Griffith 430 buying advice please
Discussion
Hi, all-greetings from Germany!
This my first post-hope my knowledge of your language is not too bad. After having driven more than 10 different air-cooled 911, I need a new challenge: a TVR! Yesterday I tested a 1993 Griff 430, british-racing-green with green leather in nearly perfect conditions (23000 kilometers on the clock-what is this in miles?)! Congrats to all you TVR-maniacs: the car is really superb!
But: are there specific problems with this modell, that I need to check before buying it? What about reliability-something that a Porsche 911 owner favours?
Thanks for your help and advise,
Bernd from Cologne (close to the Nürburgring)
Ooops: how do I add a headline-let me see?!.... Now it´s added - thanks!
>> Edited by berny on Saturday 27th August 19:43
>> Edited by berny on Saturday 27th August 20:22
This my first post-hope my knowledge of your language is not too bad. After having driven more than 10 different air-cooled 911, I need a new challenge: a TVR! Yesterday I tested a 1993 Griff 430, british-racing-green with green leather in nearly perfect conditions (23000 kilometers on the clock-what is this in miles?)! Congrats to all you TVR-maniacs: the car is really superb!
But: are there specific problems with this modell, that I need to check before buying it? What about reliability-something that a Porsche 911 owner favours?
Thanks for your help and advise,
Bernd from Cologne (close to the Nürburgring)
Ooops: how do I add a headline-let me see?!.... Now it´s added - thanks!
>> Edited by berny on Saturday 27th August 19:43
>> Edited by berny on Saturday 27th August 20:22
hi Berny,
Good idea to change to a Griff. It will be a lot more fun that a 911 (as you already found out) but won't be that robust. Mind you, most problems will be minor. The engine, gearbox etc are quite solid, just keep in mind to warm it up properly.
Drive several cars before you buy one (not too easy I know on the continent), there will be hugh differences in handling, power, smoothness (all 4.3's I'm talking about now). There are some very good ones and rather poor ones around. Also, go for a full service history.
Oh, also important for a 4.3, go for one WITHOUT cats!
Have fun.
Good idea to change to a Griff. It will be a lot more fun that a 911 (as you already found out) but won't be that robust. Mind you, most problems will be minor. The engine, gearbox etc are quite solid, just keep in mind to warm it up properly.
Drive several cars before you buy one (not too easy I know on the continent), there will be hugh differences in handling, power, smoothness (all 4.3's I'm talking about now). There are some very good ones and rather poor ones around. Also, go for a full service history.
Oh, also important for a 4.3, go for one WITHOUT cats!
Have fun.
Hi berny,
Make sure you give the chassis a good inspection.
Pay particular attention to the areas that are more exposed to the elements.
Check the Outriggers near the front & rear wheels and the main chassis rails under the exhaust manifolds.
Make sure the electrics work OK.
Check for over heating and hot starting problems.
Check for at least 20-25 psi oil pressure when hot at idle and at least 30 when running.
Gearbox should be quiet and selection of all gears needs a firm hand but should not be too hard.
There are loads more threads on here on the subject so spend a bit of time searching.
Good luck, ask if you're not sure.
Make sure you give the chassis a good inspection.
Pay particular attention to the areas that are more exposed to the elements.
Check the Outriggers near the front & rear wheels and the main chassis rails under the exhaust manifolds.
Make sure the electrics work OK.
Check for over heating and hot starting problems.
Check for at least 20-25 psi oil pressure when hot at idle and at least 30 when running.
Gearbox should be quiet and selection of all gears needs a firm hand but should not be too hard.
There are loads more threads on here on the subject so spend a bit of time searching.
Good luck, ask if you're not sure.
Hi,
thx for the quick reply. And more important: very useful answers! The only problem ist to find any offered cars to compare them!
But: I have just arranged a more detailled inspection of the pre-selected car next week.
Some details of the car: LHD, 2 owners so far, complete service history , car costs about 29000Euro (to make you familiar with the Euro already:-))
Keep you updated!
bernd
thx for the quick reply. And more important: very useful answers! The only problem ist to find any offered cars to compare them!
But: I have just arranged a more detailled inspection of the pre-selected car next week.
Some details of the car: LHD, 2 owners so far, complete service history , car costs about 29000Euro (to make you familiar with the Euro already:-))
Keep you updated!
bernd
berny said:
Sorry, did forget one thing: you wrote "select only a 430 without cats"!
As I hate cats and prefer dogs anyway, I do not know this terminology related to a TVR!? Could you give me an idea what "cats" is related to?
cheers,
bernd
Cat=catalic convertor (katalisator). Some mainland spec Griffs came with cats (mandatory as of '93 I think) and although they can be great cars (my former 4.3 had cats) the main advantage of an early Griff is the sound of a non-cat version!
Contact the German TVR car club and ask someone if they can inspect and drive the car for you; they know how it should drive and can give you lot's of advise.
BTW EUR 29.000 sound like a good price.
>> Edited by gerjo on Sunday 28th August 10:57
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