I don't own a TR6, but I'm starting to understand better why everyone want to modify them!
The "seat of your pants" responds to power, not torque. With rated peak power at 4500 (up to 72) or 4900 (73 on); it shouldn't be feeling out of breath until at least 500 rpm beyond the peak, and optimum shift point won't be until farther yet.
(If you listen to it, the seat of your pants is pretty good at picking nearly optimum shift point ... you should feel the same acceleration after the shift as before it.)
Most common cause of "shortness of breath" in my experience (with earlier TRs and other cars) is tired valve springs allowing the valves to float. Camshaft wear is common too, but has less of an effect.