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Car Forum / UK Car Forums / Car Modifications (UK group) / May 2008Wife mode for TVR
I am looking to buy a TVR Chimera in the next few weeks, but wife is keen on getting a car she can drive to. To make a TVR safer for my wife I was thinking of some sort of Wife mode (like the teenager keys on some cars). My first though was something in the air intake to reduce the air flow, possibly by using a couple more throttle bodies. Any other ideas?  SignatureDrew.H, "Drew.H" <amh.nospam.at.all@spam.free.v2u.net> gurgled happily, sounding much like they were saying: > I am looking to buy a TVR Chimera in the next few weeks, but wife is > keen on getting a car she can drive to. To make a TVR safer for my wife [quoted text clipped - 5 lines] > > Any other ideas? IAM or RoSPA course? > "Drew.H" <amh.nospam.at.all@spam.free.v2u.net> gurgled happily, sounding > much like they were saying: [quoted text clipped - 10 lines] > > IAM or RoSPA course? You're not married are you ;o) SignatureDrew.H "Drew.H" <amh.nospam.at.all@spam.free.v2u.net> gurgled happily, sounding much like they were saying: >>> Any other ideas? >> IAM or RoSPA course? > You're not married are you ;o) Would marriage make me somehow come to realise my beloved was incapable of improving her skills? <thinks> Somehow, I suspect the answers to that may go off-topic very rapidly... Nah, seriously - SWMBO would get the hump FAR more seriously from finding out I'd put a hidden numptyswitch in to protect her from her own incompetence than from me suggesting that, since it's a bloody quick car, advanced training would be a good idea... > "Drew.H" <amh.nospam.at.all@spam.free.v2u.net> gurgled happily, sounding > much like they were saying: [quoted text clipped - 15 lines] > incompetence than from me suggesting that, since it's a bloody quick car, > advanced training would be a good idea... She is not bothered about performance, just looks, so a "Safety" or "Eco" switch may go down well. However if I suggest she gets some advanced training I'd get some verbal and an argument if its that dangerous/fast you're not having one. Like I got when I bought the Blackbird. SWMBOs don't listen and therefore can be told (I hope she never read this) ;o) SignatureDrew.H >> "Drew.H" <amh.nospam.at.all@spam.free.v2u.net> gurgled happily, sounding >> much like they were saying: [quoted text clipped - 18 lines] > She is not bothered about performance, just looks, so a "Safety" or "Eco" > switch may go down well. Depends; if mine discovered that I had restricted the car she would *not* be happy. If I suggested that her driving were not up to scratch for a 300+ bhp rear wheel drive car she would refer me to her a.s - but get over it... > However if I suggest she gets some advanced training I'd get some verbal > and an argument if its that dangerous/fast you're not having one. Like I > got when I bought the Blackbird. > > SWMBOs don't listen and therefore can be told (I hope she never read this) > ;o) SignatureThe DervMan www.dervman.com > Like I got when I bought the Blackbird. <boggle> You own a Mach 6 spy plane? >> Like I got when I bought the Blackbird. > > <boggle> You own a Mach 6 spy plane? <boggle> it did mach 6? > >> Like I got when I bought the Blackbird. > > > > <boggle> You own a Mach 6 spy plane? > > <boggle> it did mach 6? Well something unbelievably fast, hang on <google> Ah, I'm getting the Blackbird mixed up with the X-15. Mach 3.5, is that better? >>>> Like I got when I bought the Blackbird. >>> [quoted text clipped - 6 lines] > > Mach 3.5, is that better? No, I'd say mach 6 is better. More accurate though. > >> Like I got when I bought the Blackbird. > > > > <boggle> You own a Mach 6 spy plane? > > <boggle> it did mach 6? <boggle> he went 12 years into the future to buy the new Mach 6 Blackbird (which may or may not be in development)? Quote; "friction at high speeds could reduce stealth" Slightly reduced stealth? Who gives a f.ck at 4,000mph :) SignatureLordy.UK > > >> Like I got when I bought the Blackbird. > > > [quoted text clipped - 4 lines] > <boggle> he went 12 years into the future to buy the new Mach 6 > Blackbird (which may or may not be in development)? Damn you mean I inadvertently gave something away? Anyway it's not called Blackbird now, it's Aurora. Damn, damn, damn... > Quote; "friction at high speeds could reduce stealth" > Slightly reduced stealth? Who gives a f.ck at 4,000mph Blackbird didn't do stealth. Oh sure it was stealthed (a bit), but the exhaust trail showed up over 100 miles away by radar. >> > >> Like I got when I bought the Blackbird. >> > > [quoted text clipped - 15 lines] > Blackbird didn't do stealth. Oh sure it was stealthed (a bit), but the > exhaust trail showed up over 100 miles away by radar. ISTR that it didn't matter for a good while what the Russians fired at it - the missiles had no chance of catching up before they ran out of fuel. > I am looking to buy a TVR Chimera in the next few weeks, but wife is keen on > getting a car she can drive to. To make a TVR safer for my wife I was [quoted text clipped - 4 lines] > > Any other ideas? Swap a couple of 'plug leads around. That should reduce power output a bit. Alternatively, some sort of stop under the throttle, to limit travel, perhaps. IIRC, the pedal travel is pretty long anyway, so you tend not to get WOT accidentally anyway. /looks over shoulder/ The best answer is of course to buy a £1k shopping trolley for her to kill instead. >> I am looking to buy a TVR Chimera in the next few weeks, but wife is keen >> on getting a car she can drive to. To make a TVR safer for my wife I was [quoted text clipped - 14 lines] > /looks over shoulder/ The best answer is of course to buy a £1k shopping > trolley for her to kill instead. Buy an aftermarket rev limiter, set it to say 3500rpm and have a secret switch... >>> I am looking to buy a TVR Chimera in the next few weeks, but wife is >>> keen on getting a car she can drive to. To make a TVR safer for my wife [quoted text clipped - 18 lines] > Buy an aftermarket rev limiter, set it to say 3500rpm and have a secret > switch... Alternatively fit 200 BHP of nitrous and give her a go in a car park. That should scare her enough to not want to drive it? >>>> I am looking to buy a TVR Chimera in the next few weeks, but wife is >>>> keen on getting a car she can drive