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Wedge TR7 V8 Conversion?

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mgbmedic

mgbmedic

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I'm sure this question has been discussed millions of times, but I found a 1961 Olds 215 V8, which I'm told is nearly identical to the Buick 205. Difference is the intake manifold is a 4 barrel instead of a 2 barrel. Has anyone done this procedure? I'm getting the V8 fever. What's the cure? Is this a simple as outpatent surgery or am I in for a long and expensive stay.
 
Depends on what year of TR7 your planning to convert. If its a 4-speed model you'll want the 5-speed trans and rear axle as well.
 
I should have told you...it's a 1980 TR7 with 5-speed, convertible(not that that matters. Now, the shame is ...I will be replacing a very strong 4 cyl with brand new twin Weber downdrafts. I'm just curious what it will take and if it will add or detract from the value. I've been thinking of selling this car, as is, to put more effort into a TR3B resto.
 
Buick and Olds shared the same 215 cubic inch engine, which is essentially the same as the Rover 3.5. There are some differences between the "old" GM and the Rover, mainly in the ancillary bits.

Whether it will fit in your TR7, however, depends on the manifold and carb setup. There's little clearance available, and it takes a low profile manifold/carb/air filter to fit.

The biggest hurdle, however, is the engine subframe. The TR7 subframe won't work, and will have to be replaced with a TR8 subframe, or adapted. You'll also need the proper bellhousing, drive shaft, radiator, etc.

Lots of other issues to attend to, but overall worth it if you have the V8 bug. As for value, it's more about what you want out of it, but a transplant done properly only increases a Wedge's desirability. (Unless it's a Spider, or a museum piece.) Since it sounds like you're more interested in the TR3 anyway, selling it like it is sounds like where you're headed.
 
The parts you need are numerous and expensive to do the swap properly. If you really have the bug, just buy a real TR8. Prices are way down now and a decent one can be had for around 6K. An awesome one can be had for just over 10K. The key to buying a TR8 is figuring out what you want first. They come in all variations from stock and sedate to all out scary fast. Go for some rides in some 8s and decide what you like best. Then go out and try and find a car that comes as close to what you want as possible. You could easily spend 20K on modifications to a stock car, or you could look around and find one that is already done that way for 10 to 12. Go to any Brit show and ask for a ride. Most TR8 owners love to show off their cars. You are better off buying the best car you can afford up front then trying to do a rolling resto on a car. Even a $2500 barn find will quickly eclipse in rebuild costs what you could have bought a nice driver for. There is no money to be made or saved restoring a TR8, just the satisfaction in knowing you did it yourself.
 
Thanks for the replies. I am more interested in the TR3 project. You've convinced me, I will be putting the TR7 up for sale. The TR3 is going to be pricy enough. I did buy the engine for $100.00, not a bad investment. Someone may want to try it in a TR7 or MGB.
 
I just picked up a MGB V-8 project myself. It came with the Olds motor. The big difference between the Olds motor and Buick is the # of head bolts. The Olds has one extra and is considered the better of the two. If it's a 4-barrel motor then it was a score for $100.
 
The body is very good. Only rust is on leading edge of front fenders at the wheel opening, area about 1 1/2 inches. BRG paint with gold graphics.
 
All Buick 215's were 4bbl and 11 to 1 compression. I don't know about the Olds.
 
kellysguy said:
All Buick 215's were 4bbl and 11 to 1 compression. I don't know about the Olds.
Click to expand...

Sorry, you're wrong:

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:]At introduction, Buick's 215 was rated 150 hp (110 kW) at 4400 rpm. This was raised soon after introduction to 155 hp (116 kW) at 4600 rpm. 220 ft·lb (298 N·m) of torque was produced at 2400 rpm with a Rochester 2GC (DualJet) two-barrel carburetor and 8.8:1 compression ratio. A mid-year introduction was the Buick Special Skylark version, which had 10.25:1 compression and a four-barrel carburetor, raising output to 185 hp (138 kW) at 4800 rpm and 230 ft·lb (312 N·m) at 2800 rpm.[/QUOTE]

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Buick_V8_engine
 
I was told by the seller it was a 185 hp, which is pretty impressive, almost a hp for a c.i. I also like hi compression engines, lots of vroom. Might help me when selling the car to be able to offer it with the car. I'll probably be at the british bash next weekend.
 
The trouble with v8 fever is it is almost always followed by a HP fever. If you build an early block motor ,be aware of its limits because they have quite a few.The block has been changed over time more than a little, to make it stiffer/stronger.If you are wanting a 200hp or better motor you may be well advised to source a latter rover 3.5 or bigger.
MD(mad dog)
 
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