what do you think?

what do you think?

Author
Discussion

Driller

Original Poster:

8,310 posts

285 months

Tuesday 8th May 2001
quotequote all
Found my Griff at last and just am about to buy. It's been regularly serviced but quite high milage (29000, 3 yrs old). Thing is, at 28500 it had an "engine rebuild" due to the "crank shaft pulley coming off" and, I guess, lunching it. Seeing as it's had an engine rebuild, does this mean that it's like having a new engine and is a good thing or is it going to expire again? Also, should it need running in again, because I at least have given it some welley and I guess others have as well. I'm inclined to think that all is well and it's at least been looked after but what do you guys think?

davidd

6,527 posts

291 months

Tuesday 8th May 2001
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I'd say 29k is not overly high for a 3 year old. As for the problem with the engine is it a known fault ? I've not heard that one before (that means nothing of course), did they rebuilt the entire engine? Is it a new engine? Get all the facts, as long as you get a decent warranty form the dealer (at least a couple of years) then you'll be fine. One thing to note however is that it does seem to be a buyers market, so if you are not utterly happy buy a different car. David

Driller

Original Poster:

8,310 posts

285 months

Tuesday 8th May 2001
quotequote all
Hi David, thanks for the reply. "Buyers market" you say? How much do you think I ought to pay for a 3 yr old (s reg)29000 with full hide and air-con?

GreenV8S

30,477 posts

291 months

Wednesday 9th May 2001
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Depends how much work they did. If the flywheel pully took out the keyway it may have needed a new crank (and bearing shells) but this could be done without disturbing the bores etc. I don't see how the flywheel pully could damage anything other than the crank. Bearings hardly need any running in these days so I wouldn't be surprised if you were told to treat it like normal i.e. no special running in required. Downside is that you still have the old bores, cam etc in there, the engine is basically middle aged and will eventually need a full recon. Cheers, Peter Humphries (and a green V8S)
quote:
Found my Griff at last and just am about to buy. It's been regularly serviced but quite high milage (29000, 3 yrs old). Thing is, at 28500 it had an "engine rebuild" due to the "crank shaft pulley coming off" and, I guess, lunching it. Seeing as it's had an engine rebuild, does this mean that it's like having a new engine and is a good thing or is it going to expire again? Also, should it need running in again, because I at least have given it some welley and I guess others have as well. I'm inclined to think that all is well and it's at least been looked after but what do you guys think?

linuss

2 posts

282 months

Wednesday 9th May 2001
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quote:
...the engine is basically middle aged and will eventually need a full recon...
I'm also thinking about buying a 5 litre Grif/Chim, and have been wondering about this - how long does the average engine last before a recon? 50k,100k,150k any ideas? Does anyone have a car that has done over 100k miles? Linus

Driller

Original Poster:

8,310 posts

285 months

Wednesday 9th May 2001
quotequote all
quote:
...the engine is basically middle aged and will eventually need a full recon...
middle aged? full recon?!! How much is that going to flippin' cost then?!! Sorry, but I'm prepared to have to take care of the car but every time I take one thing in another "running cost" rears it's head. When am I likely to need this? I'm going to drive the car, not race it... Driller

Driller

Original Poster:

8,310 posts

285 months

Friday 11th May 2001
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In hindsight that comment seems a bit "sensible" and not in the spirit of the TVR mindless passion thing which I've subscribed to for the last 10 years. Nevertheless, can anyone answer the question? Edited by Driller on Friday 11th May 18:57

RobM

392 posts

291 months

Friday 11th May 2001
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Saw an advert last year for one with 72k on the clock!

linuss

2 posts

282 months

Saturday 12th May 2001
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Driller, I'm in the same predicament myself, I too really would like to the answer to this question, which in principle is: 'What is the average lifespan of the 5.0 litre engine in years and miles, and when it is worn out, how much does an engine rebuild cost?' Please someone answer this!!!!

davidd

6,527 posts

291 months

Monday 14th May 2001
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I'm going to regret saying this but my 96 P Griff 500 has just passed 40k (thats miles not depriciation but you never know)and if anything the engine feels faster then it used to! It does get through a fair bit of oil but it has always liked oil. It gets driven every day in all sorts of traffic etc. I check the fluids once a week, get it serviced on time, don't thrash it when it's cold and I'm hoping it'll last at least as many miles again. Of course saying this it'll explode on the way home.