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Wedge Greetings from a TR-7 newbie

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wedgehammer

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after about a week of lurking, I figured it's about time to say hello.

/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/savewave.gif hello...


I own a 76 TR-7 FHC that I bought around 1980. Due to numerous problems with the original engine, I have put on more tow miles than driving miles. On the plus side, it only has around 30K miles on the clock and a pretty solid body. I have recently decided to pull it out of mothballs and get busy on an engine swap. Against the preponderance of advice I have read on this and other lbc forums, the plan is to install a 350 SBC and 700R4. I look forward to sharing my experience on this project and hope to take advantage of the wealth of knowledge found here.
 
Welcome! Always good to have another wedgehead around.
 
Great to have you here.

If you don't already have the SBC -- how about making it easier and just do a 215ci Buick/Rover swap -- there are tons of parts, much documentation to do it, and you can use the Rover/TR7/TR8 5spd? The reduced weight of the all-aluminum engine is very beneficial vs. the rather heavy small block Chev.
 
[ QUOTE ]
after about a week of lurking, I figured it's about time to say hello.


[/ QUOTE ]

And not a moment too soon! Welcome aboard!

Basil
 
glad to be here

ObiRichKanobi; I grew up in your neck of the woods, Salt Lake City, Utah. I still have a pair of skis in my basement with less than 5 runs on them from the 1980's. My TR-7 is originally a California (single carb low HP)car, which I bought used in Salt Lake. Moved to Minneapolis in 82, then on to North Jersey and finally here in Kansas City; towing the TR-7 along the way.

I've read numerous threads on V8 conversions that generally end up with a recommendation to go with the Rover V8 or the original GM version of this same engine. This obviously makes sense and most go that route or opt for a V6. I've got a 350 in storage and bought another one a few weeks ago. I built one several years ago for an oval track car and know from experience how easy it is to build 350-400 streetable horsepower. As far as extra weight on the front end and handling issues, think lightweight British car with big American iron block. Think "Carol Shelby". Once I get this thing rolling under it's own power again, the focus will move to suspension. 15" wheels with wider low profile tires along with some experimentation on spring rates, shocks and roll bars should help. Worse case is a point and shoot rocket with the lumpy idle of the Chevy small block. I can live with that. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/driving.gif

I've been searching for pics on the internet of a TR-7 with the Chevy 350, but all I've found so far is an LT-1 and a pro-street build that is way too focused on 1/4 mile-only ability. All other conversions have been Rover V8's or V6's. There seems to be plenty of other Triumphs with Chevy small blocks, but no TR-7s. If you guys have any links, I'd love to see one. I'm curious about how far back the engine can set in the chassis. The distributor is a minor problem. I don't have a tranny yet, which I think will be the controlling factor(width in the tunnel).

cheers
 
[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
after about a week of lurking, I figured it's about time to say hello.


[/ QUOTE ]

And not a moment too soon! Welcome aboard!

Basil

[/ QUOTE ]
a tip of the hat to you, Basil, for running this board. I'm sure it takes a lot of time and dedication. You have my thanks up front.
 
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