Discussion
I have a dilemma which i am struggling to make headway on. I dont know whether to keep modifying or change car.
I currently have a Chimaera 500 with Nitron suspension, 290Bhp,320ftlb stealth cammed V8 developments engine, Sp12 wheels and a pending brake upgrade... The car consistently paces with Tuscan S and Cerbies.
My girlfriend has an upgraded Lotus Europa with 250bhp, Nitrons and much more. The car is truely awesome. BUT the roof does not come off!!! Also is a pain to get in and out of. This car is much more plush than the exige and elise.
I love the Tamora, but dont want a Speed 6 engine. I am therefore considering getting a good donor car for the LS1 conversion which seems to be a readily available conversion now.
I have also looked at Lotus esprit (too big), Noble M12 (too fussy in the looks department), Marcos (looking for reason not to go there) and many more. I do not have a big servicing budget so more exotic stuff out of the question.
So, my question really is, How does a setup Chimaera with Nitrons handle compared with a tamora?. What are the limitations in improving the handling? I am by no means a great driver, but i would like the car to grip better and be safer (roll bar).
Please tell me about your similar dilemmas and the outcome!
Thanks
Jon.
I currently have a Chimaera 500 with Nitron suspension, 290Bhp,320ftlb stealth cammed V8 developments engine, Sp12 wheels and a pending brake upgrade... The car consistently paces with Tuscan S and Cerbies.
My girlfriend has an upgraded Lotus Europa with 250bhp, Nitrons and much more. The car is truely awesome. BUT the roof does not come off!!! Also is a pain to get in and out of. This car is much more plush than the exige and elise.
I love the Tamora, but dont want a Speed 6 engine. I am therefore considering getting a good donor car for the LS1 conversion which seems to be a readily available conversion now.
I have also looked at Lotus esprit (too big), Noble M12 (too fussy in the looks department), Marcos (looking for reason not to go there) and many more. I do not have a big servicing budget so more exotic stuff out of the question.
So, my question really is, How does a setup Chimaera with Nitrons handle compared with a tamora?. What are the limitations in improving the handling? I am by no means a great driver, but i would like the car to grip better and be safer (roll bar).
Please tell me about your similar dilemmas and the outcome!
Thanks
Jon.
This is something that I am wondering about as well and was going to do more research and then post but hey. I am not yet in the world of TVRs, but was planning on either taking the SC500 Chim route, the LSX Chim or a Chev T-car later this year (bonus dependent).
Speed-8 seems to have fitted a 383ci into a Tuscan and I think he estimated that it could be replicated for around £12K, which is very very tempting. I would love to do this to a T350, but there aren't many T350 donor cars around. An option here is always to by a T350 (or insert SP6 T-car of choosing) and drive it until it explodes and then go the Chev route. Funds depending I think I am going to go this way first if possible.
Have you considered going the SC500 route on your Chim when it becomes available later this year? 380bhp / 360lbs at the fly wheel sounds like a hell of a lot in a car that weighs just over a ton. The only reason that I would go Chev instead of this is that I really want to get to 400bhp/ton, which I don't know is possible out of an RV8 in any reliable fashion. Of course, the Chev route in a Chim will probably cost 2 - 3x the SC route, but worth it depending on your long term plans with the car.
Very interested to see your decision.
Zigs
Speed-8 seems to have fitted a 383ci into a Tuscan and I think he estimated that it could be replicated for around £12K, which is very very tempting. I would love to do this to a T350, but there aren't many T350 donor cars around. An option here is always to by a T350 (or insert SP6 T-car of choosing) and drive it until it explodes and then go the Chev route. Funds depending I think I am going to go this way first if possible.
Have you considered going the SC500 route on your Chim when it becomes available later this year? 380bhp / 360lbs at the fly wheel sounds like a hell of a lot in a car that weighs just over a ton. The only reason that I would go Chev instead of this is that I really want to get to 400bhp/ton, which I don't know is possible out of an RV8 in any reliable fashion. Of course, the Chev route in a Chim will probably cost 2 - 3x the SC route, but worth it depending on your long term plans with the car.
Very interested to see your decision.
Zigs
My Griffith is very similar to your Chimaera in terms of Mods and performance . . .
I don't want to change so it's easier for me, but my experience of being in a Tamora in Italy was that it was a far better handling car than my Griffith will ever be if propery set up . . .
Personally I really didn't like the induction noise of S6 without and further debate . . .
I don't want to change so it's easier for me, but my experience of being in a Tamora in Italy was that it was a far better handling car than my Griffith will ever be if propery set up . . .
Personally I really didn't like the induction noise of S6 without and further debate . . .
This really is a difficult decision because i love the car to bits. I dont really hanker after more power, but i would like more refined handling and a newer car. I love what TVR stands for as a passionate brand. The Tamora is probably the most realistic route. Ideally i would want a car that needs a little attention and a blown engine. Dont want to sell the engine on and pay the premium for a working engined car. Dont want a cat listed car either. The LS1 route would be purely chosen for the noise, torque and reliability. The power would be great, but not a priority.
So, if i keep the current car i will be doing the following:
1) Interior refresh including carbon fibre panels and dash. New carpets all round. change some of the magnolia panels for black suede or similar (prob top dash and side centre console panels)
2) planned brake upgrade. 283mm front.
3) Roll bar plus possible additional side impact protection. Need to talk to Custom Cages...
4) Hood recover
5) better tyres. Not impressed with feel of Toyos on my 17/18 rims.
6) loads of odds and ends..
At the end of all this I may still hanker after a newer car next year??
Oh cock!
So, if i keep the current car i will be doing the following:
1) Interior refresh including carbon fibre panels and dash. New carpets all round. change some of the magnolia panels for black suede or similar (prob top dash and side centre console panels)
2) planned brake upgrade. 283mm front.
3) Roll bar plus possible additional side impact protection. Need to talk to Custom Cages...
4) Hood recover
5) better tyres. Not impressed with feel of Toyos on my 17/18 rims.
6) loads of odds and ends..
At the end of all this I may still hanker after a newer car next year??
Oh cock!
Well chimjunkie your not alone as I too have the same dilemma and I have a 500, I just dont like the tuscam mk1, tamora not bad, like the T350, but would miss being able to take the roof off. I think the way forward as I cannot find anything remotely as passionate as a TVR and british is to supercharge !!
Edited by hiltonig on Thursday 3rd January 17:27
Just been to Castle sports cars and sat in the Noble M12 3R, Tamora, and porsche boxter S. Well, really cant make up my mind with the Noble. Not sure about the looks, liked the interior by not as good a TVR. The Tamora is a car i really like, but dont consider it a big enough upgrade on the spec of my current car to buy one. The boxter just did nothing for me to sit in. I'm sure it is a great drive but if i cant get into the car and feel excited then thats it really. Think i'm back to staying with the chim and throwing more money into it!
Could sell everything and get a baby Aston?
Double cock.
Could sell everything and get a baby Aston?
Double cock.
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