new chimaera owner

[prestige]

hi guys, had chim 3 weeks 4ltr vreg 1999 atlantis halcyon, what a car still looking for excuses to drive it every where and not go home.
slight problem i have a manifold gasket blowing, i asked the specialist in st neots to fix when it had a service, they said it could be done but at a very high cost as the starter moter may break and the studs might snap in the head,they also said i had a bald back tyre whice is crap, to be honest i got the feeling they were triying to rip me off is the gasket such a big job please help

[V8 Archie]

From what I've heard, I'd say you're right. There's been a thread or two about this recently (try a search on "Manifold" and "Gasket"). I believe the part is cheap and the labour shouldn't be more than an hour (if I'm reading the signals correctly). I had my exhaust tightened (which IIRC involved new bolts) at service for a whole half an hour labour.

[colinrob]

Try Top Cats they are very reasonable the said nothing about the starter motor on mine but did say the bolts could snap and it would then be a very expensive job, luckly mine did not snap (98 chim 5.0)

[rdhawkins]

Try Offord Motor Company in, err, Offord. Not too far from St Neots.

They did both mine manifold gaskets for a reasonable price.

[KYL1E]

I have just purchased a chimaera 5.0L 1998. Anyone know if there are independant garages around south wales valleys to do repairs and servicing?

[alex.tvr]

KYL1E said:

I have just purchased a chimaera 5.0L 1998. Anyone know if there are independant garages around south wales valleys to do repairs and servicing?

I have heard good things of Roath Garage, not really sure where they are - try a look on the TVRCC South Wales site.

[MOD500]

If you have the gaskets done, try to get thicker replacement gaskets and not the thin TVR originals.

HTH

MOD.