So what's the pit falls!
Discussion
If you had say 15k what sort of Cerbera are you likely to get!
What I really want to know is
Electrics what's the issues,
Engines how long do they last
Why are they so expensive to maintain.
Chassis top rail and outriggers I'm aware of,
If I buy a cheap one to rebuild what are the things I should look for.
I kind of want to spend a few years doing one up don't need to drive it yet but would love to do a nut and bolt job.
My Chimeara is relatively simple so pretty cheap to own
Is the Cerbera a total different ball game and if so why.
Thanks gentlemen
What I really want to know is
Electrics what's the issues,
Engines how long do they last
Why are they so expensive to maintain.
Chassis top rail and outriggers I'm aware of,
If I buy a cheap one to rebuild what are the things I should look for.
I kind of want to spend a few years doing one up don't need to drive it yet but would love to do a nut and bolt job.
My Chimeara is relatively simple so pretty cheap to own
Is the Cerbera a total different ball game and if so why.
Thanks gentlemen
Since you already own a Chim you know exactly what to expect regarding chassis issues (although perhaps the top rails are more vulnerable in the Cerb), the Cerb cabin will be more water resistant than a Chim. I presume the electrics will be about as reliable, with dodgy connectors on the light control boxes, but there's also the troublesome steering wheel ribbon cable, and the window micro-switches.
Why are the engines more expensive to maintain? I can only comment on the AJP8, which has a rather labour intensive setup, and no hydraulic tappets unlike the RV8. Also, the exhaust manifolds are very light indeed, and do tend to crack. I would imagine that if your Chim engine dies you would be able to swap it out quite quickly and cheaply, that is definitely not the case with an AJP8 (there just aren't very many of them). I doubt any AJP8 will do more than 100k without requiring a top end rebuild because of the intake valve issue. Had I known I would have replaced the valves when I took the heads off mine.
Your budget is in a different league to mine, but I bought mine nearly three years ago and there really aren't any cheap Cerbs around anymore. You could even get a car with a chassis refurb for that money.
Why are the engines more expensive to maintain? I can only comment on the AJP8, which has a rather labour intensive setup, and no hydraulic tappets unlike the RV8. Also, the exhaust manifolds are very light indeed, and do tend to crack. I would imagine that if your Chim engine dies you would be able to swap it out quite quickly and cheaply, that is definitely not the case with an AJP8 (there just aren't very many of them). I doubt any AJP8 will do more than 100k without requiring a top end rebuild because of the intake valve issue. Had I known I would have replaced the valves when I took the heads off mine.
Your budget is in a different league to mine, but I bought mine nearly three years ago and there really aren't any cheap Cerbs around anymore. You could even get a car with a chassis refurb for that money.
In summary,
£15k will buy you:
A very good Speed Six
A good 4.2
A perfectly useable and well maintained 4.5
Not everything is likely to have been done (everything being a ground up rebuild complete with Ohlins suspension, Raceproved clutch slave cylinder, engine rebuild by Powers or APM, interior retrim and S&D exterior respray complete with refurbished wheels and brand new top-tier tyres), but you'll get a few items from the above and a solid service history and a lot of evidence of previous care (receipts for £££s)
£15k will buy you:
A very good Speed Six
A good 4.2
A perfectly useable and well maintained 4.5
Not everything is likely to have been done (everything being a ground up rebuild complete with Ohlins suspension, Raceproved clutch slave cylinder, engine rebuild by Powers or APM, interior retrim and S&D exterior respray complete with refurbished wheels and brand new top-tier tyres), but you'll get a few items from the above and a solid service history and a lot of evidence of previous care (receipts for £££s)
Just to chime in on an upbeat note, my '97 4.2 V8 has 163k miles on it and no engine work beyond a new cam chain at 100k ( only fitted as the engine was out to replace a can chain guide bolt that had dropped into the sump). As has been said, the engines are generally fine, some of the electrics are flaky and complex, but everything else is 'standard TVR' such as the charming mix of metric and imperial fastenings etc.
This is the newest vehicle I've owned, and the only one with computers in it, but on the whole, it's been ok to look after with a combo of Indy servicing and home fettling.
That's a decent budget, mine was £13k 11 years ago due to the high mileage (82k).
This is the newest vehicle I've owned, and the only one with computers in it, but on the whole, it's been ok to look after with a combo of Indy servicing and home fettling.
That's a decent budget, mine was £13k 11 years ago due to the high mileage (82k).
Flatplane8 said:
Just to chime in on an upbeat note, my '97 4.2 V8 has 163k miles on it and no engine work beyond a new cam chain at 100k ( only fitted as the engine was out to replace a can chain guide bolt that had dropped into the sump). As has been said, the engines are generally fine, some of the electrics are flaky and complex, but everything else is 'standard TVR' such as the charming mix of metric and imperial fastenings etc.
This is the newest vehicle I've owned, and the only one with computers in it, but on the whole, it's been ok to look after with a combo of Indy servicing and home fettling.
That's a decent budget, mine was £13k 11 years ago due to the high mileage (82k).