to. To make a TVR safer for my [quoted text clipped - 21 lines] > Alternatively fit 200 BHP of nitrous and give her a go in a car park. That > should scare her enough to not want to drive it? May not even need that, she only ever drove my Dutton Phaeton once, leaving a nice 11 on the road. SignatureDrew.H >>> I am looking to buy a TVR Chimera in the next few weeks, but wife is >>> keen on getting a car she can drive to. To make a TVR safer for my wife [quoted text clipped - 18 lines] > Buy an aftermarket rev limiter, set it to say 3500rpm and have a secret > switch... The Chimera's power delivery means you'd need to limit it to something like 2,500 rpm... SignatureThe DervMan www.dervman.com >> I am looking to buy a TVR Chimera in the next few weeks, but wife is keen >> on getting a car she can drive to. To make a TVR safer for my wife I was [quoted text clipped - 14 lines] > /looks over shoulder/ The best answer is of course to buy a £1k shopping > trolley for her to kill instead. She has an MGF VVC at the moment, I thought it would be good practice, but the bloody thing handles to well. Its the torque when setting off from a junction that is my main worry. The MGF is for sale, incidentally. SignatureDrew.H > She has an MGF VVC at the moment, I thought it would be good practice, but > the bloody thing handles to well. The VVC can be accused of many things, but "handling too well" isn't one of them. It's a roly-poly jelly bean of a car that has more in common with standard saloon/hatch cars than with sports cars in the handling department. If that's the sportiest thing that she's driven then a TVR is going to come as a bit of a shock. A TVR is, after all, a car that spends most of its life planning how to commit suicide and take the driver with it. Given your description of your wife's "talent" it would be insane to let her drive a TVR. It might be more sensible to look at some other car for you to get your jollies. If you want to go all chest wig and goolies hanging out while keeping your wife alive and the car in one piece consider something with switchable traction control and ESP. Unfortunately that does leave you with a list of hairdresser's cars. Audi TT, Mercedes SL, Lambo Gayardo, Nissan 350Z, Porsche Boxster. I'm sure others will be able to stick in some other cars with driver safety aids as standard. >> She has an MGF VVC at the moment, I thought it would be good practice, >> but [quoted text clipped - 18 lines] > sure others will be able to stick in some other cars with driver safety > aids as standard. I love how you just threw the Gallardo in there like it was in someway comparable to the others and not a 500bhp, £130k supercar hehe! May I also suggest the Pagani Zonda, I think they have switchable TC. SignatureDan Clio V6 > I love how you just threw the Gallardo in there like it was in someway > comparable to the others and not a 500bhp, £130k supercar hehe! It's just a TT with a new suit and a big engine. It's still a hairdresser's car. Steve Firth wrote of ruling out TVRs: > Unfortunately that does leave you with a list of hairdresser's cars. > Audi TT, Mercedes SL, Lambo Gayardo, Nissan 350Z, Porsche Boxster. I'm > sure others will be able to stick in some other cars with driver safety > aids as standard. The answer is simple, the OP should get an MX-5. SignatureDouglas > Steve Firth wrote of ruling out TVRs: > [quoted text clipped - 4 lines] > > The answer is simple, the OP should get an MX-5. And a set of equipment from Babylis to match. > > Steve Firth wrote of ruling out TVRs: > > [quoted text clipped - 6 lines] > > And a set of equipment from Babylis to match. GHD I think you mean. SignatureCarl Robson Audio stream: http://www.bouncing-czechs.com:8000/samtest Homepage: http://www.bouncing-czechs.com > Steve Firth wrote of ruling out TVRs: > [quoted text clipped - 4 lines] > > The answer is simple, the OP should get an MX-5. I can't fit in an MX-5 SignatureDrew.H >> Steve Firth wrote of ruling out TVRs: >> [quoted text clipped - 6 lines] > > I can't fit in an MX-5 Have you ever tried? Doug is about 6' 5" or something and he has done 15k this year in one or something. He is hugely skinny though... SignatureDan Clio V6 >>> Steve Firth wrote of ruling out TVRs: >>> [quoted text clipped - 9 lines] > Have you ever tried? Doug is about 6' 5" or something and he has done 15k > this year in one or something. He is hugely skinny though... Hairdressers car. Import a half price Corvette. http://www.leftlanenews.com/chevrolet-corvette.html#photos >>>> Steve Firth wrote of ruling out TVRs: >>>> [quoted text clipped - 13 lines] > Hairdressers car. Import a half price Corvette. > http://www.leftlanenews.com/chevrolet-corvette.html#photos No. They're shite. I had the displeasure of being in one every morning and evening for a week in Pittsburgh last month. Mike P >>>>> Steve Firth wrote of ruling out TVRs: >>>>> [quoted text clipped - 19 lines] > > Mike P Big v8, 170 out of the crate, rear drive, look great, 2 seats, for half price or the same price as a small "sporty" front drive eurobox - how can they be shite!!! >>>>>> Steve Firth wrote of ruling out TVRs: >>>>>> [quoted text clipped - 23 lines] > price or the same price as a small "sporty" front drive eurobox - how can > they be shite!!! The very harsh ride on anything other than a totally smooth road makes them pretty useless over here. I wasn't that impressed with the power either M >>>>>>> Steve Firth wrote of ruling out TVRs: >>>>>>> [quoted text clipped - 30 lines] > > M Its a big strong quad cam V8 in a mild state of tune. Only 400 hp from 6.2 litres. It rumbles and rolls around with very few revs. Automatics post a 0-60 time of 4.3 seconds. Thats not slow already(!) and you can stick 400bhp of nitrous on it without any issues cos its big and strong, giving you 800+ bhp... At least I can! Then it would run a sdanding quarter as fast as a big bike, and go on way past its normal 172mph... Even without nitrous (or a twin turbo setup (or both!) it can easily be hotted up with a few simple tweaks if 60 in 4 secs and 172 isnt enough... As for the suspension its something I could live with when you look at the cost. You can have one here NEW for the same price as a boring front drive "hot" hatch... What has similar performance or style? even at double the price of a us imported corvette? EG the fastest 0 to 60 and back to