Scott---The tach drive on the TR6 is probably as good as any other
mechanically driven instrument. There's only three common places that
could cause the tach not to register--Most likely is the cable inside
its sheath has broken--or the gear is stripped in the distributor
housing that drives the cable.--or the internals of the tach itself gave
up. The last two would be unusual with an engine with only 57,000 miles
on it. Usually some needle-bouncing takes place before the tach stops
altogether.
15 mpg is a little low for a stock engine, unless it is ALL city,
stop-and-go driving. Driving habits account for most mileage variations.
If the engine idles well, and can rev to red line in the first three
gears, it may have been tuned for power, rather than economy.
You shouldn't have to do major work on a TR6 engine with the low miles
you describe. If you just want to freshen it up with new bearings and
seals, perhaps new piston rings and a valve job, any competant mechanic
could do this. I'd ask if the shop could handle a Cheve in-line 6, as
the similarities are amazing. If you are going to "build" this engine
for high performance, then ask if the machine shop can line bore a block
this long for installing cam journal bearings. Other areas, such as head
milling and porting, is common to most shops. Take a copy of Kastner's
Comp. Prep. Manual to the shop with you, if this is the route you intend
on taking.
Dick Taylor
'73
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