4.0 precat

[123nobster]

Hi all
I have been searching to find performance figures on the early 4.0 precats, but most of the information out there
Is for the 500s.
Would a 4.0 Griffith be similar to my 400 chimaera in performance,I know the griff would sound better!
Thinking of a change later this year perhaps.

Many thanks

Nobby

[cavebloke]

123nobster said:

Would a 4.0 Griffith be similar to my 400 chimaera in performance,I know the griff would sound better!

In theory, all things being equal the Griff 400 should rev a little more freely and have a smidge more power since the Chim 400s all had cats (whereas the Griffs don't). After all these years it's more likely that there will be more variation between differently (ab)used Griff 400s than to your Chim.
My advice would be to look for one that's had a cam change and general engine overhaul; or you'll have to pay to do it yourself fairly soon.

[Doc Toad]

From TVRCC sources;

Griffith 4.0
3938cc Alloy V8 5 speed RWD, 240bhp, 270lb ft
0-60 4.8 seconds, Top speed 155 mph

Griffith 4.3
4280cc Alloy V8 5 speed RWD, 280bhp @ 5500rpm, 305lbs/ft torque @ 4000rpm, weight 2300lbs (1060kg)
0-60 4.7 seconds, Top speed 161 mph

Griffith 5.0
4988cc Alloy V8 5 speed RWD, 340bhp @ 5500rpm, 350lbs/ft torque @ 4000rpm, weight 2300lbs (1060kg)
0-60 4.1 seconds, Top speed 167 mph

Dimensions, all models
Length 2892mm, Height 1205mm, Width 1943mm (inc mirrors), weight 1060kg,
Wheel base 2282mm, Front Track 1460mm, Rear Track 1470mm,
Ground Clearance 146mm, Fuel Capacity 57 Litres.

...and yes it'll be faster, especially if its a green one...

[123nobster]

So green is the better bet then doc,thanks for info.
The spiders look the biz on yours by the way.

Cheers

Nobby

[Wildfire]

Obviously the Griff would be faster due to the lack of Golf Clubs and an trolley in the boot of the Griff, although that is dependent on the size/weight of the medallion the Griff owner has and how much wind resistance his chest wig creates when the top is down.

As above, I think they will be similar, in theory, but as most cars will have been modified, it will be down to the individual cars. All Chims will have had CATS fitted as standard and many may be on the way to being blocked.

But all Pre-Cats are getting on a bit now, and will need a cam change if it's not already been done. Mine was a bit worn and I started having flat spot issues around 47,000 miles. I had it replaced with a 214, but now the car needs a remap.

When my car was running in tip top condition I had no issue keeping up with the 450's and passing a few, but then my car is not standard.

Also IIRC the Pre-Cat Griff chassis is a bit different to the later cars, which all had the Griff 500 chassis. Not to mention the lack of rear ARB.

Also the LT77 has different ratios to the T5, so this will affect the feel of the car.

But the noise! Oh the noise!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=inEGGozMiXs

[Sardonicus]

Still reckon you got more chance of having some nice goodies internally on a pre-cat motor than on a serp one i.e ported heads etc IMO what with production speeding up with the later years etc

[Doc Toad]

123nobster said:

So green is the better bet then doc,thanks for info.
The spiders look the biz on yours by the way.

Cheers

Nobby

ta - Racelines in the profile pic, I do have a nice set of Spiders too, but tyres sh**ged after trying my hand on the1/4 mile....

Your Chim looks very nice- the darker blues suit the shape very well.

[123nobster]

Yes it does look blue in the photo but is really a dark purple ,Amaranth Pearl I think,
Shows every stone chip though,I think I would look for something lighter when in the
Market for a Griff

Nobby

[domV8]

Wildfire said:

...Also IIRC the Pre-Cat Griff chassis is a bit different to the later cars, which all had the Griff 500 chassis...

Seen/heard of this before, but never got to the bottom of it, as no one seems to know...

What is the difference between a "500" chassis, and whatever a non-"500" chassis is...?

Thanks,

Dom

[black and green]

domV8 said:

Seen/heard of this before, but never got to the bottom of it, as no one seems to know...

What is the difference between a "500" chassis, and whatever a non-"500" chassis is...?

Thanks,

Dom

Is it something to do with rear anti-rollbar mounts? My pre-cat has no provision to attach one to either the chassis or to put the links onto the rear wishbones.

[FlipFlopGriff]

domV8 said:

Seen/heard of this before, but never got to the bottom of it, as no one seems to know...

What is the difference between a "500" chassis, and whatever a non-"500" chassis is...?

Thanks,

Dom

I think the pre cat chassis also does not have the threads behind the rear parcel shelf to attach a roll bar to. Luckily i've got a pre cat with 500 chassis and running gear so best of both worlds.
I thought you could attach a rear ARB to a precat - not sure how but confident its been done already!
FFG

[carsy]

My `92 pre cat chassis does have the mounts for said roll bar. The difference is there is no rear anti roll bar mounts and also where the front diff hangers mount to the chassis is a different arrangement.

[Wildfire]

Was there no major reinforcing or structural changes?

[123nobster]

Was the early griff chassis also the s2 v8 chassis?
Sure I read this somewhere.

Nobby

[123nobster]

Was the early griff chassis also the s2 v8 chassis?
Sure I read this somewhere.

Nobby