zero figures of the ten fastest cars: (benzworld data) 1. Porsche 911 Turbo - 0-60-0 mph: 6.16 sec 2. Porsche Carrera GT - 0-60-0 mph 6.38 sec 3. Lamborghini Gallardo - 0-60-0 mph 6.39 sec 4. Mercedes Benz SLR McLaren - 0-60-0 mph 6.42 sec 5. Ferrari F430 F1 - 0-60-0 mph 6.48 sec 6. Mercedes Benz CLK DTM AMG - 0-60-0 mph 6.5 sec 7. Lamborghini Murcielago - 0-60-0 mph 6.61 sec 8. Porsche 911 GT2 - 0-60-0 mph 6.72 sec 9. Porsche 911 GT3 - 0-60-0 mph 6.73 sec 10. Corvette Z06 - 0-60-0 mph 6.76 sec All of the above are MASSIVELY more expensive than a corvette that you could have sat on your drive for 25k or less if you import it correctly. Dont believe me? Check out the u.s. prices. Remember you dont pay their purchase tax either and shipping and insurance and the special test they have to have here all adds up to about 800 quid. And if you know anyone thats disabled they can do it without paying car import duty or VAT... I just did all this with my half price Chrysler van. Most of these are above 3 times that price! Or much more. And they are all highly tuned and no room left for serious leaning on... The 911 turbo for eg is a tiny car and has little room. It also is very highly stressed and tuned already. If you added 400bhp of nitrous to that 911 it would launch its highly stressed motor into next week. The Corvette however is not even turboed. Its got a big old yank V8 sat there doing very little. 64bhp per litre to be exact! Thats very low. It could be very cheaply and easily improved! But I would just fit a progressive nitrous system, +400bhp extra because its a big strong lazy engine. Even then its only 128 bhp per litre. Thats still less than the 911 turbo, by the way. And its power doubles to 800. Then all the others in that list are history... And since I build nitrous systems it would cost me peanuts! But the wheelchair wont fit. > Most of these are above 3 times that price! Or much more. And they are > all highly tuned and no room left for serious leaning on... The 911 > turbo for eg is a tiny car and has little room. It also is very highly > stressed and tuned already. <snip stuff about Corvettes> I have to say, having done a few thousand miles in 911s and 911 Turbos, and a few hundred in Corvettes, that I'd *much* rather have a 911 than a 'Vette, and I quite like Corvettes. I know it's wrong, me preferring a flat 6 to a V8, but this is the exception that proves the rule. 911s are sublime. Corvettes are ok, but they're not comparable on UK roads. I'd go as far as saying that I'd rather have the 911 Carrera 3.2 I was using a couple of years ago than a brand new, top spec, nitrous'd Corvette. SignaturePete M - OMF#9 Range Rover V8 Turbo Range Rover 4.6 HSE "Professional Petrolhead" >> Most of these are above 3 times that price! Or much more. And they are >> all highly tuned and no room left for serious leaning on... The 911 turbo [quoted text clipped - 14 lines] > was using a couple of years ago than a brand new, top spec, nitrous'd > Corvette. I am a hp drag racing mad power junkie and cant help myself! There much more potential "left" in the corvette! And I dont like small cars... Still, you can get 3 US imported corvettes for the price of one 911 so its not very fair comparrison anyway! The point of that exersize was to show that in a 0 60 0 test the fastest car was only .6 of a second faster than one costing the same as a front drive trolly... "Burgerman" <burgerman@ntlworld.com> gurgled happily, sounding much like they were saying: > Still, you can get 3 US imported corvettes for the price of one 911 so > its not very fair comparrison anyway! Well, one and a half... A quick google suggests £40k as the imported price for an '08 Vette coupe. A small chunk cheaper than the official UK price of £45k, but definitely not a third of the £60k price of a new 911. US price of a 'vette starts at $47k - so £23,500 - still not a third of a 911. Add in shipping, duty, VAT, UK lights etc. conversion, and you're not going to see a lot of change from £35k. Before the importer has even covered their trading costs, let alone made a profit. > "Burgerman" <burgerman@ntlworld.com> gurgled happily, sounding much like > they were saying: [quoted text clipped - 12 lines] > not going to see a lot of change from £35k. Before the importer has even > covered their trading costs, let alone made a profit. Not quite... 1st knock off their VAT you dont have to pay that. 2nd negotiate a good price. Nobody ever pays full price on a mass produced car. No tax to pay, and no duty, (patience!) lights and shipping and paperwork and shipping cover is 800 quid - just did it a year ago. No importer. Import it yourself! Its easy. So no profit to be allowed for. Plus... You can save the import duty and VAT if you do the following. . I just imported a van new. It finished up costing me in dollars the same price one costs here in pounds. Almost exactly half. First negotiate good price (typically 15 to 18 percent off - cash, no trade in, no messing about) with a dealer that will deliver it tax free as an export (they have a form...) to the shipping company. Now the price is nowhere near your 47k since there has been about 17 percent knocked off it twice! (actually more since if you add 50 percent to 100 you get 150 so you need to take off a bigger percentage to get back to the original price) So now you are actually paying not 47k but 34k Dollars. or if you prefer you are paying 17k pounds! Really! Add 800 or call it 1k shipping insurance lights etc. So now we are at 18k plus duty and vat. But if you were disabled you (or your freind... hint) were disabled and you fill in a form from the customs and excise you dont have to pay any duty or VAT at all. But the car as well as the purchasers signed form must be for disabled use to qualify. Hence you should get the supplier dealer to fit hand controls in the price. Now do you see? Of course your disabled freind/wife/neighbour/ my sell it (to you) if he cant "get on with it" very well and import or buy something else. As long as he doesent do too many nobody is bothered. But even if you do pay duty and tax its much less now because of the lower starting price. "Burgerman" <burgerman@ntlworld.com> gurgled happily, sounding much like they were saying: >> US price of a 'vette starts at $47k - so £23,500 - still not a third of >> a 911. Add in shipping, duty, VAT, UK lights