TVR Chimaera/S3 information please
Discussion
I have recently sold my Alfa GTV V6 and am now looking for it's replacement....so here I am!
I know little about TVR mechanics, apart from you have to be choosy when picking a car and some engines are more reliable than others (are the 4.0/4.2/4.5 all from the same family? I believe some are based on the rover V8?). I also understand there are problems with outriggers on some (all?) TVR's.
I have short listed a few cars that I have come across.
1998 TVR Chimaera 4.5 with 30,000 miles
1996 TVR Chimaera 4.0 with 58,000 miles
1991 TVR S3 2.9 V6 with 55,000 miles
My friend recently had a 1998 4.2 Cerbera which blew its crankshaft and am looking to avoid any such incidents, can anyone tell me about the preferred options for the Chimaera (is the 4.5 unit sturdier?, I think a lot of 4.2 owners use 4.5 clutch and crankshafts?) and would it be fair to assume the S3 is a more timid beast with its V6 unit (I believe this is a Ford unit?) how would you compare an S3 to a Chimaera.
What are recommended service intervals on these cars, is it better to go for low mileage with TVR's? or is it better to go for a car with higher mileage (due to more constant use).
The car will also be nestling outside, will this be an issue? (are the S3/Chimaera water tight? - or reasonably so, and are the mechanics/electrics sensitive to rain)
Thanks in advance
I know little about TVR mechanics, apart from you have to be choosy when picking a car and some engines are more reliable than others (are the 4.0/4.2/4.5 all from the same family? I believe some are based on the rover V8?). I also understand there are problems with outriggers on some (all?) TVR's.
I have short listed a few cars that I have come across.
1998 TVR Chimaera 4.5 with 30,000 miles
1996 TVR Chimaera 4.0 with 58,000 miles
1991 TVR S3 2.9 V6 with 55,000 miles
My friend recently had a 1998 4.2 Cerbera which blew its crankshaft and am looking to avoid any such incidents, can anyone tell me about the preferred options for the Chimaera (is the 4.5 unit sturdier?, I think a lot of 4.2 owners use 4.5 clutch and crankshafts?) and would it be fair to assume the S3 is a more timid beast with its V6 unit (I believe this is a Ford unit?) how would you compare an S3 to a Chimaera.
What are recommended service intervals on these cars, is it better to go for low mileage with TVR's? or is it better to go for a car with higher mileage (due to more constant use).
The car will also be nestling outside, will this be an issue? (are the S3/Chimaera water tight? - or reasonably so, and are the mechanics/electrics sensitive to rain)
Thanks in advance
Edited by V6Alfisti on Monday 25th August 12:22
Hi Matthew,
Some of the engines you mentioned are different so I'll try and set it straight for you... (hopefully not getting it wrong as I've never owned a Cerb or S
)
The S series used a Ford V6 as you mentioned apart from the V8S which used a Rover V8. The Chimaera and Griffith also used Rover V8's that varied between 4 and 5 litres. To the best of my knowledge the Cerbera's didn't use the Rover V8. Instead TVR had opted to design their own V8.. the AJP, which was a 4.2 or 4.5. So your friends car would have been a 4.2 AJP V8.
The Rover V8's are an old tried and tested engine design and tend to be pretty reliable (I'm guessing the same is true of the Ford units!?!). That said any car can have mechanical issues, especially if they haven't been looked after.
Not having owned either a Chimaera or an S I'm not sure what the differences are between the two but at a guess I imagine that the Chimaera is a more refined car, as tends to be the way with the next generation of cars.
The recommended service interval is 6,000 miles but there are plenty of good indies around these days so servicing shouldn't be a huge expense.
Mileage is not really a good indicator of condition for these cars, go for condition every time.. so look for a car that has been well maintained in it's history and double check the condition of the chassis.
