Building a Chim racer for the TVR challenge
Discussion
Now starting to plan proper for making sure I get into a race car this season or next.
I don't have the resource to run one myself so I'm hoping I can pitch a few quid at some racey fellows and they can assist me.
The plan was to buy whatever's cheap, fun and eligible for a good series that's all cert'd and in date.
I'd probably have to sell my '93 Chim 400 to fund it, the thought of which makes me a bit sad. So alternatively
Why not race the Chim?! It's an ideal donor, being cosmetically borked and not worth much, but pretty mechanically sound. It's got the 3,9 engine with a 500cfm edelbrock carb, GGP shocks and 300mm brakes on the front. I'm only looking to get on track, not to be competitive (yet!), so is this get-away-with-able?
And crucially... What safety gear is required, and what's a likely budget to get the car converted? I've tried finding the championship regs but had no joy.
Also, can I compete on a National B licence?
Cheers
I don't have the resource to run one myself so I'm hoping I can pitch a few quid at some racey fellows and they can assist me.
The plan was to buy whatever's cheap, fun and eligible for a good series that's all cert'd and in date.
I'd probably have to sell my '93 Chim 400 to fund it, the thought of which makes me a bit sad. So alternatively
Why not race the Chim?! It's an ideal donor, being cosmetically borked and not worth much, but pretty mechanically sound. It's got the 3,9 engine with a 500cfm edelbrock carb, GGP shocks and 300mm brakes on the front. I'm only looking to get on track, not to be competitive (yet!), so is this get-away-with-able?
And crucially... What safety gear is required, and what's a likely budget to get the car converted? I've tried finding the championship regs but had no joy.
Also, can I compete on a National B licence?
Cheers
The cage would be the hard and expensive bit, mostly cos they're hard to get quickly. Needs extinguisher set. Electric cutoffs. Proper seat. Fuel tank sorting. Wheels n tyres. Its quite an expensive process. Way cheaper to buy than build.
Says ur in Wiltshire, so not a million miles away from TVRSSW, I'd give them a call.
Good to see another car out there though, I'm sure all the racers will help with ideas and how to's etc.
Says ur in Wiltshire, so not a million miles away from TVRSSW, I'd give them a call.
Good to see another car out there though, I'm sure all the racers will help with ideas and how to's etc.
Edited by T4NGO on Thursday 14th February 07:53
T4NGO said:
Says ur in Wiltshire, so not a million miles away from TVRSSW, I'd give them a call.
I'm a very lucky boy to be close to Neil Garners, Str8Six, Topcats.. Lots of phone calls to make. Hadn't considered TVRSSW though, do they build racecars?Griffithy said:
Hi Sniffer!
Very interesting questions.
I thought that Tuscan Racers are still quite cheap to buy.
Makes me wonder if it really is worth it and how much you would have to invest in a Chim to only come close.
At least the Tuscan would keep its value in racetrim.
I don't consider £30-40k to be cheap! Very interesting questions.
I thought that Tuscan Racers are still quite cheap to buy.
Makes me wonder if it really is worth it and how much you would have to invest in a Chim to only come close.
At least the Tuscan would keep its value in racetrim.
I love the idea of racing a TVR, and I'll bet the Tuscan racers are worth every penny, but simply getting on track is the priority and when there are competitive series around in fun affordable cars like the MX5s, MR2s and RX8s with fully built and competitive racers available for £5-10k the extra buzz of being in a TVR doesn't financially make sense.
The same goes for my Chim, it would be a massive buzz to be on the (back of the) same grid as the AJP and LS powered TVR racing monsters that I've hero-worshipped for years, but it has to financially make sense compared to buying a prepped car. I honestly don't think I'd lose any value in my Chim, it's non-original and tatty so not worth much as a road car.
It would be nice if anyone with a blood, sweat'n'tears TVR racer conversion under their belt could give me an idea of costs when done in the shed to play against simply giving the car to one of the big names to build up.
I think converting your car sounds like a great idea!
You can do things how you want too and slowly progress.
Even if you buy a sorted race car you would probably rebuild half of it to be sure anyway.
