Love it standard
Discussion
I guess some people just want to improve on whats there already. Also what do you mean by modify? I'm having my work standard shock replaced next month with Gaz adjustables - is that an upgrade to improve handling or a modification? I have ACT stainless manifolds - these are not only better quality than the originals but also cheaper - do you condider these a mod if the old ones are cracked?
I'll admit the exhaust mod is attention seeking but IMHO does sound far better than standard.
It also means people get the cars to their own taste.
As parts wear on my car (diff bushes again being a good example which I uprated to poly) I'll either replace like for like or if there is a better quality alternative for similar money I'll 'upgrade' to it.
I'll admit the exhaust mod is attention seeking but IMHO does sound far better than standard.
It also means people get the cars to their own taste.
As parts wear on my car (diff bushes again being a good example which I uprated to poly) I'll either replace like for like or if there is a better quality alternative for similar money I'll 'upgrade' to it.
I agree it's very hard to determine what exactly is a mod and what's an improvement. I also accept that replacement costs can be very significant.
How about this suggestion;
'If you can justify the change as improving safety, then it's an improvement...' ???
Other wise I'd call it a mod.
I'd like to add that I do love the sound of 'enhanced' V8s - I just don't feel the drive to change mine.
How about this suggestion;
'If you can justify the change as improving safety, then it's an improvement...' ???
Other wise I'd call it a mod.
I'd like to add that I do love the sound of 'enhanced' V8s - I just don't feel the drive to change mine.
Sorry I'm confused, what's the hang-up with modifications? Are you saying they are only an improvement if they also contribute to safety? If so how would you classify the two-speed cooling fan modification that circulates air around the engine bay by switching the fans onto half-speed at around 80 degrees? nothing to do with safety but certainly an improvement. Rich...LOVE IT STANDARD; great. No worries.
I'm happy to "improve" with new shocks/springs, performance pads, cooling, induction etc. etc, but things like new wheels aren't for me.
So (and I'm probably agreeing with richb here) I'm happy to LOVE IT STANDARD too, but likewise happy to improve as required, either when required or because I fancy it.
I'm happy to "improve" with new shocks/springs, performance pads, cooling, induction etc. etc, but things like new wheels aren't for me.
So (and I'm probably agreeing with richb here) I'm happy to LOVE IT STANDARD too, but likewise happy to improve as required, either when required or because I fancy it.
It's all relative I suppose.
We have cars that out-perform 99+% of anything else on the road but some of us want to out-perform our peers. Either that or make the experience smoother.
Personally I would limit the changes to my 5.0 to suspension. At 40,000 miles I could probably justify that under replacement being due and taking the opportunity to fit something better. I can understand others wanting to tweak the engine but I'd be worried about affecting reliability.
We have cars that out-perform 99+% of anything else on the road but some of us want to out-perform our peers. Either that or make the experience smoother.
Personally I would limit the changes to my 5.0 to suspension. At 40,000 miles I could probably justify that under replacement being due and taking the opportunity to fit something better. I can understand others wanting to tweak the engine but I'd be worried about affecting reliability.
Careful GMS. You're treading on dodgy ground, esp with the veteran tvr guys..(don't think I'll be on many chritmas card lists now)
I understand where you're coming from. To my mind a modification is a change from the standard. But TVRs are never standard.. And improving them is just enhancing the joy of the car. Be it for performance, style, safety, whetever else you can think of. - Most TVR people enjoy tinkering with their cars. It's half the fun!
I understand where you're coming from. To my mind a modification is a change from the standard. But TVRs are never standard.. And improving them is just enhancing the joy of the car. Be it for performance, style, safety, whetever else you can think of. - Most TVR people enjoy tinkering with their cars. It's half the fun!
Edited by WazzaL on Friday 16th February 14:50
GMS 500 said:
richb said:
how would you classify the two-speed cooling fan modification that circulates air around the engine bay by switching the fans onto half-speed at around 80 degrees?
Perhaps a third category... "A waste of time" 
seriously though - whats the significant benefit?
But... if you really want the serious answer (and promise I'm not wasting my time
) I'll tell you. The problem is that fibre glass is a very good insulation material and that's what our cars are built from so they retain a lot of the heat. Also you may notice that the fans come on at around 92 deg and give a blast like a hovercraft, assuming you have the dual fans? However when sitting in traffic in hot weather you will also find that the cabin becomes increasingly hot. This isn't just the coolant temp increasing but also the ambient temp of the surrounding bodywork and chassis which act as a heat soak from the engine and exhaust. By fitting a thermostat that switches the fans onto half speed (through a relay) at a lower temperature you achieve several things; firstly you get a flow of air through the engine bay before it starts to get too hot, therefore keeping the cabin cooler, it also means that there is less stress on the fan-fuses because they don't have to go on full load from stationary (blown fan fuses are a common cause of overheating in TVRs) they go through a half-speed stage first, and finally, of course it assists with cooling because engine temps are maintained at a more stable range. I've sat in 40 degrees+ at Le Mans in queues hours long and never had a single overheating issue. If you search the archives you will find it's probably one of the single most popular mod/improvements. p.s. Kit is supplied my David Beer at Mod-wise. Rich... Edited by richb on Friday 16th February 14:56
Sorry to but in on the Chim forum chaps, but from a Griff minor tinkerer can I give you my 2p worth.
I mod to make either my life easier, or to stop the car failing. But I have to admit to changing the stereo because it was ugly!
So I have the mod-wise boot opener (easy life) and half speed fan kit (protection)
I also have the ACT induction pipes as a mod created out of the necessity to replace the worn out old one.
K&N filter because it can be cleaned.
Stainless manifolds because the old ones had repairs and are like rocking horse poo to find these days.
Cerb seats, because the Griff ones were damaged and they aren't that comfortable anyway.
Magnecour leads because they are reputed to be the best and I couldn't resist the bargain when I was offered them.
I also tend to replace bolts with stainless if I can because they don't rust so easily.
I've modded the bonnet stay myself because, lets face it, the factory version was a pigs ear of design.
Unless something major goes wrong with the engine I won't be replacing the cam/ecu because I don't believe its worth the trouble I've read people have had, and I'm too tight!
Oh yeah, steering wheel. Because ... well, just because!
I mod to make either my life easier, or to stop the car failing. But I have to admit to changing the stereo because it was ugly!
So I have the mod-wise boot opener (easy life) and half speed fan kit (protection)
I also have the ACT induction pipes as a mod created out of the necessity to replace the worn out old one.
K&N filter because it can be cleaned.
Stainless manifolds because the old ones had repairs and are like rocking horse poo to find these days.
Cerb seats, because the Griff ones were damaged and they aren't that comfortable anyway.
Magnecour leads because they are reputed to be the best and I couldn't resist the bargain when I was offered them.
I also tend to replace bolts with stainless if I can because they don't rust so easily.
I've modded the bonnet stay myself because, lets face it, the factory version was a pigs ear of design.
Unless something major goes wrong with the engine I won't be replacing the cam/ecu because I don't believe its worth the trouble I've read people have had, and I'm too tight!
Oh yeah, steering wheel. Because ... well, just because!
Edited by barreti on Friday 16th February 15:38
burriana said:
And ... the standard suspension makes it handle like a drunken power boat. And when you drive it quite enthusiastically like I do, it gets a bit un-nerving!
You want to try driving on duff standard suspension like I am at the moment, my springs have sagged by an inch and a half, shocks are leaking and I'm regularly hitting the bump stops. Very scary to drive at present even on a flat but uneven straight road.
Booked in next month for az adjustable which should transform it.
WazzaL said:
zippee said:
Booked in next month for gaz adjustable which should transform it.
Yes, but would you deem this an upgrade or a mod..?
IMHO an upgrade - a mod would be taking a particular component and altering it in some way from the norm. eg/ (stupid example) taking a standard brake disc and machining grooves would be modfying that component - whereas bolting on an aftermarket grooved disc would be an upgrade, providing it improved performance.
There is however, a very fine line between the 2. A mod won't neccesarily improve the performance of something whereas an upgrade will (All IMHO of course)
Going to put my diplomatic hat on:
Good to see there's no shortage of opinions about what constitutes an Upgrade/Modification.
Not suprised to see some strong feelings earlier either - afterall, we all want the perfect car.
Believe me, I've no interest in upsetting the Veterans
.
I recently had all my brake discs replaced (with standards) but had lines upgraded to Goodrich ones at the same time. I'm sure some would call that a Mod...
I think TVR's are very individual in the first place but I'll admit there are loads of additional 'nice to haves' available on the market. If we all wanted exactly the same thing the world would be a very dull place.
Good to see there's no shortage of opinions about what constitutes an Upgrade/Modification.
Not suprised to see some strong feelings earlier either - afterall, we all want the perfect car.
Believe me, I've no interest in upsetting the Veterans
. I recently had all my brake discs replaced (with standards) but had lines upgraded to Goodrich ones at the same time. I'm sure some would call that a Mod...
I think TVR's are very individual in the first place but I'll admit there are loads of additional 'nice to haves' available on the market. If we all wanted exactly the same thing the world would be a very dull place.
Well Graham you've upset the apple cart here! 
My car has several modifications, as you know but there are reasons....
17" Wheels - The Chimaera on the original 15/16" wheels was developed on the Bridgestone SO pattern which had incredibly stiff sidewalls, now these are no longer avaialable the rest of tyres suitable for fitment have softer sidewalls thus increasing lateral movement. So by going to 17" not only have I gained close to the original handling but the tyres are actually cheaper as they are more popular.
Modwise cooling kit - Fans cut in earlier and stay on longer regulating temp and reducing heat soak.
AVO coilovers - Full adjustment helps the car remain balanced when loaded up for Le Mans, can be eased off for winter driving conditions and optimised in summer.
ACT induction kit - Smoother running benefits archaic generic Land Rover fuelling system.
Goodridge Lines - Essential item, coupled with fresh fluid improved pedal feel no end!
Sounds fine to me????
My car has several modifications, as you know but there are reasons....
17" Wheels - The Chimaera on the original 15/16" wheels was developed on the Bridgestone SO pattern which had incredibly stiff sidewalls, now these are no longer avaialable the rest of tyres suitable for fitment have softer sidewalls thus increasing lateral movement. So by going to 17" not only have I gained close to the original handling but the tyres are actually cheaper as they are more popular.
Modwise cooling kit - Fans cut in earlier and stay on longer regulating temp and reducing heat soak.
AVO coilovers - Full adjustment helps the car remain balanced when loaded up for Le Mans, can be eased off for winter driving conditions and optimised in summer.
ACT induction kit - Smoother running benefits archaic generic Land Rover fuelling system.
Goodridge Lines - Essential item, coupled with fresh fluid improved pedal feel no end!
Sounds fine to me????
GMS 500 said:
I realise I'm probably swimming against a tide of opinion but just have to speak up...
Why-oh-why are so many people so obsessed with modifying their Chims?
Why-oh-why are so many people so obsessed with modifying their Chims?
I started a similar thread some time ago. Quite a few pictures of modded TVR's were posted on it.
www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?p=1&f=23&t=190493&h=0
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