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RE: TR6 V8 Conversion

To: <mgb-v8@autox.team.net>
Subject: RE: TR6 V8 Conversion
From: "Susan and Jack Brooks" <tr3a@att.net>
Date: Mon, 17 May 2004 19:47:18 -0700
In-reply-to: <AE23D614A42ED311B36F0000F8313056037DBA43@VHABACEXC1>
Reply-to: "Susan and Jack Brooks" <tr3a@att.net>
Sender: owner-mgb-v8@autox.team.net
The TR6 (& MGB) have a much more sophisticated steering/suspension systems
than a TR3.  The TR3 has cam and peg steering, with non-adjustable 00camber
and 00caster, with only adjustment for toe-in.  The Ackerman on a TR3 is
backwards too, so it has a very poor steering design in stock configuration.
A TR6, with solid (not rubber) mounted rack & pinion will run (handling)
circles around a stock TR3.  As far as comparison, compare the TR3 to an
MGA, not a B for a fair comparison.  What to do think of a MGA V8
conversion?  There is a lot, however, that can be done to make a TR3 (or
MGA??) handle very well, little of which is SCCA legal <shhhh!>.

With regard to the TR6's IRS, the weakness is not the IRS itself, but the
diff mounting brackets.  They will shear under the power of a well warmed
TR6 engine.  Fortunately, a few simple steel plates can remedy the
situation.

Jack (I can't believe I trashed the TR3's front suspension in front of a
bunch of MG guys) Brooks
1960 TR3
1980 TR8 
No MG's, although I've snap up an MGA or MGB engined Elva if I found the
right car.

> -----Original Message-----
> From: owner-mgb-v8@autox.team.net 
> [mailto:owner-mgb-v8@autox.team.net] On Behalf Of Deikis, John
> Sent: Monday, May 17, 2004 6:02 AM
> To: mgb-v8@autox.team.net
> Cc: 'MGTD2@aol.com'
> Subject: TR6 V8 Conversion
> 
> 
> Guys:
> 
> I've got this dilemma.  I'm sort of a monogomous MG guy and 
> have been looking at various B-V8s for about a year now. 
> (Racing a 1275 Midget just doesn't satisfy my need for street 
> grunting and muffler rapping)!
> 
> So, after missing out on a couple of nice cars, and passing 
> up on a few that the seller and I couldn't agree on the 
> dollars, I discover an acquaintance has acquired a cherry TR6 
> surrey-top with with a 302 Ford conversion.  He wants some 
> real money for it, but it's a particularly nice car.
> 
> Now, I have a beater TR3 that I've owned for about 15 years 
> and I gotta say when it comes to "feel," it can't match the 
> nimbleness of an MGB.  In other words, it's okay for a 
> beater, but it would not be my first choice for a sportscar.  
> On the other hand, seems that several listers have TR3 
> conversions, so somebody thinks they're worth putting that 
> kind of effort into.  
> 
> My question is what your opinions are on the TR6 as a 
> platform for Ford V8
> power?   I've always like the TR6 body styling and meaty 
> wheels and tires,
> but I've never driven one and the conversion is across the 
> country from me, so I have yet to drive it either.  Also, the 
> weight of the V8 is probably substantially more than the BOPR 
> aluminum motor and I don't know how that would affect the 
> handling of the car, although I'll bet the BMC straight six 
> was quite an anchor up front as well.
> 
> Any relevant discussion of this would be greatly appreciated.  Thanks.
> 
> JohnD

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