The only things you would need to do to get in trac are the following
Get cage fitted
Fit a race seat
Fit harnesses
Fire ex system
Electric cut of and associated cables
Rain light
Two points front and rear
That’s it, so apart from the cage just a few weekends work,
To then go quickly is another matter entirely but at least your out there having fun and learning.
Mike
You can do things how you want too and slowly progress.
Even if you buy a sorted race car you would probably rebuild half of it to be sure anyway.
The only things you would need to do to get in trac are the following
Get cage fitted
Fit a race seat
Fit harnesses
Fire ex system
Electric cut of and associated cables
Rain light
Two points front and rear
That’s it, so apart from the cage just a few weekends work,
To then go quickly is another matter entirely but at least your out there having fun and learning.
Mike
I thought the Chim racer had sold to be honest. Could be a game changer that one! I'll look it up again and give it some serious thought.
Mike, privileged to have your input
you may be just the man I need to ask, can you compete in the TVR challenge on a national B? And are the regs the same between TVR Challenge and say the GT cup, anything you need to change on the Cerb? And whilst I have you to quiz, what's the licence requirement for the GT Cup? I see Topcats need a pilot for the Marcos... 
RE converting my Chim, all sounds very easy when you're not actually doing it
it doesn't sound terribly bad but the fire suppression system is something I wouldn't feel qualified to go anywhere near. I've started putting the feelers out getting a idea of the cost of all the kit and installation of what I can't do myself, that'll be the biggest factor in whether racing mine is a goer.
Mike, privileged to have your input
you may be just the man I need to ask, can you compete in the TVR challenge on a national B? And are the regs the same between TVR Challenge and say the GT cup, anything you need to change on the Cerb? And whilst I have you to quiz, what's the licence requirement for the GT Cup? I see Topcats need a pilot for the Marcos... RE converting my Chim, all sounds very easy when you're not actually doing it
it doesn't sound terribly bad but the fire suppression system is something I wouldn't feel qualified to go anywhere near. I've started putting the feelers out getting a idea of the cost of all the kit and installation of what I can't do myself, that'll be the biggest factor in whether racing mine is a goer.No worries, converting a road car is where it all started for me.
The regs for TVR challenge and GT Cup are the same. Just MSA rules.
TVR Challenge you can race as a novice with a NAT B, GT Cup you will need to upgrade to NAT A. Also I would recommend a few years of decent race experience before entering something like GT Cup. The challenge is very friendly in the paddock and on track, no one wants to damage there car or have an accident. GT cup was always quite different, not as friendly in the paddock and people race to win, most have plenty of disposable income to repair thier mclaren or Ferrari.
I’m not saying GT Cup has bad driving standards as they are actually very good. However the difference is in club racing in the main if you stick you nose inside of someone they will give you some room and you will make a pass. In GT Cup the position will be defended robustly but fairly.
Don’t panic about fitting a fit system. Really easy! Buy a kit, fit the unit itself and then you just run the pipe work to where the nozzles need to be. An hour or twos worth of work.
My build originally took me to long as I tried to do too much at once. My recommendation would be just do what you have to to get it on track and then start learning and upgrading.
Mike
The regs for TVR challenge and GT Cup are the same. Just MSA rules.
TVR Challenge you can race as a novice with a NAT B, GT Cup you will need to upgrade to NAT A. Also I would recommend a few years of decent race experience before entering something like GT Cup. The challenge is very friendly in the paddock and on track, no one wants to damage there car or have an accident. GT cup was always quite different, not as friendly in the paddock and people race to win, most have plenty of disposable income to repair thier mclaren or Ferrari.
I’m not saying GT Cup has bad driving standards as they are actually very good. However the difference is in club racing in the main if you stick you nose inside of someone they will give you some room and you will make a pass. In GT Cup the position will be defended robustly but fairly.
Don’t panic about fitting a fit system. Really easy! Buy a kit, fit the unit itself and then you just run the pipe work to where the nozzles need to be. An hour or twos worth of work.
My build originally took me to long as I tried to do too much at once. My recommendation would be just do what you have to to get it on track and then start learning and upgrading.