Do they leak !?!? Yes/No/maybe.!!? What ever you buy you'll only know if it leaks from experience.... some do, some don't. From the point of view of the Chim, which is effectively the same as a Griff roof wise, there are some known area's of the cars that can leak and can easily be fixed. For the most part mine doesn't but it has once or twice when left out in torrential down pours. That said there is no reason you can't keep it outside as long as it's well looked after, make sure it has regular roof water repellant treatment and maybe invest in a car or roof cover..
There's some buyers advice on The Chimaera Pages: http://www.chimaerapages.com/
Good luck and when you get one..... have fun
G
Some of the engines you mentioned are different so I'll try and set it straight for you... (hopefully not getting it wrong as I've never owned a Cerb or S
)The S series used a Ford V6 as you mentioned apart from the V8S which used a Rover V8. The Chimaera and Griffith also used Rover V8's that varied between 4 and 5 litres. To the best of my knowledge the Cerbera's didn't use the Rover V8. Instead TVR had opted to design their own V8.. the AJP, which was a 4.2 or 4.5. So your friends car would have been a 4.2 AJP V8.
The Rover V8's are an old tried and tested engine design and tend to be pretty reliable (I'm guessing the same is true of the Ford units!?!). That said any car can have mechanical issues, especially if they haven't been looked after.
Not having owned either a Chimaera or an S I'm not sure what the differences are between the two but at a guess I imagine that the Chimaera is a more refined car, as tends to be the way with the next generation of cars.
The recommended service interval is 6,000 miles but there are plenty of good indies around these days so servicing shouldn't be a huge expense.
Mileage is not really a good indicator of condition for these cars, go for condition every time.. so look for a car that has been well maintained in it's history and double check the condition of the chassis.
Do they leak !?!? Yes/No/maybe.!!? What ever you buy you'll only know if it leaks from experience.... some do, some don't. From the point of view of the Chim, which is effectively the same as a Griff roof wise, there are some known area's of the cars that can leak and can easily be fixed. For the most part mine doesn't but it has once or twice when left out in torrential down pours. That said there is no reason you can't keep it outside as long as it's well looked after, make sure it has regular roof water repellant treatment and maybe invest in a car or roof cover..
There's some buyers advice on The Chimaera Pages: http://www.chimaerapages.com/
Good luck and when you get one..... have fun
G
The Ford V6 is a bullet proof engine, and very reliable. The S series are allot of fun and not timid as you call them. Can be serviced and looked after by a monkey.
The Rover V8 is as said tried and tested and also reliable if looked after. Maintenance costs are generally more expensive than the V6 unit. Much more powerful than the V6 unit but less economical. Can serviced and looked after by a smart monkey.
The AJP V8 is a TVR designed and built engine. These can be reliable but must be looked after. These are very very powerful, they are designed like a race engines so things tend to go wrong with them and rebuilds are said to cost '000s. Servicing must be done by someone who really knows what they're doing so a specialist will be the best bet. But don't let that put you off, I am already scheming on buying a Cerbera!
Difference between an S and Chimaera - both are great cars. Chimaera is generally better car and more refined. More practical, usable and faster. The S are amazing fun to drive, with enough power to play with, with classic looks and rarer, and quite understated. Best of all they are much cheaper to buy than the Chimaera and they sound gorgous and are an excellent introduction to TVR.
The Rover V8 is as said tried and tested and also reliable if looked after. Maintenance costs are generally more expensive than the V6 unit. Much more powerful than the V6 unit but less economical. Can serviced and looked after by a smart monkey.
The AJP V8 is a TVR designed and built engine. These can be reliable but must be looked after. These are very very powerful, they are designed like a race engines so things tend to go wrong with them and rebuilds are said to cost '000s. Servicing must be done by someone who really knows what they're doing so a specialist will be the best bet. But don't let that put you off, I am already scheming on buying a Cerbera!
Difference between an S and Chimaera - both are great cars. Chimaera is generally better car and more refined. More practical, usable and faster. The S are amazing fun to drive, with enough power to play with, with classic looks and rarer, and quite understated. Best of all they are much cheaper to buy than the Chimaera and they sound gorgous and are an excellent introduction to TVR.