etc. conversion, and >> you're not going to see a lot of change from £35k. Before the importer >> has even covered their trading costs, let alone made a profit. > Not quite... > > 1st knock off their VAT you dont have to pay that. They don't have VAT. They have a state sales tax, which varies from state to state, usually around 5%. As a result, US prices are always quoted as before tax - so that 47k IS a tax-free price. > First negotiate good price (typically 15 to 18 percent off - cash, no > trade in, no messing about) > So now you are actually paying not 47k but 34k Dollars. or if you prefer > you are paying 17k pounds! Really! How on earth did you leap from 15% discount (which on something "desirable" and limited production is going to be an achievement) to 30% less? > So now we are at 18k plus duty and vat. But if you were disabled you (or > your freind... hint) were disabled and you fill in a form from the > customs and excise you dont have to pay any duty or VAT at all. But the > car as well as the purchasers signed form must be for disabled use to > qualify. Hence you should get the supplier dealer to fit hand controls > in the price. For free? OK, so not only are you at serious risk of being nicked for fraud, and have a car that you can't actually tax without compounding that fraud, but you've got a car that's got Meccano all over the interior. Woo. Great. > "Burgerman" <burgerman@ntlworld.com> gurgled happily, sounding much like > they were saying: [quoted text clipped - 21 lines] > "desirable" and limited production is going to be an achievement) to 30% > less? The US has a glut of cars. A corvette is just a "capri" over there. Prices like 15% or more discount for a cash no trade in purchase is normal. I didnt know that their tax was (pinched from wicki) as below: "The effect is that sales tax rates vary from 7.25% (in areas where no additional taxes are charged) to 8.75% (for example, in the city of Avalon, on Santa Catalina Island, in National City, and in Alameda County)." I just removed a guessed 17.5 as their tax. My figure was 17.5 removed twice (discount plus purchase or sales tax) And yes its included in your price. And a discount of 15 to 18 percent is normal if you are used to buying new cars with a fight. Not "desireble" unless you are a fool. I just did this a year ago remember... >> So now we are at 18k plus duty and vat. But if you were disabled you (or >> your freind... hint) were disabled and you fill in a form from the [quoted text clipped - 4 lines] > > For free? Hand controls are cheap, if buying a new car and you cant get them to include them then its a couple of hundred squid. And anyway I upped the shipping to 1k to include any "incidentals" > OK, so not only are you at serious risk of being nicked for fraud, Nothing illegal here unless that was the original purchasers intent! And thats very very hard to prove. If you bought several the same you might look dodgy but disabled people often cannot get on with or work with stuff they buy. Selling it is quite legit. and > have a car that you can't actually tax without compounding that fraud, Err why not? After the original user taxed it free, and decides to sell then the tax is invalid. The new user or owner has to tax it. Its no different to the van I just sold. The buyer had no trouble taxing that. > but you've got a car that's got Meccano all over the interior. Woo. Great. There is no reason that hand controls mean any meccano that cant be unscrewed when the new owner wants. In some cases they may have to cut a plastic steering column part so you need to replace it. Not exactly breaking the bank in the process is it? Its possible, and its easy. Even if you do pay the duty/vat its still massively cheaper. Burgerman. >> "Burgerman" <burgerman@ntlworld.com> gurgled happily, sounding much like >> they were saying: > Its possible, and its easy. > Even if you do pay the duty/vat its still massively cheaper. Please shut up. You're making me want to import a Dodge Challenger ;) Richard >>> "Burgerman" <burgerman@ntlworld.com> gurgled happily, sounding much like >>> they were saying: [quoted text clipped - 5 lines] > > You're making me want to import a Dodge Challenger ;) I bet you I can drive it to San Francisco by 3pm tomorrow. SignatureDouglas >>> "Burgerman" <burgerman@ntlworld.com> gurgled happily, sounding much like >>> they were saying: [quoted text clipped - 7 lines] > > Richard Do it. I am driving a vehicle that costs 53k in the uk RHD and mine cost me 29k all in LHD which you dont even notice after the first ten mins.. > Please shut up. > > You're making me want to import a Dodge Challenger ;) One other bit of information, the £400 Gordon tax onluy applies to vehicles that are Type-approved in the UK, SVA'd vehicles are liable for the lower rate of £185. So all that crap about it being a "tax on 4x4s" falls by the ways side since real gas-guzzling 4x4s like the Excursion are exempt. As indeed are all those footballer's wives Lincoln Navigators. >> Please shut up. >> [quoted text clipped - 7 lines] > since real gas-guzzling 4x4s like the Excursion are exempt. As indeed > are all those footballer's wives Lincoln Navigators. V10 powered Ram it is then... > >> Please shut up. > >> [quoted text clipped - 9 lines] > > V10 powered Ram it is then... Do diesel Rams run on vegoil? That would screw him, even if I did go through the 2500litre allowance quicker. Oh wait, is that why it is called the Ram 2500 diesel? SignatureCarl Robson Audio stream: http://www.bouncing-czechs.com:8000/samtest Homepage: http://www.bouncing-czechs.com >>> "Burgerman" <burgerman@ntlworld.com> gurgled happily, sounding much >>> like they were saying: [quoted text clipped - 7 lines] > > Richard You are Richard Hanmmond IACMFP >> "Burgerman" <burgerman@ntlworld.com> gurgled happily, sounding much like >> they were saying: [quoted text clipped - 12 lines] >> not going to see a lot of change from £35k. Before the importer has even >> covered their trading costs, let alone made a profit. > But even if you do pay duty and tax its much less now because of the > lower starting price. Didn't some people get done for that last year, selling Lambourghinis and Range Rovers and making (IIRC) rather a lot of cash on the side? Not that I have a problem with it myself, but you wouldn't want to make a habit of it. Richard >>> "Burgerman" <burgerman@ntlworld.com> gurgled