Swaying to the dark side....
Discussion
I am currently the very satisfied owner of a very tidy, reliable and well loved 98 chimaera 450 but have recently begun experiencing unclean, yet alluring thoughts about T350's (after bizarrely not liking it at first sight).
However, it will take alot for me to part with my Chim (dream car for 10 years) and a T350 is no exception. So I was wondering if anyone here has made the change from a chim to a 350 and how they have found:
1) life with a roof (espesh in summer)
2) the engine noise from the SP6 vs the RV8
3) driving experience, character, handling, engine, etc
4) general niggles/things that I should know
I am currently getting dangerously close to booking a test drive (dangerous for my bank manager anyway
) and would hugely appreciate feedback from any with first hand experience of these cars.
(Also, I just phoned Gatwick TVR and they informed me that a press release regarding the Sagaris is due out today or tomorrow...)
Many thanks
Jon
However, it will take alot for me to part with my Chim (dream car for 10 years) and a T350 is no exception. So I was wondering if anyone here has made the change from a chim to a 350 and how they have found:
1) life with a roof (espesh in summer)
2) the engine noise from the SP6 vs the RV8
3) driving experience, character, handling, engine, etc
4) general niggles/things that I should know
I am currently getting dangerously close to booking a test drive (dangerous for my bank manager anyway
) and would hugely appreciate feedback from any with first hand experience of these cars. (Also, I just phoned Gatwick TVR and they informed me that a press release regarding the Sagaris is due out today or tomorrow...)
Many thanks
Jon
1) life with a roof (espesh in summer):
Only you can decide if you want a hard or soft top. I miss my griff/chim in the Summer but not in the Winter
2) the engine noise from the SP6 vs the RV8:
SP6 great noise when you rev it, RV8 better noise around town
3) driving experience, character, handling, engine, etc :
The T350 is much, much better in all departments
4) general niggles/things that I should know:
Usual little shite problems which are o.k. if you have a decent dealer nearby.
Why not buy a Tamora?
Only you can decide if you want a hard or soft top. I miss my griff/chim in the Summer but not in the Winter
2) the engine noise from the SP6 vs the RV8:
SP6 great noise when you rev it, RV8 better noise around town
3) driving experience, character, handling, engine, etc :
The T350 is much, much better in all departments
4) general niggles/things that I should know:
Usual little shite problems which are o.k. if you have a decent dealer nearby.
Why not buy a Tamora?
Jon
I don't quite fit your criteria but have gone from a 98 450 Chimaera to a Tamora (via an Elise and Exige)
Chose the Tamora because it was a true convertible like the Chimaera, with the advantage that the rear hood goes all the way down with clear rear vision unlike the Chimaera. If you go for the T350, I would say air con is essential, the Tamora even with the hood down gets very hot due to heat soak from the engine, something I never experienced with the Chimaera.
Basically, the Tamora (remember the T350 is the same car with a different body) bears no resemblance to the Chimaera. The Chimaera is a powerful but "lazy" grand tourer, the Tamora is an in your face sports car. The engine whilst missing the lovely V8 burble, sounds like a race engine, somewhat mechanical sounding but it still turns heads. The power is awesome but delivered progressively, meaning that the car can be driven below 4000 revs relatively sedately but once above this you hit the true power with a kick in the back that the Chimaera never delivered.
The handling is a vast improvement on the Chimaera, not quite Elise standard but good enough to make the Tamora a serious track car which the Chimaera has never been.
In terms of niggles, I would say there is very little difference, it's a TVR after all. Early models did suffer with Speed 6 engine problems which is a more serious issue but it would appear later models are a lot better - check other threads.
In summary, the Tamora is the best sports car I've driven, no doubt the T350 would be the same but I'd miss the open air.
