Driving Taraka 500 Demonstrator...
Discussion
swissgriff500 said:
You can always talk to Jamie / Dom (TVR Power).
Well, yes, I could. But I'd rather see some figures published. Besides, I wouldn't want to waste their time since I'm not currently in the financial position to commit the best part of £3k on my Chimaera at present (unfortunately).
>> Edited by JonRB on Monday 4th October 20:55
I think part of the reason for no quoted power figures is the variability of the original engines' power and torque. There are also a couple of options available which can further increase power (slightly).
James and Dom at TVR Power seemed to think that 300bhp from an original engine was typical, so the Tarakas will have about 330-340bhp.
My car currently is a bit down on power so the gains will be even more obvious on mine.
James and Dom at TVR Power seemed to think that 300bhp from an original engine was typical, so the Tarakas will have about 330-340bhp.
My car currently is a bit down on power so the gains will be even more obvious on mine.
Jon,
I'll bring the Chim over when I see you next and you can compare and contrast standard and Mark Adams style power delivery.
I'd also say that 300HP would be an absolute corker of a standard engine. I've not heard of many cars around this level without a fair bit of work.
Cheers,
Steve.
I'll bring the Chim over when I see you next and you can compare and contrast standard and Mark Adams style power delivery.
I'd also say that 300HP would be an absolute corker of a standard engine. I've not heard of many cars around this level without a fair bit of work.
Cheers,
Steve.
stackmonkey said:
James and Dom at TVR Power seemed to think that 300bhp from an original engine was typical, so the Tarakas will have about 330-340bhp.
I'll second that 300bhp from a standard 5.0 would be very good indeed! Without going into the differences in rolling roads etc etc, I've been told that the typical output figures are more like 260-270bhp. I think any Griff/Chim with a GENUINE 340bhp will go like an absolute rocket!
Have had the Taraka in mine since June -- after a bit of rough running as it settled in (hates traffic -- I think the phrase is drive train shunt) it does go fast -- and drinks a lot more fuel.
Hope to get down to some ones rolling road to find what the answer is to the question, but it does break traction quite a lot now where it wasn't happening (new tyres on as well at the same time).
Would I do it again? ... Yes, its like the 4l v 5l debate of yore -- you won't miss it if a) you never try it b) don't press the 'hoon' button under your right foot.
If you do either you will spend the extra, and get some new brakes as well -- which will lead you onto suspension changes ...
Hope to get down to some ones rolling road to find what the answer is to the question, but it does break traction quite a lot now where it wasn't happening (new tyres on as well at the same time).
Would I do it again? ... Yes, its like the 4l v 5l debate of yore -- you won't miss it if a) you never try it b) don't press the 'hoon' button under your right foot.
If you do either you will spend the extra, and get some new brakes as well -- which will lead you onto suspension changes ...
[quote=SXS ]Is it a reliable setup though? anyone been using their Taraka'd mistress at the track on a regular basis?[/quote]
I saw a taraka'd (number002)griff go bang at Rockingham recently.
Having said that, it qualified on pole and was leading(a 5lt tuscan racer & a couple of griffs; one 4.6, one 5 lt carb) at the time the engine let go.
I saw a taraka'd (number002)griff go bang at Rockingham recently.
Having said that, it qualified on pole and was leading(a 5lt tuscan racer & a couple of griffs; one 4.6, one 5 lt carb) at the time the engine let go.
paddym said:
Have had the Taraka in mine since June -- after a bit of rough running as it settled in (hates traffic -- I think the phrase is drive train shunt) it does go fast -- and drinks a lot more fuel.
Hope to get down to some ones rolling road to find what the answer is to the question, but it does break traction quite a lot now where it wasn't happening (new tyres on as well at the same time).
Would I do it again? ... Yes, its like the 4l v 5l debate of yore -- you won't miss it if a) you never try it b) don't press the 'hoon' button under your right foot.
If you do either you will spend the extra, and get some new brakes as well -- which will lead you onto suspension changes ...
Exactly the same for me with the following differences. Is very smooth in town with less embuggerances
griffdude said:
Is it a reliable setup though? anyone been using their Taraka'd mistress at the track on a regular basis?
I saw a taraka'd (number002)griff go bang at Rockingham recently.
Having said that, it qualified on pole and was leading(a 5lt tuscan racer & a couple of griffs; one 4.6, one 5 lt carb) at the time the engine let go.
Hmmm, I'd be worried! Because just engine mods that bang out more horses mean your engine is working way harder than it was designed for and even though the taraka upgrade sorts a few things here and there out - its still not enough to make sure the engines lifespan doesnt suddenly drop - most people that own griffs and chims - would I'm sure prefer longevity than a moment of umph... right?
slikk said:
Having just had my 4 litre "breathed upon", a dyno shows 250 bhp at the rear wheels with much improved manners. This for under 2k. Pays ya money etc.. .. ..
Where was that measured? On most roads that would represent 30-40% more than a stock 4.0 so you must be very pleased indeed for that price!
You clearly don't understand people who drive Griff's! But then again, what you got? A cerbera? I can understand why reliability is on your mind! 
Rich...Hmmm, ok then, if you want the engine to blow up after a thrilling moment of 'umph' then thats your choice... I was just trying to state that a longer lasting chim/griff is better than a few months of ownership and then bang , no?...
From what I know about the Rover V8 in the tivvers, they are already running near thier high load on current build spec... by taraka'ing it, I think there are other things that should also be taken into consideration which are not included in the taraka package...
, no?... From what I know about the Rover V8 in the tivvers, they are already running near thier high load on current build spec... by taraka'ing it, I think there are other things that should also be taken into consideration which are not included in the taraka package...
'Went bang' could mean any number of things -- so I don't think we can judge the upgrade on that.
On the point that the TVR version of the V8's is close to max (probably find it wasn't, just could be sold at the price required, or enough built without worsening the relaiabilty of TVR's generally), both Dom and Jamie at TVR Power did build and develop the V8's originally for TVR so know what 'slack' or space there was for improvement.
As for a moment of 'umpfh' against a lifetimes survival, I paraphase (OK steal) from Mae West '...to err is human, but it feels devine..'
On the point that the TVR version of the V8's is close to max (probably find it wasn't, just could be sold at the price required, or enough built without worsening the relaiabilty of TVR's generally), both Dom and Jamie at TVR Power did build and develop the V8's originally for TVR so know what 'slack' or space there was for improvement.
As for a moment of 'umpfh' against a lifetimes survival, I paraphase (OK steal) from Mae West '...to err is human, but it feels devine..'
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