happily, sounding much like >>> they were saying: [quoted text clipped - 24 lines] > > Richard Yes, and I dont! Its the "habit" that got them in trouble. Doing one (the Vette) isnt an issue. >>> Most of these are above 3 times that price! Or much more. And they >>> are all highly tuned and no room left for serious leaning on... The [quoted text clipped - 14 lines] >> 3.2 I was using a couple of years ago than a brand new, top spec, >> nitrous'd Corvette. > I am a hp drag racing mad power junkie and cant help myself! There much > more potential "left" in the corvette! Heh, I'm not far behind ya. Drove a 650 bhp 993 Turbo a few years ago, that was about as close to "Enough" power as I've ever experienced. Especially with the 911 weighing about as much as a lightened crisp packet. > And I dont like small cars... Points @ sig. > Still, you can get 3 US imported corvettes for the price of one 911 so > its not very fair comparrison anyway! The point of that exersize was to > show that in a 0 60 0 test the fastest car was only .6 of a second > faster than one costing the same as a front drive trolly... Indeed. Good job I like the air-cooled 911s really. SignaturePete M - OMF#9 Range Rover V8 Turbo Range Rover 4.6 HSE "Professional Petrolhead" > 911s are sublime. Corvettes are ok, but they're not comparable on UK > roads. I'd go as far as saying that I'd rather have the 911 Carrera > 3.2 I was using a couple of years ago than a brand new, top spec, > nitrous'd Corvette. 911s are just odd. Not clever, not sublime, just odd. Having the weight behind the rear wheels means that if you're good you can brake super late for a corner, but the punishment for being just too late is at least a bit of paint and panel work. >> 911s are sublime. Corvettes are ok, but they're not comparable on UK >> roads. I'd go as far as saying that I'd rather have the 911 Carrera [quoted text clipped - 5 lines] > for a corner, but the punishment for being just too late is at least a bit > of paint and panel work. You get used to them after a while. Have to learn their little ways. Soon you learn to only brake heavily in a straight line, to not race Exiges on the twisties, and the exact moment when you can apply all the power on the way out of a bend. When you've done a good few miles in them the rear engine and the mega-traction is a real bonus. Everything else feels plain weird. A Focus still instills more confidence more of the time, but a 911 is so much fun when everything is going right. Having said that, I nearly went backwards through a few hedges on the road to discovery... SignaturePete M - OMF#9 Range Rover V8 Turbo Range Rover 4.6 HSE "Professional Petrolhead" >>> Steve Firth wrote of ruling out TVRs: >>> [quoted text clipped - 9 lines] > Have you ever tried? Doug is about 6' 5" or something and he has done 15k > this year in one or something. He is hugely skinny though... Yes and I didn't, but I have long legs and a beer gut. The sitting position in the Chimera was superb, not cramped, everything within easy reach. One small problem with the Chimera is that I can't easily fit in the passenger seat, the dash was in the way. I really need to try some of the other TVRs for the sitting position. If the worst comes to the worst we may end up with a Boxer, but I'd rather not. SignatureDrew.H >>>> Steve Firth wrote of ruling out TVRs: >>>> [quoted text clipped - 18 lines] > to try some of the other TVRs for the sitting position. If the worst > comes to the worst we may end up with a Boxer, but I'd rather not. Get a Clio V6 - satifies the 'silly and dangerous cars' criteria hehe! SignatureDan Clio V6 >>>>> Steve Firth wrote of ruling out TVRs: >>>>> [quoted text clipped - 21 lines] > > Get a Clio V6 - satifies the 'silly and dangerous cars' criteria hehe! Our current shopping trolley is a Vectra v6 2.5 SRi, with a few mods (such as enlarged throttle body, K&N, cold air feed). I have promised that to son once I get TVR. SignatureDrew.H >> Get a Clio V6 - satifies the 'silly and dangerous cars' criteria hehe! > > Our current shopping trolley is a Vectra v6 2.5 SRi, with a few mods (such > as enlarged throttle body, K&N, cold air feed). I have promised that to > son once I get TVR. Hmm - do you know what a Clio V6 is? It's not really comparable to a Vectra v6... >>> Get a Clio V6 - satifies the 'silly and dangerous cars' criteria >>> hehe! [quoted text clipped - 5 lines] > Hmm - do you know what a Clio V6 is? It's not really comparable to a > Vectra v6... Indeed, one is fast, handles well and reliable, the other is a clio V6 >>>> Steve Firth wrote of ruling out TVRs: >>>> [quoted text clipped - 18 lines] > to try some of the other TVRs for the sitting position. If the worst > comes to the worst we may end up with a Boxer, but I'd rather not. The PSA group van? Bit of a change from a TVR. SignatureThe DervMan www.dervman.com >> If the worst >> comes to the worst we may end up with a Boxer, but I'd rather not. > > The PSA group van? Bit of a change from a TVR. Maybe it's the astramax of it's day, up behind you at 95 flashing the headlights... >>>>> Steve Firth wrote of ruling out TVRs: >>>>> [quoted text clipped - 20 lines] > > The PSA group van? Bit of a change from a TVR. Boxer + LS1 + supercharger? >> Steve Firth wrote of ruling out TVRs: >> [quoted text clipped - 5 lines] > > I can't fit in an MX-5 Have you considered a Clio V6? I am led to believe that it is the 2nd best car on the market after the MX-5. Interesting. I'm not refuting what you say, but I am about 6'4" and I've driven my MX-5 about 20k over the last year with no ill effects. Mine is a 2003 MK2 with heated leather and the seats are noticeably higher than earlier cars. I'll not say it's a perfect fit, but its less of a compromise than some other small and medium sized cars I have driven. I don't think I fit in the MK3 so well. If you don't fit cos you're too tall, I guess it depends where your height is. I think my dad is the same height as but has a longer back than me and he doesn't fit quite so well. Good excuse not to lend it to him. SignatureDouglas >>> Steve Firth wrote of ruling out TVRs: >>> [quoted text clipped - 8 lines] > Have you considered a Clio V6? I am led to believe that it is the 2nd best > car on the market after the MX-5. Only if you want to look like an 18 year old who spent more on there bodykit than the 1.2 