Discussion
How could I forget about that point!!!!!
IMHO if you are into turning heads, then it's got to be a pre cat 4.0 or 4.3, the 4.0 will probably be the cheaper option, which will leave you a few bob to work in a few improvements, like HC heads.
Re the torque, i had mine chipped and the difference was out of this world, no more bouncing off the rev limiter on track days, and shed loads more mid range torque.
The only downside, again IMHO, is that some owners do look down their SAD noses at you, because of the age of the car
IMHO if you are into turning heads, then it's got to be a pre cat 4.0 or 4.3, the 4.0 will probably be the cheaper option, which will leave you a few bob to work in a few improvements, like HC heads.
Re the torque, i had mine chipped and the difference was out of this world, no more bouncing off the rev limiter on track days, and shed loads more mid range torque.
The only downside, again IMHO, is that some owners do look down their SAD noses at you, because of the age of the car
k77-widow maker said:
The only downside, again IMHO, is that some owners do look down their SAD noses at you, because of the age of the car
hey, age with styling and desirability is what makes a good classic. the age should not be important.
If i could have found a good 4.3 i would have purchased one just for the better noise.
lets face it they are all quick cars unless totaly out of tune.
quick cars they are indeed..funny thing was mine got takenm by the AA upo to Offord the other week, (fascist Bastard's @ the AA btw) and they were convinced that mine was a 4.3 until they looked under the bonnet
there is though without doubt snobbery among the owners, to the extent that a tuscan owner @ snetterton was convinced that he was quicker than me, even though i caught him up over a very few number of corners, after which he would not let me past
there is though without doubt snobbery among the owners, to the extent that a tuscan owner @ snetterton was convinced that he was quicker than me, even though i caught him up over a very few number of corners, after which he would not let me past
k77,
some people just hog the line!!! but what can you do can't exactly boom em off karting fashion???
i have not come across these people yet but as you can see by my profile, i am a total newbie.
I must say that a couple of people in a Tuscan could not wave hard enough at me the other week.
I thought their hands were going to come off.!!
I have noticed some ribbing by some members about the 4.0/4.3/5.0 divide but what the hell, we all park it up with a smile on our faces
some people just hog the line!!! but what can you do can't exactly boom em off karting fashion???
i have not come across these people yet but as you can see by my profile, i am a total newbie.
I must say that a couple of people in a Tuscan could not wave hard enough at me the other week.
I thought their hands were going to come off.!!
I have noticed some ribbing by some members about the 4.0/4.3/5.0 divide but what the hell, we all park it up with a smile on our faces
my take is that if it was not for the 4.0's then there would probably not be the following there is!!
The Griff SAVED TVR!!!
and there is no better noise maker than a pre cat...ask my neighbours!
many moons ago i worked on "systems" for the navy ...hence "widow maker" and i was once quoted as saying "can a pre cat get down a tube of a upholder" those in the know, will know what i mean!!!
I have heard a rumour that the Canadians were trying to buy a job lot from Blackpool ;-)
The Griff SAVED TVR!!!
and there is no better noise maker than a pre cat...ask my neighbours!
many moons ago i worked on "systems" for the navy ...hence "widow maker" and i was once quoted as saying "can a pre cat get down a tube of a upholder" those in the know, will know what i mean!!!
I have heard a rumour that the Canadians were trying to buy a job lot from Blackpool ;-)
All the ribbing between 4/4.3/5 litre owners is good natured. They are all different cars though, particularly the 5 litre. Personally I find them (500s) too torquey; I prefer the more progressive and revvier power of the pre-cats - but that's just me and may well be entirely down to the cars I drove.
On a straight choice between a 4 and 4.3 I'd go for a 4.3 - because then you'll never wonder what if? The insurance will be the same (probably for a 500 as well), although you might find serious repairs/replacement to a 4 litre lump cheaper (standard LR crank?). In the back of my mind I seem to remember some difference in the timing gears between 4 and 4.3, but I can't remember. Nobody seems to have particular problems with either 4.x over the other.
If a pre cat is your bag, buy on condition and spec, don't worry about the engine.
On a straight choice between a 4 and 4.3 I'd go for a 4.3 - because then you'll never wonder what if? The insurance will be the same (probably for a 500 as well), although you might find serious repairs/replacement to a 4 litre lump cheaper (standard LR crank?). In the back of my mind I seem to remember some difference in the timing gears between 4 and 4.3, but I can't remember. Nobody seems to have particular problems with either 4.x over the other.
If a pre cat is your bag, buy on condition and spec, don't worry about the engine.
I didn't like the lumpiness of the 500 at low revs in traffic.... as seeing as I want my generally for posing around the village I optted for the 4.3 ... looks n noise and as much power as I need....
Made it a lot louder now with sports pipe conversion.... it doesn't have that suble V* byrble anymore... a lot more aggressive
Made it a lot louder now with sports pipe conversion.... it doesn't have that suble V* byrble anymore... a lot more aggressive
Gassing Station | Griffith | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff