TVR virgin....first Chimaera....what advice do you have ?

[Cityman]

I have just purchased my first TVR, a Chimaera 400 . I have no issues or problems as yet (fingers crossed) but pick her up this weekend and I am looking to soak up any help or advice you need for me.....my knowledge of engines/electrics/bodywork is none existant I am just looking to enjoy the thrill of my new car.
So far I am just not sure about
1. Trickle charge (how do I use it, where can I get one)
2. Warming up the car (what do I need to do to prevent any problems/ how long do I leave her ticking over etc)
3. What fuel to put in her (I heard shell optimax but have no shell garage near me so any others)

basically any help you can advise will be gladly recieved

Thanks.......Phil

[v41ley]

Congrats on your purchase.

Re Fuel - I use Shell V-Power (which replaced Optimax) and Tesco's 99 Ron.
Don't notice any difference.

[Cider Andy]

Cityman said:

I have just purchased my first TVR, a Chimaera 400 . I have no issues or problems as yet (fingers crossed) but pick her up this weekend and I am looking to soak up any help or advice you need for me.....my knowledge of engines/electrics/bodywork is none existant I am just looking to enjoy the thrill of my new car.
So far I am just not sure about
1. Trickle charge (how do I use it, where can I get one)
2. Warming up the car (what do I need to do to prevent any problems/ how long do I leave her ticking over etc)
3. What fuel to put in her (I heard shell optimax but have no shell garage near me so any others)

basically any help you can advise will be gladly recieved

Thanks.......Phil

There's lot of info in this forum: try the search facility.

1. Don't buy a 'trickle charger', but a battery conditioner. Optimate is one brand, it can be supplied with an optional cigarette lighter connector. Plug it in and leave it switched on.

2. Warming up by idling is not necessary and will probably do more harm than good. Don't use too much throttle or too many revs (3000RPM maximum as a guideline) until the temperature gauge reaches about 70°C.

3. Use 'super unleaded'. BP, Texaco, Esso and Total all do 97RON verions of it (it'll usually say on the pump). Shell do a 99RON version. Many Tesco stores also do a 99RON version and some Tesco stores do a 97RON version. Not all filling stations do high octane fuels. If there's nothing else use 95RON (standard unleaded), but beware of pinking. In the worst case it can cause seroius engine damage. Some cars have had the ignition timing retarded to prevent this.

[zippee]

Hi Phil,

I'm not the most technically adept person but will try to help where I can.
Trickle chargers/accumates are aveilable from many motoring stores including Halfords - they can either be hardwired in to your battery or just connected when needed. If your cars not stood up for long periods then you can get away without one. Mines used at least weekly and I don't have any problems.
Warming up IMHO is better off on the move. Keep the revs below 3k until the temp hits about 70 deg. In the really cold weather this can take a while so keep an eye on the oil pressure guage as when the oil is warmed up you'll see a slight drop in pressure - you should then be good to go.
Oil pressure should be around 15-30 at idle once warm and arounf 60 under load.
Fuel wise this is a bit of a can of worrms. Mine hates BP ultimate but runs perfectly on Tesco 99 or V-Power from Shell. It tends to prefer the high octane fuels.

Other advice - check the fluids at least weekly. They can use a bit of oil so this is an essential check.
Tyre pressures should be around 24 psi a corner, though I prefer 26 rear and 24 front.
Keep an eye on the chassis for rust etc especially after driving on wet salty roads - make sure you check it and waxoil every year or so.
Don't scrimp on servicing - make sure the schedules are stuck to - 6k minor and 12k major.

Above all enjoy it - they ae huge fun!

[blueyonder]

Cityman said:

I have just purchased my first TVR, a Chimaera 400 . I have no issues or problems as yet (fingers crossed) but pick her up this weekend and I am looking to soak up any help or advice you need for me.....my knowledge of engines/electrics/bodywork is none existant I am just looking to enjoy the thrill of my new car.
So far I am just not sure about
1. Trickle charge (how do I use it, where can I get one)
2. Warming up the car (what do I need to do to prevent any problems/ how long do I leave her ticking over etc)
3. What fuel to put in her (I heard shell optimax but have no shell garage near me so any others)

basically any help you can advise will be gladly recieved

Thanks.......Phil

Welcome to PH Phil Bought my first Chim in Janaury and am also not a mechanic but I do have a very basic knowledge.....and learned a lot from threads on this forum and would suggest getting along to a local meet or two Put a pic on your profile if you can so we can see your new P&J.

In answer to your questions:

1. Trickle chargers can either be plugged into the cigarette lighter or you can get one that is attached to the battery via the passenger footwell (some can be fitted into the boot or under the bonnet) and you just plug it in when garaged. This is the one I have. You can get trickle chargers from Halford or via any of the TVR accessory sites that frequently appear on this website. I have an Optimate which is supossed to be one of the better ones....basically it doesn't fry the battery, it just charges when needed thus keeping it nicely topped up.
2. Check the oil regualarly and warm up until the temp and oil pressure get up to operating levels i.e. around 50-70 degrees plus for water temp and oil pressure (according to Steve Heath's bible - worth buying by the way) of around 10-15 lbs at tickover and 25-40 lbs at revs. When driving mine stays around 30 lbs.
3. The great fuel debate! My mates say Optimax or the sticker near the filler cap says 98 RON but like you I don't have a Shell garage nearby. My local TVR dealer garage, David Gerald TVR, told me that the RV8 engine will run OK on 95 RON unleaded but I'm using BP Ultimate 97 RON and will try Tesco's 97 RON next....it's a bit cheaper. May treat the car to some Optimax if I pass one!!

Other tips:

Have it serviced at the appropriate intervals.
Check fluid levels regularly.
Keep an eye on the chassis for rusting and get it waxoyled.
Don't rely on the handbrake holding the car on a slope when parked...leave it in gear.
Buy Steve Heath's 'bible' full of useful info and guidance.

I'm sure plenty of the guys will be along with other tips. Most of all use her have fun and get along to meets such as Pistonfest and Chimfest in the summer.

[Don]

Best advice.

Never floor it in the wet. In fact follow Miss Daisy's advice.
In the dry never floor it except in a straight line.
Don't change down whilst braking hard.
Go on an Advanced Driving course of some nature.

Take the roof off - unless it is actually raining. Unless you're Bob then take it off anyway. Any failure to remove the roof will be reported to the TVR Roof Police here on PH and you will be severely chastised.

If anything breaks fix it immediately before you get a knock-on problem.

Enjoy your car and Welcome!

[waynester]

Welcome, wise choice sir.
Plenty of friendly & knowledgable people here.

As Zippee mentioned, I presume you have checked the chassis, particularly the condition of the outriggers?

Good luck, and well done on TVR Chim ownership.

Edited by waynester on Friday 23 February 12:12

[biggiles]

First thing I'd do is find a large expanse of flat tarmac. Not for "doughnuts", but just to see how putting your foot down a little bit at the wrong time will have devastating consequences.

Unless you actually skid, you'll never know how far you can push it (ie not far) - so find somewhere to scare yourself in a safe environment.

[WazzaL]

zippee said:

Mine hates BP ultimate but runs perfectly on Tesco 99 or V-Power from Shell. It tends to prefer the high octane fuels.

I never understand this, mine seems to prefer the BP Ultimate. I was filling with Shell until I had no option then had to try something new. Car felt more responsive and lasted a for a lot more miles. - How can effecively the same engine vary so drastically depending which brand you put in it?


Forgot to add - Great purchase, enjoy the sights sounds (and let us not forget the admiration of all other road users)

Edited by WazzaL on Friday 23 February 12:47

[zippee]

WazzaL said:

zippee said:

Mine hates BP ultimate but runs perfectly on Tesco 99 or V-Power from Shell. It tends to prefer the high octane fuels.

I never understand this, mine seems to prefer the BP Ultimate. I was filling with Shell until I had no option then had to try something new. Car felt more responsive and lasted a for a lot more miles. - How can effecively the same engine vary so drastically depending which brand you put in it?


Forgot to add - Great purchase, enjoy the sights sounds (and let us not forget the admiration of all other road users)

Edited by WazzaL on Friday 23 February 12:47

No idea TBH! I've never known a car thats so sensitive to different fuels. On Ultimate she runs very lumpy and just isn't right.
Tescos produces more pops etc on the overrun and V-Power produces the smoothest running.
It is only Ultimate I have any real noticeable problems with....

[WazzaL]

Looks like this will have to be another variable to add to my running costs spreadsheet. - Interesting reading.

[midas dude]

Nice one Cityman,good advice from Bigiles.If you can find some flat,open tarmac youll soon find the limits safely.Also, budget for a new set of rears coz youll be having so much fun,again safely.
Join the TVRCC,lots of friendly faces and a wealth of knowledge.
Enjoy,AL

[tvr keith]

Everyone talking about warming up the engine but on these cars you also need to warm up the tyres and shock absorbers.
This is especially so in the colder weather, but still applies in the height of summer.
You will find that the car will ride the bumps in the road much better after a few miles to warm up, mines like a bag of bones when cold.
The difference in grip level once tyres/suspension warmed up is incredible.
Do take great care when its all cold, especially on wet/ damp roads.
Takes longer to warm up in the winter obviously.
BTW, can anyone explain why all of this is so, whereas in my tin-top, (Peugeot 406) it doesn't seem to make much difference

[BoyzToyz]

Cityman said:

So far I am just not sure about
1. Trickle charge (how do I use it, where can I get one)
2. Warming up the car (what do I need to do to prevent any problems/ how long do I leave her ticking over etc)
3. What fuel to put in her (I heard shell optimax but have no shell garage near me so any others)

basically any help you can advise will be gladly recieved

Welcome Phil! Bought mine in October last year - best thing I ever did...car is great naturally...but owning a TVR has been so much more than the car...it has been a social extravaganza!...not sure what I ever did with my weekends before! YOU WILL ENJOY IT!

