engine quit flat / slight misfire

[colin]

I am looking at buying a 97 450 Chimaera and have had it checked out by a garage. Most of the things they have spotted do not give me much cause for concern but they say that the engine is a bit flat. They reckon that it might be an ignition timing issue or possibly a bad spark plug. I will try and check this out but I was wondering if this is a common problem and likely to be relatively easy to fix or do these symptions generally point towards a more scary and expensive problem?
I do not think that the car has been used much over the last couple of months which may partly explain the problem??

Thanks in advance for any advice offered

[LucyB]

Mine was hardly driven before I bought it and felt quite "slow" and unresponsive. In fact I questioned whether it really was a 5 litre one. They really do love being used because after a few weeks, she was a different car. Really quick and responsive.
The ignition timing is easy to "fiddle" with to find the best setting. I have had mine changed a few times by the TVR specialist who does the servicing.
Main thing is, look for a regular service history - TVR Dealer good, but a recognised Specialist just as good.
And then just drive and drive and drive.......
You won't regret it !
Cheer
Lucy

[hut49]

If it's been sitting around for some months the petrol may have 'gone off'. Get some Optimax in it and drive it to clear the dead space between the tank and the injectors - then let it rip.