Thinking of a Chimaera...

[Orophin]

Hello, I thought I'd just pop over from the S forum and say I'm thinking of replacing with a Chimaera in a couple months. Mainly due to where I live...the roads aren't brilliant and I believe a Chimaera would give me more ground clearance and a less harsh ride! Plus I'd like more power than the S3, a V8S is possible I suppose.

So do you think I'll be disappointed? Is this the right move?

PS what sort of power would you expect with a 450 with "a 218 Hybrid Camshaft fitted with high rev lifters and vernier timing, the cylinder heads were also replaced for v8 developments stage 3 heads."???

Thanks guys!

[dogbucket]

Orophin said:

PS what sort of power would you expect with a 450 with "a 218 Hybrid Camshaft fitted with high rev lifters and vernier timing, the cylinder heads were also replaced for v8 developments stage 3 heads."???

that might make 300bhp, Meatball has a 450BV which does.

[Orophin]

dogbucket said:

Orophin said:

PS what sort of power would you expect with a 450 with "a 218 Hybrid Camshaft fitted with high rev lifters and vernier timing, the cylinder heads were also replaced for v8 developments stage 3 heads."???

that might make 300bhp, Meatball has a 450BV which does.

Sweet jubbleys!

[HRG]

Money might be better spent on the suspension first if the roads are pants...

[Orophin]

I only asked that question because there is a 97 400 Chimaera with a 4.5 engine with that work done with it. I'd expect I'll aim for nitrons.

[HRG]

Freshening up the suspension is always a good idea if it hasn't already been done.

[haircutmike]

I think That about 275 is a real figure.

My 4.6L with;
K&n,
Big valves,
Gas flowed
Typhoon cam,
No lambda's,
ECU retuned'
No cats,
HI comp pistons.

Developes 274 bhp, "Crazy Horses" dyno.


Haircutmike.

[Orophin]

Okay, that's fine with me. So...what's it like going from an S to a Chimaera? Best model to go for? How did they change over the years of production???

Thanks again

[Chimjunkie]

Some say that the S is a more lively drive. With that in mind i would agree with a suspension upgrade to sharpen the Chim up. This really is the best mod to do on a Chimaera IMO.

[Orophin]

Okay, got that down. Suspension upgrade will be no1 on the list on mods

But what kind of Chimaera am I looking for? I can fork out up to 8k, maybe more as savings increase with time.

Would it be better to buy an older 400 for 5k and upgrade bits with the rest of the money, or spend most on buying the car? I really fancy a 450, a facelift if possible.

[Blues]

Orophin said:

I only asked that question because there is a 97 400 Chimaera with a 4.5 engine with that work done with it. I'd expect I'll aim for nitrons.

Is that the one in Devon?

[Orophin]

Yes it is



What do you know about this car?

Edited by Orophin on Sunday 21st December 17:29

[lifebegins@400]

I would have thought for 8K you're really looking at a 400 - 93-98 vintage depending of course on source (dealer vs private), mileage, overall condition etc. I am not an expert on resale values but don't ever recall seeing a 450/500 facelift for that sort of money, and if it was I would imagine it wouldn't be much cop - having said that prices are pretty depressed at the moment, winter is upon us etc so there may be more scope than usual.

Personally I would concentrate more on condition rather than focussing on one model - they will all have plenty of zip if fettled properly - a fit 400 will be every bit as good as a tired 450 and will provide a better basis for further modifications if so desired.

Happy hunting!

Andy

Edited by lifebegins@400 on Sunday 21st December 18:16

[Blues]

Orophin said:

Yes it is



What do you know about this car?

YHM

[VerySideways]

It's possible to pick up a very nice facelifted car for less than £8k with sensible mileage and in very good condition - but it's also very very easy to pick a rat's backside.
I've been looking at a few recently and the condition varies more wildly than the price.

Advice? Read this: http://www.chimaerapages.com/resources_buyers.php
Then look at lots so that you'll know a good one when you see it.

[anonymous-user]

I went from an S2 to a Chim. The S2 was actually more fun to drive, it handled like a go kart and had just enough real world power. But the Chim did look and sound better and is far more refined (if you can call a TVR that )

[Orophin]

Okay so then on searching, I'll look for:

1) condition of everything, if it's been cared for
2) As newer model as possible
3) Whatever engine size as it's going to be an improvement on the S3 anyway, and I can always get a 450 one day or have a 4.6 V8 installed.

On modifications:

1) Suspension upgrade
2) Brakes
3) Engine


Is it worth asking Rob Ingleby to find me one? I bought the S3 on my own though and hasn't been much hassle (as of yet...)