Buying a Turbo'd Chim
Discussion
I'm beyond keen to get my name on the V5 of a ChimearaTurbo. Desperate, some might say.
But.
I am equally keen to do my research and to that end, I'd love to meet up with current owners so I can discover what I need to know.
I'm in South Oxfordshire and am prepared to travel.
I've got my eye on a Turbo Torque(Eann Whalley?) example, but other conversions are also under consideration. I'm looking to buy this year.
I used to race V8 MGs, so I don't think I'll be out of my depth.
Might any of you lovely people be prepared to help me out?
Thanks in advance.
Adam.
But.
I am equally keen to do my research and to that end, I'd love to meet up with current owners so I can discover what I need to know.
I'm in South Oxfordshire and am prepared to travel.
I've got my eye on a Turbo Torque(Eann Whalley?) example, but other conversions are also under consideration. I'm looking to buy this year.
I used to race V8 MGs, so I don't think I'll be out of my depth.
Might any of you lovely people be prepared to help me out?
Thanks in advance.
Adam.
Really depends on which engine and what's been done. As a standard engine I'd plump for the 450 being cross bolted large journal crank. Also good CR being a shade under 9.0:1 (not 9.35 as stamped on the block). They are all hardy under stressed engines, I drove a friends 400 turbo and that didn't hang about and drove very nicely like a standard car but more ooomph. Ok with just Lucas set up at low boost levels. Aftermarket ECU much better. I built one some years ago using Eanns kit who has now sadly passed away, which is well thought out and the only problem being a weak oil seal on some which is easily remedied if it goes. I went bit overboard with low cr build forged pistons, heads, balanced, etc, TKO 600 gearbox, twin plate clutch, adjustable boost, brakes, blah, etc, etc. Fab car, sadly sold it on after 9 years having an Aston itch. (sad tale there). Good luck, keep us posted.
Edited by macdeb on Wednesday 8th October 08:42
Belle427 said:
His kits were generally well regarded, sadly no one else has taken them on since his passing as far as I know.
Would be beneficial if it were running aftermarket management but that`s not a deal breaker if the car runs well.
Best of luck!
I'm aware of the reputation of Eann's kit. It's one of the main reasons for my interest in this particular car. It already has an aftermarket ECU and coil-packs, but I'm not sure if it was done as part of the turbo conversion or added on afterwards. Would be beneficial if it were running aftermarket management but that`s not a deal breaker if the car runs well.
Best of luck!
It's also had all the main mechanical/body/interior mods done to it that I would probably ever want to do, except maybe putting the battery in the boot. It's been running like that for a little while, so it seems that it all plays well together. The only dis(?)advantage of that is it doesn't leave me much to empty my wallet on!
I've been trying to be a legitimate member of the owner's club for a few years now, but it's only very recently that funds have been confirmed by The Accountant.
I appreciate that there may be quite a wide variation in what's regarded as 'standard' build, but I'm still also keen to understand what an unmodified car is like to know how far away from that any potential candidates are. I've never been in a Chim and would like a rough baseline to start from.
I'm hoping that someone from this lovely community might be kind enough to let me admire their pride and joy (the car
) and if it’s not tucked away for the winter, possibly take me for a spin (metaphorical, not literal!) given suitable weather. This would provide me with a good baseline from which to assess the candidate.If there are any obliging folks out there, I’m happy to travel to you at pretty much any time- evenings/weekdays/weekend, whatever suits.
Thanks.
Adam.
if you're considering building your own system, I have a killer new 4.8 built turbo engine available soon, 8:1 CR, TA heads, forged custom rods, pistons, dry sumped, billet centre fed plenum for an 82mm dbw throttle body, TVR/Classic RR serp ancillary front end. Its sister engine built by the same engine builder is getting a reliable 650hp, and this one has more fruit. Have gone supercharged LS, as I'm impatient to get my build underway.
Edited by v8sag on Wednesday 8th October 10:36
v8sag said:
if you're considering building your own system, I have a killer new 4.8 built turbo engine available soon, 8:1 CR, TA heads, forged custom rods, pistons, dry sumped, billet centre fed plenum for an 82mm dbw throttle body, TVR/Classic RR serp ancillary front end. Its sister engine built by the same engine builder is getting a reliable 650hp, and this one has more fruit. Have gone supercharged LS, as I'm impatient to get my build underway.
Sounds very spicy. Would anything else be included in the sale (ECU/Turbo/manifolds etc)? Who was the builder?Edited by v8sag on Wednesday 8th October 10:36
Might be a bit much (bhp) to get past SWMBO, but I'd have to try (wouldn't you?)
Can you pm me with prices please?
Thanks.
