Griff 500 in need of some love
Discussion
Well having been out of a TVR since selling my Tamora in November 2009 it was time to get myself back into one. I've decided I want one to keep so though I'd go for a Griffith with never having had one before.
Got myself a formula red 500 which is in need of a bit of TLC. The car runs and drives great but was just looking a little tired inside - understandable with it being nearly 17years old now.
So on Saturday I had my new toy dropped off.
Whilst I'd been waiting for it to arrive I've been getting a few things together for it. First job was to get the original seats out and put in the Tuscan ones I've got. Pretty straight forward with just one slight alteration needed on the box section bolted on the originals. The pitch between the bolts was about 25mm out so had to make some adjustment there.
Whilst they were out I took the opportunity to scrub the carpets and the rest of the leather. I treated the leather with some renovating cream from furniture clinic which has brought it up pretty well and I don't think I'm going to bother getting it re-trimmed now.
Generally the carpets are a lot better than I'd expected so they can stay for now too!
Drivers seat now in place and sooooooooooo much more comfortable than the originals.
Will update with more photo's as I go but other things I've got done so far are -
1) Had 2 new rear tyres fitted today.
2) Fitted replacement black handbrake and gear stick gaitors.
3) Fitted all the Leven Alloy upgrades - what a difference that makes.
4) Put my Union Jack front badge on.
5) Booked in at Track V Road for a service in 2 weeks.
Got a bit of a long term plan to sort out the engine bay and to make the exhaust a bit better sounding by sleeving it initially.
Any suggestions/advice on anything will be much appreciated!
Any way that's it for now hope it's not too long and boring for you.
Got myself a formula red 500 which is in need of a bit of TLC. The car runs and drives great but was just looking a little tired inside - understandable with it being nearly 17years old now.
So on Saturday I had my new toy dropped off.
Whilst I'd been waiting for it to arrive I've been getting a few things together for it. First job was to get the original seats out and put in the Tuscan ones I've got. Pretty straight forward with just one slight alteration needed on the box section bolted on the originals. The pitch between the bolts was about 25mm out so had to make some adjustment there.
Whilst they were out I took the opportunity to scrub the carpets and the rest of the leather. I treated the leather with some renovating cream from furniture clinic which has brought it up pretty well and I don't think I'm going to bother getting it re-trimmed now.
Generally the carpets are a lot better than I'd expected so they can stay for now too!
Drivers seat now in place and sooooooooooo much more comfortable than the originals.
Will update with more photo's as I go but other things I've got done so far are -
1) Had 2 new rear tyres fitted today.
2) Fitted replacement black handbrake and gear stick gaitors.
3) Fitted all the Leven Alloy upgrades - what a difference that makes.
4) Put my Union Jack front badge on.
5) Booked in at Track V Road for a service in 2 weeks.
Got a bit of a long term plan to sort out the engine bay and to make the exhaust a bit better sounding by sleeving it initially.
Any suggestions/advice on anything will be much appreciated!
Any way that's it for now hope it's not too long and boring for you.
looking good 
I'm sure this has been asked before but have you found the Tuscan seats impede interior space at all? I'm 6' 5" and fit pretty well in standard seats - do your new ones sit higher or further forward?
Looks great by the way - not a fan of red as a general rule but looks great against those interior colours
Looks great by the way - not a fan of red as a general rule but looks great against those interior colours
Congrats on your purchase and that is lovely colour combo.
Your list of mods seems sensible and should help freshen her up a bit.
I would be tempted to have a full Geometry setup done as well especially as you have come from a Tamora which is much better setup than a Griff in standard form.
Exhaust is a very personal thing, the best thing you can do is listen to as many different combinations as possible before making a decision. Most owners will be more than happy to take you out for a quick blast.
If there is any particular advice you are after you may be best posting in the Griffith forum
Your list of mods seems sensible and should help freshen her up a bit.
I would be tempted to have a full Geometry setup done as well especially as you have come from a Tamora which is much better setup than a Griff in standard form.
Exhaust is a very personal thing, the best thing you can do is listen to as many different combinations as possible before making a decision. Most owners will be more than happy to take you out for a quick blast.
If there is any particular advice you are after you may be best posting in the Griffith forum
Thaks for the replies.
20p is in my piggy bank all ready!
I would say the seats do seem to sit a tad higher but still no issues with headroom......although I'm just over 6' 2" so not quite as tall as you.
The colour is not one I would've chosen until I saw it in the flesh, it looks far better than in my poor pictures!
The exhaust is a tricky one. I sleeved the cans on my Tuscan which sounded great on over-run with the pops and bangs and a bit raspier at high revs. The Tamora I fitted a JP back box to it, againg pops and bangs were brilliant but in all honesty it gave me a bit of a headache on long journeys!
I'm after the pops and bangs but just want it a bit more throaty on tick over and on reving. I do love the sound of Quinneys on his videos but like you say it's difficult to tell without hearing it in the flesh.
Geo was done last March but may be worth getting it checked again.
Here's some more pics of the almost finished interior -
And the new badge too!
20p is in my piggy bank all ready!
I would say the seats do seem to sit a tad higher but still no issues with headroom......although I'm just over 6' 2" so not quite as tall as you.
The colour is not one I would've chosen until I saw it in the flesh, it looks far better than in my poor pictures!
The exhaust is a tricky one. I sleeved the cans on my Tuscan which sounded great on over-run with the pops and bangs and a bit raspier at high revs. The Tamora I fitted a JP back box to it, againg pops and bangs were brilliant but in all honesty it gave me a bit of a headache on long journeys!
I'm after the pops and bangs but just want it a bit more throaty on tick over and on reving. I do love the sound of Quinneys on his videos but like you say it's difficult to tell without hearing it in the flesh.
Geo was done last March but may be worth getting it checked again.
Here's some more pics of the almost finished interior -
And the new badge too!
Dr Wolff said:
I'm scratching my head, looking at your pictures, trying to work out which bit is looking "tired"...
Not the outside.
Not the inside.
Certainly not the engine bay.
Hmm.
That's what my Mrs & my Dad said!! I guess I'm just a little bit fussy and need something to keep me busy! Not the outside.
Not the inside.
Certainly not the engine bay.
Hmm.
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