On Thu, 1 Sep 1994 JWisland@aol.com wrote:
>> Expect to see/drive a '57 Austin Healey 100/6 w 289 Ford V8 engine
tomorrow.
>> Advice?
>> Judith Winter
>and Ray Gibbons responds
>I would favor the MG over the Healey under the conditions stated. A
>well-maintained MG should be easy to keep maintained. I have nothing
>against hybrids, but it may be difficult to repair. I once put a Chevy V8
>into a '49 Willys Jeepster. There were parts from half a dozen different
>cars in the mix.
Yeah, well, good point Ray, but I'm a little biased myself. I'm ordering
some new
aluminum heads and ceramic coated headers for my TR-7, next paycheck. Of
course
these too are Ford 289 parts. The current issue of Hot Rod has a TR6 with a
stock
289 in it with a C4 auto. It kind of gives my car the pedigree its been
missing these
last few years except for its snake hybrid cousins.
The hybrids are fun because of their performance potential. Mine appears
stock
except for the dual exhaust pipes. I even have the stock automatic shifter
in it. (My
car was originally a 5 spd).
Which tranny does the Austin Healey have? C4, T5, AOD, 4 spd toaploader?
This
might help make the choice for me. Suspension is another problem, too. My
TR7 was helped considerably by the existence of the TR8. The Healey
wouldn't
have this advantage. I would even want to think of replacing the IRS in the
TR6.
Vette or Jag rear ends would be only reasonable alternative. TR7 was easy
with
solid axle.
I'd look at it run it hard. Is it 2 or 4 barrel. A botch job or a
professional job. Could
make all of the difference. How long has it been like this? Could it be
possible
to twist a Healey in half ? I drove a year before I tore one of the rear
end mounts
out of the body. : - (
Have fun!!!
Chad McCubbins
Manchester, NH
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