because they've the most power. Some of what I read indicates that the 420bhp for the Cerb isn't accurate and it's more like 350bhp which is close to the Chim power. Tell me, which is quicker? Which is the better engine?
The Rover V8 cars (Griff and Chimp) are very over-quoted for bhp. IIRC a 5.0 version of either, rated at 320/340bhp is more like 280bhp in reality. In contrast the AJP-engined cerb 4.5 is likely to be closer to its quoted figure, though how close depends on the particular car.
But you have to get away from bhp-land. What's also important is that TVRs are lighter than most cars and have terrific torque - that's what gets you down the strip and sees you accelerating when most cars give up. (It's also why you can crash!)
If the option of convertible or hard top isn't important, then the Cerb 4.5 is the faster car. And I won't try to sell you a Tamora because that wasn't in the question!
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