Noisy Engine, down on power????

[gold158]

After originally starting a thread on "Best Chim I can Find or okay Tuscan?" I had a lot of replies suggesting Griff (or Cerb). The tuscans excess running costs have ruled that out and I had a Chim already. The Cerb has a roof so it looks like I am soon to be inducted into the world of the Griff!!!!

I am looking at a car that is cheap enough but reportedly has a "noisy engine and is down on power - most likely the cam"

It is otherwise just what i am looking for so think - get it and factor in the cost of a regular engine rebuild at TVR Power (waranty etc.. would be a bonus)

Is it possible I could find the engine so stuffed it can't be rebuilt?

TVR power seemed to think it probably just needed cam and followers and worst case scenario engine rebuild (they haven't seen the car though). Could I be getting myself into some serious hot water?

Thanks in advance for any advice.

[coetzeeh]

Take this advice from a non techy type (me) - buy the best car you can afford - cheapo's are cheap for a reason. Expensive car's are not necessarily over priced either...

If all else fails have the car checked out by an expert, but don't take a chance.

my 2p

[350Matt]

Ask about the oil pressure at idle when its hot, theres a gauge in the car and it shouldn't be below 15-20psi

If this is OK then this tends to rule out problems with the bearings which would require a full rebuild.

Yoou don't have to budget for a 'regular' rebuild either the rover V8 is pretty tough and despite an appetite for cams its otherwise capable of well over 150K.

[Wildwood]

Theres a lot of negatives about this car that have come to light since I tried to sell it that I dont really want to go into, I would seriously stay well away from it, I was that desperate to get rid that in the end, I let them have it for 7 grand, and theyve done sweet FA to it, and now they want 12, fking shocking

[LordGrover]

There are enough out there without those kinds of concerns - I wouldn't bother and move on to one without 'known' issues. However, Sod's Law says that whatever you buy now will have an 'issue' and you'll regret not buying this one.
Were it my money I'd avoid it.

[gold158]

Wow,

Thanks guys, that has categorically answered that question.

It has also helped me realise that even respected dealers are not always what they seem and just out to take our money.

I will definitely continue my search elsewhere.

Wish me luck.

[Pasco]

gold158 said:

Wow,

Thanks guys, that has categorically answered that question.

It has also helped me realise that even respected dealers are not always what they seem and just out to take our money.

I will definitely continue my search elsewhere.

Wish me luck.

I would just like to point out that the Chassis condition to me would be more of an issue than a tired RV8 engine when it come to buying your first Griff or Chimp

Good luck in your quest and don't rule out the services of James Agger and the like to find you a Good quality example for the sake of a relatively small finders fee

HTH

Edited by Pasco on Friday 11th September 10:08