chim to a wedge
Discussion
hi all, have owned a s series and a chim and quite fancy a wedge now. what can i expect compared to the chim? one i have in mind is a 400se, ive read they that these achieve about 275 hp is this realistic? will it seem quicker than my old 400? i also read somewhere the chassis were better protected on the older models? anything i need to be aware off apart from the usual tvr stuff? many thanks
The Wedge is a heavier car with thicker bodywork, so an average one will probably seem (and on paper IS) slower than a 400 Chim.
I've only been in one Chim, but that had a genuine 298bhp WEDGE engine in it, and most of the time I had my hands over my eyes.
I think it is generally accepted that the TVR figures are somewhat inflated, but 220-240 strong horses in a properly tuned 400SE should be realistic.
There does seem to be a lot of variation, and many owners have modded their cars for more power.
Really though, it is the SOUND which (IMO) is far more impressive in these non-cat cars...a snarl bordering on a scream, once around 3,000rpm is reached
It's quite amusing seeing peoples' heads whip round as you approach.
I have a Chim 400HC motor with a 218 cam in my 400SE, and she seems reasonably quick. I'm sure there is more to come though, so off to the rolling road in a couple of weeks.
So, there are slow Chims out there and fast Wedges. Try a few.
I've only been in one Chim, but that had a genuine 298bhp WEDGE engine in it, and most of the time I had my hands over my eyes.

I think it is generally accepted that the TVR figures are somewhat inflated, but 220-240 strong horses in a properly tuned 400SE should be realistic.
There does seem to be a lot of variation, and many owners have modded their cars for more power.
Really though, it is the SOUND which (IMO) is far more impressive in these non-cat cars...a snarl bordering on a scream, once around 3,000rpm is reached

It's quite amusing seeing peoples' heads whip round as you approach.

I have a Chim 400HC motor with a 218 cam in my 400SE, and she seems reasonably quick. I'm sure there is more to come though, so off to the rolling road in a couple of weeks.
So, there are slow Chims out there and fast Wedges. Try a few.

One thing I noticed about the Griff compared to the Wedges was the fact that the bonnet,boot & doors are much lighter on the Griff. They're almost flimsy by comparison so I think there is a big difference in weight. But if you get yourself in to a good 400SE you'll love it. There's nothing like em for noise & character.
That reminds me...must remove the humungous speakers from the rear bulkhead before the drag racing next month....must weigh a ton !
I always leave the spare at home too, and of course the targa panel.
No point in carrying excess weight around.
Weight reduction has to be the cheapest way of improving performance and economy.
As a Yorkshireman, never having the tank more than a quarter full comes naturally.
I always leave the spare at home too, and of course the targa panel.
No point in carrying excess weight around.
Weight reduction has to be the cheapest way of improving performance and economy.
As a Yorkshireman, never having the tank more than a quarter full comes naturally.

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