163k thats impressive ... have you upgraded many parts (other than engine) how has your chassis coped? how often do you use it?This is the newest vehicle I've owned, and the only one with computers in it, but on the whole, it's been ok to look after with a combo of Indy servicing and home fettling.
That's a decent budget, mine was £13k 11 years ago due to the high mileage (82k).
Sorry for all the questions!!!
roadman said:
163k thats impressive ... have you upgraded many parts (other than engine) how has your chassis coped? how often do you use it?
Sorry for all the questions!!!
It's got nitrons, 17" wheels with 225/45 Goodyear F1s all round and some parts from a 4.5 cerbera, such as front brakes and exhaust. These have only been fitted due to the lack of 4.2 parts, but they do no harm. The engine is standard, complete with 'clatter cams' that give it a real kick above 4000rpm. When I first got it, Andy at APM checked with the factory and it had never been rebuilt. That was back in the day before Indy rebuilds. It was serviced by APM until a few years ago and is now done by str8six, I only moved from APM due to relocating. Been happy with both companies.Sorry for all the questions!!!
It's been my only car all at time, though since getting married I also drive my wife's car on occasion. The cerbera still works for us as we can fit our small son in the back too. It's done about 80k miles with me, including 8 trips to le Mans and several other euro jaunts. I did do a few track days in it too when I first got it, but 8 years ago I discovered boats are much more effective at maintaining a low bank balance so most time and money has gone on that.
I find on the road that I hardly ever exceed 4-5k rpm as that's simply all that required to go faster than everyone else and I would say this must contribute to its longevity.
Like many posting on here, when I got it I fretted about the engine and what to replace it with, but it's everything else that has caused minor problems.
Probably more information than anyone wanted.
Flatplane8 said:
roadman said:
163k thats impressive ... have you upgraded many parts (other than engine) how has your chassis coped? how often do you use it?
Sorry for all the questions!!!
It's got nitrons, 17" wheels with 225/45 Goodyear F1s all round and some parts from a 4.5 cerbera, such as front brakes and exhaust. These have only been fitted due to the lack of 4.2 parts, but they do no harm. The engine is standard, complete with 'clatter cams' that give it a real kick above 4000rpm. When I first got it, Andy at APM checked with the factory and it had never been rebuilt. That was back in the day before Indy rebuilds. It was serviced by APM until a few years ago and is now done by str8six, I only moved from APM due to relocating. Been happy with both companies.Sorry for all the questions!!!
It's been my only car all at time, though since getting married I also drive my wife's car on occasion. The cerbera still works for us as we can fit our small son in the back too. It's done about 80k miles with me, including 8 trips to le Mans and several other euro jaunts. I did do a few track days in it too when I first got it, but 8 years ago I discovered boats are much more effective at maintaining a low bank balance so most time and money has gone on that.
I find on the road that I hardly ever exceed 4-5k rpm as that's simply all that required to go faster than everyone else and I would say this must contribute to its longevity.
Like many posting on here, when I got it I fretted about the engine and what to replace it with, but it's everything else that has caused minor problems.
Probably more information than anyone wanted.
Thanks boys. All interesting reading.
I'm sold!
Thing is,can I live without my soft top!
Anyone got a decent Cerb they want to swap for a very sorted Chim 450 late, late model!
Please don't answer that I don't want to be tempted,,,,,,,, yet!
What does a Cerb weigh?
Its maybe time I took a closer look.
Many regards Alun.
I'm sold!
Thing is,can I live without my soft top!
Anyone got a decent Cerb they want to swap for a very sorted Chim 450 late, late model!
Please don't answer that I don't want to be tempted,,,,,,,, yet!
What does a Cerb weigh?
Its maybe time I took a closer look.
Many regards Alun.
Tanguero. What! ,,,,,, lol.
I'd never swap my Chim after that!
I've replaced most things on my Chimi and I'm thinking body off to complete a master piece but the Cerb is like my bedroom wall poster car, the one!
I'd like to buy a wreck but as I'm not in the trade feel this could cost hugely to get back to prestine.
My Chimeara is totally reliable and always has been.
Do you Cerbera boys feel your cars are far more reliable than given credit for?
Funny, I've never really looked that deep at a Cerbera,just been spellbound most the time, lol.
Again thanks for the replies
I've took a big risk coming on the Cerbera forum,
The Chimears Boys will slate me you watch, we are very proud you know!
Tanguero, I bet you'd love to hear your car with the roof off, lol easy tiger!
I'd never swap my Chim after that!
I've replaced most things on my Chimi and I'm thinking body off to complete a master piece but the Cerb is like my bedroom wall poster car, the one!
I'd like to buy a wreck but as I'm not in the trade feel this could cost hugely to get back to prestine.
My Chimeara is totally reliable and always has been.
Do you Cerbera boys feel your cars are far more reliable than given credit for?
Funny, I've never really looked that deep at a Cerbera,just been spellbound most the time, lol.
Again thanks for the replies
I've took a big risk coming on the Cerbera forum,
The Chimears Boys will slate me you watch, we are very proud you know!
Tanguero, I bet you'd love to hear your car with the roof off, lol easy tiger!
Alun450 said:
Do you Cerbera boys feel your cars are far more reliable than given credit for?
