[Fot] TR8 4BBL conversion

[Duncan Charlton]

Shawn,
Unfortunately the TR8's engine is somewhat different than my Morgan Plus
8's 3.5 Rover but I did the conversion using the Edelbrock manifold and 500
cfm carb.  I would think it's probably not too different, though.  The
Edelbrock manifold has a hole in the back where I could install the heater
hose nipple from the original 1971 Rover setup and was able to route the
other heater hose under the manifold and up to the water pump.  The
original manifold had a steel pipe attached to it there but I simply ran a
rubber hose under the full length of the new manifold instead.  I'm
guessing the Offy manifold has a threaded hole for the power brake booster
in case the TR8 has one.

I left off all emissions components (which were a bit simpler than what you
have) but the basics are this: Plug anything having to do with exhaust gas
recirculation/air injection, alter the distributor if has vacuum retard (at
least remove the retard hose at the distributor's dashpot -- but I went
with a Mallory Unilite distributor with vacuum advance.  I can't tell that
it made a difference compared to the less expensive non-vacuum version that
had been on the car for 20 years but it might have improved economy a bit).


Be sure you build a working PCV system to keep the inside of your engine
cleaner: fresh air from inside the air filter housing goes to one valve
cover, with the other valve cover having a PCV valve and a hose continuing
to the base of the carb -- I don't recall which hose nipple on the carb
 base is used for that but it ought to be in your instructions.

Now back to rebuilding our Morgan 4/4 racer!

Duncan Charlton
Texas



On Thu, Apr 3, 2014 at 3:57 PM, Shawn Frank <my71spit13 at yahoo.com> wrote:

> I just got an Offenhauser intake manifold and Holley 390 carb in the mail.
> I
> will be installing it onto a 1980 TR8 in place of the stock twin
> Strombergs. I
> want to do some research before tearing into it. Is there a video or
> literature to help me with the conversion research?
>
> Installing them both is
> pretty straight forward, but my questions are this:
> Is it possible to omit the
> emissions system (smog pump, air rails, etc) and how do I know what I'd
> need
> and don't need?
>
> How do I hook up linkage the most effective way?
>
> Will the
> heater hoses be able to be used? I have seen where some just loop the hoses
> back to the heater core, making the heat not work. I don't want that. Heat
> is
> a must as this will be a driver and occasional auto crosser.
>
> I am going into
> this blind, so please excuse my ignorance. I have worked on quite a few
> Spitfires, but they are a completely different car equipment wise...
>
> I guess
> I am looking for a video, link, or literature to read before I dig in. Any
> info will help and I don't want to have to keep calling Ted Schumacher for
> advice as he is a busy guy. He sent us some great stuff and I can't wait to
> hear this monster roar after its ten plus year nap. I have replaced all of
> the
> suspension, brakes, bushings, bearings, seals, interior, etc, so this is
> the
> last bit and hopefully it will be back on the road for years to come.
> Hoping
> to have it at the KCup 2015 (to spectate)...
>
> Again, any help would be
> greatly appreciated!
>
> Plus after this car is done, I get to move on to my
> racer Spitfire so I can take steps towards joining you all on track
> instead of
> driving the parade laps for the KCup (which was quite the honor and a
> blast,
> don't get me wrong...)
>
> Shawn Frank
> Spitfire & GT6 Magazine, Editor
> Continued
> Legacy, Owner
> North American Triumphs, Admin
> Friends of Triumph, NASS#746,
> VTR#93353, Iowa BCC
> Drive Away Cancer Iowa, driver
> 515-339-4228
>
> '71 Triumph
> Spitfire MKIV "Gertrude"
> '80 Triumph Spitfire 1500
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