I used to own an S2, and changed it for a Chim 450. The S was good fun, cheap, easy to work on but the ride was a bit basic for long journeys. By comparison, the Chim really showed the benefit of 10 years of chassis development. It's just as easy to work on, and there is perhaps more scope for tuning the V8 (see my profile). If you are over 6ft tall, as I am, the Chim is much more comfortable place to spend the day (although I fully recommend an upgrade to cerbera seats). I still love the shape of the S, but IMHO the Chim is a much better car overall.
IAn.
IAn.
Thanks for all of the replies.
Can I just clarify, do any of the engines fitted to the Chimaera have the AJP V8? or are they different versions of the Rover V8?
As much as I would like the more race derived engine (AJP)I think the Rover unit would more than suffice, unless there are particular versions of the AJP that are more reliable.
Can I just clarify, do any of the engines fitted to the Chimaera have the AJP V8? or are they different versions of the Rover V8?
As much as I would like the more race derived engine (AJP)I think the Rover unit would more than suffice, unless there are particular versions of the AJP that are more reliable.
V6Alfisti said:
Thanks for all of the replies.
Can I just clarify, do any of the engines fitted to the Chimaera have the AJP V8? or are they different versions of the Rover V8?
As much as I would like the more race derived engine (AJP)I think the Rover unit would more than suffice, unless there are particular versions of the AJP that are more reliable.
No varients of the Chimaera were produced with the AJP engine, they're all Rover based units.Can I just clarify, do any of the engines fitted to the Chimaera have the AJP V8? or are they different versions of the Rover V8?
As much as I would like the more race derived engine (AJP)I think the Rover unit would more than suffice, unless there are particular versions of the AJP that are more reliable.
AJPs were only fitted to Cerberas and as mentioned before are reliable as long as they're properly maintained
I did a back to back test of the SV8 and Chimaera and there was little to choose between them. the only difference of any note was on poor road surfaces when the Chim came out well ahead.
Advantages of the Chim are in boot size and the fact that they are newer.
Both the Ford V6 and the Rover V8 (FV6 and RV8) are old technology and are easy and cheap to maintain. The FV6 is ultra reliable and can take a fair bit of abuse. The RV8 is only as reliable with regular, although cheap, maintenance.
The AJP8 engine in both 4.5 and 4.2 form is very reliable but requires specialist servicing to keep it that reliable. If anything does go wrong then it can and will be expensive. The Cerb also came with the Speed 6 engine.
And odd little fact: the AJP8 was intended for the Griffith and the Cerb was intended to take the RV8.
The Cerb is a fabulous car but can be best with little niggles regardless of engine. However, in 4.5 guise it was the fastest production four-seater for years. It was the best selling TVR for a number of years, and that was against the Chimaera which was the best selling TVR ever. The interior is stunning and would grace cars of much higher price. Indeed, I was at the Top Gear track when they were testing the McLaren Merc and the V10 Porsche and the choice of best interior was between the Tucan and Cerb that were there.
If reliability is important to you then the choice of type of TVR is less important than the choice of the specific car. If you get a good one and treat it properly then it will be quite reliable. The real difference is in cost when things do go wrong and here the S-type excels. The Chim is dearer but not that much and then comes the Cerb in all its guises. But you get what you pay for.
Advantages of the Chim are in boot size and the fact that they are newer.
Both the Ford V6 and the Rover V8 (FV6 and RV8) are old technology and are easy and cheap to maintain. The FV6 is ultra reliable and can take a fair bit of abuse. The RV8 is only as reliable with regular, although cheap, maintenance.
The AJP8 engine in both 4.5 and 4.2 form is very reliable but requires specialist servicing to keep it that reliable. If anything does go wrong then it can and will be expensive. The Cerb also came with the Speed 6 engine.
