First Griff. test drive
Discussion
Went to look at a 4.3 precat at the weekend and had my first drive in one, courtesy of the owner. Well, I certainly want one. The engine on the one I viewed pulled strongly to 5.5K rpm and the gearbox was easy to use. This is one of my worries as I have read the 500 T5 box has a heavy change. Anyone driven both versions? The front tyres were 225's SO2 and the steering I did not find heavy, a little lighter than my V8S, if I remember which had 205's. So I won't worry unduly about getting one with PS but perhaps I should try one. The rack had TVR embossed on it and sure that my V8S did not. Overall the ride and handling, lack of scuttle shake pleased me and IMHO a vast improvement over the V8S. The chassis on this car was the problem. The perimeter rail on the OS was quite rusted around the two gussets where the middle bracing tube joins. In view of this and as it was the first car viewed I think I need to look at some more. Perhaps the later 500's are less likley to be corroded but I have already been told this may not be the case. I have a budget and do not want to pay dealer prices
eng622 said:
Went to look at a 4.3 precat at the weekend and had my first drive in one, courtesy of the owner. Well, I certainly want one. The engine on the one I viewed pulled strongly to 5.5K rpm and the gearbox was easy to use. This is one of my worries as I have read the 500 T5 box has a heavy change. Anyone driven both versions? The front tyres were 225's SO2 and the steering I did not find heavy, a little lighter than my V8S, if I remember which had 205's. So I won't worry unduly about getting one with PS but perhaps I should try one. The rack had TVR embossed on it and sure that my V8S did not. Overall the ride and handling, lack of scuttle shake pleased me and IMHO a vast improvement over the V8S. The chassis on this car was the problem. The perimeter rail on the OS was quite rusted around the two gussets where the middle bracing tube joins. In view of this and as it was the first car viewed I think I need to look at some more. Perhaps the later 500's are less likley to be corroded but I have already been told this may not be the case. I have a budget and do not want to pay dealer prices
I drove 4.3 and 500 T5. I preferred the engine and 'box on the 4.3 - maybe not as 'refined' (all things being relative) but that's what I wanted.All Griffs have TVR racks. Allegedly the internals may be Sierra but I can't confirm. You won't find a precat with PAS unless it's been converted. Personally I don't think it's needed.
If you can see bad rust, just sticking your head under the car, then it's probably worse elsewhere. Where the outrigger disappears under the body behind the front wheel and in front of the back wheel are favourite areas. However if it's just surface rust, and you can see it's solid (and/or poke with a screwdriver) don't be put off - but do see to it straight after purchase.
Age is no guide to likely chassis condition. Some say the earlier chassis were better protected (or stored outside for less time) and last better.
There are a couple of great looking precats in the ads right now - but those are the prices you have to pay.
I agree with age having no bearing on condition. Having had my pre cat in for a service I was told the underside was in better condition than a lot of later 500s which was good to hear and is testiment to the way it's been looked after. Living in Brighton I'm particularly carefull getting it waxolyed regularly!
profstoff said:
I drove a 500 with and without power steering on the same day and bought the one without. In my opinion it had a better feel without being noticably heavier. Of course the PS pump takes engine power as well.
How often to you need full power when going round a corner sharp enough to require full power stearing assistance? ;-)I drove both before I chose mine, and unless you are just tracking the car, PS makes a good difference (unless the front tyres were flat in the non PS car i drove). Mainly the difference is in parking slow manouverng, but if this is an every day car, you will see the benefit. You still get loads of feedback through the wheel and defy anyone on public roads that non PS is 'required' for feel. Personal taste rules...
Agree though, this is one car to definately buy on condition, not age/mileage. And try and get a good independant to check it over - could save a big bag of money further down the line.
Edited by virgil on Tuesday 19th June 16:38
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