A
Mike Johnson of Boost performance is the engine builder. It's been over a year in the build, planning and having everything custom built, so someone will benefit of not having to go through that.
I haven't got any figures yet as early days, just would like what I've put into it. Would love to see it going into a TVR and only mentioned considering this being a "Turbo" thread.
Its set up for twin G30 660's, I have the equivalent Pulsars (reverse rotation for symmetry) in NZ, but would ship to the UK.
Headers would need to be custom made, when I was dealing with Clive F who was going to build the headers, he told me adapted TVR factory headers are too thin and will/do crack from the weight and heat.
Regardless of which way you go, if you're looking at a FI Chim, I would suggest it has had the same amount of attention to it being able to handle, stop, and parts susceptible to breaking or suffer from premature wear, that they have been upgraded.
I haven't got any figures yet as early days, just would like what I've put into it. Would love to see it going into a TVR and only mentioned considering this being a "Turbo" thread.
Its set up for twin G30 660's, I have the equivalent Pulsars (reverse rotation for symmetry) in NZ, but would ship to the UK.
Headers would need to be custom made, when I was dealing with Clive F who was going to build the headers, he told me adapted TVR factory headers are too thin and will/do crack from the weight and heat.
Regardless of which way you go, if you're looking at a FI Chim, I would suggest it has had the same amount of attention to it being able to handle, stop, and parts susceptible to breaking or suffer from premature wear, that they have been upgraded.
Have you considered a supercharged Chim too?
It's not mine, but there is one for sale, professionally built by a known specialist, with Canems ECU, for around £15k
I personally would go for SC for the driving I do, a smooth power delivery vs more two-stage effect on the rev range.
I just can't justify the cost of doing all this to my car!
If you've got more of a turbo itch, crack on!
It's not mine, but there is one for sale, professionally built by a known specialist, with Canems ECU, for around £15k
I personally would go for SC for the driving I do, a smooth power delivery vs more two-stage effect on the rev range.
I just can't justify the cost of doing all this to my car!
If you've got more of a turbo itch, crack on!
PabloGee said:
Have you considered a supercharged Chim too?
It's not mine, but there is one for sale, professionally built by a known specialist, with Canems ECU, for around £15k
That sounds interesting. Right in my ballpark.It's not mine, but there is one for sale, professionally built by a known specialist, with Canems ECU, for around £15k
Is there a link to an advert, or do you have contact details please?
v8sag said:
Mike Johnson of Boost performance is the engine builder. It's been over a year in the build, planning and having everything custom built, so someone will benefit of not having to go through that.
I haven't got any figures yet as early days, just would like what I've put into it. Would love to see it going into a TVR and only mentioned considering this being a "Turbo" thread.
Its set up for twin G30 660's, I have the equivalent Pulsars (reverse rotation for symmetry) in NZ, but would ship to the UK.
Headers would need to be custom made, when I was dealing with Clive F who was going to build the headers, he told me adapted TVR factory headers are too thin and will/do crack from the weight and heat.
Regardless of which way you go, if you're looking at a FI Chim, I would suggest it has had the same amount of attention to it being able to handle, stop, and parts susceptible to breaking or suffer from premature wear, that they have been upgraded.
I didn't realise you were in the Anitpodes! PH really does have a worldwide presence.I haven't got any figures yet as early days, just would like what I've put into it. Would love to see it going into a TVR and only mentioned considering this being a "Turbo" thread.
Its set up for twin G30 660's, I have the equivalent Pulsars (reverse rotation for symmetry) in NZ, but would ship to the UK.
Headers would need to be custom made, when I was dealing with Clive F who was going to build the headers, he told me adapted TVR factory headers are too thin and will/do crack from the weight and heat.
Regardless of which way you go, if you're looking at a FI Chim, I would suggest it has had the same amount of attention to it being able to handle, stop, and parts susceptible to breaking or suffer from premature wear, that they have been upgraded.
I fully agree about upgrading the supporting parts/systems, preferably before any speed is added. That's why I am only shortlisting cars that have had that work done, or if there's budgetary headroom for me to do it.
A
macdeb said:
Really depends on which engine and what's been done. As a standard engine I'd plump for the 450 being cross bolted large journal crank. Also good CR being a shade under 9.0:1 (not 9.35 as stamped on the block). They are all hardy under stressed engines, I drove a friends 400 turbo and that didn't hang about and drove very nicely like a standard car but more ooomph. Ok with just Lucas set up at low boost levels. Aftermarket ECU much better. I built one some years ago using Eanns kit who has now sadly passed away, which is well thought out and the only problem being a weak oil seal on some which is easily remedied if it goes. I went bit overboard with low cr build forged pistons, heads, balanced, etc, TKO 600 gearbox, twin plate clutch, adjustable boost, brakes, blah, etc, etc. Fab car, sadly sold it on after 9 years having an Aston itch. (sad tale there). Good luck, keep us posted.