Mike
Mike is talking sense , well he does most of the time LOL. Putting the fire in isn't that hard but as a novice and I gather from the chim forum you have done a bit to your car yourself . I would do the simple stuff like fitting the cage as it is only bolt in and plenty have bought a kit so readably available. Get Neil Garner to fit the Fire would only take him a couple hours as mike says so not a lot of money he is a top bloke. Mike luck Classic world racing has built several chim racers and won the TVR championship in his I believe. Again another top bloke. What he don't know about building a chim racer ain,t worth worrying about. Either of my two suggestions for race prep are the men to talk to don't bother with anyone else ,no need to, they are that good. All I need to do now is give them a call and get some sponsorship off them LOL
( only joking )
( only joking )
One of mike lucks chims is currently up for sale for cheap money. Low teens.
Its the car won the Cship in.
Its quick enough.
Way easier than building... you'd spend close to that anyway but this way you get another car.
TVRS are great fun to race in. Freindly paddock cheap to run... what more do you need.
Hope to see you out there!
Andy 89
Its the car won the Cship in.
Its quick enough.
Way easier than building... you'd spend close to that anyway but this way you get another car.
TVRS are great fun to race in. Freindly paddock cheap to run... what more do you need.
Hope to see you out there!
Andy 89
So I’ve discounted building my own Chim up. Too much time, money, blood sweat and tears involved before that’ll ever be fit to race. It’s an epic track car but I think it would be a hopeless race car.
I need to get into the paddock for one of the TVR Challenge races, I’m gutted to be missing the TVR festival in May at my local track Combe because I’m doing a 24hr kart race that weekend, but if you fellas will have me
ing around the paddock for another weekend I’d really appreciate it.
Buying Mike Luck’s old car is definitely on the table, but I need to understand what it requires to turn up and race, in terms of tyres spares tools etc. I’m one-man-banding it and I don’t really know anyone who I could rope in for spanner duty, my mates are mostly pretty hopeless on the tools. Any one of you guys running an RV8 car anywhere close to standard and can give me some more info on what I need to be bringing? How many blokes do you realistically need in the paddock on your behalf, what tasks would you regularly need to do in the paddock to keep the car fighting fit, what were the running costs like? So many questions, sorry!
Is anyone racing their TVR in Bernie’s V8s alongside the Challenge? If I do buy the Chim that series would be a must for me!
Thanks, Mike
I need to get into the paddock for one of the TVR Challenge races, I’m gutted to be missing the TVR festival in May at my local track Combe because I’m doing a 24hr kart race that weekend, but if you fellas will have me
ing around the paddock for another weekend I’d really appreciate it.Buying Mike Luck’s old car is definitely on the table, but I need to understand what it requires to turn up and race, in terms of tyres spares tools etc. I’m one-man-banding it and I don’t really know anyone who I could rope in for spanner duty, my mates are mostly pretty hopeless on the tools. Any one of you guys running an RV8 car anywhere close to standard and can give me some more info on what I need to be bringing? How many blokes do you realistically need in the paddock on your behalf, what tasks would you regularly need to do in the paddock to keep the car fighting fit, what were the running costs like? So many questions, sorry!
Is anyone racing their TVR in Bernie’s V8s alongside the Challenge? If I do buy the Chim that series would be a must for me!
Thanks, Mike
CanoeSniffer said:
So I’ve discounted building my own Chim up. Too much time, money, blood sweat and tears involved before that’ll ever be fit to race. It’s an epic track car but I think it would be a hopeless race car.
I need to get into the paddock for one of the TVR Challenge races, I’m gutted to be missing the TVR festival in May at my local track Combe because I’m doing a 24hr kart race that weekend, but if you fellas will have meing around the paddock for another weekend I’d really appreciate it.
Buying Mike Luck’s old car is definitely on the table, but I need to understand what it requires to turn up and race, in terms of tyres spares tools etc. I’m one-man-banding it and I don’t really know anyone who I could rope in for spanner duty, my mates are mostly pretty hopeless on the tools. Any one of you guys running an RV8 car anywhere close to standard and can give me some more info on what I need to be bringing? How many blokes do you realistically need in the paddock on your behalf, what tasks would you regularly need to do in the paddock to keep the car fighting fit, what were the running costs like? So many questions, sorry!
Is anyone racing their TVR in Bernie’s V8s alongside the Challenge? If I do buy the Chim that series would be a must for me!