Dynamique it's bolted to. ;) >> I can't fit in an MX-5 > > Have you considered a Clio V6? I am led to believe that it is the 2nd > best car on the market after the MX-5. And just after that, comes the Xantia Activa, shortly followed by the Mk2 Golf GTI 2.0 8v. Big people would fit in either of them and have fun. Signature"For want of the price of tea and a slice, the old man died." "AstraVanMan" <Peter@Swerveforeskinweb.com> gurgled happily, sounding much like they were saying: >>> I can't fit in an MX-5 >> Have you considered a Clio V6? I am led to believe that it is the 2nd >> best car on the market after the MX-5. > And just after that, comes the Xantia Activa, shortly followed by the > Mk2 Golf GTI 2.0 8v. Big people would fit in either of them and have > fun. There's a VERY nice Activa for sale at the mo, cheap, just needs the clutch slave replacing (and the parts are with it). Be a shame to see it broken. > "AstraVanMan" <Peter@Swerveforeskinweb.com> gurgled happily, sounding much > like they were saying: [quoted text clipped - 11 lines] > clutch slave replacing (and the parts are with it). Be a shame to see it > broken. where where?? Mike P "Mike P" <privacy@privacy.net> gurgled happily, sounding much like they were saying: >> There's a VERY nice Activa for sale at the mo, cheap, just needs the >> clutch slave replacing (and the parts are with it). Be a shame to see >> it broken. > where where?? http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=140226631454 The auction's over, but I don't think it sold. > "Mike P" <privacy@privacy.net> gurgled happily, sounding much like they > were saying: [quoted text clipped - 7 lines] > http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=140226631454 > The auction's over, but I don't think it sold. excellent, I've emailed him... thanks! Mike P > "AstraVanMan" <Peter@Swerveforeskinweb.com> gurgled happily, sounding much > like they were saying: [quoted text clipped - 11 lines] > clutch slave replacing (and the parts are with it). Be a shame to see it > broken. *perk* V6? Actually, what am I saying. Hmmm. Wonder if I could sell the MR2 and have one last mad car before the C6... I nearly bought a VX2300GLS... Richard Richard Kilpatrick <news@dmc12.demon.co.uk> gurgled happily, sounding much like they were saying: >> There's a VERY nice Activa for sale at the mo, cheap, just needs the >> clutch slave replacing (and the parts are with it). Be a shame to see >> it broken. > *perk* > > V6? No, the usual TCT. All the other engines - 2.1TD, HDi, V6 were cack- hander only. > Richard Kilpatrick <news@dmc12.demon.co.uk> gurgled happily, sounding much > like they were saying: [quoted text clipped - 9 lines] > No, the usual TCT. All the other engines - 2.1TD, HDi, V6 were cack- > hander only. It's okay, I spotted a V6 non-Activa... I sense a quick MR2 change coming on. Just to get me into the Citroen spirit, you know? Can a Xantia take a double-DIN radio, I wonder... Richard Richard Kilpatrick <news@dmc12.demon.co.uk> gurgled happily, sounding much like they were saying: >>>> There's a VERY nice Activa for sale at the mo, cheap, just needs the >>>> clutch slave replacing (and the parts are with it). Be a shame to see >>>> it broken. >>> *perk* >>> >>> V6? >> No, the usual TCT. All the other engines - 2.1TD, HDi, V6 were cack- >> hander only. > It's okay, I spotted a V6 non-Activa... RHD v6 Activas have been built. The v6 is the one Cit said couldn't physically be built RHD. They just didn't think diseasels would sell here. > I nearly bought a VX2300GLS... Should have snapped it up. Love them. SignatureCarl Robson Audio stream: http://www.bouncing-czechs.com:8000/samtest Homepage: http://www.bouncing-czechs.com >> She has an MGF VVC at the moment, I thought it would be good practice, >> but [quoted text clipped - 4 lines] > with standard saloon/hatch cars than with sports cars in the handling > department. <snip> I took the MGF out in the wet and thrashed the rear end off it, it didn't do anything unexpected. Mind you my previous toy was a 2.1L Dutton Phaeton, which did corner superbly, but could be a bit of a handful if you hit a bump in the road on a bend. I have had a few people say how they weren't happy with MGFs handling. I must have a good one, I can't fault it. SignatureDrew.H > >> She has an MGF VVC at the moment, I thought it would be good practice, > >> but [quoted text clipped - 8 lines] > I took the MGF out in the wet and thrashed the rear end off it, it didn't do > anything unexpected. As I said, it has standard saloon car handling. Safe, predictable and a bit boring. It's no sports car. > Mind you my previous toy was a 2.1L Dutton Phaeton, which did corner > superbly, but could be a bit of a handful if you hit a bump in the road on > a bend. > > I have had a few people say how they weren't happy with MGFs handling. I > must have a good one, I can't fault it. Humm, are you sure you want a TVR? >> >> She has an MGF VVC at the moment, I thought it would be good practice, >> >> but [quoted text clipped - 23 lines] > > Humm, are you sure you want a TVR? Yes, I need something to drive over the winter months, when I'm not using the bike ;o) I'd like something that is a little more fun than the MGF, the MGF just goes where you point it. I want something with a little more attitude. Something without ABS, power steering and traction control. Something like my Dutton with more leg room and faster. Not forgetting that V8 noise. SignatureDrew.H > As I said, it has standard saloon car handling. Safe, predictable and > a bit boring. It's no sports car. Hmm - the later Trophy and TF were a different drive altogether, but even the standard F in 160 form can be a little too lively for the inexperienced on a slippery road. Most are underpowered 1.6 and 1.8 engined ones though. I've spun one. On dry roads. > > As I said, it has standard saloon car handling. Safe, predictable and > > a bit boring. It's no sports car. [quoted text clipped - 4 lines] > > I've spun one. On dry roads. It has the suspension of a Metro, and that's what it feels like. > It has the suspension of a Metro, and that's what it feels like. Which sounds bad, until you consider that the suspension was the only bit of the Metro that BL actually got right..... SignatureSteveH Via Hotel WiFi / HSDPA and Asus Eee 701 > > It has the suspension of a Metro, and that's what it feels