Regards - David
I don't quite fit your criteria but have gone from a 98 450 Chimaera to a Tamora (via an Elise and Exige)
Chose the Tamora because it was a true convertible like the Chimaera, with the advantage that the rear hood goes all the way down with clear rear vision unlike the Chimaera. If you go for the T350, I would say air con is essential, the Tamora even with the hood down gets very hot due to heat soak from the engine, something I never experienced with the Chimaera.
Basically, the Tamora (remember the T350 is the same car with a different body) bears no resemblance to the Chimaera. The Chimaera is a powerful but "lazy" grand tourer, the Tamora is an in your face sports car. The engine whilst missing the lovely V8 burble, sounds like a race engine, somewhat mechanical sounding but it still turns heads. The power is awesome but delivered progressively, meaning that the car can be driven below 4000 revs relatively sedately but once above this you hit the true power with a kick in the back that the Chimaera never delivered.
The handling is a vast improvement on the Chimaera, not quite Elise standard but good enough to make the Tamora a serious track car which the Chimaera has never been.
In terms of niggles, I would say there is very little difference, it's a TVR after all. Early models did suffer with Speed 6 engine problems which is a more serious issue but it would appear later models are a lot better - check other threads.
In summary, the Tamora is the best sports car I've driven, no doubt the T350 would be the same but I'd miss the open air.
Regards - David
I just parted company with a Chim 4.0 after 3 great years and am swaying between a T350 and a Tam. Just now I favour the Tam as at 6'2" I was surprised how cramped the cockpit of the T350T was - even with the seat all the way back. The roof panels on the demo were noisy at speed and there's not too much "boot" space. The Tam is like a 2004 version of the Griff/Chim.
Look out for spec changes as all Tams come with Pearl paint, 18" boots and aircon as stnd now - and the prices are the same!
Look out for spec changes as all Tams come with Pearl paint, 18" boots and aircon as stnd now - and the prices are the same!
TVR33 said:
I just parted company with a Chim 4.0 after 3 great years and am swaying between a T350 and a Tam. Just now I favour the Tam as at 6'2" I was surprised how cramped the cockpit of the T350T was - even with the seat all the way back. The roof panels on the demo were noisy at speed and there's not too much "boot" space. The Tam is like a 2004 version of the Griff/Chim.
Look out for spec changes as all Tams come with Pearl paint, 18" boots and aircon as stnd now - and the prices are the same!
Wow thats a good deal! Certainly I say go for the Tam. Having done 3000 miles in ours albeit a Red Rose one, i must say I love it. I crave to drive it anytime I can!How can you resist this!
TVR33 said:
I just parted company with a Chim 4.0 after 3 great years and am swaying between a T350 and a Tam. Just now I favour the Tam as at 6'2" I was surprised how cramped the cockpit of the T350T was - even with the seat all the way back. The roof panels on the demo were noisy at speed and there's not too much "boot" space. The Tam is like a 2004 version of the Griff/Chim.
Look out for spec changes as all Tams come with Pearl paint, 18" boots and aircon as stnd now - and the prices are the same!
I'm 6ft 5 and the Tamora didn't have enough clearance behind my head and the roll hoop. I say you should try a T350 Targa again - there is defintely more room than the Tamora. They have a lot more headroom than the Coupe. Also, don't forget the seat cushions come out - I had a half height cushion made up, even in the Targa I felt a bit close to the roof (esp. with the roof off - anyone see Tom Ford's head sticking out of the T350 in this month's Top Gear?
). The driving position is great in either car once you get low enough.longjon said:
1) life with a roof (espesh in summer)
Get a Targa. It's not quite the full roof off experience, but it's close.
longjon said:
2) the engine noise from the SP6 vs the RV8
I miss the burble of the RV8, but the SP6 sounds quite meaty too ... just not when idling or posing through town. But hey, the appearance more than makes up for the lack of burble.
longjon said:
3) driving experience, character, handling, engine, etc
The Chimaera is a great drive, and for pottering about they are both equal fun. But the clutch/gearbox/handling of the new car is soooo much better. I have no problems being stuck in a traffic jam in the T350 (aircon is an absolute must, don't listen to what those without it tell you - if nothing else you will kill resale value without it).
