Talk to me about TR6's

[Brezzi]

Hey r3v I've been thinking of an out of box project to work on at my new place. While brainstorming I thought, How cool would it be to put an m20/m30 into a tr6? Does anyone know if their stock straight six is any good?

Anybody have any experience with them?

Thanks!

This is just a brainstorm thread I prob will just keep the cabrio and continue modding but I wanted to see what everyones opinion on tr6s were, basically just as a chassis because they look damn good.

Proof:

[ascendotuum]

Never heard of that car before - but damn it's so sexy! I didn't really appreciate older classic cars when I was younger.

But why not put in a newer 24-valve I6 like the M50/52/54 ?

[Brezzi]

Never heard of that car before - but damn it's so sexy! I didn't really appreciate older classic cars when I was younger.

But why not put in a newer 24-valve I6 like the M50/52/54 ?

Another option, but I'm cheap :pimp:

[ELVA164]

I can tell you that as a chassis, they're pretty good. Four wheel independent suspension, decent (and upgradeable) brakes, good looks, pretty smooth motor...biggest downside I remember is the interiors leak like you wouldn't believe. Doesn't matter how new the top is. Personally, I don't see much benefit in putting an M20 in there. The early Lucas fuel injected cars made almost M20 numbers, but that system sucked balls and they quickly got rid of it. As with everything during that time period, the US-spec motors were weaker, but unlike our cars you can undo a lot of that pretty easily. Weber carbs, better exhaust manifolds/headers/exhaust, Kent cam, etc... There's a good amount of things you can do to the Triumph six to increase performance, and the car will be worth a lot more if you don't "muck it up" with a German motor. Don't forget; these are becoming collector cars, and they're worth more than a comparable E30 any day of the week.

I am a bit biased because of my upbringing and current job, but I ALWAYS vote for stock or period-modded cars over what that black one looks like when it comes to these cars.

These are the nicest TR-series cars to live with, followed by the TR4 and TR3. Reasonably comfortable and roomy (again, for a British sports car), reliable if paid attention to, fun to drive...I never owned one, but our friends/customers have and I've been lucky enough to be in and around them quite a bit.

[gbouton]

Terrible brakes, agricultural handling (rear suspension has really limited travel), and not really any "ride quality" to speak of unless the car is stationary. Speaking of stationary, the electrical system *will* leave you stranded on occasion, which will give you time to contemplate the fact the steering wheel hub is centered just a few uncomfortable inches from your sternum.

Despite those shortcomings, I did enjoy owning a TR6 for a few years, but I don't see anything to be gained by swapping a M20 into one.

-Graham

[flyboyx]

did you ever buy that craigslist red ix?

[alB5]

http://bringatrailer.com/2011/08/21/ultimate-motoring-machine-bmw-powered-1973-triumph-tr6/

s5x tr6

[superboosted]

^ive seen this car at cars&coffee. Beautiful!

[lgb240]

Carefull about modding a nice Tr6, they becoming valuable as collector cars. That being said, a rough, restorable Tr6 will cost quite a bit to make right. New repro parts are readily available, but costly.
The stock Tr6 engine is worth it's weight in turd. Heavy cast iron block and head, poor oiling for the valvetrain, poor power and performance. The engine bay is big, though - I've seen Datsun L28 and Corvette LS transplants. Be prepared to be frowned on by the purists (like that matters). Once you've transplanted lots of power, you'll find the brakes and suspension are crap. Spend lots of money and this can be fixed. Also, the rear end in these tends to rip out of the frame. Again, there is a fix for this. There's a kit to retrofit an infinity rear end, so you could have an lsd. Stock Tr6 seats are terribly uncomfortable ... you'll have to change those as well.
They do look nice though...

[_JohnnyD_]

Are there any major rust issues with TR6's at any drain points or in hidden spots on the chassis?

There are a lot of these cars in "barn find" condition here in Canada that are usually stored in doors. Since you can currently buy restored or well cared for original cars for far less than the resoration cost these "barn find" cars can be bought relatively cheep. ($2000 to $5000)

I think a weathered or faded TR6 can make a really nice hot rod.

[Poeman446]

My brother slapped a M50TU/ Getrag 250 in a 1970 TR6 and it looks alright. He put in the 325i diff as well, with a custom driveshaft. We are rewiring the entire car, and working on tuning the MS3 to run the engine. Too many other projects at the moment though. I will try to get some pics up at some point. We had to move the firewall back a little, use about 2 gallons of bondo, and another 100 square yards of fiberglass (stupid fiberglass repro panels on this car) and It was all pretty expensive. I painted it, and the paint sucks because of an issue with my air filtering and a nasty 40 year old air hose. Still, It should be a riot when its done. Its an old car, poorly made, but its cool.

[Brezzi]

This is why I love this forum so much helpful feed back! Poeman get those pics up!!

For my plans it sounds like I might be better off just building up my cabrio. I can dream of a boosted m30 in a TR6 though. My dad used to have one when he was in his 20s so maybe I can convince him he needs a fun old car haha.