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The "Triumphant" ones should know...

Re: The "Triumphant" ones should know...

198686d said:
With the confusion fronm this discussion forum, probably not a good idea to get either a 2 or 3.

Not sure of your meaning here. My only confusion was whether you wanted to know the difference between the TR and the Sprite (or whatever it was - I've forgotten now!), or the difference between the TR2 and the TR3. Again, if it's the latter scenario, check out the link I gave you yesterday. Not having owned a Sprite, I don't feel I'm the one to answer the former question with any credence.

Mickey
 
Re: The "Triumphant" ones should know...

Dave,
I'd Take either one and would really like an early long door TR2. The early TR2's are more spendy due to limited availability but you do see them on occasion.
I have a 'smallmouth' TR3 and picked this model because it had the look of the earlier cars (TR2) with some of the upgrades. After TS 13046 ( late '56) they had added stronger pistons (all of them will have this by now due to rebuilds), the high port head and larger SU's (not sure if the high port/SU's are really important as the TR2 was as fast as the TR3-3a) but the improvement in the brake system is considerable.
After TS13046 you have the girling system with seperate masters for clutch/brakes and front disc brakes....earlier cars had the combo master (like the MGA) and drums all around.
The other very important change was the strengthened rear axle/hubs/half shafts. The earlier units were/are known for breaking the shafts at the differential.
 
Re: The "Triumphant" ones should know...

prb51 said:
...I have a 'smallmouth' TR3 and picked this model because it had the look of the earlier cars (TR2) with some of the upgrades...

I'll confess, the small-mouth would be my first choice. I like the smaller grille plus they are less common. I have a picture on the garage wall from a TRA meet years ago. About 60 cars, half are red TR3As.

Here's the 2 styles side-by-side. I think Pat and I were arm wrestling to see who got 2nd place in the side curtain class. He won but only 'cause I fell for the "your shoe's untied" gambit.

PatB.JPG
 
Re: The "Triumphant" ones should know...

prb51 said:
After TS 13046 ( late '56) they had added stronger pistons (all of them will have this by now due to rebuilds), the high port head and larger SU's (not sure if the high port/SU's are really important as the TR2 was as fast as the TR3-3a)
I believe the H6 carbs came in earlier, at the TR2/3 change (TS8637, Oct 55). You might be right about top speed but ISTR the acceleration improved with the larger carbs. There were several changes in pistons as I recall, but even the last factory ones looked little or nothing like modern replacements. Not that anyone cares!

But y'all are making me regret my decision to keep the wide-mouth apron on TS13571L. Guess I'll add that to the list of things to do after I get another Triumph back on the road (along with the hot rod motor, OD gearbox & so on).
 
Re: The "Triumphant" ones should know...

Geo Hahn said:
prb51 said:
...I have a 'smallmouth' TR3 and picked this model because it had the look of the earlier cars (TR2) with some of the upgrades...

I'll confess, the small-mouth would be my first choice. I like the smaller grille plus they are less common. I have a picture on the garage wall from a TRA meet years ago. About 60 cars, half are red TR3As.

Here's the 2 styles side-by-side. I think Pat and I were arm wrestling to see who got 2nd place in the side curtain class. He won but only 'cause I fell for the "your shoe's untied" gambit.

PatB.JPG

they both look great
 
Re: The "Triumphant" ones should know...

I voice similar sentiments to the above...

Presumably youre already in a club featuring both the 2's and 3's. I am a big fan of the 3A and hope you'll get a chance to drive both to get a feel for them.

You will be happy in both. Its just a preference thing.

Cheers.
 
Re: The "Triumphant" ones should know...

Start doing some press-ups and arm exercises to get ready for the TRs steering. I guess that will be the biggest shock to you when you first drive a TR after the Sprogeye!
 
Re: The "Triumphant" ones should know...

Small mouth or big mouth? It's a good thing that this is a discussion about Triumphs and not personalities.......
 
Re: The "Triumphant" ones should know...

Brosky said:
Small mouth or big mouth? It's a good thing that this is a discussion about Triumphs and not personalities.......

Better than the current thread on the Triumph list that is debating the difference between 'droop' and 'sag'.
 
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