3 -questions in one

[eneberi]

I am GOING to buy a TVR Griff in the next 6 weeks - yeehaa! - however, am being confused with some of the choices so can anyone help me out with the following (I'm going to be using it everyday doing 100 miles per day mostly motorway):

1. grf 500 or grf 4.3 big valve - what would you choose and what is the difference in power?

2. what's the mpg that you actuall get out of a 4.0, 4.3 and a 500 (I know you don't buy a Griff for its fuel consumption - just got to prepare myself for the bills)?

3. Has anyone ever developed a hard-top for a Griff ?(I live in London - non garage and want to avoid the knife-wielding; roof slashing fools that roam!)


Muchos gracias for any help


TVR's are GREAT!!!

[JohnLow]

Wa-hey someone else who's actually planning to use his car! All going well, I'm going to be doing 50 odd miles a day in my 390SE when I get it. If I have to drive to work I don't see why it shouldn't be fun.

Most TVRs manage 20-ish mpg. On the off chance that you'll drive it in a restrained manner you might get 25 on the motorway. I've heard of 30, but why buy a TVR if you're going to go sit at a steady 56?. But if you give in to childish whims ... well I believe that on track days people are looking at low single figures.

I'd suggest going for an uncatalysed one, just for the sound. Not sure if the 500s were made uncatalysed.

There are a few specialist roof makers who do them for Boxsters, MGs, MR2s etc - they may do a Griff one, an internet search may help.

Hope this helps, not very specific I'm afraid.

John.

[Scottster]

I thought I'd be doing 40 miles a day WHEN I bought my Griff..... most of the trips were made in a company pool car/back of a transporter due sit reliability - better luck!!

[apache]

the opinion of many is to buy as new as poss....the brakes, gearbox and suspension are much better.... that obviously makes the 500 the one to go for, power steering might be a consideration for a car used in town too.As for cats, take em out if you must

[vinny]

Use my Chim 4.0 everyday apprx 50 mile round trip since last September, keep the oil changed and should be reliable as long as you buy a good one that has had its niggles sorted. I found the cooling system to be slightly weak. I upgraded the rad ( re-cored to 4 core) and replaced the fans for new ones( europa do Spal fans) and changed the thermostat. Hotter weather does not seem to bother at all now. Rad was pretty clogged even only four years old, use good quality coolant and a 50/50 mix. I say Go for it but be aware that a back up money pot may be needed for the occational blip. Most of all ENJOY Oh and 20 miles per gallon is the norm, bout the same as my Scooby turbo (yawn) before I got bored and chopped it in. I Luv the TIV.

>> Edited by vinny on Wednesday 24th April 13:12

[rthierry]

quote:1. grf 500 or grf 4.3 big valve - what would you choose and what is the difference in power?

Dunno really but plenty of info on this site. What is certain is that they are both very quick! 500 engine have obviously not been designed with urban use in mind. I have found that the 450 is a better all ruond car - but after you may not be after a compromise!

quote:2. what's the mpg that you actuall get out of a 4.0, 4.3 and a 500 (I know you don't buy a Griff for its fuel consumption - just got to prepare myself for the bills)?

This one's already been answered below.

quote:3. Has anyone ever developed a hard-top for a Griff ?(I live in London - non garage and want to avoid the knife-wielding; roof slashing fools that roam!)

Never heard of any. I've heard that Clive at Zertec is busy developong one. An alternative is to use a Leven technology hood cover. It takes less than 5 minutes to install/remove, and they can cut a nice window for you to display your parking permit.

Finally, remember that milage does affect resale value on these car - like any performance car...

Good luck and hopefully we'll see you soon at one of these PH meetings.

Cheers

Roms

[beano1197]

quote:
500 engine have obviously not been designed with urban use in mind.

I think that's down to the particular vehicle. Supposedly post '97 you'll get a slightly de-tuned 500 motor (320 horses instead of 340) and supposedly before that (as always) the buyer could have specified various options and preferences at the factory. The later ones are supposed to be smoother. The torque is more important than the BHP for day to day anyway, and the answer is that it's got enough of both for most road situations!!!

My Griff 500 should, supposedly, be a rough old crate in traffic. Well the clutch is noticeably heavy, sometimes, maybe when certain planets are in alignment and the car's pointing the wrong way across the earth's magnetic field, it'll be a right pig when you want it to settle down and idle. About 30 days out of 31 it is perfectly happy wandering along in traffic.....

......course, show it a bit of clear tarmac and we're both happier!!!

Feeding stops? Another £35-worth of Optimax this morning with 200 miles since last fill up. Bad weeks (heavy traffic and no runs) 160 miles (no better with Super over normal unleaded), good runs 230.

PAS is a boon - but they all vary slightly. Mine has had a tendancy to weep and then wheeze it bit if the level drops (funnily enough as soon as I had resigned myself to planning a recon, it's stopped leaking fluid!) for ....oh, all the time I've had it! Some of the PAS Griffs, I have heard, are a bit too light or vague for some tastes. I suppose you could go non-PAS and consider that you're time trundling around in traffic is as well spent as an hour in the gym!!!

Only when you've lived with one will you find all the delights and most of the quirks. I just wish you more days of the former and less of the latter!!!