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TR2/3/3A TR3 starters and flywheels HVDA

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fad64b

fad64b

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Anyone have experiance with using an early TR3 starter with a late TR4A flywheel? I am working on a HVDA conversion on a 1956 TR3 and the flywheel needs to be machined to accept a TR6 clutch which I beleave is the same as the TR4a. I am thinking it might be cheaper to by a used TR4a flywheel, but not sure if my starter will work. The domino effect is killing my budget.
 
Re: TR3 starters and flywheels

I think the short answer is 'not recommended'. The early (pre-TS50000) starter would not be a match for the late flywheel.

If you went with a high torque starter I believe you could match the pinion and flywheel w/o fouling with the bellhousing (which is what would happen if you used the later starter that would be correct for the TR4A flywheel).
 
Re: TR3 starters and flywheels

Friend of mine did just that, by accident. Worked a few times, but then the starter teeth started to slip. Very quickly it wouldn't turn the engine.

IMO, pick up a 4a flywheel and later 3A-4A starter on eBay; then sell your old ones.
 
Re: TR3 starters and flywheels

I guess the question I should be asking, has anyone had an early flywheel machined for a TR6 clutch and what did it cost? Let us assume that I purchase a TR4a flywheel, and starter for a TR4a, all of this will bolt on with out any other issues
 
Re: TR3 starters and flywheels

All you really need to do is drill and tap your early TR3 flywheel (the one that works with your bullnose starter) to accept the TR6 B&B pressure plate.

When I did the HVDA on my my 3A, I changed to a TR4A flywheel (because I had an extra one) which required me to also change out the starter. The bullnose will not work (for long).
 
Re: TR3 starters and flywheels

Getting the smaller TR6 pressure plate mounted in the center of the flywheel might be something I will need a skilled machinist to do.
 
Re: TR3 starters and flywheels

Absolutely not a diy job. Take it to the machinist.
 
Re: TR3 starters and flywheels

Just curious, does anyone know why the later pressure plate has to be used ?
Is it because there isn't a larger clutch plate with the Toyota splines on it ? Seems like such a thing would be easier and cheaper to have made than having the flywheel properly redrilled (and buying a new PP).

Or is there some reason Herman's TOB won't work with the early PP ?
 
Re: TR3 starters and flywheels

It's the toss out bearing that causes the problem with the early style pressure plate. Herman has the clutch disc made for him. From talking with him, it's a simple procedure to mate the Toyota splines onto a different sized disc.
 
Re: TR3 starters and flywheels

Interesting, Thanks Art.
 
Re: TR3 starters and flywheels

Frank,

Please keep me informed of your status. I have a 58 TR3 and a HVDA kit and toyota transmission. I also have a TR6 and can't decide where to put the 5-speed. The TR6 is presently running and driveable... the TR3 requires some work before it will be driveable. (I lifted the body off the frame this month.) -I'd like to know how you proceed and what you see as issues. I was already assuming I'd have to have the flywheel drilled by a machinist.

Thanks,
Jerry
 
Re: TR3 starters and flywheels

I had my TR4 flywheel machined to take a TR4A clutch. I had the assembly balanced at the same time and also had the flywheel lightened by 8 or 9 lbs. Cost for the whole lot was $150. I believe most of the cost was in the lightening.

Myles

Ps. When I coverted my TR3A to overdrive many moons ago I discovered that although the starter was a bomb type, the flywheel had a bolt on ring gear. Although not recommended it had been working fine. Once I noticed it however I installed a later type starter just in case...
 
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