TR2/3/3A Source for quality parts

[Jayplum]

I’m a little gun shy on ordering critical parts after the piston failure addressed in another thread.
I’m losing confidence in the big parts houses.
I have gotten good parts from each but this time is the final straw.
Where can I trust for quality pistons and sleeves?

I may be a conspiracy theorist but i don't believe in coincidences. I have heard of other failure and now have suffered one myself.
I ordered the Piston and Sleeve set and now that I need a replacement, EVERY jobber is BACKORDERED both here and in the UK. I does seem to be a RECALL of defective parts. If it walks like a duck and sounds like a duck, it is probably....

 

[lram59]

How about hunting up a good set of originals? Still plenty of them out there I would think. A lightly used set can be deglazed, add a set of new rings and be good to go. If the pistons are a little worn they could always be knurled like they did years ago. It was only good for 10 or 12k but that could be 10 or 12 years in this market. I have a set of 83mm pistons and liners myself around here somewhere.
Larry

 

[CJD]

I'm probably the worst to ask. I was so paranoid that I ordered 3 sets for my TR2...studied them for 2 weeks and finally picked the one I liked the best. The problem I saw was none of the suppliers even know who the manufacturers are. I had to get them in hand to figure it out. There is a set of 89mm's in stock on ebay. Occasionally I have even seen some NOS real Triumphs show up there, but not at the moment.

 

[Hamish Racing]

If you are buying from the Uk anyway. There is REVINGTON TR yes very costly but very good parts.

After a lot of homework to find an engine builder I have just had my engine done by TR Enterprises and they do parts. Mention me and they will know the connection here. I don’t benefit but they’ll know it’s not some random order. Worth an email to discus needs and quality concerns, its a specialist garage workshop primarily so they’ll supply what they use.

TR Enterprises

Specialists in Triumph TR and other historic sporting cars. Parts and accessories. Restoration. Preparation for motorsport competition.

trenterprises.com

Unfortunately there can be a cost difference to the high volume sellers but you should get it right first time.

 

[Jayplum]

I'm probably the worst to ask. I was so paranoid that I ordered 3 sets for my TR2...studied them for 2 weeks and finally picked the one I liked the best. The problem I saw was none of the suppliers even know who the manufacturers are. I had to get them in hand to figure it out. There is a set of 89mm's in stock on ebay. Occasionally I have even seen some NOS real Triumphs show up there, but not at the moment.

Yeah, I saw those 89s on eBay. Those are really race set up. Yo properly us them IMO I would need a new cam, lifters, rockers and head.THAT would be a lot of fun. speaking of eBay, have you seen the white 3 for $42,900. It is a beauty. There is another one on BaT red one that truly looks to be concours level. Oh well, back my little one; I believe I better stick to 83-85mm; I’m told with an early model head it’s best. Thanks for the note and if you spot anything, let me know. I don’t mind paying hood monies for good stuff, NOS or good LKQ OE set.

 

[Jayplum]

If you are buying from the Uk anyway. There is REVINGTON TR yes very costly but very good parts.

After a lot of homework to find an engine builder I have just had my engine done by TR Enterprises and they do parts. Mention me and they will know the connection here. I don’t benefit but they’ll know it’s not some random order. Worth an email to discus needs and quality concerns, its a specialist garage workshop primarily so they’ll supply what they use.

TR Enterprises

Specialists in Triumph TR and other historic sporting cars. Parts and accessories. Restoration. Preparation for motorsport competition.

trenterprises.com

Unfortunately there can be a cost difference to the high volume sellers but you should get it right first time.

Quite impressive shops, all three. I sent a note to TR Enterprise first. Thanks

 

[CJD]

I'm afraid I have had no better luck with Revington. They have stuck me with about $1000 of useless parts during my restoration. Granted, they were not engine parts, but I still would not trust them any further than the other suppliers, and returning parts to them is much more difficult.

 

[Jayplum]

I'm afraid I have had no better luck with Revington. They have stuck me with about $1000 of useless parts during my restoration. Granted, they were not engine parts, but I still would not trust them any further than the other suppliers, and returning parts to them is much more difficult.

Thanks once bitten shame on them.
twice bitten shame on us.

 

[Jayplum]

no–

 

[Joel Lester]

I went with the 89mm piston liner set from Rimmer bros. They were by far the cheapest (for the 89mm). Probably the biggest reason to go with the 89's in that they are forged pistons - all the other sizes seem to be cast pistons. The forged pistons are significantly stronger and a lot less likely to have that failure you were worried about in the first place. Anyhow... that my two cents worth...

Joel

 

[Jayplum]

Understand the 89s can be cut down due to the metal and the extra wall thickness.
Moss has accepted my return and has made it good. So, I will be staying with the 87s.
Did you change the head to fit the 89s. That along with bigger cam and header would really perk it up.

 

[Joel Lester]

Went with a "road" cam from Newman in the UK. It was by far the cheapest yet still offered the performance characteristics I was looking for in a street engine - low down power and improved torque. I'm in the process of doing the head and got a great tip from John and that is to use the 89mm head gasket as a template to see of much material I can remove just under the intake valves since the 89's are bigger. The things you learn from this forum (and John) seem to be never ending. Love that.