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TR6 Supercharge TR6 or Bugeye

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erstearns

Jedi Trainee
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Given the choice, what would you pick to do? Supercharge a Bugeye or TR6? The 6 is driveable but currently has Strombergs needing a rebuild and other miscellaneous needs for tinkering. The 6 engine was allegedly rebuilt but given that it was only a few miles ago and the front seal is leaking, I have my doubts. The Bugeye is undergoing a full restoration and the body is currently at the blasters. It has a 1275 redone at Rivergate and a 210 trans, front disc changeover also awaits.

I think more fun to lift, or tilt forward, the Bugeye bonnet to reveal the supercharger after whoever was left in the dust catches up.

Always fun to play with new cams, roller rocks, headers and a set of triple bergs with help from GParts and others.

See where I am heading? Whom among you has two shiny coppers with experience of both or either. Although there is a third consideration whence uttered the word triple.

Cheers
 
I'm with you on the Bugeye and if you decide otherwise, sell it to me. Sounds like a fun project.

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:]Life is what happens while you are making other plans[/QUOTE]

To quote John Lennon correctly, think that it's "Life is what happens while you are <span style="font-style: italic">busy </span> making other plans."
 
erstearns said:
Whom among you has two shiny coppers with experience of both or either.
Click to expand...

I'm currently in the process of building a TR6 engine with .030" over AE pistons, TH5 spec cam and installed cam bearings, line bored, deck shaved and squared, completely balanced and blue printed with 9.5 to comp, headers, GP tri-carbs, recurved ignition, head cc'd and aluminum flywheel.

If you want to wait a few weeks, I'll give you a full report.
 
Very different driving characteristics with those 2 cars. Both will be quite fun to drive, just depends which you like more. Bugeye is a 50s car, quirky with sidescreens and no amenities. TR6 is a 60s car, larger and unique in its own right. I would expect the TR6 to be ultimately faster with its much larger engine.

Get the one you really want, and you'll be happy. I did, and love my little Bugeye. I've got a built up 1275 coming for it soon (it's being built up by the ACME speed shop right now). No real feel for how it should be once done, but it will be fun for sure...
 
I guess for the cost of the supercharger I could get close or under the whole enchilada as you are doing. I picked up the 73 while in NC picking up the 1275 for the Bugeye. I guess the most fun would be had in pulling the exising engine and working it over myself. Atlhough, the simple mods I am contemplating can be done quickly and the old girl on the road for the first day of summer.

I am a bit put off by really needing cam bearings if I go to a hotter cam than stock.

Nothing is ever simple. I guess if that what I wanted I would have a garage full of VW's
 
You might want to give that bottom end of the TR6 a real good look before adding any supercharger. Especially the main and thrust bearings.

Yes, it's instant bolt on horsepower, but that comes at a price to extra wear and tear on what may be already well worn parts.

And you're right. With 35-45 year old cars, it doesn't get any simpler every year that the get older.
 
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:]I think more fun to lift, or tilt forward, the Bugeye bonnet to reveal the supercharger after whoever was left in the dust catches up.[/QUOTE]

You reckon that 100hp is going to be enough these days?
 
Ahhh....where I live the likely competition is a 82 Dodge pickup with a lift kit. 100hp in a 1400lb car should be plenty.
 
Then turbocharge and fuel inject the bugeye. That'll raise some eyebrows.

I went from triples to FI. The driveability difference is night and day - instant starts at 20 degrees in the snow...

The s/c is the next project. Next winter that is. I'm having too much fun to do it any earlier.
 
The TR6 engine could be fresh even if the front seal is leaking. It could be a couple of things other than the front crank seal. Such as the front engine plate (these warp easily if the wrong bolts are put into the wrong holes! If that happens then you will always have a leak there until you straighten that front plate out.) It could also be the saddle block is stripped or such (see the other thread about saddle blocks). Either of these two could easily mimic a front seal leak and wouldn't matter how many miles are on it.

A supercharged Bugeye would be wicked fun. Supercharged TR6's are fun too. Depends on what else you want to use the car for. The larger TR6 might give a slightly better sense of security when next to or running away from those ,giant by comparison, pickup trucks. A TR6 can also be immensely more comfortable than a Bugeye. Which really isn't saying much for either once you plant your keester in a Wedge! :wink:
 
I was playing fast and loose with the english language......the leak is actually from the front seal in the timing cover.

The question of comfort is somewhat academic....I own both and each elicits thoughts somewhat of Fred Flintstone, especially the Bugeye.

Have not had the pleasure of planting mineself in a wedge.

All LBC's are used for the same thing.....aren't they?
 
You will also want to reinforce the rearend mounts of the TR6 so they will hold up to this added power.
 
Not from just a supercharger - not unless they are already broken. If you build a better motor (to take advantage of the s/c) then that's a different story.
 
Doug
I read somewhere in another forum that these low pressure superchargers, fitted to a US spec TR6 will give similar performance to the (as God intended) PI model. Would there be any need to 'strengthen' the car, as it was designed for the higher hp originally?
Regards
Craig
 
Due to age, metal fatigue, slight corrosion etc... it might not be a bad idea. Better safe than sorry and can be done fairly easily.
 
erstearns said:
I was playing fast and loose with the english language......the leak is actually from the front seal in the timing cover.

The question of comfort is somewhat academic....I own both and each elicits thoughts somewhat of Fred Flintstone, especially the Bugeye.

Have not had the pleasure of planting mineself in a wedge.

All LBC's are used for the same thing.....aren't they?
Click to expand...

If a poor seal was used or it has sat for a while then it might also leak there. Fairly easily too.

If by "All LBC's are used for the same thing.....aren't they?" you mean driven for pleasure. Some of us do more than pleasure driving in them. My TR8 FHC is my daily driver.
 
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