Chimaera 4.0 to C5...Advice please.
Discussion
TVR Chimaera 4.0 accordibng to Autocar hit 60 in 5.2, 100 in 13.2. The 1997 Corvette turned in some unrepresentaively poor figures of 5.7 and 13.1 (I say poor as the lesser powered and heavier camaro Z28 turned in a 5.4/13.0). More representative was the 1998 test of the manual turned in a 0-60 of 5.3 and 11.9 although I still suspect that traction wa an issue as the US mags seem to get the 0-60 at around 4.9. So let's just say you won't notice much difference to 60 but the Vette will reach 100 around 2 seconds quicker.
On mpg, it's hard to say. Autocar quote 23/29 for the TVR but only 18/23 for the Vette. In my experience, you can get far better than that in the Vette but expect around 23 in daily use and more on a run if driven with restraint.
The Vette is best bought as a post-2000 model. It was introduced in 1997 but was improved year on year and by 2000, it was pretty much as good as it was going to get. Prices vary a lot - some price on condition, some on miles, some on year. For £18k, you should be looking for condition rather than anything else and signs of a relatively pampered life. The C5 is fairly indestructible. There are no chassis issues and the main failing is a weak battery which if not maintained and prefereably replaced, tends to leak onto the computer which is underneath it. Low batteries also give rise to phantom electrical messages which aren't true.
You will find far more autos than manuals. Manuals are a bit agricultural but perfectly adequate. Being a transaxle, the gearbox is at the back. Autos will be ceaper to run and won't have any clutch replacement issues. there were a few clutch activation issues on early models which related to the slave cylinder IIRC. Leaking axle seals may arise so check for leaks. Make sure the air con works as lack of use tends to make the pump seize up and it's not always the case that "it just needs recharging" (if it was, they would do it....).
You can service the C5 yourself. It's as simple as a Mini...no, simpler. For £18k, you'll be looking at 1998 and up although you may get lucky as the C5's seem to have fallen a lot recently with two very cheap ones appearing in Classic American last month.
On mpg, it's hard to say. Autocar quote 23/29 for the TVR but only 18/23 for the Vette. In my experience, you can get far better than that in the Vette but expect around 23 in daily use and more on a run if driven with restraint.
The Vette is best bought as a post-2000 model. It was introduced in 1997 but was improved year on year and by 2000, it was pretty much as good as it was going to get. Prices vary a lot - some price on condition, some on miles, some on year. For £18k, you should be looking for condition rather than anything else and signs of a relatively pampered life. The C5 is fairly indestructible. There are no chassis issues and the main failing is a weak battery which if not maintained and prefereably replaced, tends to leak onto the computer which is underneath it. Low batteries also give rise to phantom electrical messages which aren't true.
You will find far more autos than manuals. Manuals are a bit agricultural but perfectly adequate. Being a transaxle, the gearbox is at the back. Autos will be ceaper to run and won't have any clutch replacement issues. there were a few clutch activation issues on early models which related to the slave cylinder IIRC. Leaking axle seals may arise so check for leaks. Make sure the air con works as lack of use tends to make the pump seize up and it's not always the case that "it just needs recharging" (if it was, they would do it....).
You can service the C5 yourself. It's as simple as a Mini...no, simpler. For £18k, you'll be looking at 1998 and up although you may get lucky as the C5's seem to have fallen a lot recently with two very cheap ones appearing in Classic American last month.
There have been a few TVR migrants recently, and the similar questions were asked in this forum - no doubt they will share their thoughts with you too.
I tend to agree with Lusifer's summary, with the addition that the handling is very different to a Tiv and affects overall performance. Although I loved the Grif handling, a Vette feels longer wheelbase, with every excess coming on slower and very easy to catch early with no surprises - even though I like pointy handling, I feel that you can trust a Vette a little further than a Grif. Downside is it is a bigger wider car, so is a tighter fit in the very narrow lanes if you respect your paintwork!
I moved from a grif 4.0 to a grif 5.0 and then to a six-speed manual C5 two years ago. The mechanical performance in a Vette feels smoother but I would suggest is just as rapid as a 4.0 - maybe a little quicker. My car is manual, and seems quicker than the 5.0 in mid range - down a couple of cogs and give it beans has a "launch" feel. As Lusifer said, 0-60 largely depends on the road surface/traction, but I tend to get less axle jumping on the Vette than I did in the Grif on the extremely rare occasion that I let it all go from a standstill (I love my clutch
).
