Replaced the V8S for a Chim 450

[brioss]

Sold my V8S and replaced it with a Honda S2000, after a couple of months of weekend use I quickly realised that the Honda is far to sensible for a weekend car and pretty dull in most departments, especially the noise. I didnt realise how important the V8 noise was until I didnt have it.

OK, so I seen the error of my ways and decided I wanted a Chim, tried the 4ltr and the 450 and settled for the 450 as it seemed like the natural way to go after a V8S.

So after 1 week of ownership and 200 miles, I can report that the Chim as a much softer ride than my V8S, my fillings dont fall out every time I run over a crack in the road, more importantly Mrs Brioss likes the ride and fell asleep on the way home.

I always thought the 2 piece roof was a bind on the V8S ,so having the one piece roof would make life easy, not the case. I found the roof easy to get off bit a nightmare trying to get it into the boot without taking lumps of the paint work, I think there a knack , which I dont have yet. I also have a new roof bag, there was no possible way I could the roof in that. Im sure I will get better with time.
Another note regarding the roof is, it doesnt seem to go down as much as the my S, the rear veiw mirror is rendered useless.

My 450 has PAS ,I know there been lots of discussion regarding this, I must say you can hardly feel any assistance ,expect for parking really, Im more than happy with that.

Back to the noise, Oh the noise !!!
My chim has had the exhaust box mod (sleeved I think) Its loud but in very nice "fruity" way. I have been popping and banging all yesterday on the over run and grinning like I have had a coat hanger jammed in my mouth.

I intended to go out and find a blue one, prefferably Imperial blue but ended up settling for a Cooper green one, I ended taking the green as I was sold on its condition and warrenty package, I like it,even if it has green grocer carpets

The only issue I have had was yesterday, was it wouldnt start when hot, I know this is a TVR thing, whats the fix ? the car has a warranty I wonder if this would be covered, I better call and find out.

Great to be back to TVR, this is TVR 3 for me, Had a S3 before the V8S. It was nice yesterday to have a good blast, great to hear people shouting out "wow" and "listen to that !!"

Looking forward to a meet up with other Chim owners !!





>> Edited by brioss on Sunday 22 January 10:15

[Tonto]

Well done, good decision, (I miss my Chim).

Re hot starting, search for ModWise. Its a relay kit. Not expensive, easy to fit and it works!

Re putting the roof in the boot. What I did was the following;

(assuming you are right handed)

Hold the roof with your left hand half way up the left side of the roof.
Your right hand should be holding the bottom right corner of the roof.
Angle the roof into the boot, left side down.
Once you have got the top left corner of the roof under the lip of the boot, then lower the bottom right corner.
As you lower the bottom right corner, you can slide the roof slightly to the left, make sure you keep your right hand on the bottom right corner of the roof. That way, its impossible for you to bash the roof on the paintwork.
You should be able to lower the roof into the boot with ease now.

It sounds complicated, but it will become second nature.

When I bought my Chim, the 3 previous owners obviously hadn't mastered the roof in boot thing, as the paintwork was a right mess on the corners of the boot. Before I sold it, I had Chipsaway come round and sort the problem. The guy did a fantastic job.

>> Edited by Tonto on Sunday 22 January 10:19

[ads]

Re - folding roof flatter to make rear view mirror useful.

The velcro strips at the side of the hood need to be undone, and stay undone. I normally pull the tongue type part through from the inside, through the gap. This stops the velcro sticking again. Then push the hood all the way down. My over centre stays almost touch the floor of the rear shelf.

Seems to work for me anyway.

[HarryW]

Good to see you're back into the TVR fold, even if its the soft option . I know what you mean about the misses and S's, mine as a rule won't come in the V8S as its far too raw for her, not sure thats a bad thing though .

[s5tvr]

Well done and top decision on buying a Cooper Green Chim as they are without doubt just that little bit quicker than the others.

[neejah]

Make sure that you're putting the roof into the boot curved side (front) down, makes it much easier.....

[225]

Very nice!
Imperial blue ones are quicker mind...

