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Wedge TR7/8 conversion...worth it?

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C

Cheapsnake

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I've got a chance to aquire a TR7 really cheap (like free) and I'm considering converting it to an 8. I've got a TR8 that I completely rebuilt so I know my way around them and I even have a 3.5 block waiting for a home. Beyond the engine, I know I need a new subframe and a bazillion little detailed parts and modifications that I can't begin to list.

If anybody out there has done a TR7/8 conversion I'd love to hear your comments. BTW, I don't mean to get rich on this job but if it's going to happen it'll be a winter project and put up for sale next spring so cost/resale is going to be a consideration. Thanks.

Tom
 
It depends on many factors. Basically, you need to figure that a TR7 w/ V8 (roadster) will top out around $5,000 on ebay. You'll need to work backwards from that.

The big question, I suppose, is the quality of the donor car. If you need to buy a significant number of parts, you'll be in trouble.

Keep in mind that there actually are a fair number of parts that are different between the TR7 and TR8. The trannies are slightly different, the 8 (as you know) has power brakes and different steering. So...if you want to make it a clone of a TR8, you'll be needing some parts.

In general, if you're going to do it "right," you'll spend quite a bit of time on it. It can be done cheaply and quickly (and still be a fun car,) but it of course will have a lower value.

But if you want to do it to save a TR7 from demise, then that is an admirable goal.
 
I bought a TR7 donor for my 8 and should have done an engine swap instead. I replaced both strut towers, the rear deck, one of the a pillars and then there were several small parts. It is not difficult and can be done to meet TR8 specs or with some short cuts relatively cheaply. If you are planning to resale it, the asking price will be dependant on how you did it. I know Ted offers Sub frames that will fit the V8 (no idea on the quality).
 
Sammyb, that difference in the trannies coaught my eye. Beside the bellhousings, what differences are there between the 7&8 trannies?
 
the TR8s usually came with a 3.08 rear axle, the sub frame is obvious, the radiators and over flow tanks are different. the location of the battery. Those are the ones off the top of my head
 
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... the sub frame is obvious ...

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I have a TR7, but having never seen a TR8 subframe, I'm missing the obvious part. What are the subframe differences? Motor mounts, I would assume. Is it built heavier? provide different oil pan clearance?

Expiring minds want to know /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/confused.gif
 
side by side, my v8 subframe from TSI and my TR7 subframe look identical, except for the motor mounts. the steering rack has to be mounted inside the motor mount bracket. The rrear tranny mount is different to account for the longer block, driveline length difference also. TR8 has larger front brakes. the radiator mounting is different, the top of the radiator is inclined to the nose of the car and the lower radiator mount is different. Both use the LT77 tranny. You could do what I did and purchase a TR8 parts car (body is rusted out) for all those little parts.
 

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I walk by that TR7 every morning and imagine all the great things I can do for it and how simple the job would be for a seasoned schlock mechanic like myself. By nightfall, reality sets in and I wonder what I was thinking. Next morning it starts all over again.
Based upon my experiences with car and house projects, it's easy to budget for the big things, but the details tend to suck up time and money quicker than the big things.

Thanks for the great input guys, it helps. I'll keep you posted if I go ahead with this...or maybe you can just watch the divorce notices for my name when my wife finds out.

Tom
 
There is a guy in West Virginia who imported some sprint heads and was willing to part with one, I was thinking about a TR7 Sprint as a neat little project. Most of the experts say 175 HP would be a good estimate. Would be a fun little car and part are still available from the Isle.
 
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...reality sets in....

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Hi,

Just an FYI.

I don't know how representative it is and haven't seen the car, but there is a
TR8 "clone" (seller's term for it) locally for sale. It's in need of paint, in particular. Seller claims that's all that is needed. What little info there is in the ad makes it sound like the mechanicals are reasonably well-done (it "runs strong, drives well") and it could be a pretty thorough conversion as the TR8 parts were largely transfered from a single complete, but totalled car (rollover). It's a coupe with a the large sunroof and its fuel injected. $3000 is the asking price.

/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cheers.gif
 
I'm guessing around $4K for a well done TR7/8 (including paint) would be a good price. Another guess is that I'd have ar least $3K into it for materials. That would leave me $1K for my labor of love. Hmmmmm.

Tom
 
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