Overall, I'd say that you would be happy with the performance, and more than happy with the running costs, reliability and simplicity of the package. My mpg is a mix of town and motorway, and I get around 23US miles to the gallon not hammering it particularly hard. Cruising back from LeMans at 130kph all the way returned 38US to the gallon - unbelievable. It's only around 1600revs in 6th.
Servicing - if I could be arsed to change my own oil and filters, it would cost, I guess about 40-50 quid every time the computer says so (average 10miles). I tend to do it a bit more often, and being lazy let my trusted local engineer do it - for about 100quid and no dirty fingernails!! Occasional chassis lube seems to be the only other requirement up to 100kmiles - but again I tend to do other stuff cos I like to.
Add in the rarity compared to Tivs these days, and the comfort inside the car, practical boot (yes, I really said that) and they are a good value car whether you are an ASBO or cruiser style driver. Pricing - Lusifer seems to be right, although I'd say that 18k would get you an exceptional 98 - my 80,000 miler 2000 isn't worth that by the look of the market, but I don't care cos I am never gonna sell it.
Take a ride to Bauer Millett - the main agent close to you in Manchester, or Chris Graham in Nantwich to see some good examples (IMHO, Chris is the man of you want a good car from a reputable dealer). Don't be scared of a few miles on the clock - these are mass produced rather than hand built cars and tend to have a cracking life expectancy.
HTH.
I tend to agree with Lusifer's summary, with the addition that the handling is very different to a Tiv and affects overall performance. Although I loved the Grif handling, a Vette feels longer wheelbase, with every excess coming on slower and very easy to catch early with no surprises - even though I like pointy handling, I feel that you can trust a Vette a little further than a Grif. Downside is it is a bigger wider car, so is a tighter fit in the very narrow lanes if you respect your paintwork!
I moved from a grif 4.0 to a grif 5.0 and then to a six-speed manual C5 two years ago. The mechanical performance in a Vette feels smoother but I would suggest is just as rapid as a 4.0 - maybe a little quicker. My car is manual, and seems quicker than the 5.0 in mid range - down a couple of cogs and give it beans has a "launch" feel. As Lusifer said, 0-60 largely depends on the road surface/traction, but I tend to get less axle jumping on the Vette than I did in the Grif on the extremely rare occasion that I let it all go from a standstill (I love my clutch
). Overall, I'd say that you would be happy with the performance, and more than happy with the running costs, reliability and simplicity of the package. My mpg is a mix of town and motorway, and I get around 23US miles to the gallon not hammering it particularly hard. Cruising back from LeMans at 130kph all the way returned 38US to the gallon - unbelievable. It's only around 1600revs in 6th.
Servicing - if I could be arsed to change my own oil and filters, it would cost, I guess about 40-50 quid every time the computer says so (average 10miles). I tend to do it a bit more often, and being lazy let my trusted local engineer do it - for about 100quid and no dirty fingernails!! Occasional chassis lube seems to be the only other requirement up to 100kmiles - but again I tend to do other stuff cos I like to.
Add in the rarity compared to Tivs these days, and the comfort inside the car, practical boot (yes, I really said that) and they are a good value car whether you are an ASBO or cruiser style driver. Pricing - Lusifer seems to be right, although I'd say that 18k would get you an exceptional 98 - my 80,000 miler 2000 isn't worth that by the look of the market, but I don't care cos I am never gonna sell it.
Take a ride to Bauer Millett - the main agent close to you in Manchester, or Chris Graham in Nantwich to see some good examples (IMHO, Chris is the man of you want a good car from a reputable dealer). Don't be scared of a few miles on the clock - these are mass produced rather than hand built cars and tend to have a cracking life expectancy.
HTH.
Thanks guys... Your enthusiasm and answers has confirmed what i already suspected. You are passionate about your cars as i am and that the vette is a more solid long term investment than the tvr..... I spend quite a few weekends in Northwich so will go and see Chris and the other dealer you mention, test the water on a part ex !!!! Like all big engined motors, the tvr is suffering from a drop in price.
All tahts left then is to strike a deal and then widen the carport as its 8 inch wider than the tvr !!
... Finaly, being quoted around the 500 mark for insurance. No points, no claims, 40 years old with 9+ years no claims.. About right ?? ( Adrian Flux)
Cheers
Steve
All tahts left then is to strike a deal and then widen the carport as its 8 inch wider than the tvr !!
