Thinking of a Chimaera
Discussion
From what I read, the common issues are much the same.
Outriggers (isn't an easy fix as no removable sills like the early wedges) and camshafts are the obvious big money spend areas.
400's are supposed to be the sweetest and reviest motors, 500's are the most grunty (but can have crank issues). The 450 is supposed to be the best compromise and is cross bolted (well I would say that wouldn't I as a 450 owner?).
Best of luck.
Outriggers (isn't an easy fix as no removable sills like the early wedges) and camshafts are the obvious big money spend areas.
400's are supposed to be the sweetest and reviest motors, 500's are the most grunty (but can have crank issues). The 450 is supposed to be the best compromise and is cross bolted (well I would say that wouldn't I as a 450 owner?).
Best of luck.
Eyes wide open when it comes to viewing. These cars are getting on a bit now so expect some TLC required.
It does come down to luck, what's available on the market, what spec you are after and how much you are willing to pay.
There don't appear to be that many Chim's for sale, I was looking this time last year and there where loads more around.
It does come down to luck, what's available on the market, what spec you are after and how much you are willing to pay.
There don't appear to be that many Chim's for sale, I was looking this time last year and there where loads more around.
Mine's up for grabs Rob. Test drove the replacement this morning. Would very much like a swift sale...
Cracking motor...
http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/t...
Cracking motor...
http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/t...
I'd speak to 'phazed'. He's got a decent 450 due on the market, with essential mods and (shortly to be) new carpets. If I was on the market now, this would be the one I would look at.
But as mentioned above; outrotters and cam would be a good start. Many say they would choose on condition alone, which is a good starting point, however, I would go for the model you want in the best condition you can find. All the engine blocks are essentially all the same. The differences are with the 450's which are cross bolted/ large journal blocks. All this snapped crank business with the 500's seems to come from engine balancing. They were apparently externally balanced. You can get the 500 balanced, X-bolted, new dampener and rebuilt for under £1000, which should solve any 'potential' issues (John Eales offers this service if you want… but he also says, if it isn't broke, don't fix it!). There are of course plenty of 500 engines without any problems.
The 500 is the top model, but fewer of them. There are more 400's to choose from. The 450's are probably the stronger engine if you plan on revving the b
ks off it. If you want noticeable performance out of the box, I would go for the 500. If you intend on extensively modding yourself, then the 450's seem to be a good choice. FI… anything goes!
As a TVR owner, I'm sure you'll know about a lot of stuff, like electrics and RV8 issues, such as slipped liners etc.
But as mentioned above; outrotters and cam would be a good start. Many say they would choose on condition alone, which is a good starting point, however, I would go for the model you want in the best condition you can find. All the engine blocks are essentially all the same. The differences are with the 450's which are cross bolted/ large journal blocks. All this snapped crank business with the 500's seems to come from engine balancing. They were apparently externally balanced. You can get the 500 balanced, X-bolted, new dampener and rebuilt for under £1000, which should solve any 'potential' issues (John Eales offers this service if you want… but he also says, if it isn't broke, don't fix it!). There are of course plenty of 500 engines without any problems.
The 500 is the top model, but fewer of them. There are more 400's to choose from. The 450's are probably the stronger engine if you plan on revving the b
ks off it. If you want noticeable performance out of the box, I would go for the 500. If you intend on extensively modding yourself, then the 450's seem to be a good choice. FI… anything goes!As a TVR owner, I'm sure you'll know about a lot of stuff, like electrics and RV8 issues, such as slipped liners etc.
pwd95 said:
Mine's up for grabs Rob. Test drove the replacement this morning. Would very much like a swift sale...
Cracking motor...
http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/t...
Wouldn't be a certain little silver sc beasty would it???Cracking motor...
http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/t...
Thanks for all the info guys.
Rob
If a car has had its outriggers repaired and wishbones don't automatically assume the chassis is solid, unless the repair was done with a body lift, as its impossible to see a lot of the chassis along its main rail running underneath the manifolds , and disappearing along the transmission tunnel. Although not effected by muck and debris from the road, the heat from the manifolds over the years will peel away the pi_s poor powder coat tvr put on, leading to exposed metal and rust. Water off the windscreen collects here especially if the car is stationary and in a down pour!!. 
.
. carob said:
Hi,
Owned wedges for a good few years now. Thinking of buying a Chimaera. Apart from the stuff that goes along the same lines as the wedges, anything different I should be looking out for when viewing them.
Cheers
Rob
Hi RobOwned wedges for a good few years now. Thinking of buying a Chimaera. Apart from the stuff that goes along the same lines as the wedges, anything different I should be looking out for when viewing them.
Cheers
Rob
If you get a Chimaera you'll need to get a whole lot less sensitive! There's loads of banter & piss taking between the Griff & Chim fora. (a whole lot worse than comparing your Wedge to a TR7 meets Austin Princess
)
Enjoy the search, it will be worth it2 sMoKiN bArReLs said:
Hi Rob
If you get a Chimaera you'll need to get a whole lot less sensitive! There's loads of banter & piss taking between the Griff & Chim fora. (a whole lot worse than comparing your Wedge to a TR7 meets Austin Princess)
Enjoy the search, it will be worth it
Changed my mind already....Sorry...If you get a Chimaera you'll need to get a whole lot less sensitive! There's loads of banter & piss taking between the Griff & Chim fora. (a whole lot worse than comparing your Wedge to a TR7 meets Austin Princess
) Enjoy the search, it will be worth itRob
carob said:
2 sMoKiN bArReLs said:
Hi Rob
If you get a Chimaera you'll need to get a whole lot less sensitive! There's loads of banter & piss taking between the Griff & Chim fora. (a whole lot worse than comparing your Wedge to a TR7 meets Austin Princess)
Enjoy the search, it will be worth it
Changed my mind already....Sorry...If you get a Chimaera you'll need to get a whole lot less sensitive! There's loads of banter & piss taking between the Griff & Chim fora. (a whole lot worse than comparing your Wedge to a TR7 meets Austin Princess
) Enjoy the search, it will be worth itRob
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