[mrk4thom]

Just done the same, sold my V8S last summer and bought a 450 yesterday at Fernhurst. Picking it up next week! I started wanting cooper green and bought paris blue for the same reason, the car was in great condition. I've got to say Fernhurst were fantastic.

I've been too long without a TVR can't wait to pick it up.

[forthright mc]

well done mate!!

from the pics your Chim looks very good indeed. excellent choice in colours too theres something about the later Chims that suit dark green with a matching interior combo. very classy. you certainly won't regret getting shot of your V8S now!
good luck buddy!

[brioss]

mrk4thom said:

Just done the same, sold my V8S last summer and bought a 450 yesterday at Fernhurst. Picking it up next week! I started wanting cooper green and bought paris blue for the same reason, the car was in great condition. I've got to say Fernhurst were fantastic. I've been too long without a TVR can't wait to pick it up.

I got mine from Fernhurst also, very happy with there service, I seen your 450 when I was down there ,it was still be prepared when I was there, I must admit I was very tempted, looked a craker.

Anyone heading down to the ACE cafe in Feb (weather permitting) ? Went down the S , it was a blast !

>> Edited by brioss on Monday 23 January 22:47

[mrk4thom]

I've read and heard about ACE so often, but unfortunately too far to go from Cardiff. Was thinking of going in the Summer and taking my Dad.

[piper]

I had a Honda S2000, beautifully made but had to force myself to drive it, found it very dull. Sold it and bought a V8S. Congratulations on your purchase, looks great in a proper British colour.

[jonathant]

neejah said:

Make sure that you're putting the roof into the boot curved side (front) down, makes it much easier.....

This may be true, but I think you compromise some boot space as a result. The front curved edge should be UP.

FWIW my technique is something like:
-stand on driver side of car
-fold down back section and remove roof panel (right hand is on the front edge)
-go to boot and shuffle hands around until left hand is now about 1/4 in from the left (on the back edge)
-angle right edge up about 45deg and tip top/front edge back about 20deg (towards the front of the car)
-slide left edge into boot until right edge clears boot "hole"
-angle right edge down until all of roof panel is in the boot
-tip bottom/back edge towards the front of car
-panel should now be flush with the petrol tank

[stegefal]

Brioss,

you have exactly the same interior as me, I have much lighter carpets than you that really need changing, but can't think of a good colour match, not sure about your 'Greengrocer' shelf liners, wouldn't match my exterior. Any ideas?

[neejah]

This may be true, but I think you compromise some boot space as a result. The front curved edge should be UP.....JonathanT

.....Not according to my version of the manual it ain't....curved side down.....and how does in compromise boot space?.......dealer also told me to put it in this way....

[R4MON]

Very nice choice Brioss. Like you, I had an S2000 before the Chim 500 and can honestly say that the V8 soundtrack is essential.

[hugerr]

neejah said:

This may be true, but I think you compromise some boot space as a result. The front curved edge should be UP.....JonathanT .....Not according to my version of the manual it ain't....curved side down.....and how does in compromise boot space?.......dealer also told me to put it in this way....

My handbook (2000 model year Chim) says: "To place the panel in the boot hold it vertically with the windscreen edge up and the roof material facing the rear. Place the left hand side into the boot, push over to the left adn then lower the right hand side in."

H

[Hoover.]

after all the stick I get from Chim owners standing about waiting to laugh when I put my Griff roof down, how disapointed they are that I have mastered the Rubic's cube .... I find out you boys have a problem too

Good to see you back in a TVR Brian....... hopefully catch up soon and have a bit of a rub somewhere.

Hoover

[brioss]

Hoover. said:

after all the stick I get from Chim owners standing about waiting to laugh when I put my Griff roof down, how disapointed they are that I have mastered the Rubic's cube .... I find out you boys have a problem too Good to see you back in a TVR Brian....... hopefully catch up soon and have a bit of a rub somewhere. Hoover

Dont mind catching up but Im not sure I want "a bit of a rub " Leave me out of your dogging sessions !!