like. > Which sounds bad, until you consider that the suspension was the only > bit of the Metro that BL actually got right..... I've a feeling the subframes and suspension were actually Maestro. Signature*Why is the man who invests all your money called a broker? Dave Plowman dave@davenoise.co.uk London SW To e-mail, change noise into sound. >>> It has the suspension of a Metro, and that's what it feels like. > >> Which sounds bad, until you consider that the suspension was the only >> bit of the Metro that BL actually got right..... > > I've a feeling the subframes and suspension were actually Maestro. I think you'll find they were Metro ones. IIRC, the rear 'frame in an MGF is very closely related to the front one in a Metro GTi. SignaturePete M - OMF#9 Range Rover V8 Turbo Range Rover 4.6 HSE "Professional Petrolhead" >>> As I said, it has standard saloon car handling. Safe, predictable and >>> a bit boring. It's no sports car. [quoted text clipped - 5 lines] > > It has the suspension of a Metro, and that's what it feels like. Which is no bad thing. The MGF is considerably nicer to drive in real world conditions than a TF, which is fantastic on a track but harsh and unsettled at legal speeds and on poor - i.e. "British" - roads. The MGF appealed to me greatly. The TF put me right off. FWIW, the R6 Metro - K-series models - also handles well, with a far more entertaining and mature chassis than more "modern" rivals of the period like the Punto. If they'd engineered the body correctly (or people weren't so obsessive about safety; people drove that car body for 18 years without caring how it folded in a crash) it would have remained a competitive package for ride, handling, comfort and efficiency of the overall design. Of course, bashing MGR products is easy, but the MGF's competence as a practical sportscar should not be overlooked. It does have high limits and a responsive chassis; it just manages ride comfort too, something with modern cars often fail miserably at. Richard >>> As I said, it has standard saloon car handling. Safe, predictable and >>> a bit boring. It's no sports car. [quoted text clipped - 5 lines] > > It has the suspension of a Metro, and that's what it feels like. You say that like it's a bad thing. > I am looking to buy a TVR Chimera in the next few weeks, but wife is keen on > getting a car she can drive to. To make a TVR safer for my wife I was > thinking of some sort of Wife mode (like the teenager keys on some cars). > My first though was something in the air intake to reduce the air flow, > possibly by using a couple more throttle bodies. If an adult can't be trusted to drive a car capable of high speeds safely and within their limits, they shouldn't be driving. I take it it is fitted with a throttle pedal? Signature*For every action, there is an equal and opposite criticism * Dave Plowman dave@davenoise.co.uk London SW To e-mail, change noise into sound. >> I am looking to buy a TVR Chimera in the next few weeks, but wife is keen >> on [quoted text clipped - 7 lines] > and within their limits, they shouldn't be driving. I take it it is fitted > with a throttle pedal? On the open road I think she would be fine, she is not a speed freak. Its just setting off from junctions, she tends to get over enthusiastic. The possibility of a doughnut when pulling out of a T-Junction is my main concern. SignatureDrew.H >>> I am looking to buy a TVR Chimera in the next few weeks, but wife is keen >>> on [quoted text clipped - 10 lines] > possibility of a doughnut when pulling out of a T-Junction is my main > concern. What Adrian said, then. Driving course. The only vehicle I've ever spun on a junction was a 2.25 109" LandRover... Richard > The only vehicle I've ever spun > on a junction was a 2.25 109" LandRover... That's the only vehicle I've ever spun anywhere. On an airfield on a frosty winter's day. Drove in at the entrance, turned onto the runway, whoosh, 360. Quick radio call to the tower to let them know that *maybe* they ought to get it de-iced ASAP. >>> I am looking to buy a TVR Chimera in the next few weeks, but wife is >>> keen on [quoted text clipped - 14 lines] > possibility of a doughnut when pulling out of a T-Junction is my main > concern. She'll only do it the once , then she'll be ok. I recommend a track day with instruction where she can cane the car to death. It worked wonders for my missus in the Saab 900T we had. Ok, it's not RWD and 300-odd BHP, but coming from a 1991 Mazda 323 it made a world of difference to her driving. She loved it as well.. Mike P >>> I am looking to buy a TVR Chimera in the next few weeks, but wife is >>> keen on [quoted text clipped - 14 lines] > possibility of a doughnut when pulling out of a T-Junction is my main > concern. Every so often I see a RWD car of some variety (MX5s, switchable 4x4s, BMWs etc.), backwards at the exit to a roundabout, with the owner scratching their head at the side of the road. Training is the only way to avoid it - ESP can do a good job of sorting a sliding car out, but it's not something you can retrofit, so the only way to control a slide is to know how to. It's not about speed or power - hit a patch of diesel or have to unexpectedly change the attitude of a car like a TVR is likely to require above average driving skill if you want to stay on the road. >>>> I am looking to buy a TVR Chimera in the next few weeks, but wife is >>>> keen on [quoted text clipped - 20 lines] > scratching their head at the side of the road. Training is the only way to > avoid it No its not! Hooliganism does it better. When I was 17 all cars (almost) were rear drive. Just find a field. After about a week of playing you can easily and comfortably do completely acurate and controlled drifts for ten mins at a time. After a further year or so you can do the same thing on motorway slip roads, large roundabouts (for several laps) in the rain etc. You get really good at it through practice. Then later in life when you are a bit less hooliganistic the idea of landing in a hedge isnt even an issue, and never even crosses your mind. Rear drive is easy to control and great fun. You just need to learn the art. Grass fields... Grass fields and a bunch of trafic cones... After a while you will see tiff isnt very special. - > ESP can do a good job of sorting a sliding car out, but it's not something > you can retrofit, so the