I know, I've been following threads that you've popped up in. It always made me envious!Edited by macdeb on Wednesday 8th October 08:42
5.0ltr said:
Some thoughts here. Good luck.
https://youtu.be/0xW-tYQ00BA?si=kaARhs0Ieyim24ad
I entered the raffle for it. The lucky(?) winner has turned up on YT with it.https://youtu.be/0xW-tYQ00BA?si=kaARhs0Ieyim24ad
They managed 400+ bhp
, and I want to know how realistic is that for a long-term/daily driver in terms of engine life expectancy?Over to the collective wisdom that is PH.....
A
That would be my concern with that project.
I'd expect the diff to need some attention soon if it hasn't been looked at since it rolled off the factory floor.
The SC car is on this Facebook link:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/1142643699534894/p...
You'll see the list of mods are a number of the desirable ones - particularly a well mapped modern ECU, and the Ben Lang fitted Bilstein suspension.
And the maintenance includes chassis refurb, which is largely essential.
It's worth asking if the camshaft has been changed with the mileage, in case the forced induction performance is hiding worn lobes, but that's a comparatively minor cost when you're looking at a SC or turbo car.
I'd expect the diff to need some attention soon if it hasn't been looked at since it rolled off the factory floor.
The SC car is on this Facebook link:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/1142643699534894/p...
You'll see the list of mods are a number of the desirable ones - particularly a well mapped modern ECU, and the Ben Lang fitted Bilstein suspension.
And the maintenance includes chassis refurb, which is largely essential.
It's worth asking if the camshaft has been changed with the mileage, in case the forced induction performance is hiding worn lobes, but that's a comparatively minor cost when you're looking at a SC or turbo car.
Edited by PabloGee on Wednesday 8th October 17:39
PabloGee said:
That would be my concern with that project.
I'd expect the diff to need some attention soon if it hasn't been looked at since it rolled off the factory floor.
The SC car is on this Facebook link:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/1142643699534894/p...
You'll see the list of mods are a number of the desirable ones - particularly a well mapped modern ECU, and the Ben Lang fitted Bilstein suspension.
And the maintenance includes chassis refurb, which is largely essential.
It's worth asking if the camshaft has been changed with the mileage, in case the forced induction performance is hiding worn lobes, but that's a comparatively minor cost when you're looking at a SC or turbo car.
That one in Tadley looks amazing. I think most buyers are going for really low mileage unmolested cars IMHO, all of which will probably need more maintenance due to lack of use and original parts, especially on the suspension and chassis areas. I'd expect the diff to need some attention soon if it hasn't been looked at since it rolled off the factory floor.
The SC car is on this Facebook link:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/1142643699534894/p...
You'll see the list of mods are a number of the desirable ones - particularly a well mapped modern ECU, and the Ben Lang fitted Bilstein suspension.
And the maintenance includes chassis refurb, which is largely essential.
It's worth asking if the camshaft has been changed with the mileage, in case the forced induction performance is hiding worn lobes, but that's a comparatively minor cost when you're looking at a SC or turbo car.
Edited by PabloGee on Wednesday 8th October 17:39
PabloGee said:
That would be my concern with that project.
I'd expect the diff to need some attention soon if it hasn't been looked at since it rolled off the factory floor.
The SC car is on this Facebook link:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/1142643699534894/p...
You'll see the list of mods are a number of the desirable ones - particularly a well mapped modern ECU, and the Ben Lang fitted Bilstein suspension.
And the maintenance includes chassis refurb, which is largely essential.
It's worth asking if the camshaft has been changed with the mileage, in case the forced induction performance is hiding worn lobes, but that's a comparatively minor cost when you're looking at a SC or turbo car.
Had a look, it's interesting, but I'm new to the SC conversions.I'd expect the diff to need some attention soon if it hasn't been looked at since it rolled off the factory floor.
The SC car is on this Facebook link:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/1142643699534894/p...
You'll see the list of mods are a number of the desirable ones - particularly a well mapped modern ECU, and the Ben Lang fitted Bilstein suspension.
And the maintenance includes chassis refurb, which is largely essential.
It's worth asking if the camshaft has been changed with the mileage, in case the forced induction performance is hiding worn lobes, but that's a comparatively minor cost when you're looking at a SC or turbo car.
Edited by PabloGee on Wednesday 8th October 17:39
Who's the authority/font of SC wisdom on here for more info?
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