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Wedge Opinions on TR8s

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Ted19428

Freshman Member
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Dear Friends,

Many of you were invaluably helpful to me when I was preparing to sell my 1976 TR6 last November. I did sell it and I am looking for a replacement.

My main motivation for selling it was due to the fact that the car was all original and had only 36,000 miles on it. I thought the market for TR6s had risen nicely and I sold it.

Anyway, I am about to take the plunge and buy a very nice fuel-injected 1981 TR8, with about 60,000 miles. The only work that needs to be done on the car is replacing the seat foam and seat covers (I should say the only work that I am aware of that needs to done). Otherwise, in my opinion (totally uninformed as I may be) I would give it a rock-solid "B plus".

Those of you who own or have driven TR8s - how do you like them? Are they more reliable than older TRs? Are you glad you bought a TR8?

I realize this is a pretty subjective topic, but you guys (and ladies) know your stuff and I respect your opinions.

Many thanks,

TED
Philadelphia
 
Ted, my info is second hand so judge accordingly. I have a friend who has a TR2 and a TR8 and loves them both. I've also heard that the injected version is more desireable as it has an easier time meeting emission requirements.
On a personal note I have a TR4 and an E-type and every now and then a TR8 seems attractive, only space and SWMBO has probably prevented me from adding one to the group.
Bob
 
Hi, Ted -

I'm in the process of restoring my '80 TR8. Bought it to replace the TR3 that I restored and enjoyed for a few years, but decided it was time to move on. I can't praise the 8 enough - very refined and comfortable, and the aluminum V8 is SWEET! Mine is the carb version, and have toyed with switching over to FI, but will stay with carb. Am still undecided about stock, or changing to SU's, or going with single four barrel, but plenty of time to make up my mind.

The only drawback so far is in the area of parts. They are not as plentiful (yet) as other models; hopefully that will change. Seat foams and covers are available; I just got tan plaid seat covers for mine, and will be installing them before too long. If you do become a "wedgie", there are resources, and I'd be glad to share what I've gained so far.

Keep us posted!

/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cheers.gif Mickey
 
I've only put 100 miles on the car since the (almost complete) restoration. I haven't had the time to enjoy it as often as I would like due to a new born and moving. However, I must say that the car is very fun to drive, comfortable, and fast. As far as reliability, I'm using an edelbrock intake and carb that I haven't had a problem with so far.
 
The biggest downside of TR8 ownership is that the cars are not worth nearly as much as you think they should be. With just around 2700 made, you would think that they would be worth more. They do however share many components with the TR7 of which about 115,000 were made. The conversion of a TR7 to a TR8 is fairly easy as well which is probably why TR8 prices stay pretty low. There are however some specific TR8 pieces that are very difficult to obtain. The TR8 Car Club of America is a very good resource for these problems as well as it's associated mailing list. (I think all of us responding so far on this forum are also at least on the e-mail list).

Now when it comes to driving a TR8, the wheelbase of the wedge (TR7/8) is shorter than any other TR at 85 inches (the rest are all 88 inches) but the track is wider. The cars are pretty stable in turns, especially short quick turns. The TR8's had the better brakes from the factory and they needed them. The V8 has so much torque that you barely need to shift gears once your up and running. The sound of that V8 and the healthy shove in the back will turn you into a hooligan, at least that is how I feel when I drive mine. Which, BTW is a lot as it is my daily driver. The wedges are very comfortable cars. capable of soaking up large quantities of miles with comfort and ease.

My TR8 is a coupe (#15)with factory A/C, which actually makes it a very rare TR8 amongst TR8's. It also has 129K miles on it and has only been maintained, not restored. Still going strong though the suspension is starting to get a little soft. It is still an absolute blast to drive. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/driving.gif

In fact, I just finished a recon trip in my TR8 for a rallye that I am assembling for my local club. Can't wipe the stupid grin off of my face. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cheers.gif
 
Good question,I love my TR8.It is an 80 carb,thats what I wanted.Its quite original. The price of Fi parts will stop your heart. I still own my 3 and 6,love em, but for comfort and cruizing,power and torque,..hey..its hard to beat a TR8 Oldsmobile.I only wish I had the European speedo,burying the needle at 85 seems lame. I think its an attractive looking car too. As a matter of fact I have made a lot of believers out of people who otherwise are not Triumph or sports car people in general. A definate thumbs up.
 
Bummer about the 85mph speedo. My car was built in December of '78 and has the 140mph speedo. In case you were wondering since your speedo wouldn't tell you. It doesn't take long at all for TR8's to go from 80 to over 100. Even when cruising in fifth gear at 3000rpm. Rolling into the throttle brings the ton up quickly and smoothly. I backed off at 115mph and the car was still pulling. That was on the way home from picking the car up about a year ago. Have only approached the ton once since and that was to lose a tailgater that was making me nervous. Slowing down didn't work but speeding up did! /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/driving.gif

/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cheers.gif
 
I have had a TR8 for just over a year, it's a 1980, it had 18,000 original miles when I bought it, carbed, Poseidon green with tan plaid interior, I searched long and hard before I bought this one, lots of air miles also. Buy the best that you can find, better to pay upfront than get nickel and dimed to death.
I also own a TR6 which is completely different to the 8. The TR8 is far more refined, more comfortable and it seems a lot more modern although it is only few years newer.
The TR7/8 may never reach "desirable" status due to the looks, you either love 'em or hate'em.
Go for it. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/iagree.gif
 
COLD FEET - Re: Opinions on TR8s

Many thanks for the ringing endorsements of the TR8. I am, sadly, going to back away from this one. The owner and I had everything worked out when I learned that the car does not have a title. Apparently, in Georgia, pre 1986 cars are not required to be titled. That is a major problem in Pennsylvania, as I will be unable to title the car here. However, the car is a beauty. If anyone is interested in it, please let me know and I will give you the website listing the car the seller's email.

Thanks again!
 
Re: COLD FEET - Re: Opinions on TR8s

Ted -

Don't give up on the title thing, if the car is "the one". There are "ways" of doing that. I remember a thread on the Forum a while back about it. Do a search and you can probably find it.

Mickey
 
Re: COLD FEET - Re: Opinions on TR8s

You're a bit far away, however I have a 78 TR8 looking for a good home...I have it posted in the classifieds here if interested. Hope it was all right to bring it up here in this post. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/confused.gif
 
Re: COLD FEET - Re: Opinions on TR8s

I had an 81 injected TR8 from new. In many ways it was a wonderful car - sounded great, excellent accleration, OK handling. I found the brakes to be woefully inadequate, partly because they were small, partly because the tires were so small and partly because of astounding nose dive that virtually got the rears airborne. Your options for upgrading the brakes/wheels/tires are limited these days (oddball Triumph PCD), but its one thing I'd want to do for driving in modern traffic with a car with that much speed potential.
 
Re: COLD FEET - Re: Opinions on TR8s

Please remind me not to say nice things about my TR8 again. I blew the steering pinion hyd seal yesterday.It never pays to be nice.Not lookin forward to that job,will drive acapela for now.
 
Re: COLD FEET - Re: Opinions on TR8s

As far as the wheels, brakes and tires on the TR8, check out the site www.bmcno.org and look under class winners, TR7/8 and see the 3rd place winner, John Roper. John has invested a lot in his car to upgrade the engine but especially the wheels, brakes and tires. Those are custom 15" rims with wide low profile tires and, I think, upgraded discs. He told me that the handling is vastly improved. So those little skateboard tires don't have to be a reality.

(Ahem, look in the line above it and you will see an old fot behind the wheel of the winning TR6, yours truly....)

Bill
 
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