Modification-v-Bigger Engine
Discussion
Had the 4.0 for a while now and starting to think about getting a bit more bhp from somewhere.
Spotted in Classifieds a 4 litre with mods including '404 Cam, V8 development stage 3 heads, Mark Adams Chip' which apparently cost £6,000.
Given the low(ish) prices on Chimaeras now why not just go for a later 5.0? Or are these modifications even better?
Spotted in Classifieds a 4 litre with mods including '404 Cam, V8 development stage 3 heads, Mark Adams Chip' which apparently cost £6,000.
Given the low(ish) prices on Chimaeras now why not just go for a later 5.0? Or are these modifications even better?
I've thought about this and have decided that as (i) I love my car to pieces (first TVR, lusted after since seeing one in 1993) and (ii) I've spent lots of cash getting into tip-top condition, I'll just go down the upgrade route.
I can't believe that just a few upgrades (bar upping engine capacity/upgrading to FI) would give the 4.0 the performace of a 500, but it's the route I'll be going down.
I can't believe that just a few upgrades (bar upping engine capacity/upgrading to FI) would give the 4.0 the performace of a 500, but it's the route I'll be going down.
Gazboy said:
...would it be more tractable at low revs due to not having the 500's torque breaking traction?
It's a good point.
When I was looking, I drove a couple of 500s. Anyone who says there's no real difference in power and delivery between a 4 and a 5 hasn't driven them - the 500s are rocket-ship fill-one's-pants quick everywhere in the rev range and in every gear. However, I went for the 4, as it was a bit more point & squirt; easier to get the power down earlier. The 500s I drove tended to get twitchy with so much low-, mid- and high-range torque coming in.
That said, it may just be a case of getting used to the more powerful jam jar...
Nuggs said:
However, I went for the 4, as it was a bit more point & squirt; easier to get the power down earlier. The 500s I drove tended to get twitchy with so much low-, mid- and high-range torque coming in.
Right. So what you're saying is the 500 is a rubbbish drive.
Out of the goodness of my heart then I shall do a straight swap with someone, my 4.0 for their 500.
I know, I know. I'm too kind for my own good
>> Edited by Flintstone on Thursday 13th April 14:06
As Podie said, if you want more power you'd be better off buying a 450/500.
However, having been toying with the idea of swapping the plenum/trumpets/intelt manifold and getting a Mark Adams tune (that's a couple of grand gone), I've decided to start with the handling (new shocks & springs) then some driver training c/o Ride Drive, and THEN I'll see if I need some more power.
All in my humble opinion, of course
Mike
However, having been toying with the idea of swapping the plenum/trumpets/intelt manifold and getting a Mark Adams tune (that's a couple of grand gone), I've decided to start with the handling (new shocks & springs) then some driver training c/o Ride Drive, and THEN I'll see if I need some more power.
All in my humble opinion, of course
Mike
As they saying goes "GO LARGE
" but make sure you can handle it.
If you take the upgrade route, taking on a car which has had all the dosh upping the bhp, make sure the retardation and handling characteristics are in good order. It’s top dog getting the mega zero to a ton
but you’ll also need the ton to zero to be near as quick.
Like Mr. MGAUT getting a car that’s set up first and then a monster unit sounds the route.
" but make sure you can handle it. If you take the upgrade route, taking on a car which has had all the dosh upping the bhp, make sure the retardation and handling characteristics are in good order. It’s top dog getting the mega zero to a ton
but you’ll also need the ton to zero to be near as quick. Like Mr. MGAUT getting a car that’s set up first and then a monster unit sounds the route.
Its always a slippery slope, say you get a 500 in due course no doubt you will want more power! I am already thinking mine could do with a little more poke and by all accounts its running as much power as an average/slightly below average 500.
You always lose monoey on modifications come resale but if your going to keep it for a while so long s YOU get your money's worth why not. Thing is its not like with a modern turbo'd motor where £500 gets you an easy 50bhp and 90lb of torque.
You always lose monoey on modifications come resale but if your going to keep it for a while so long s YOU get your money's worth why not. Thing is its not like with a modern turbo'd motor where £500 gets you an easy 50bhp and 90lb of torque.
Podie said:
The cheapest way to get a faster car is to buy a faster one...
I'm with Podie on this one - a 500 will give you quite a jump in performance for relatively little money or hassle. And no downside if you later sell it (remember, some buyers will assume the worst if you've been modding). And you can mod it later...
grumbledoak said:
The cheapest way to get a faster car is to buy a faster one...
I'm with Podie on this one - a 500 will give you quite a jump in performance for relatively little money or hassle. And no downside if you later sell it (remember, some buyers will assume the worst if you've been modding). And you can mod it later...
My thoughts exactly.
Could always use 'NOS' [please no insults from the usual as just suggesting an alternative]
Almost there with mine, running 70% of current jetting at the moment [overfueling prob' to be sorted]
Went from 210 peak and 230 ft/lb torque at 4200 revs at wheels, to 280 + 312 ft/lb at same. Still drives nice with a proggressive build in power [progressive controller]. Also, you can take it off the car and keep if you move on. Just a thought.
'BOOSTED's idea a good one, [one I haven't yet discounted] especially if your car is a good one.
>> Edited by macdeb on Thursday 13th April 19:34
Almost there with mine, running 70% of current jetting at the moment [overfueling prob' to be sorted]
Went from 210 peak and 230 ft/lb torque at 4200 revs at wheels, to 280 + 312 ft/lb at same. Still drives nice with a proggressive build in power [progressive controller]. Also, you can take it off the car and keep if you move on. Just a thought.
'BOOSTED's idea a good one, [one I haven't yet discounted] especially if your car is a good one.
>> Edited by macdeb on Thursday 13th April 19:34
macdeb said:I'm surprised that more people dont run NOS on our cars
Could always use 'NOS' [please no insults from the usual as just suggesting an alternative]
Almost there with mine, running 70% of current jetting at the moment [overfueling prob' to be sorted]
Went from 210 peak and 230 ft/lb torque at 4200 revs at wheels, to 280 + 312 ft/lb at same. Still drives nice with a proggressive build in power [progressive controller]. Also, you can take it off the car and keep if you move on. Just a thought.
'BOOSTED's idea a good one, [one I haven't yet discounted] especially if your car is a good one.
,is it expensive to get fitted macdeb?,who did it for you?Mongoose said:
Could always use 'NOS' [please no insults from the usual as just suggesting an alternative]
Almost there with mine, running 70% of current jetting at the moment [overfueling prob' to be sorted]
Went from 210 peak and 230 ft/lb torque at 4200 revs at wheels, to 280 + 312 ft/lb at same. Still drives nice with a proggressive build in power [progressive controller]. Also, you can take it off the car and keep if you move on. Just a thought.
'BOOSTED's idea a good one, [one I haven't yet discounted] especially if your car is a good one.
Hmm, I fitted it myself and got 'THOR racing' in Kenilworth to set it up for me on their dyno, went there on recommendation from others on here. Cheap horses. I think more people than is realised use it, but wont come out of the closet 'cus of flack encountered.
leerdam23 said:
Wait to see how expensive the TVR Power supercharger is. As it's TVR sourced it is unlikly to loose too much £££££ when you come to re sell it. Is yours a serpentine engine? Cross Bolted??
I was thinking more of a single front mounted turbocharger or a Roterex supercharger, that costs about £2k all in. There would be fuelling under boost to sort out and some timing changes.
Boosted.
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