The SP6 engine is incredible. It just keeps going and going. The RV8 is all about low down torque, which I miss sometimes in the T350. The T350 is a real sports car and doesn't have a soft underbelly like the Chimaera.
Ride quality in the T350 is as good as our Audi TT.
longjon said:
4) general niggles/things that I should know
Just make sure the engine has been run in properly and treated with kid gloves when cold (test drives give a lot away about previous owners). Also, buying privately will save you a few bob.
Mr Fix It
I loved the Exige (Series 1), in many ways it is the ultimate track day car, looks like a mini Le Mans car, screwed down to the floor and with the right tyres the handling is second to none.
However, as you quite rightly point out, the power does not match the handling ability. Mine was uprated to 190 bhp which probably is the highest you can get the K Series engine with normal aspiration without making the engine highly fragile. As you say effective power delivery depends upon you keeping the revs around the red line all the time. The Series 2 has the Toyota engine and appears to be a better package engine and transmission wise but lacks the looks and charisma of the Series 1.
A lot of Series 1 owners are looking to put Toyota, Honda and even Audi engines into their Exiges to try and make the car the total package.
The Tamora has been a great replacement, at the end of the day pure grunt has little equal and coupled with the vastly improved handling of the Tamora, it is the total package
I loved the Exige (Series 1), in many ways it is the ultimate track day car, looks like a mini Le Mans car, screwed down to the floor and with the right tyres the handling is second to none.
However, as you quite rightly point out, the power does not match the handling ability. Mine was uprated to 190 bhp which probably is the highest you can get the K Series engine with normal aspiration without making the engine highly fragile. As you say effective power delivery depends upon you keeping the revs around the red line all the time. The Series 2 has the Toyota engine and appears to be a better package engine and transmission wise but lacks the looks and charisma of the Series 1.
A lot of Series 1 owners are looking to put Toyota, Honda and even Audi engines into their Exiges to try and make the car the total package.
The Tamora has been a great replacement, at the end of the day pure grunt has little equal and coupled with the vastly improved handling of the Tamora, it is the total package
[quote=longjon]
1) life with a roof (espesh in summer)
2) the engine noise from the SP6 vs the RV8
3) driving experience, character, handling, engine, etc
4) general niggles/things that I should know
Some big considerations here...
1) I moved from a Chimaera via a Tuscan to a T350. There's no doubt, roof-in-hair action is missed - but the upsides are enormous...
2) Big transition for me to the Tuscan was the lack of V8 burble...but don't underestimate the aural delight of a Speed 6 with a sports exhaust...greatttt
3) Driving experience. Don't get me wrong: I love the Chim, I really do. But it's a 1993 car and the T350c is of our time. Handles immaculately, engine is wonderful - truly great and turns heads as much as the oh-so stunning Tuscan
4) No more niggles than any other TVR. Although mine is still in Germany after a spin and bump :-(
Test drive one ---- you'll love it!
David.
1) life with a roof (espesh in summer)
2) the engine noise from the SP6 vs the RV8
3) driving experience, character, handling, engine, etc
4) general niggles/things that I should know
Some big considerations here...
1) I moved from a Chimaera via a Tuscan to a T350. There's no doubt, roof-in-hair action is missed - but the upsides are enormous...
2) Big transition for me to the Tuscan was the lack of V8 burble...but don't underestimate the aural delight of a Speed 6 with a sports exhaust...greatttt
3) Driving experience. Don't get me wrong: I love the Chim, I really do. But it's a 1993 car and the T350c is of our time. Handles immaculately, engine is wonderful - truly great and turns heads as much as the oh-so stunning Tuscan
4) No more niggles than any other TVR. Although mine is still in Germany after a spin and bump :-(
Test drive one ---- you'll love it!
David.
Doesn't know the meaning of the phrase "wind-in-hair" so it's all a bit confusing!!! 
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