Chimaera exchange?

[robertp]

I've been considering changing my 400SE for an early Chimaera or Griff - been offered an L reg Chim 4.3, low miles but no power steering - I can sort out the exchange values part, but is this a good model of chimaera if it is properly sorted? Anyone got anything else to exchange (cash your way obviously)

[simpo one]

My experience is of Griffs rather than early Chimaeras, but my question is: 'Do you really like the car?' If you do, then you're halfway there, all other factors taken into consideration.

[chimburt]

you should check and see which engine/gearbox etc. as this is about the time of change-over. something tells me ( though i stand to be corrected ) that the 4.3 is the earlier with the sd1 gearbox which is reputadly fragile. i dare-say there is a lot of info in the rest of the forum on that.
i don't think i'd be far wrong in saying that the later model you get then the better it will be. i have a 95 m which i've had for 7-8 months and i'm pleased with it.

[simpo one]

Following on from Chimburt, it will be the Rover box.

But Rover boxes seem attract bad press just like TVRs do. I've a Griff with each box (Rover and T5) and have to say I prefer the Rover. Fast and slick, unlike T5 which is a notchy bugger and can baulk going into 3rd at high revs (mine's not the only one to do that).

The Rover box might not like 340bhp+ but at 240 (allegedly!) it seemed fine to me.

Oh yes, and I was going to say - get the best one you can afford/feel comfortable with. If you can manage a newer one, I think you shoud have it.

>> Edited by simpo one on Sunday 10th November 18:17

[TravelsVeryRapid]

I have an early 4.3. I've had it for just on two years, done 10,000 miles in that time with no problems. It now has 52.5k on the clock, no power steering, rover gearbox. Great car.

[peachey]

I previously had a 350i before buying a 4.3 chimp in summer 99. I looked for 6 months or so and drove cars with and without power steering and all combinations of engines - 4.0, 4.3, 4.0HC, and 5.0 cars. The quickest was a 4.0 precat Griff - a well sorted and fettled car. I settled on a 4.3 Chimp as it felt quicker and torquer than 4.0 and much less harsh than the 4.0HC's. As for the gearbox, I've never had any snags - I think it is only a preference for where you want reverse gear, I've seen posts of the T5 box losing the odd gear. The car has been depressingly reliable but none of my mates have had major probs with their cars either - it come down to looking after the vehicle properly and sympathetically.
But I would say that as it's my car for sale!

[ssc1]

i also have got a 4.3 chimaera 93 model and the engine and gearbox have been superb in the 6 thousand miles that i have done ,only prob has been the starter which is now fixed .gearbox is nice and smooth when warm and easy on changes and no noises ,the engine pulls like a train right up to the red line if you push it ,but going by the threads on this site there are good and bad on both types ,just go for the best one that suits you and your pocket ,the 4.3 is nice and lazy on a long run and will sit at a ton all day and sounds really good at 130+ with that lovely deep v8 sound at low revs ...

[the dodger]

I've said this elsewhere on here......anyway I went from a 4.0L wedge (350SE) to a Chim this year and specifically wanted a 4.3. This was based on three things, first - I was told by a factory insider that the 4.3 was probably the best all-round engine (this was a while ago), secondly the rarity value and lastly a bit more chuff available. I was put off the 4.0HC which I also considered initially.

I miss the sound of the wedge a lot. I miss being able to see out the rear with the header down too, along with the glovebox. The wife prefers it though so that makes up for all the others - (not).

[robertp]

Thanks everyone (hi Ric!) - nothing unusually concerning there then.....