Graze Posted October 28, 2014 Report Share Posted October 28, 2014 In August at its first track day I blew the rings on piston no 4 Not really surprising given my TR4 hadn't been loved to bits by previous owners and was running original engine & cooling system. I suspect a very gunked up water gallery to no 4 So with some help from people here and in the US and advice from Brisbane's resident TR engine guru, I began sourcing parts and planning the rebuild. Parts include Late TR4A head from the US which is being ported New Moldex crank and 16lb flywheel which is being sent off for balancing tomorrow with the cranks then being cryogenic treated to -300degF instead of nitriding New cam which is being fashioned to suit a fast road occasional track day use Mikuni 42 carbs Christian Marx rear main seal Facet electric fuel pump Then I have been fortunate enough to make contact with one of the US legends, Ken Gillanders from Temple City, California who is 82yrs young and still owns and operates British Frame and Engine http://www.britishframeandengine.com/ Ken's experience racing and building TR3 and 4 cars from the 60's till now is pretty much unsurpassed. He is a lovely guy, unfortunately on the other side of the globe, so instead of sitting with him to share a beer I've had to make do with some long distance phone calls, emails - a pleasure! I'd recommend him to anyone embarking on a similar path He has supplied the following (some of which are on a boat on their way here) 89mm Wiseco forged pistons and liners Grant piston rings Updated water pump 4 into 2 stainless extractors Kent engine bearings Updated valves and springs Gaskets Check out the pricing on his parts in the link above - for me in Australia they are half the price of similar UK parts So in a few weeks the fun starts Will post some photos of the parts as they arrive and let you know how it comes together if anyone is interested Aim is 140-150bhp, hopefully up and running by Xmas or mid January 15 Any advice, questions or input welcome Graze Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Fireman049 Posted October 28, 2014 Report Share Posted October 28, 2014 Hi Graze ~ I've fitted the Mad Marx crank oil seal to my TR3A ~ a very easy job. If you PM me your eMail address I'll send you photo's of the oil seal in place. I followed Mad Marx's instructions and drilled the two extra oil drain holes in the main bearing cap. This prevents the build-up of oil pressure against the oil seal. Regards ~ Tom. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
graeme Posted October 28, 2014 Report Share Posted October 28, 2014 Hi Graze, Looks a nice spec. As suggested earlier the rods will become the weak link and if one lets go it will destroy your engine. Have you considered steel rods? Cheers Graeme Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Graze Posted October 28, 2014 Author Report Share Posted October 28, 2014 Graeme Advice from Ken was for my use the original rods if checked or cracks and nitrided were ample. Ted Davis the local engine guru agreed and as said getting them cryogenic treated - interesting process to get my head around - freezing the steel to stress relieve it. So hope they are right Graze Quote Link to post Share on other sites
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