The 3 is going to get an upgrade!!

[CaptRoy]

I convinced my wife that "our" TR3 needed an upgrade to make it a better driver for where we live. Being south of Huston means we seldom get a chance to get the car over 45-50 and are constantly in stop and go traffic. When not in stop and go we are on the freeway at 60 in the right lane. So I contacted Ron's Restoration in Texas and we settled on a basic plan that is always subject to add ons.
He's going to rebuild the engine with 87's, port and polish the head and install oversize valves and seats, add headers and a new exhaust system, new cam and gears on the cam and crank. I am looking for low end torque and I'm not interested in showing the car, racing or going real fast. 5000 rpm is fine with me. We are going to add a Toyota five speed and rack and pinion steering. I also want to add a alternator and a new raditor with 16' electric fan.
I'm going to pick up most of the parts and have aquired a decent Toyota transmission and am going to pick up the conversion kit tomorrow. Where do I go for a rack and pinion kit, bolt on? How about suggestions for the raditor, I want all I can get for this hot weather?
I have until May to get all the parts together as he can't take me until then.
So for the last question... Why do men always have to ask permission to do things..At 12 I had to ask my mom to tear down and paint my bike..At 60 I have to ask my wife..
Here's a link to the project:
https://www.capt-roys.com/triumph.htm

Don't look at the boat to much... It is sold and I'm sponsored by Ranger this year.

Thanks for your input...

 

[Mickey Richaud]

[ QUOTE ]
So for the last question... Why do men always have to ask permission to do things..At 12 I had to ask my mom to tear down and paint my bike..At 60 I have to ask my wife..


[/ QUOTE ]

'Cause we know who's REALLY in charge! Man's world, indeed!

Have fun with the project.

Mickey

 

[Russ Austin]

I got mine from Ted Smith of British Auto Restorations in Roanoke, VA. There is no web site for them, his phone number is 540 989-5121 the rack he offers is bolt in I believe there about $1,100. now. I think it's the best upgrade you can make to your TR3.

 

[Guest]

[ QUOTE ]
How about suggestions for the raditor, I want all I can get for this hot weather?


[/ QUOTE ]


I went with an aluminum radiator from Ron Davis Racing and a Spal 16" electric fan for my TR6. I have to stop periodically to empty the ice cubes from my cubby.....

Bill

 

[Guest]

If you are looking at aluminum radiators you might want to try Wizard Cooling. I cross shopped with Ron Davis and they were a LOT cheaper. Again like Bill I have a -6 so I can't guarantee they will have one for a 3. I'll have mine this week so I'll have some idea how it looks in person then.

 

[CaptRoy]

Thanks for the input guys.. I ordered the rack and pinion today and it takes about 3 weeks to get it. Wizard did not have a raditor for the TR3, I'm going to call Davis tomorrow...

Thanks again and I'll keep you posted on the progress...

 

[Guest]

Roy,

I thought the guy I spoke to - Scott - said that they were either making one or about to make one for a -3, which is why I suggested them. If Ron Davis don't come through, you might want to try speaking to him. You might have to send yours in as a pattern though.

NFI, but they did mine in a week, and were very responsive to the mods I wanted - it arrives tomorrow. I of course reserve the right to change what's left of my mind after I actually see it /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[Guest]

Hey Roy.

Here is the Ron Davis aluminum radiator on my TR6, with the Spal 16" electric fan. Spal is the only fan they will use at RD and will install them for you. I installed my own, to their specs. Note too that I no longer use a plastic crank fan. My fan will run 45 seconds tops on a hot day in traffic before it has cooled the rad off sufficiently, ie, I barely use it. I installed a manual override switch with indicator light as well, not sure why, the automatic Spal temp sensor works so well. I just like gadgets. I am almost positive that Davis can build you a rad for your 3, I am equally positive that they will need your old rad as a pattern. Really don't think the the 6 rad will fit the 3. They can put as many cores in as you need and have room for. If you go with a electric fan as your only fan, it really should be set up as a "puller", behind the rad. It has been so long since I owned my TR2 or TR3 that I have forgotten the setup (1973?). A custom fan will cost.

Good luck. Seems the other guys would do as well by you, especially if Alana has had good luck with them.

Bill

 

[Guest]

An aside to the Spal fan. That bracket that holds the fan onto
the frame of the radiator might look flimsey but it is extremely sturdy! I have tried almost every fan on the market and not one comes even close to the Spal. It is rare that I find a product or manufacturer that I can get excited about but the folks at Spal are truly knowledgeable and helpful and offer a miriad of options, sizes, designs, etc. to fit any application. And the fan is extremely well made (Italy - used on the Italian exotics), quiet and powerful. And I don't own any stock in the company. Their website tells it all.

Bill

 

[Guest]

Mine came today. Very similar to Bill's from what I can tell. It's a bit of a thread hijack, but I figured I might as well post it...