... Finaly, being quoted around the 500 mark for insurance. No points, no claims, 40 years old with 9+ years no claims.. About right ?? ( Adrian Flux) Cheers
Steve
Might want to try MC Edwards on 01933 234827 I'm 37 had a C5 for 5 years. No no-claims (as its my 2dn car) limited miles of 5000 (I think) pretty sure its under £500.
Stevenage Insurance is another one you might want to try, don't have the number to hand, no doubt someone else on here could oblige, or I'm sure direct to enquires would have it!
Good luck with the part ex, you won't regret it.
PS if you you can, get a black one........they are faster!!!!!!!
Stevenage Insurance is another one you might want to try, don't have the number to hand, no doubt someone else on here could oblige, or I'm sure direct to enquires would have it!
Good luck with the part ex, you won't regret it.
PS if you you can, get a black one........they are faster!!!!!!!
Thanks for the help guys..... Waiting to hear back from Chris Graham Corvettes with a pos deal.... Just looking at the classifieds and the tvr values I was guessing our car should be worth around 9500 in trade in but am a little concerned i will be way off that figure.... We will see.
I was guessing our car should be worth around 9500 in trade in but am a little concerned i will be way off that figure.... We will see.The only designed in problem I am aware of is the fuel guage glitch. Occassionally it drops to zero. This might happen quite freqenetly then you wont see it again for another 10-20K miles. "Informed" opinion is high sulpher content in the fuel shorting the fuel tank sensor and the computer is programmed to set fuel to 0 if it cannot balance the readings beteen the 2 fule tanks. The only problem I have had in 75K miles.
Mileage 25-26mpg; add 20% to guage as it is based on USA gallons.
GM specs for later models showed 4.5 (manual) for 0-62
2001 got the 2nd generation active handling system
2002 (I think) got the HUD as standard - available on the Euro B pack or American C pack 2000/2001
Mileage 25-26mpg; add 20% to guage as it is based on USA gallons.
GM specs for later models showed 4.5 (manual) for 0-62
2001 got the 2nd generation active handling system
2002 (I think) got the HUD as standard - available on the Euro B pack or American C pack 2000/2001
For general tips on C5 problem areas (they're all small!) look here,
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/showt
and here,
www.corvetteclub.org.uk/viewforum.php?f=17
C5 is an extraordinary vehicle! I've had mine 7 years and maintenance costs are have been a whole £180 pa over that period, plus a set of tyres for £850. It's had three 'proper' services and I have done the intermediate oil changes at home. If you did nothing other than change the engine oil when the car tells you a C5 would almost certainly run trouble-free to the 100,000 required by US regulations.
You'll never look back once you get a C5/C6. Not the nimblest or most feely chassis in the world of sports cars but as an all-round performance/ownership proposition they're unbeatable. No shortage of grip or grunt and they look the part too!
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/showt
and here,
www.corvetteclub.org.uk/viewforum.php?f=17
C5 is an extraordinary vehicle! I've had mine 7 years and maintenance costs are have been a whole £180 pa over that period, plus a set of tyres for £850. It's had three 'proper' services and I have done the intermediate oil changes at home. If you did nothing other than change the engine oil when the car tells you a C5 would almost certainly run trouble-free to the 100,000 required by US regulations.
You'll never look back once you get a C5/C6. Not the nimblest or most feely chassis in the world of sports cars but as an all-round performance/ownership proposition they're unbeatable. No shortage of grip or grunt and they look the part too!
Just waiting to hear back from Chris Graham about a trade in before i go any further. The way the tvr prices have bombed at the minute may just delay me changing untill after Christmas, have to see how the finances work out. At least i will then have the vette from the start of the better weather 
Mad Mitch said:
All tahts left then is to strike a deal and then widen the carport as its 8 inch wider than the tvr !!
... Finaly, being quoted around the 500 mark for insurance. No points, no claims, 40 years old with 9+ years no claims.. About right ?? ( Adrian Flux) Cheers
Steve
Sounds in the ball park Steve, many factors including post code. The only thing I would say is that when I got A Flux to quote me they were substantially more than other well known names in the Vette arena ; so it could be worth you investigating more. I am currently with Stevenage although NU (who absorbed Hill House Hammond back into the NU brand) were very competive for me. I have the '73 with NU.
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