only way to control a slide is to know how to. > It's not about speed or power - hit a patch of diesel or have to > unexpectedly change the attitude of a car like a TVR is likely to require > above average driving skill if you want to stay on the road. > No its not! Hooliganism does it better. When I was 17 all cars > (almost) were rear drive. Just find a field. After about a week of [quoted text clipped - 3 lines] > (for several laps) in the rain etc. You get really good at it through > practice. Heh - Vx Omegas were my training ground - though they weren't that tough - coming out of toddington services got one to cross the white line with the rear wheels first, then when the front bit in the tyre came off the rim - funny as... Roundabouts - we have some really slippery ones in Hull and they're just fun, though I'm beginning to feel the pinch of £1.20/l fuel combined with 200 quids worth of rear tyres every few thousand miles, may have to calm it for a while... >> No its not! Hooliganism does it better. When I was 17 all cars >> (almost) were rear drive. Just find a field. After about a week of [quoted text clipped - 13 lines] > 200 quids worth of rear tyres every few thousand miles, may have to calm > it for a while... Hull! Grimsby here... Went to that chinese near the bridge/humber off clive sulivan today with GF and it was good! And cheap and absolutely huge! And run by polish people????? > Hull! Grimsby here... Went to that chinese near the bridge/humber off > clive sulivan today with GF and it was good! And cheap and absolutely > huge! And run by polish people????? Mr Chu's China Palace? John Prescott's favourite place. "Whenever I go to Mr Chu's in Hull, my favourite Chinese restaurant in the whole world . . . I could eat my way through the entire menu." http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/7357008.stm >> Hull! Grimsby here... Went to that chinese near the bridge/humber off >> clive sulivan today with GF and it was good! And cheap and absolutely [quoted text clipped - 8 lines] > > http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/7357008.stm Yep the same! Very recommended! > Hull! Grimsby here... Went to that chinese near the bridge/humber off clive > sulivan today with GF and it was good! And cheap and absolutely huge! And > run by polish people????? There's a better one (IMO) round the back of the Whaling museum and it also has the benefit that you'll not see fatty fake eating disorder there. >> Hull! Grimsby here... Went to that chinese near the bridge/humber off >> clive [quoted text clipped - 4 lines] > also has the benefit that you'll not see fatty fake eating disorder > there. But id love to meet him. We have stuff to discuss... > >> Hull! Grimsby here... Went to that chinese near the bridge/humber off > >> clive [quoted text clipped - 6 lines] > > But id love to meet him. We have stuff to discuss... Would that be just you, him and Mr Bat with the added nails? FWIW, I was turfed out of Mr Chu's some years ago without much explanation. I was with a couple of people from work and we got told that there had been a mistake with a booking and we shouldn't have been given a table. Since we'd ordered and got as far as a beer and a sniff at a starter it was damned irritating. As we left Fatty2J was arriving with an entourage. I didn't like him much before that. Anyhow, one of the blokes was a local and he took us to the other place. I can't remember the name unfortunately. Very small operated by father and daughter, no other staff that I could see. It was in an Georgian building and had a flight of steps up to the front door. > I didn't like him much before that. Anyhow, one of the blokes was a > local and he took us to the other place. I can't remember the name > unfortunately. Very small operated by father and daughter, no other > staff that I could see. It was in an Georgian building and had a > flight of steps up to the front door. That's gonna be either Garden Palace or Aroma (formerly Furama) I think. China Red is one of the better ones, Mr Chu's is OK but nothing special food wise. >> >> Hull! Grimsby here... Went to that chinese near the bridge/humber off >> >> clive [quoted text clipped - 22 lines] > staff that I could see. It was in an Georgian building and had a flight > of steps up to the front door. That will work great in a wheelchair! SignatureDIY Nitrous www.nitrous.info Powerchairs www.powerchair-review.co.uk Disabled vehicle conversion www.wheelchairdriver.com Engines www.more-power.info >> It was in an Georgian building and had a flight >> of steps up to the front door. > > That will work great in a wheelchair! I'm surprised you've not worked out how to make the thing jump up stairs yet ;). > >> >> Hull! Grimsby here... Went to that chinese near the bridge/humber off > >> >> clive [quoted text clipped - 24 lines] > > That will work great in a wheelchair! High test peroxide, hypergolic fuel, surely a nitro wizrd could work something out. If the bloody Daleks can do it I dont' see why you can't. >> >> >> Hull! Grimsby here... Went to that chinese near the bridge/humber >> >> >> off [quoted text clipped - 30 lines] > High test peroxide, hypergolic fuel, surely a nitro wizrd could work > something out. If the bloody Daleks can do it I dont' see why you can't. Im not a Dalek. Actually when I was a kid I was scared of Daleks. > Im not a Dalek. Actually when I was a kid I was scared of Daleks. Yeh, imagine the fun you could have now though with some half tennis balls a stick-on eye, and some wire. You could make yourself up like Davros and scare some kids to death. It has to be worth it. > Im not a Dalek. Actually when I was a kid I was scared of Daleks. Dunno why. The props men sitting inside them were pussycats. And the voice was done by Roy Skelton who also did Zippy and George on Rainbow. So nothing to be scared of there. Apart from Jane, obviously. Signature*Upon the advice of my attorney, my shirt bears no message at this time Dave Plowman dave@davenoise.co.uk London SW To e-mail, change noise into sound. >> Im not a Dalek. Actually when I was a kid I was scared of Daleks. > > Dunno why. The props men sitting inside them were pussycats. And the > voice was done by Roy Skelton who also did Zippy and George on Rainbow. > So nothing to be scared of there. Apart from Jane, obvi |
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