1960 TR3 engine serial number

[Pool Dad]

A little help please. I once saw a thread here on how to identify the engine blocks serial number. Want to ensure it is a true TR3 engine. The block is stamped with:
ICF1960E. I do know the E stands for engine. I also have the commission plate as well. Any assistance would be a great help

 

[Andrew Mace]

Likely that first character is "T" rather than "I," so the engine number is TCF1960E, making it (as built) a 2.2L TR-3B engine. If your commission number also begins with TCF, then you do in fact have a "later" TR3B (actually built in the 1962 calendar year and often ultimately titled as 1963 models).

 

[Pool Dad]

Thank you Andrew the commission number is
TS38007 LO

TYPE 20 TR3

 

[sp53]

Probably a 1958 motor

 

[charleyf]

Probably a 1958 motor

The block is NOT likely a 1958 motor. I agree with Andy that the block is likely ( if the TCF is correct) from a 1962 TR3B. One additional identifying point is to locate a number on the cylinder head located on the passenger side near the front . That number should be about six digits and have 55----. Early heads did not have any numbers there that I know of.
But as these engines have interchangeable parts you could still have an early head on the later block.
Oh, if these cars could talk!!!
Charley

 

[Pool Dad]

Thank you Charley. Yes if only they could.
I’m 99 percent sure it’s not the original engine to the car. Was hoping it was but too many questions. Now it does have the overdrive and i am just starting to look into whether the 1960 models came with that option.

 

[Andrew Mace]

There's no doubt in my mind that TCF1960E is not the original engine. As to overdrive, that was available as an option from the very first TR2s; note the the earliest cars had OD only on top gear. Your commission number ending in "LO" establishes for certain that the car was equipped with overdrive when first built.

 

[charleyf]

Thank you Charley. Yes if only they could.
I’m 99 percent sure it’s not the original engine to the car. Was hoping it was but too many questions. Now it does have the overdrive and i am just starting to look into whether the 1960 models came with that option.

Yes they did. But with the different engine block , you may also have a different transmission. That may be good for you. The trannyi that came behind that TR3B engine block had synchromesh between first and second gears. The early transmission did not.
Charley

 

[Pool Dad]

There's no doubt in my mind that TCF1960E is not the original engine. As to overdrive, that was available as an option from the very first TR2s; note the the earliest cars had OD only on top gear. Your commission number ending in "LO" establishes for certain that the car was equipped with overdrive when first built.

Thank you Andrew. My conclusion as well.
Given that and it’s sat for 18 years in a container and everything is seized up and has three coats of paint but little rust. It’s complete with hardtop as well and wire rims. I ask this to you and anyone else who would like to reply. What would think it’s value? I’ve restored several Triumphs and MG’s so I’m not a novice by any means. My feel is to just getting it running, rolling and stopping is going to be 5 to 8 k.

thoughts for all appreciated

 

[DavidApp]

Does everything is seized up include the engine?
5 to 8K would probable be a good top number for just getting it running and rolling. The clutch may have bonded to the flywheel and all the brake and clutch rubbers will need changing. If the engine is OK the number would possible be lower but these cars can become an open pit.
The TR3 that you showed in the container looked to be in good shape.

David

 

[Pool Dad]

Thanks David. I know on their ability to suck your wallet dry. If all the serial numbers matched it would be easy decision. Never rebuilt a bastardized car before. All of mine have been original. But lover the challenge

 

[charleyf]

Thanks David. I know on their ability to suck your wallet dry. If all the serial numbers matched it would be easy decision. Never rebuilt a bastardized car before. All of mine have been original. But lover the challenge

I would not call your car with a different engine block a bastardized car. It has a TR3 engine I believe that gets you 90+% of the way to a great car. To me bastardized would be a V8 engine .
I have two what people refer to as beautiful TR4s. Yet neither of them has the original engine or transmission. Both cars do have the equivalent engine and are restored to near stock condition.
I believe we now call it personalized.
Charley

 

[Pool Dad]

Not my car yet. But trying to justify the 20 plus to make it perfect. Bastardized was a bad choice of words

 

[sp53]

My mistake I meant say the car is probably 1958 with a 37K TS number

 

[Pool Dad]

Thank you all for your help with my serial number questions. Tournament out it is not the original engine or transmission to the car. Bummer. Plus another snag the owner doesn’t have the title. Here in the state of Washington it’s a long process to get a replacement. Won’t do a salvage title. Oh well I’ll keep looking and sell off some spitfire parts and make some room in the garage.