And odd little fact: the AJP8 was intended for the Griffith and the Cerb was intended to take the RV8.
The Cerb is a fabulous car but can be best with little niggles regardless of engine. However, in 4.5 guise it was the fastest production four-seater for years. It was the best selling TVR for a number of years, and that was against the Chimaera which was the best selling TVR ever. The interior is stunning and would grace cars of much higher price. Indeed, I was at the Top Gear track when they were testing the McLaren Merc and the V10 Porsche and the choice of best interior was between the Tucan and Cerb that were there.
If reliability is important to you then the choice of type of TVR is less important than the choice of the specific car. If you get a good one and treat it properly then it will be quite reliable. The real difference is in cost when things do go wrong and here the S-type excels. The Chim is dearer but not that much and then comes the Cerb in all its guises. But you get what you pay for.
Orophin said:
Difference between an S and Chimaera - both are great cars. Chimaera is generally better car and more refined. More practical, usable and faster. The S are amazing fun to drive, with enough power to play with, with classic looks and rarer, and quite understated. Best of all they are much cheaper to buy than the Chimaera and they sound gorgous and are an excellent introduction to TVR.
Having owned an S2 then a Chimaera and now another S2 I completely agree with above. As an everyday car, which my 1st S and the Chimaera were the Chimaera was far better. As a toy for weekends etc, the S wins everytime despite having less power due to it feeling more "hands on" and, put simply, fun!lwt said:
I used to own an S2, and changed it for a Chim 450. The S was good fun, cheap, easy to work on but the ride was a bit basic for long journeys. By comparison, the Chim really showed the benefit of 10 years of chassis development. It's just as easy to work on, and there is perhaps more scope for tuning the V8 (see my profile). If you are over 6ft tall, as I am, the Chim is much more comfortable place to spend the day (although I fully recommend an upgrade to cerbera seats). I still love the shape of the S, but IMHO the Chim is a much better car overall.
IAn.
As Ian has said the S is a bit basic for long journies, although I do an annual weekend trip to Europe (somewhere like Le Mans or Spa or Nurburgring etc) which are 1000-1200 miles in total without any problems. Yes, the Chimaera ate the miles up with ease, but the S is more than adequate for the job. IAn.
I too am just over 6ft and find the S ok. The longer doors on the S3 compared to the earlier models makes a big difference.
If you like the rarity & fun of the S with the power of the Chimaera go for a V8S
Get to your local TVRCC meet and check out the different models to see which you prefer.Good luck,
Longers
I see you're based in Bristol/Reading- I have a V8S and live just outside Reading so if you fancy a poke around then PM me- the V8S is the same inside as an S3 and the engine is the stock rover unit that forms the basis of the V8s used in Chims/Griffs. The chassis also rots in all of the same places as an S3...
Berks club meet is every 3rd Tuesday of the month just off J11 M4- I've been intending to go for 2 years and have yet to make it!
These days it's possible pick up a good V8S for cheapish griff/chim money so they're always worth considering (also quite rare).
Cheers
Harvey
Berks club meet is every 3rd Tuesday of the month just off J11 M4- I've been intending to go for 2 years and have yet to make it!
These days it's possible pick up a good V8S for cheapish griff/chim money so they're always worth considering (also quite rare).
Cheers
Harvey
V6Alfisti said:
Thanks for the offer , I might just take you up on that.
Also another question - do the Chimaera engines need rebuilds every 30k like the AJP? or will they last 80k plus easily?
Mine was doing pretty well still at 106K when the headgaskets went because of erm, a distinct lack of coolant in the system and we decided to do a complete rebuild while we were at it. The bearing shells were fairly worn (but one statement on a service invoice did mention low oil level , I might just take you up on that.Also another question - do the Chimaera engines need rebuilds every 30k like the AJP? or will they last 80k plus easily?
) and one or two lobes on the cmashaft were pretty much round - the latter is typical for RV8 engines.Gassing Station | General TVR Stuff & Gossip | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff