tvr chimaera 5 litre, information please!
Discussion
There's some really nice info regarding the engines in my link below. Might not be exactly what you need but it's a good read in any case!
http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...
http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...
There are, as far as I'm aware, only two things that seem to happen to the 500 that don't seem to happen to the other capacity cars. First is that there have been instances of the crank snapping. I believe this has been put down to the modifications TVR made to the standard crank in order to get the required stroke to achieve 5 litres... However, whilst there are a number of instances of this, I don't think it could be termed as common, and the number of high mileage Griff's and Chim's out there that have never had this problem is testament to this. It certainly wouldn't stop me buying one 
(or more correctly another one)
The second thing that some 500's seem prone to (and mine was) is what sounds like a top end clatter when the engine revs drop from around 2K back to idle. Some say 'they all do that sir' and the general concensus seems to be that if you can live with it then do so because it's not doing any damage... The jury is out on cause, but one school of thought is that it's wear on the gudgeon pin/piston, again related to the longer stroke of the 5 litre engine.
Both of these issues have been well debated on here and a search should bring up the relevant threads..
In all other respects, as far as I'm aware, there's no mechanical issues with the 500 that you won't get with any of the other cars....
Just my own understanding, others may add more..
Hope this helps...
Chilli
(or more correctly another one)The second thing that some 500's seem prone to (and mine was) is what sounds like a top end clatter when the engine revs drop from around 2K back to idle. Some say 'they all do that sir' and the general concensus seems to be that if you can live with it then do so because it's not doing any damage... The jury is out on cause, but one school of thought is that it's wear on the gudgeon pin/piston, again related to the longer stroke of the 5 litre engine.
Both of these issues have been well debated on here and a search should bring up the relevant threads..
In all other respects, as far as I'm aware, there's no mechanical issues with the 500 that you won't get with any of the other cars....
Just my own understanding, others may add more..
Hope this helps...
Chilli
I have had my 500 for about six years now and love it to bits -- my only issues have been the slow speed snatch and the curse of the stepper motor. Switching to a Canems system seems to have sorted these and the only bit of icing left to put on the cake is to increase the plenum size (as others have already suggested) and possibly link that with some nice Act cf trumpets
str said:
I have had my 500 for about six years now and love it to bits -- my only issues have been the slow speed snatch and the curse of the stepper motor. Switching to a Canems system seems to have sorted these and the only bit of icing left to put on the cake is to increase the plenum size (as others have already suggested) and possibly link that with some nice Act cf trumpets
Try having a test, yours against a car with those. Straight line drag race. Make sure it makes enough difference to you to justify te expenditure. It's possible to spend a vast amount of money and only make single figure bhp improvements. The only thing missing here (as I can see); the original camshafts are a little more likely to flatten off early (low mileage) than the majority of the other capacity engines.
That said, a lot of others appear to suffer nearly as badly/quickly as the 5 litre cars.
I've had mine for 14+ years and wouldn't trade it for anything (or any other capacity).
That said, a lot of others appear to suffer nearly as badly/quickly as the 5 litre cars.
I've had mine for 14+ years and wouldn't trade it for anything (or any other capacity).
Argent said:
5.0ltr said:
On Chillis post re rattle returning to idle, my expert stated it was timing chain. Not quite TADTSir but he has replaced noisy ones and they still do it. Hth.
And of course not to forget hydraulic lifters on the overrun. 
due to preload not correct because of differing valve heights in the heads [in my humble experience] nothing to do with timing chains, they are only short in any case.cheers for all in the info.
its slightly higher mileage than average at 72k. which tbh kind of looks like a good thing as hopefully it means it has been used well and been reliable! I always think a car is better off being used regularly rather than very occasionally.
how much will mileage effect future values?
also what sort of money would you expect to pay for a good 98 chimaera with 70k on the clock? private/trade.
I just need to work out if the difference in price in this one and a good one ready to enjoy is enough to make this worthwhile for me?
many thanks
its slightly higher mileage than average at 72k. which tbh kind of looks like a good thing as hopefully it means it has been used well and been reliable! I always think a car is better off being used regularly rather than very occasionally.
how much will mileage effect future values?
also what sort of money would you expect to pay for a good 98 chimaera with 70k on the clock? private/trade.
I just need to work out if the difference in price in this one and a good one ready to enjoy is enough to make this worthwhile for me?
many thanks
TVR Power list a complete cam kit for £480
http://www.tvrpower.co.uk/store/slug/v8-camshaft-o...
Similarly, they list a complete clutch kit for £456
http://www.tvrpower.co.uk/store/search/Clutch/
http://www.tvrpower.co.uk/store/slug/v8-camshaft-o...
Similarly, they list a complete clutch kit for £456
http://www.tvrpower.co.uk/store/search/Clutch/
Gassing Station | Chimaera | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff