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TR6 TR4A & TR6 Marriage?

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GilsTR

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We probably will be checking out a 1967 TR4A this weekend that is for sale. IT is a project that has lost steam...not a unusual story. Concern is that current owner has installed a TR6 engine & tranny. To my point of view...several points of concern. How much does this power train devalue this car?
The inspection will probably show the quality of the work.
Body looks in good shape and would appear ready to be primmed.
What is feedback from the forum re a car that has had this type of power train swap? Feedback appreciated. Thanks, Gil
 
Offhand, I'd say it's pretty much the same as with any major engine swap or other modification: if it's easily reversible (i.e., no cutting and welding, etc.), it really doesn't significantly harm the value. Sure, it's worth less than a genuine TR4A, or a TR6, or TR250/5, but it's almost certainly worth more than any of those models lacking any engine! :wink:
 
My favorite 4 and 6 marriage is this
TR46.jpg
 
Personally, I think it would have looked better the other way around. TR6 front with TR4 rear.
 
It all depends on the quality of swap... I've seen my share of hill-billy engine transplants over the years and most are just backyard bang-and-slash jobs that definately decrease a car's value. However, every once and awhile I see a swap where the engineering and execution were done very well... then the value becomes a matter of personal taste...
 
There is a guy on jaxed.com from Knoxville area who has a spitfire, 70 front end with a newer rear end. He can't seem to sell.
 
here is the real question i think, do you want a show car that will be judged for perfect originality or would you make practical improvements(if it was a pure tr4a) to the car anyways such as alternator, upgraded starter, thin belt kit, electric rad fan, etc.
If you were going to upgrade it anyways, i don't think it matters. What you have there is a fake tr250 (sort-of) but will never be worth the value of an original 250 but won't cost you the entry price either. If you are going to drive it purely for the pleasure, i think it's great!
Personally, i would not want a pure original. I would always want to upgrade it anyways.
I like the tr6 engine in a tr4a better than other engine swaps, keeps the character of a tr more original (tr250).
 
If the car is solid and the price is right, don't fret the engine situation. You can certainly show the car at local type shows, but you may want to steer clear of diehard Triumph shows unless you have thick skin. You can always use the excuse of the engine "ruining" the collector value to try and negotiate a better price. Hopefully, the owner does not visit this site.
 
As swaps goes this one should be a pretty mild when it comes to needed modifications to make it right, as others have noted the TR 6 cylinder is the motor that they used in the TR250, same frame, suspension, and body panels as a 4A, I don't think there is much difference in engine weight either.

Basically what I am saying is that the swap can be done "correctly" with Triumph parts.

If the swap doesn't bother you I would be more concerned with the usual stuff, body and frame rust, condition of interior, etc.
 
billspit said:
...... You can certainly show the car at local type shows, but you may want to steer clear of diehard Triumph shows unless you have thick skin. You can always use the excuse of the engine "ruining" the collector value to try and negotiate a better price........
Click to expand...

So that's why some guys look at my engine bay, turn up their nose and walk away!! :pukeface: Actually......attend all the shows and the real Triumph guys will spend a long time talking to you about the conversions you've done... Heck.... at VTR I had the judges asking about my conversions..... Anything done right is worth being discussed. :driving:
 
I want to weigh in on the side of workmanship,any mods,if done to a high standard can be fun and enjoyable.I LOVED the pic Don posted of the tr4a with the 6 rear end.Sure its not concourse but it looks great,and saved a tr4a from an early grave.When you see a Stag with an engine swap,its only because of the swap that the car is alive at all!!!
MC(mad dog)
 
The only reason I would cringe is because of the loss of a 2.2. Also, it's a 250 and you should be required to remove the globe.
 
Hey, look at the guys who do range rover V8 conversions. Their not purest but their happy driving their car. I wouldnt fret over it uunless your taking it to Pebble Beach!
 
Being the absolute purist that I am and constantly adhering to the "Strictly Stock" motto, I will stay out of this one.

:lol: :lol: :lol:

I never have any trouble finding anyone to talk to at car shows, either about my car or theirs. I spend more time walking around looking at other cars than I do at mine. I'm interested in what others have done that could be different or as a pure restoration. I know what I've done, so why stay there?
 
I'm with MD Canaday: at the end of the day it's all about <span style="text-decoration: underline">quality</span>. Quality workmanship, using period-correct replacement parts: <span style="text-decoration: underline">this</span> is what matters. :yesnod:

Quality workmanship mattered then, when the car was new, and it matters now, too. If your mods are done with care and good craftmanship, using Triumph parts, your car will be admired by all but the most snobby of enthusiasts. I guarantee it.

And, <span style="font-style: italic">who cares</span> if the snobs turn up their noses at your beautifully-prepared TR4 with a period correct, growling and fun Triumph six in it??? :nonod: To heck with 'em!

Enjoy the journey, and please keep us up on your progress.

Cheers to you! :thumbsup:
 
Paul............but if everybody at a show did that they wouldn't be at their car for you to ask questions of... :jester: Just yankin your chain....

Mark...why just Triumph parts? There's lots of great mods out there using a variety of parts. Anything done well is worth appreciation.
 
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