Absolutely yes.Alaun450 said:
I've took a big risk coming on the Cerbera forum,
The Chimears Boys will slate me you watch, we are very proud you know!
They won't Cerbs and Chims get on just fine, it's the Griff Girls that get all out of shape at cross model friendship The Chimears Boys will slate me you watch, we are very proud you know!
I think they are reliable, but it's pretty subjective. Friends at work with audis etc have said they would not tolerate a single trip on a low loader, whereas I see it as a minor inconvenience every few years. If you've got a TVR already you'll be fine as you'll already be more mechanically aware than most need to be these days.
A trip on a low loader is good for the character!
I've read about the differences between the 3 engines,I might see if I can find a resto speed 6 version.
I better do some proper research first.
Its just an idea floating about my head, I'm going to build a large garage and can't think of a better car to spend my evenings restoring.
Say a 2 year project. Steady,controlled kind of build.
I grew up with motorbikes and there's nothing like riding your own handy work.
I'm pretty handy, have a mate who can build anything and Dom (Powers)just around the corner who I can bombard with questions. Sounds like either a nightmare or depending on the car I buy just a joy!
Tanguero, whatever a Cerbera is it isn't a soft top.
That was rather crude, and not really anything to do with my questions but thanks for pointing that out!
I've read about the differences between the 3 engines,I might see if I can find a resto speed 6 version.
I better do some proper research first.
Its just an idea floating about my head, I'm going to build a large garage and can't think of a better car to spend my evenings restoring.
Say a 2 year project. Steady,controlled kind of build.
I grew up with motorbikes and there's nothing like riding your own handy work.
I'm pretty handy, have a mate who can build anything and Dom (Powers)just around the corner who I can bombard with questions. Sounds like either a nightmare or depending on the car I buy just a joy!
Tanguero, whatever a Cerbera is it isn't a soft top.
That was rather crude, and not really anything to do with my questions but thanks for pointing that out!
I had a low loader trip on the way home from buying it and then again the following weekend, as the clutch master and then slave cylinders failed one after the other!
Since then though, the Cerbera just works. I've done piddly things such as replaced the windscreen wiper park switch etc. I've spent a fair bit on mine this year to be honest, but most of it has been because I've wanted to rather than because the car demanded it.
I've had some milage related corrective maintenance campaigns on both daily drivers this year, and the Cerbera has been used in their place without any complaints. The only thing the Cerbera doesn't like is sitting about for long periods of time.
I expect cars to break down occassionally. The Cerbera has pleasantly surprised me. I find the prevailant attitude described above of "a single trip on a low loader being unacceptable" to be fairly unrealistic expectations to be honest irrespective of what you buy. On last summer's world tour of the UK I spotted 5 TVRs driving around and counted no less than 8 newish Audis broken down with the bonnet up at the side of the road with hazard lights flashing.
Not putting too fine a point on it - if you expect any car never to break down, you're a moron.
Since then though, the Cerbera just works. I've done piddly things such as replaced the windscreen wiper park switch etc. I've spent a fair bit on mine this year to be honest, but most of it has been because I've wanted to rather than because the car demanded it.
I've had some milage related corrective maintenance campaigns on both daily drivers this year, and the Cerbera has been used in their place without any complaints. The only thing the Cerbera doesn't like is sitting about for long periods of time.
I expect cars to break down occassionally. The Cerbera has pleasantly surprised me. I find the prevailant attitude described above of "a single trip on a low loader being unacceptable" to be fairly unrealistic expectations to be honest irrespective of what you buy. On last summer's world tour of the UK I spotted 5 TVRs driving around and counted no less than 8 newish Audis broken down with the bonnet up at the side of the road with hazard lights flashing.
Not putting too fine a point on it - if you expect any car never to break down, you're a moron.
Edited by jamieduff1981 on Friday 24th January 22:25
At the rate of price increase and by the time I'm ready to do it I'll be lucky to get anything under ten grand.
Basket case!
I think I've spent upwards of 20 odd grand on my Chim so my eyes are open and on stalks!?!
I'll keep an eye on your great motors, I'll enjoy my Chim this summer and see how we feel later in the year.
Thanks again for some top advice gents.
Alun
Basket case!
I think I've spent upwards of 20 odd grand on my Chim so my eyes are open and on stalks!?!
I'll keep an eye on your great motors, I'll enjoy my Chim this summer and see how we feel later in the year.
Thanks again for some top advice gents.
Alun
Alun450 said:
Do you Cerbera boys feel your cars are far more reliable than given credit for?
Definately, only had one issue thay left me stranded and that was the gearbox.Not many cars would be as reliable given the treatment mine gets, infact in my group of track day friend we have one Lotus with a supercharged Honda engine, two M3's, one Tuscan and a cayman, only the Cayman and the Cerbera have made it home from every trackday under their own steam.
My Cerb is the only car I've ever owned that hasn't been on a low loader (during my ownership). Not only that it has only let me down once (in that I've had to cancel a trip because of an issue) that was a biggie though, oil cooler leak meant I missed TVR NL Zolder last year. Having said that it is also the lowest mileage car I've ever owned.
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