Griff 500 HC, what is it?
Discussion
I thought so, but a lot are advertised as HC's.....
The other question, well going to see again on Wed. Its a nice car but cannot get any outside info on it, and its been for sale since last autumn which always makes me a bit suspicious. From all that, I guess theres a more than 50% chance!
The other question, well going to see again on Wed. Its a nice car but cannot get any outside info on it, and its been for sale since last autumn which always makes me a bit suspicious. From all that, I guess theres a more than 50% chance!
As A900ss says, all 500's are High lift Cams (HC), but the standard Chimaera 400 was not an HC. I recall reading on here in the past that the HC was highlighted on the plenum badge for engines earmarked for the Chimaera in order to make the distinction between the variants.
The reason for seeing the 500HC badge on a Griffth maybe a sales thing, maybe some of the Chimaera engines found their way into Griffs or maybe they just ran out of ordinary 500 plenum badges, guess we'll never know?
The reason for seeing the 500HC badge on a Griffth maybe a sales thing, maybe some of the Chimaera engines found their way into Griffs or maybe they just ran out of ordinary 500 plenum badges, guess we'll never know?
I tend to agree that HC is likely to mean high compression!
In response to other posts, I'm not aware of any HC badging on the cars, its just how they are described in ads.
Overall it sounds to me that the use of HC is purely informal, and has no practical relevance. OK there may be something stamped onto the engine saying HC but it appears that was in connection with the Chim.
In response to other posts, I'm not aware of any HC badging on the cars, its just how they are described in ads.
Overall it sounds to me that the use of HC is purely informal, and has no practical relevance. OK there may be something stamped onto the engine saying HC but it appears that was in connection with the Chim.
HC stands for high lift cam, all Griff 500's were HC.... and as these cars are now getting on a bit, and and many like mine have had the original camshaft replaced by now, its possibly not relevent if its a HC or not ...... but its deff not high compression.
Edited by rigga on Wednesday 17th April 02:52
Hi folks,
My understanding of the 500HC, was that it related to the Early 500,s (1993-1996, pre SERPENTINE models with 340bhp). The later models 1997 on, were de-tuned (325ish bhp)and had the final drive ratio changed to try and reduce the low-speed shunting!
There again my understanding may be totally incorrect.
My understanding of the 500HC, was that it related to the Early 500,s (1993-1996, pre SERPENTINE models with 340bhp). The later models 1997 on, were de-tuned (325ish bhp)and had the final drive ratio changed to try and reduce the low-speed shunting!
There again my understanding may be totally incorrect.
Alex, get Neil Garner or his sales person to explain the technicalities. Concentrate on the condition of the chassis, bodywork, interior, etc. Then test drive and check for misfires, stalling, smooth idle, engine noise and that all electrics and instruments work correctly. Don't get distracted by the noise and driving sensation. Coming from an AC you'll know a bit about that anyway.
citizen smith said:
Hi folks,
My understanding of the 500HC, was that it related to the Early 500,s (1993-1996, pre SERPENTINE models with 340bhp). The later models 1997 on, were de-tuned (325ish bhp)and had the final drive ratio changed to try and reduce the low-speed shunting!
There again my understanding may be totally incorrect.
Mine was a 1995 500 HC Serp. My understanding of the 500HC, was that it related to the Early 500,s (1993-1996, pre SERPENTINE models with 340bhp). The later models 1997 on, were de-tuned (325ish bhp)and had the final drive ratio changed to try and reduce the low-speed shunting!
There again my understanding may be totally incorrect.
Edited by mikial on Wednesday 17th April 10:03
Pre serp has a conventional v grooved fan belt and tend to be engines 1995(ish) and earlier. the serp has a large winding grooved belt about 3/4 inch wide and abou 1.5m long which goes ove rthe alternator, wate rpumps plus a couple other belts.
So if you buy a 1997 car or later it will be a serp engine, or should be, but depends on what TVR had knocking about so there are no 100% guarantees.
FFG
So if you buy a 1997 car or later it will be a serp engine, or should be, but depends on what TVR had knocking about so there are no 100% guarantees.
FFG
As others have said I wouldn't worry about HC or not. If the rest of the car is right then the engine will be and any perceived differences are non existent on the road anyway - especially after 15 years. Get a good one. Nothing else will matter if you do.
I seem to recall that there is a quick way to tell serp and pre-serp by the position of the expansion tank in the engine bay - is that true or my terrible memory (I had a '95 and still cant remember!)
I seem to recall that there is a quick way to tell serp and pre-serp by the position of the expansion tank in the engine bay - is that true or my terrible memory (I had a '95 and still cant remember!)
I have a '96 HC serp and a '99 serp without an HC designation. There are no visible differences between the two apart from the HC badge on the plenum cover.
The two engines behave similarly and I can detect little in the way of performance differences between the two. That said, I'm sure that if they were placed back to back on a RR one would be different to the other. But that would apply to any two 500's.
FFG's explanation of how the belts look is accurate. As the name suggests, the belt is serpentine and meanders in a snake-like fashion around various pulleys. As soon as you see one you'll understand.
As other posts state, the most important thing is to identify one in A1 condition. Go along to your local meeting and talk to people. They'll point out the things to look for. Get a good one and you'll have no regrets.
David
The two engines behave similarly and I can detect little in the way of performance differences between the two. That said, I'm sure that if they were placed back to back on a RR one would be different to the other. But that would apply to any two 500's.
FFG's explanation of how the belts look is accurate. As the name suggests, the belt is serpentine and meanders in a snake-like fashion around various pulleys. As soon as you see one you'll understand.
As other posts state, the most important thing is to identify one in A1 condition. Go along to your local meeting and talk to people. They'll point out the things to look for. Get a good one and you'll have no regrets.
David
citizen smith said:
My understanding of the 500HC, was that it related to the Early 500,s (1993-1996, pre SERPENTINE models with 340bhp)... There again my understanding may be totally incorrect.
A little - there was a short time when Serpentine cars were still 340hp. 1997. Cos I have one As said, HC is just letters; ignore it.
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