Wedge Rover 3.9 in a Tr7

[Got_All_4]

I may soon be able acquire a 3.9 PI engine out of a Land Rover that is going to a bone yard. If I have problems with this TR7 I just acquired I'm thinking of making it 1/2 TR8 clone. Anything I should watch out for in these engines. Should I get the entire PI system or rely more on carburetors?

 

[Banjo]

If you want to use the PI you'll need to snag the ECU and the wiring harness as well as any related sensors. I'm not sure what all is involved in a swap to carbs on a Rover, but that may be the easier of the two solutions in the long run.
It's always better to grab extra when you're scavenging the Rover. Its easier to get rid of stuff you don't need later, rather than try to find that piece you missed.
Sounds like fun. I had this faint bad thought in the very back of my mind, that if I could find a rusty, but trusty Disco with the V8, I bet I could make that motor fit in the TR2......nah...hehehehehe

 

[tdskip]

Good advice from Banjo.

BTW - the 3.9 will really move the TR7/8 down the road. As in <span style="font-weight: bold">really</span>.

 

[tr8todd]

The engine is the easy part. It's the $2000 in other parts you need to install into a wedge that's the problem. It's not just a money problem either. Some of the parts you will need to source are very difficult to find. Here's a quick list. TR8/SD1 oil pan, TR8/SD1 timing cover, TR8 alternator bracket, distributor, exhaust manifolds or headers, dual exhaust, Rover V8 bell housing, TR8 shifter quadrant, TR8 shifter fork, TR8 release bearing carrier, TR8 clutch kit, TR8 driveshaft, V8 tachometer, fuel pump, some form of intake system, TR8 subframe, TR8 engine brackets, TR8 engine mounts. The stuff bolted to the 3.9, isn't a bolt in a wedge unless you plan on doing some serious fabricating and adapting.

 

[Got_All_4]

I think my dreams have been shattered. Got my TR3 to redo. Then there is a 69 TR6 in the garage waiting restoration. I think I'll be too old or too tired or working on cars when that Rover motor is ready to go in. Thanks all great advice!

 

[GBRandy]

Another TR8 wannabe avoided. Good.

 

[Mickey Richaud]

Another TR8 wannabe avoided. Good.

OUCH! :eeek:

 

[GBRandy]

Sorry. Just tired of the "I have TR7 with a Buick engine, Fiero tranny, 19" rims, Miata seats and TR8 decals".....sigh.... As a person who prefers the originality and history of the TR8, this constant assault drives me crazy.

I swear 25% of the list posts involve cars that have nothing to do with Triumph except the TR7 body shell.

There is a hot rod forum somewhere isn't there?

OK....Rant off, move along...nothing more to see here... I think everyone knows where I stand

 

[DNK]

Randy.... ah, do you hate my 7/V8 with the 4.0??? :blush:

 

[smaceng]

I don't really see what is wrong with a V8 in a TR7. Sort of like replacing a straight 6 with a V8 in a '56 Chevy. Heck the factory did it. I think that anything we can do to keep the British stuff on the road and have fun with it is OK by me.
Scott in CA

 

[mrv8q]

Jeez, I saw a Corvette V8 stuffed/ lovingly positioned in a TR 6 yesterday at Triumphest.....

 

[GBRandy]

I stand on the side of originality. Hackin stuff is fine. Go ahead....just not my gig. It usually ends up that all TR7's with any engine swap are suddenly placed in the TR8 category and more of them than not badged as one. As a person who works hard on the preservation of a stock FI TR8 I dislike that.

Chopped up cars designed and welded together by an owner in his own garage is not my gig...go ahead...but you do reach a point where it is Joe Smiths car and not a Triumph, MG or other model.

A TR6 with a corvette engine.... How to ruin two cars in one shot. Does he have a Corvette with TR6 engine in it and go to Bowling Green with it? Doubt it. Frankenstein car that belongs in some hot rod show.

I meant what I said & I said what I meant...

 

[DanB]

And TR7s are worth so much stock. And they keep up with traffic so well.

 

[DNK]

Guilty

 

[DanB]

Was it Calvin's tr6? @ triumphfest?

 

[Mickey Richaud]

I meant what I said & I said what I meant...

OK, Horton!

("...an elephant's faithful, one hundred percent!")

 

[CJD]

I love a good swap...


....but a Rover engine?

That has to be the most expensive (parts) and least reliable engine you can find!?!

 

[GBRandy]

I meant what I said & I said what I meant...

OK, Horton!

("...an elephant's faithful, one hundred percent!")

Ya caught that huh? Nice......

 

[GBRandy]

Guilty

Some what, But I love ya like a brother so all is good.

For the record.....you acknowledge you have TR7 undergoing a V8 upgrade. A serious one at that. Besides, the way you work it'll be the best engineered, best installed, best built TR7 V8 to never actually drive!

 

[tr8todd]

Count me in the crowd that thinks better is better, and a performance modified TR7 or 8 is better than an unmodified one. I reserve judgement on some of the body mods and paint schemes that make the car look ridiculous. My fleet includes a Sebring flared MGB, a pig cheeked BMW 2002, and the TR8s.