Thanks, Mike
Hi Mike,I need to get into the paddock for one of the TVR Challenge races, I’m gutted to be missing the TVR festival in May at my local track Combe because I’m doing a 24hr kart race that weekend, but if you fellas will have me
ing around the paddock for another weekend I’d really appreciate it.Buying Mike Luck’s old car is definitely on the table, but I need to understand what it requires to turn up and race, in terms of tyres spares tools etc. I’m one-man-banding it and I don’t really know anyone who I could rope in for spanner duty, my mates are mostly pretty hopeless on the tools. Any one of you guys running an RV8 car anywhere close to standard and can give me some more info on what I need to be bringing? How many blokes do you realistically need in the paddock on your behalf, what tasks would you regularly need to do in the paddock to keep the car fighting fit, what were the running costs like? So many questions, sorry!
Is anyone racing their TVR in Bernie’s V8s alongside the Challenge? If I do buy the Chim that series would be a must for me!
Thanks, Mike
I bought my chim last year and ran in a couple of rounds @ Brands Hatch & Snetterton (Bernies')
This year I'll be doing DTEC and the CSCC Millenium series - and a couple of Bernies' if time allows).
My initial start up costs was the chim+trailer+tow car+ards+overalls+tyres+other s-hits and bits. All that came to a number that did not impress my accountant one bit! The 1st year of costs can be 'upsetting', but once its bought, its bought, so then its just about keeping it running, and money for 'Apres Paddock' (pints, in other words)
My better half comes with me when she can which is an ace help and in true 'help out' spirit in the paddock, no one would see you stuck.
Repairs? Simple things like sparks, plug extenders, dizzy cap & rotor, oils and some other minor gubbins (duct tape for body work) would be as much as I would take.... Any more than that and I guess I may have had a 'moment' myself or with someone, so pack up for the day. Also you have to ask yourself how much spares wise should you realistically carry v. what can you repair quickly.
This will be my 1st full year in and it'll be no heroics from me. Very much a year to learn and settle into club racing life. I can confirm that the TVR racing group are a mighty friendly bunch and are keen to keep the TVR challenge series alive and in good health.
Life is a short and mysterious mistress. My advice?.......head first and get stuck in!
Martin
8nil said:
Life is a short and mysterious mistress. My advice?.......head first and get stuck in!
Martin
This is exactly the sort of attitude that I love, and that my personal accountant (the other half) is terrified of me having Martin
Thank you for the advice Martin, great to hear from you. It’s brilliant to have the insight of the more experienced guys, but hearing from someone not as far advanced from my position makes it all seem a little more feasible if that makes sense.
Best of luck with your racer, hopefully we’ll be sharing grids next year
Quite simply it can be as expensive and as difficult as you make it...
If you set yourself a limit as to what you would actually attempt to repair in the paddock that tells you what spares and tools you need and people.
We have done all of our racing on the main with just me and my dad. It’s nice having at least someone there to help strap you in and provide moral support.
I have done a race meeting on my own and it was fine, I think quite a few people in the challenge arrive with just themselves to work on the car.
The extreme of bare minimum I would say is as follows
Spare wheels and tyres in case of puncture or rain. So this means a wheel brace, torque wrench and pressure gauge.
A decent socket/spanner set, the large Halfords one is very good and compact. This means you can spanner check the car to make sure nothing has come loose.
Fuel funnel and fuel cans
A jack and axle stands
That’s is all you need if your ok with something braking and that being the end of you weekend, that is if someone in the paddock can’t help (which they will)
Mike
If you set yourself a limit as to what you would actually attempt to repair in the paddock that tells you what spares and tools you need and people.
We have done all of our racing on the main with just me and my dad. It’s nice having at least someone there to help strap you in and provide moral support.
I have done a race meeting on my own and it was fine, I think quite a few people in the challenge arrive with just themselves to work on the car.
The extreme of bare minimum I would say is as follows
Spare wheels and tyres in case of puncture or rain. So this means a wheel brace, torque wrench and pressure gauge.
A decent socket/spanner set, the large Halfords one is very good and compact. This means you can spanner check the car to make sure nothing has come loose.
Fuel funnel and fuel cans
A jack and axle stands
That’s is all you need if your ok with something braking and that being the end of you weekend, that is if someone in the paddock can’t help (which they will)
Mike
Gassing Station | General Motorsport | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff