which engine size would you recomend?

[simonas]

ie pro's and cons of each. Theres a lot of 4.0's around but I have read somewhere 4.5 the best. Would it matter in the whole general scheme of things if looking for a chimeara

[WazzaL]

There are literally hundreds of threads about exactly this on the website.

It depends on what you want to use the car for, how you drive, etc.

I have a 4.5 as it is the middling engine and use it as my only car, but mainly at weekends. Felt it was the best compromise.

Those who have the 4 litres will say its a great car that is fast enough, those with 5's will say they are fantastic. Those with modified versions are just nutters.

Pays your money, take your choice.

Buy on condition first though! (I'm sure this'll be re-iterated forthe duration of the thread.

[snorky]

Buy on condition and engine size etc is secondary - they are all fast...

[im]

WazzaL said:

Those with modified versions are just nutters

OI!!!




Agreed...condition, condition, condition...don't be overly worried by the mileage - but do be interested in the maintenance records - or lack of.

Edited by im on Tuesday 20th February 13:15

[FunkyGibbon]

snorky said:

Buy on condition and engine size etc is secondary - they are all fast...

yep - especially the silver ones

[zippee]

I drive a 400 - it's certainly not slow though nowadays nor are most hot hatches etc. I do sometimes wish for a bit more straightline oomph and regret not buying the 450 I also had my eye on at the time. Mine is perfectly docile and easy to drive at any speed and aroud town - some say the 500 can be a bit lumpy around town and a bit of a handfulwhen provked but not having driven one I can't say either way. The 450 is supposed to be a bit of a middle ground and good at everything.
As others suggest drive a few as even 2 of the same model can drive very differently.

[WazzaL]

Im,
Was watching your thread about your nutter conversion with avid attention. - You know we are all just jealous.

FunkyGibbon said:

snorky said:

Buy on condition and engine size etc is secondary - they are all fast...

yep - especially the silver ones

Where do you get your ideas from, we all know green and blue are quicker, hence mine being faster than both as it is somewhere between these two colours.

[spend]

I'd guess 4.5 is a good choice:

You get the later serp front end & same BV heads as the 500 dont you?

Dave

[900T-R]

I'd say 4.3s and 4.5s represent the ideal Chimaera spec, but then I'm biased (although TVR Power seems to agree about the 4.3).

[that daddy]

900T-R said:

I'd say 4.3s and 4.5s represent the ideal Chimaera spec, but then I'm biased (although TVR Power seems to agree about the 4.3).

I would agree a 4.5 would be a nice car if you have the choice,and a good base for modding the motor at a later date if thats your thing.

[STEVECHIM]

No doubt, all are good.
I do not find the 5.0 lumpy. If you go for a 5.0, you will not regret it, that's for sure.

[900T-R]

spend said:

I'd guess 4.5 is a good choice:

You get the later serp front end & same BV heads as the 500 dont you?

Dave

Heads on the 4.5 are std valve sizes, but ported & gas flowed, with ported intake to match. Think of it as a 4.3 with the newer Rover 4.6 bottom end.

[jasandjules]

I would say it also depends on what you have driven before.

If it isn't anything powerful, and rear wheel drive, then I would start off with a 4.0 and learn how to "play nicely" with her. Then, once you are utterly hooked, chances are you will be off to find a 4.5 or a 5.0....

[tvron]

Just sold my 4.5 after six years ownership.I was advised to buy 4.5 and never regretted decision.The car always was a pleasure to drive and the performance more than adequate.In my opinion the 4.0 would lack that extra bit of urge needed on certain occasions

[groomvroom]

I have owned most of the engine sizes at one time or another and the 5.0 is by far the best and not at all lumpy, even the HC, next I would say the 4.3BV & 4.3 for their rev happy nature and smoothness, then the 4.5 and the 4.0 last, they might "all be fast" but a 5.0 is a hell of a lot quicker than a 4.0, although apparently the 4.0 HC ( with its original cam) is pretty good too.

[peter miller]

I have previously owned a 4 litre and now have a 4.5, to be honest it is noticably more agressive on heavy acceleration but for everyday use the 4 litre is plenty quick enough.But thats the opinion of an old fart in his fourties with a clean licence and more concerned about keeping his ncb than leaving the latest hot hatch in his rear view mirror.

[blujay10]

I went for a 4.0 and I am glad that I did as I managed to spin it twice in the first winter. Still quick enough for me and I smile every time I drive it, especially those warm summer evenings which are just around the corner.........As the boys say, if the condition stacks up, that would be the priority over engine size. Good luck and get

[simonas]

cheers for that. I think I'll keep an eye out for a 4.5 cos the speed does matter to me as I've always wanted more no matter what car I've had. iT'LL BE THE QUICKEST NON TURBO CAR i'VE HAD COS i'VE ALWAYS HAD QUICK REAR WHEEL TURBOs cars GTR33,200SX'S, sUPRA twin turbo so understand to respect the power through the rear wheels especially in wet!!!

Looking for ward to someone buying my car now so I can start the proper hunt.

Cheers for all the help. Its a good site this!!

just remembered. I have just driven a 6litre V12 DB7 which had a happy back end and non turbo!! how could I forget that

Edited by simonas on Tuesday 20th February 15:51

[spend]

peter miller said:

But thats the opinion of an old fart in his fourties with a clean licence and more concerned about keeping his ncb than leaving the latest hot hatch in his rear view mirror.

Don't worry you will grow up soon and fifties are allowed in Saga now

Dave

Is four ties something to do with brass bedsteads?