Engine transplant

[99NCXJ]

I've lined up a purchase of (4) TR4's and one of them is complete enough to restore. The other 3 are basically parts cars. My question is, What "modern" engine is a popular swap for these cars?

i know... someone is going to bash me for not rebuilding one of the several original engines but I have a vision of how I want this car to be and the original engine doesn't fit my plans. Plus, those people who decide to tell me that I'm breaking some kind of "triumph code" by ditching the stocker just won't have first dibs at the tons of parts I'll have up for sale :laugh:

So, Other than some crazy V8, what is a good engine/tranny combo option?

 

[Geo Hahn]

Well, Triumph put a fuel-injected straight six in there and called it a TR5.

I have certainly seen V8s -- some beautifully executed, some hack jobs.

 

[BRSLimited]

Nissan SR20DET (2.0 turbo), Nissan VG30 (3.0 v-6 from 300zx), Taurus SHO (3.0 with yamaha built twin cam heads).

 

[BRSLimited]

Forgot to mention the good ole Rover 3.5 V8.

 

[Marvin Gruber]

4.3 Chevy V6's are easy and cheap. I have a TR6 with a Nissan 280Z mtr and 5 speed, goes like a bat.

Marv

 

[glemon]

I agree about the v-6 idea if you are not looking to go with a monster v-8. Old small to mid size trucks are often good doners, they have RWD motor tranny set ups instead of a transverse transaxcle like most front wheel drive, and many had 5 manual trannys. There is a lot of room for an engine in the TR engine bay, I have seen plenty of small block Ford and Chevy swaps, the smaller lighter Buick/Rover V-8 is a great option for most smaller LBCs, probably wighs less than the original 4 cylinder lump.

 

[3798j]

Well, Triumph put a fuel-injected straight six in there and called it a TR5.....

Or if you have deep pockets, I'd go this route - "M" power. https://bringatrailer.com/2011/08/21/ultimate-motoring-machine-bmw-powered-1973-triumph-tr6/

 

[TR4A_IRS]

Well, Triumph put a fuel-injected straight six in there and called it a TR5.....

Or if you have deep pockets, I'd go this route - "M" power. https://bringatrailer.com/2011/08/21/ultimate-motoring-machine-bmw-powered-1973-triumph-tr6/

I like this idea too! (full disclosure, my DD is a BMW...)

I have often thought that the non-M, M50 engine would be a good choice as well. 200 hp, vs. 240, but you could buy an entire 94-98 325i for under $4000, and have all the parts, including the driveline and electronics, you would need for a conversion.

 

[DanB]

Go to Britishv8.org and click on photo gallery, then Triumph cars. You will see many successful conversions. Also on the forums section of that site is a very nice, high end conversion being done on a TR4A in the Netherlands I think. Be sure to look at Calvin Grannis's TR6, both in the gallery and the sticky on the Triumph forum. Ted Lathrop's TR6 is also a must see, and Dale Knapke's 2.3 turbo ford conversion. If you are near Durham you need to check out Flying Circus. Where is Belmont?

Dan B

 

[99NCXJ]

Thanks for all the ideas.

DanB, Belmont is right outside of charlotte.

 

[99NCXJ]

Just looked up the flying circus. Looks like I need to stop by there one day when i'm up in that area.

 

[DanB]

Max is the guy you need to talk to at Flying Circus. There are several conversions, mostly MGB, that are near you.