1972 TR6 buy a new engine or recon existing engine?

[robertinwales]

Hello, just bought my first TR6 and starting restoration work in Sept. The engine is pretty sound and has done just over 100k with no major work.

I’ve priced an engine rebuild for around £2,000 - £3,000, depending on the spec. £3,000 is for a balanced stage 2 engine.

There are new remanufactured engines available for less money. My concern with a new engine is the numbers will no longer match the original car manufactured numbers.

Does this have a big impact on the ongoing intrinsic value of the car? Is so, I will stick with the recon engine.

Many thanks

Robert

[Steves_TR6]

I'd say recondition what you have.

 

Then you know exactly what you are getting, the numbers is just a bonus.

 

Steve

[Denis]

As Steve says above...although matching numbers doesn't seem important now with car prices still quite low...one day in the future it will be more important, especially if as it seems it's a restored car with a longer future ahead of it.

 

BTW pay special attention to the Thrust Washers the only weak link of this engine...check out the British Sports Cars web-site in the USA, their screwed on Bronze washers mod is the way to go for an engine out overhaul. goggle it.

Edited July 1, 2015 by Denis

[robertinwales]

thanks both. the recon, i think was always a preference. Before I crack on – the car is a 1972 CP 150 model, chassis is in very good order and the rest of the car needs a lot of work.

 

One of the things putting me off is the number of owners, I’ll be number 14. Assuming the car has a full and proper restoration over the next 2 years – is the number of owners a big issue?

 

Obviously a low number is better. But with work done and the car being good, is it a major factor?

[Sapphire72]

My concern with a new engine is the numbers will no longer match the original car manufactured numbers.

 

 

The commission number on the B-pillar should match the tag by the windshield/windscreen.

The engine stamping will likely be off from these numbers. My engine stamping is 5 digits greater than the commission number.

That is about as good as original "matching numbers" get on TR's.

 

If your engine is running well, perhaps you should do a compression check on the cylinders.

If the compression numbers are all close and high enough, the engine may not need attention.

 

The number of owners is not so important as is the overall condition- that's what matters.

Edited July 1, 2015 by Sapphire72

[whatmore179]

I think 2 a 3k for a full engine rebuild, balanced and with a stage 2 head is very low. If you know the company doing the work and trust them OK, but if not I'd be careful.

Get a summary of all the work to be done and named parts to be used. Be careful re new oil pumps they are all out of tolerance.

Steve

[Peter Cobbold]

Robert,

110k is not a lot of miles on the engine.

Until you know the car better I would do no more than get a local classic-familiar garage ( can recommend one if you're in North Wales) to:

drop the sump and fit new main and big end bearing shells, and set the thrust washer clearance correctly. Buy a pukka workshop manual so they have the specs. Do a compression test dry and wet . Its maybe a day's work for a good mechanic. DIY its a weekend's work. The engine then may well be good for another 100K.

Then drive it to find out its other issues, before taking it off the road for restoration. There's lots other than the engine that many need cash throwing at it. In fact the engine I would worry about last of all.

Peter

 

The number of owners might indicate a problem that they have all failed to cure... most likely rampant rust. The chassis might appear to be good but it rusts where you cant see it ( and where you can). Ask a local TRR 6 owner to go over it with you. Some of those 14 POs will have been bodgers !! Rust can consume far more than the engine rebuild you have been quoted. Price up panels, and note which are NLA . Paint on top.

 

If it doesn't have overdrive that could affect price, so consider fitting it.

Edited July 1, 2015 by Peter Cobbold

[Graham]

I got a rough quote from Veaseys and its was £3k if there were no horror stories going to £5k worst case scenario all plus VATof course

[rhine]

My views.... I bought a CP last year that has been in the USA, France, and Australia, and over it's 46 year life, some of its provenance has been lost. Am I bothered? No. Didn't buy the car to make any money, bought it to drive it and work with my hands and mind on a bit of a project.

So, maybe ask yourself why you are buying a TR6, and that would help you put the many owners into perspective.

My house has had 25 that I know of, and I still am happy living in it.

Richard

[robertinwales]

very helpful - thanks all....

[Guest ntc]

You will know nothing until the engine is striped down.No if's or but's

[philrylance]

Hi there

 

I had the same thoughts about twelve years ago. I know it's a long time but the principle might be the same.

 

I looked around at recon./ rebuilt engines from the usual sources and decided to get my own done. I researched a lot and eventually went to TRGB ( no connection whatsoever I hasten to add). They charged about K 2.5 which I thought was quite a lot but it did include a new complete clutch and starter motor. it had a few teething problems with a minor oil leak but the motor is now still running superbly well after thirteen or so years with no problem. However the thing that made most difference to the performance was an unleaded conversion from Peter Burgess in Alfreton Derbyshire, £500. Great increase in MPG and performance. I then fitted an Aldon Igniter elec. ignition and got more improvement, £70 approx. Next came a Bosch pump from TR Bitz and new injectors and a lot of friendly advice from Malcolm Jones at Prestige.

 

That a brief summary. it might help or provoke more thoughts and response.

 

Happy thinking!

Phil

[Alec Pringle]

The car is more than 40 years old, in the 70s and 80s it was nothing unusual for sports cars to change hands on an annual basis . . . . . . 14 previous owners is no big deal, not for a TR.

 

Different matter of course if we're talking mistresses, let alone wives. Cars are so much less hassle.

 

Peter Burgess, in my experience, does an excellent cylinder head job for a reasonable price. So does Martin Jay on the distributor. Both old chums of mine.

 

As for the rebuild, if you want the engine gently warmed-up whilst retaining a reasonable degree of touring tractability, then don't get carried away with too many revemup additions.

 

Focus on balancing, build quality and component quality. . . . . . and you won't get that for £2-3K total. £4-5K more like if you want the job done right by a proper engine builder. There are plenty of good reliable engine shops around, and not necessarily TR specialists . . . . . some of the TR specialists seem to specialise more in creative invoicing than build quality when it comes to engine work.

 

Cheers

 

Alec

[robertinwales]

has anyone had any experience or knowledge of Glamorgan Classic Cars in Penarth, South Wales? The fellas there seem quite genuine and i'm just waiting for a quote on the body work and respray....

 

i've started buying minor parts from Rimmer Bros - they seem to be as good and well priced as any?

[robertinwales]

sorry forgot to mention - the engine rebuild was priced with Ivor Searle Ltd...

 

Quote as requested for customer own unit rebuild, from £2,145.00 to £2,730.00 depending on build level. From a standard lead free engine, to a stage2 fully balanced engine.