serpentine or ?????????

[fordy]

Hi, im new to this BB - I want to buy a 4.0 Chimaera - i have been told that around late 94 or early 95 they changed the engine and gearbox to a 'serpentine' model which is much more reliable and generally a better buy - The age of chimaera im looking to buy is around this time, so im wondering how i can tell which type it is - are there any other mods done at the same time that will tell me whether its a serpentine model or not, etc??? Also, is there anything special i should look for when looking at 2nd hand chimaeras that would indicate a good one??? thanks very much for any help you are able to give. Chris

[Rob350]

The 'serpentine' refers to the drive belt at the front of the engine. If it's a serpentine it will have one thick belt that runs around lots of pulleys driving the alternator, PAS pump, etc. if it's not it will have tin individual belts. The gear box change was from a rover item to a Borg Warner T5, you can spot the difference by the position of reverse. It's next to first in the rover, opposite 5th in the B-W. By the way I would suggest that condition of the car is way more important than either of these changes in spec. Happy hunting.

[Rob350]

for 'tin' please read 'thin'! One day I'll get the hang of typing.

[fordy]

thanks Rob.

[GingaNinga]

I think I want a 4.3 Chimp next as my m8 has the 4.3 Griff, but house purchase will have to come first. It's sooo unfair!!!! Rob350 - you can edit your posts once you've submitted them :E