This is an excellent forum for advice and help as is the TVRCC forum (certainly advise you to join your local TVR Club). As for your questions:

1. I agree with those above - get yourself a battery conditioner and keep the car plugged in when not in use. I had mine (an Accumate) hard wired into the boot...so I just plug her in at night etc. No battery problems so far.

2. Not really sure here...but I always let her warm up on idle until oil pressure is up to just below 40 and then ease her in below 3000 revs for a few miles. Not sure if that's right, but it works for me.

3. I use Shell V Power or Tesco 99...both work well for me and I can't tell the difference (except price...Tesco is cheaper!). I haven't used any other type.

Other personal tips:

4. If you haven't got a second key - get one!

5. Get a wheel alignment done early on (unless it has been recently done)...I had it done a few weeks ago and the handling difference was very noticeable...significant improvement.

6. Take extra care when filling up with petrol and have a cloth handy to wipe up any splashes on the paintwork...when I was looking at cars to buy I saw a couple with paint damage - one was a real horror...little thing but I always use the filler cap as a drip tray for the fuel nozzle (tip from the guy I bought it off that has served me well) .

7. Use rainex on the windscreen...at normal road speed the rain beads off the screen nicely and you probably won't even need to use the wipers which (unless you have modified/upgraded the factory originals) are frankly c%@p!

I'm sure there are a million other things...but you probably have enough to be going on with!

Owen

[2 sMoKiN bArReLs]

..when the dash lights don't work it'll be the button by your left knee

[Podie]

Cityman said:

I have just purchased my first TVR, a Chimaera 400 . I have no issues or problems as yet (fingers crossed) but pick her up this weekend and I am looking to soak up any help or advice you need for me.....my knowledge of engines/electrics/bodywork is none existant I am just looking to enjoy the thrill of my new car.
So far I am just not sure about
1. Trickle charge (how do I use it, where can I get one)
2. Warming up the car (what do I need to do to prevent any problems/ how long do I leave her ticking over etc)
3. What fuel to put in her (I heard shell optimax but have no shell garage near me so any others)

basically any help you can advise will be gladly recieved

Thanks.......Phil

1) If you need one, then either your battery is knackered, or you don't drive it enough.

2) Don't let it tickover. Start it, let the revs settle, then drive under 3000rpm, until the temperature has got up to 90.

3) Feed it on unleaded. Having covered over 25k in two years as a daily driver the conclusion I reached was that the only think that really altered was the amount of money you gave to the tax man.

[richb]

1) Look for an Accumate on ebay £30.00
2) Drive it for 5-8 mins before you use rev's so it's up to say 70 deg + (Podie, in winter it may never reach 90! )
3) buy some Grangers Fabsil (look on the web) and slap it on the roof fabric once a year - don't get the aerosol you'll only have to mask everything up, just brush it on.
4) make sure the clutch fluid has been checked recently, it's under a sealed cover and often gets ignored with obvious results!
5) Get some Waxoyle and slap it on in the summer.

Rich...

[Podie]

richb said:

2) Drive it for 5-8 mins before you use rev's so it's up to say 70 deg + (Podie, in winter it may never reach 90! )

Did you post on that other thread about ally rads...?!?! www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&f=8&t=359631

If he's talking about battery conditioners, then I'm guessing it's not a daily driver...

Edited by Podie on Friday 23 February 19:34

[Don]

tvr keith said:

BTW, can anyone explain why all of this is so, whereas in my tin-top, (Peugeot 406) it doesn't seem to make much difference

haha! Someone else who has had/got a 406! Had the Coupe (SE 3.0) for a while. Nice car.

The reason that the 406 is great from the get go is...

...its been properly engineered to be a Transportation Utility Device.

One should never forget that TVRs Engineering budget, in comparison to ANY of the mass market manufacturers, is/was tiny. PW once claimed that for the engineering cost of a BMW instrument binnacle TVR could engineer an entire car.

There are reasons for that!

So - with the resources at their disposal - TVR concentrated on what made the car something enthusiasts wanted to drive and, importantly, wanted to buy.

Which is why Tivvers are completely brilliant in some ways. And on the day you simply want to get somewhere...maybe not quite as OK as a shopping car.

No disrespect meant to TVR. Just an honest opinion.

[Red V8]

2 sMoKiN bArReLs said:

..when the dash lights don't work it'll be the button by your left knee

And the button on the other side is the boot release...

Accumate, top piece of kit, plug it in and forget about it.

Warm up until the temparature guage moves (may not get up to full temp in the winter)

Fuel, as above, seems each car has its own taste...

Enjoy and be sure to take it easy with the right foot at first.

Oh, and keep asking questions about anything else that you need to!!!