A move from Chimaera to Tuscan?

[E2DJH]

Ok, my Chim is still running like a dream, not having missed a beat for the past 19k miles. I love the car, but can't help thinking that a Tuscan would give me even more exhileration.

I've got my eye on a late mark two "S" spec, is the difference worth it?
Who has made the leap, why did you do it, and what did you feel were the key differences?

Does it still feel like a convertible with the roof off and window out and how much hassle is it stowing them in the boot?

I'm of a larger stature , is the Tusc as comfortable as the Chim?

I had to fit Nitrons to get a great ride in the Chim, are there any "must have" mods for the Tuscan S?

What else should i know?
Sorry, i know there are lots of questions here, but all input is appreciated.

Cheers, David

[d.k.s]

carbon cans

[Big Al.]

Just do it FFS, life really is too short. Drive as few and see how you get on. I went from a 4.0 ltr to a Tuscan once the knuckles went back to their normal colour......

Just do it worry about what needs to be done when you need it doing.

Ed to add

Got a good mind to lock this thread until you've bought one.

What you after a Mk1 or 2?

Edited by Big Al. on Sunday 23 September 18:20

[glow worm]

Dave, I think you're right to go for a late MK 2 S spec (probably 'cos mine is), but I feel as though the really bad issues with Speed 6s were sorted by then...but you can never be sure...A lot of clutch issues seems to be coming out with 03/04 Speed Six engines now. I'm also told the electrics on the convertible style dash are far better. Mk2s were fitted with Belstiens which are far better than the std. shocks on Chims,T350s etc., although many seem convinced Gaz/Nitrons/Ohlins etc. are better, I suppose you pay your money and get what you pay for....If your lucky!!!
But I say do it and do it now...I don't beleive there will be a better time to buy...and knock the dealer down in price.

Edited by glow worm on Sunday 23 September 19:01

[andyoleary]

How long have you been thinking of doing this Dave??? Get it done man! Go for as late a model as you can afford, preferably with a clutch upgrade/replacement. If you can get a MK2 then the shocks should be ok but an upgrade to Nitrons or the like might be worthwhile depending on the mileage. Go for an "S" if you can (or an older RR if you see a nice MKI you like ) otherwise you'll just be wondering "what if..."

Happy hunting, it's a buyer's market at the moment....

Andy

PS: CCC's are a definate but not a deal breaker. De-cat is something to consider for sheer fun factor...

[Big Al.]

If you're thinking of a MK 2, I can personally vouch for this one.

http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/228010.htm

[so called]

Hi Dave,

I had a Chimaera 400 and changed to a Tuscan 4lt.
I had quite a few problems ie engine rebuild, electrics, shocks and a few other bits but this was mainly because I didnt do my home work.
I missed my Chimaera at first because the Tuscan was off the road for about 4 months.
When I got it back I was having to run in etc and get to know the car. I missed the Chimaera again then because of the lack of thrill at that time.

BUT

Now she is running so fine and it is such a great new experience. Every drive brings me more respect for the Tuscan.
The different sound going from the burbling V8 of the Chimaera to something like a screaming banshee.
The number of people that come over and ask questions.
The roof is just as easy as the Chimaera roof but the ability to take the rear screen out and leave the roof on adds an new dimension.
Perfect for driving on long runs in the hot sun as the air circulates and still gives you an open feeling. Plus you get such a great feedback from the exhaust.

I still have a hole which the Chimaera used to fill but I have no regrets at all.
Its your choice but the itch you have wont go away till youve scratched it.

Good luck.
Tony

[glow worm]

Big Al. said:

If you're thinking of a MK 2, I can personally vouch for this one.

http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/228010.htm

That looks like Lady Topaz's..with different plate...older style dash...and the pod problems???

[The AJP Griff]

glow worm said:

Big Al. said:

If you're thinking of a MK 2, I can personally vouch for this one.

http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/228010.htm

That looks like Lady Topaz's..with different plate...older style dash...and the pod problems???

it is

[Big Al.]

glow worm said:

That looks like Lady Topaz's with different plate...older style dash...and the pod problems???

Older style dash, not aware of any pod problems though.

and Yes and it is Di's Tuscan.

Ed to Add

The pod fitted to that Tuscan was the first to be upgraded due to Di saying that you couldn’t see the pod with roof off when the sun was out. It got changed at factory, and all subsequent Pods had the new filters fitted.
The colour was also designed specifically for her.

Edited by Big Al. on Sunday 23 September 21:03

[PDtvr]

E2DJH said:

Who has made the leap, why did you do it, and what did you feel were the key differences?

David - I made the leap in May, not from a Chim, but from a Griff 500 to a new Tuscan S Mk2 Targa. I did it primarily because I prefer the more aggressive and modern looks of the Tuscan to the more 'classic' lines of the V8 cars which, let's be honest, are now looking dated. The Tuscan gets significantly more attention from onlookers than my Griff ever did.

Key differences? - The power and handling which, despite what you might read on PH, are in a different league to the older cars. The Tuscan S is hugely fast, has much more of a race-car feel about it and I personally much prefer the whail and free-revving characteristics of the Speed Six engine. And as for that constant bleating about the low end torque of the V8, who wants to trundle around all day in fifth anyway? In summary, it's the excitement factor of the Tuscan that is the biggest difference for me; I for one would never go back to an older TVR.

[E2DJH]

Oh dear, oh dear, oh dear...
I should have known better, but many thanks for your input guys.

Big Al. said:

Just do it FFS

Thanks Al.That is what my heart is saying, but after 10 months of not working, my head asks if it is a sensible decision.

glow worm said:

do it and do it now...

I know Keith, that is what i would be saying if anyone asked me the same question

andyoleary said:

yahdah yahdah, stop pi$$ing about

Have i been thinking about it for that long Andy?

so called said:

the itch you have wont go away till youve scratched it

Thanks Tony, i think i know what you mean

everyone said:

Just get on with it and get one bought

I am about to accept a job offer tomorrow, so I might just do that.

PDtvr said:

I for one would never go back to an older TVR.

Phil, if you had worked in the TVR sales team, they might have fared a little better than they did

Thanks again everyone, this thread may well have cost me a fortune.

anyone want to buy a well sorted Chimaera?

[Big Al.]

E2DJH said:

anyone want to buy a well sorted Chimaera?

Oi, no ads in the forums please.

[E2DJH]

Big Al. said:

E2DJH said:

anyone want to buy a well sorted Chimaera?

Oi, no ads in the forums please.

Not advertised yet, but you can have first refusal Al

[E2DJH]

The Tuscan Rat said:

Chimaera is just another word for Tuscan road block.....
( especially blue ones coming back from Gaydon )

Lucky i waited for you to catch up eh?

[Hairy Cornflake]

Have the best of both.

Keep the Chim and buy a Tuscan.

I went fron a 4l Chim to A Mk1 Tuscan this time last year. Both cars are fun to drive, the Tuscan chasis feels more modern then the Chim, it also feels faster.

Only had two problems with mine in 9,000 miles

1 - Replaced tyres ~ £700
2 - Now living in Egypt and can not drive it!!!!!

Go on you know you want to.

HC