Flighty handling
Discussion
Hi guys, I have only recently acquired my Chimaera and have covered about 1000 miles. My only concern so far is the straight line handling at speed. At about the 100 mark (on a private road of course) the car seems a bit flighty,not as solidly planted as my little 318 Beemer. I wouldn't want to push it any harder without a clean pair of cacks ready to put on. I have checked the tyre pressures which are 22 front, 24 rear. The tyres are Toyo and in new condition. Is this normal and I am expecting too much from a 1997 registered car.
mickh32 said:
Hi guys, I have only recently acquired my Chimaera and have covered about 1000 miles. My only concern so far is the straight line handling at speed. At about the 100 mark (on a private road of course) the car seems a bit flighty,not as solidly planted as my little 318 Beemer. I wouldn't want to push it any harder without a clean pair of cacks ready to put on. I have checked the tyre pressures which are 22 front, 24 rear. The tyres are Toyo and in new condition. Is this normal and I am expecting too much from a 1997 registered car.
Somethings not quite right with that, mine is on standard suspension and the same tyres as yours and is fine (on track of course) at quite a bit more than that.somebody on here will be able to give some good advice I'm sure.
Congratulations on your purchase though Mick, hope you enjoy it.
I've had an indicated 140 out of my 450 on track (and my GPS said the same), it only started to feel a bit light on the wheels past 130 so something needs looking at if you are getting worried at 100. I didnt have a front splitter on mine at the time so you can discount that, but I do have Gaz Golds.
I'd say start by getting a full Geometry setup and having all the bushes and bolts checked. Once thats done and if its still a bit wayward you might need to consider suspension replacement. If its the original it will be way past its sell by date now.
I'd say start by getting a full Geometry setup and having all the bushes and bolts checked. Once thats done and if its still a bit wayward you might need to consider suspension replacement. If its the original it will be way past its sell by date now.
Edited by Dodsy on Sunday 30th November 22:52
Your car needs the suspension checking first, and then the ride height setting and a 4 wheel geo on a Hunter machine. All that will be £100-£150, plus any parts.
Mine used to try to kill me on a regular basis. New it s totally planted.
Call Mat Smith at Mat Smith Sports Cars. He's a TVR specialist with 20 years experience, based in Downham Market, West Norfolk. He will sort that lot in about 1-2 hours while you wait. Nice guy,loves his TVRs. 01366 386004
Mine used to try to kill me on a regular basis. New it s totally planted.
Call Mat Smith at Mat Smith Sports Cars. He's a TVR specialist with 20 years experience, based in Downham Market, West Norfolk. He will sort that lot in about 1-2 hours while you wait. Nice guy,loves his TVRs. 01366 386004
In summary, the Chimaera is probably the best bang for bucks that you can get in a powerful sports car, but it is very sensitive to suspension set-up, alignment and tyre pressures.
When you have tyres fitted, ALWAYS check the pressures immediately afterwards. 36psi is not uncommon, and it makes for Torvill and Dean handling
When you have tyres fitted, ALWAYS check the pressures immediately afterwards. 36psi is not uncommon, and it makes for Torvill and Dean handling
The tyre pressure suggestion is sound with Toyo's
The lip spoiler makes a difference but always seems to come off
Just have to remember its a light car & there is a feeling of float above a ton - mine is quite low too compared to Stnd plus alignmenet etc spot on - just one of those things but you do get used to it just needs confidence as its not going to take off
The lip spoiler makes a difference but always seems to come off
Just have to remember its a light car & there is a feeling of float above a ton - mine is quite low too compared to Stnd plus alignmenet etc spot on - just one of those things but you do get used to it just needs confidence as its not going to take off
I find my current car with power steering a lot less enjoyable at speed, than the chimaera I had without power steering. It is a combination of the quicker rack and lighter steering weight. Good suspension, tyres and set-up on both. The car is stable but is sensitive to any movement on the wheel, which could be what you are experiencing assuming all is otherwise well?
Thanks for all the replies guys. I am enjoying the car even as it is now Matt and I'm sure it will get even better once this little problem is sorted. I think I will contact the guy that QBee has suggested as I could be faffing about for ages trying to get it right. Worth spending a few squid as the handling needs to be spot on or it could be game over.
I have also had this problem, it has taken sometime to resolve or reduce it.
front spoiler has made no difference for me but I keep mine on anyway !
Ride height is important once the car is on the ramp you can see the rack to the hubs are angled upward
I have packed the rack about 5mm this gave a better ride.
making the suspension harder front and back helped a lot !
Changing the front wheels to 16" and using R888 235's has made another big difference !
I tried all geo's with no go but the car feels better now
front spoiler has made no difference for me but I keep mine on anyway !
Ride height is important once the car is on the ramp you can see the rack to the hubs are angled upward
I have packed the rack about 5mm this gave a better ride.
making the suspension harder front and back helped a lot !
Changing the front wheels to 16" and using R888 235's has made another big difference !
I tried all geo's with no go but the car feels better now
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