Chris96 Posted June 16, 2015 Report Share Posted June 16, 2015 hello all. I'm a TR register member, presently without a TR but looking for a very good TR6. I can handle engines and mechanicals but do not have the skills for bodywork or chassis work, hence I'm prepared to pay a good price for a structurally excellent vehicle from a reputable source. I'm looking at one that has both a 5 speed box and power steering. Both seem, on the face of it, to be worthwhile, if expensive, enhancements. I intend to use the car on road, maybe a few gentle hillclimbs, the odd trackday but nothing aggressively competitive. the car will probably never be sold again as the intention is to keep it in the family so I'm not greatly fussed if the enhancements marginally diminish ultimate resale value. This will be a lovingly looked after family pet! does anyone have views on either power steering or 5 speed box enhancements. I understand the box is from a Sierra Cosworth, not a Toyota Supra. I'm sure some of you will know the car I'm considering! Any help welcome. Chris Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Steves_TR6 Posted June 16, 2015 Report Share Posted June 16, 2015 Personally I think that the four speed box with overdrive is a large part of the character of the car. However the heavy clutch and steering do grate sometimes. The steering weight is only ever an issue when manoeuvring, but in tight town centres it can be a hassle. My car is far from standard, and I love it!, so if you enjoy yet scar with 5 speed and light controls then buy it and enjoy :-) Do let us know how you get on! Steve Quote Link to post Share on other sites
barkerwilliams Posted June 16, 2015 Report Share Posted June 16, 2015 Chris, I have power steering on my pi and yes it is wonderful. It must consume a horsepower or two but well worth it. My power steering is the hydraulic type, if that is the correct description, I have heard of electric power steering but have no knowledge of. I have 4 speed and 28% overdrive and cannot fault it. If it died I might consider a 5 speed but would probably stick with the original setup. Forward thinking:- I was always advised never to buy a house without a private drive and garage, even if you didn't want one. It's not what you want, it's what your buyer wants when you come to sell. So If you do buy a 5 speed car ask if the old box and fittings are available to keep in your junk room, when you come to sell the car it might make all the difference if your only potential buyer wants a car with an original setup and they could refurbish and refit if they want to. Alan Quote Link to post Share on other sites
John Morrison Posted June 16, 2015 Report Share Posted June 16, 2015 (edited) Hi Chris, and welcome. What part of the world are you? I ask because you should find your local group, and go out in a standard with overdrive gearbox, TR. it's all you will ever want if used properly. Don't know about PAS, unless it is a big thing for you, I wouldn't bother. John. Edited June 16, 2015 by john Quote Link to post Share on other sites
TR6GAZ Posted June 16, 2015 Report Share Posted June 16, 2015 Welcome pal! I agree with john, the four speed box with overdrive works so well I couldn't imagine why you'd want anything else! There's no greater feeling in the tr when your going for an overtake, quickly knock it out of overdrive and plant your foot....that surge of pi power purely at your finger tip! As for a power steering, I have huge rubbers wrapping my wheels so steering is super heavy but you feel every part of the road and what the car is doing, if you are considering track days etc I personally wouldn't go for power steering as feedback from the wheels is vital. Happy Hunting!! Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Denis Posted June 16, 2015 Report Share Posted June 16, 2015 Personally I think that the four speed box with overdrive is a large part of the character of the car. However the heavy clutch and steering do grate sometimes. The steering weight is only ever an issue when manoeuvring, but in tight town centres it can be a hassle. My car is far from standard, and I love it!, so if you enjoy yet scar with 5 speed and light controls then buy it and enjoy :-) Do let us know how you get on! Steve My TR's clutch is really light same as my modernish Peugoet! As regards PAS, the problem is that most TR's now have been fitted with after market smaller diameter steering wheels, and oversize tyres...the answer is to use the original (or modern) 15 inch steering wheel with the correct 165 section tyres! Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Sapphire72 Posted June 16, 2015 Report Share Posted June 16, 2015 You might consider test driving a number of TR6's, not just that one. If this is something you want to bring into your life to stay, it may make more sense to drive an Over Drive car, to compare how you like that compared to the 5 speed. Same thing for driving a standard steering rack vs the power steering. You don't need to rush into a purchase, test the waters with a variety of TR's, you will learn so much valuable about the car. When you find one that really excites you, be sure to have a Pre-Purchase Inspection done on it for a proper evaluation of all systems, as well as what price to offer. Pick a TR specialist who knows these cars from experience. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Peter Cobbold Posted June 16, 2015 Report Share Posted June 16, 2015 (edited) Chris, Welcome to the forum and to TRR. I've owned my 6 since '78 and the direct feel of the steering is one of the aspects of driving it that sets it apart from the imprecision of modern daily drivers. I think you need to be sure that power steering will not destroy that direct feel, kill some of the sporty character. Only driving will tell you. Peter Try drivng one with solid steering rack mounts, the standard mounts take away some feel. Edited June 17, 2015 by Peter Cobbold Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Bill Bourne Posted June 17, 2015 Report Share Posted June 17, 2015 Personally I think that the four speed box with overdrive is a large part of the character of the car. However the heavy clutch and steering do grate sometimes. The steering weight is only ever an issue when manoeuvring, but in tight town centres it can be a hassle. My car is far from standard, and I love it!, so if you enjoy yet scar with 5 speed and light controls then buy it and enjoy :-) Do let us know how you get on! Steve + 1. I also have the PAS/Hydraulic - love it. No loss of feel, great on the track. In fact I think it enhances the feel and driveability. No hesitation in recommending. Those that have tried mine - came away with the same conclusion. But try 1st before deciding. They cost around £1100. As for 5 speed box. Not so sure. I like the overdrive. Again it's personal choice. So try one out if you can. Best Bill Quote Link to post Share on other sites
GUY BENNETT Posted June 17, 2015 Report Share Posted June 17, 2015 Are 5 speed boxes that common anymore? How many Supras or Sierras does one see around? Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Steves_TR6 Posted June 17, 2015 Report Share Posted June 17, 2015 Lots of good points raised. The steering wheel/tyre size is a good point. I'm not sure what clutch is in my car, it was rebuilt by racetorations in the 90s and the clutch is very direct, ie on/off. I have solid steering mounts, and fully polybushed front end, the steering is a delight at anything above walking pace. Choices choices! Steve Quote Link to post Share on other sites
TR6GAZ Posted June 18, 2015 Report Share Posted June 18, 2015 Or you could just hit the gym and throw that steering wheel around like a boss...works for me! Quote Link to post Share on other sites
harrytr5 Posted June 19, 2015 Report Share Posted June 19, 2015 I have fully rebuilt my two TR5,s. The first one with all the toys and the second (just about run in) as it came out of the factory. Both of course drive differently.There is nothing wrong and Triumph got it so right from day one.My first is a much easier car to drive with power steering,four pots,annular clutch release kit etc.The second harder to drive with heavy steering and clutch but still a joy to drive. Love them both! Regards Harry Quote Link to post Share on other sites
KOB Posted June 19, 2015 Report Share Posted June 19, 2015 Its the overdrive for me every time. They are splendid way of providing extra gears, but lost popularity for commercial reasons. As to power steering I endorse Peters words in that respect. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Alec Pringle Posted June 19, 2015 Report Share Posted June 19, 2015 Power steering might well be a desirable feature, or even a necessity, for a minority of drivers - and to those individuals a power steering car might conceivably attract a premium . . . . . The average potential buyer of a TR6 might well be more concerned with originality, and more likely devalue accordingly the car fitted with power steering given the cost of removal. As for the 5-speed box, which may well offer a rear wheel horsepower benefit given that an overdrive unit soaks up perhaps 1 horsepower per 1000rpm . . . . . Originality tends to rule, and again the average TR2-6 buyer is unlikely to view the 5-speed conversion as a benefit. Consider that reverting to a rebuilt original overdrive box could easily cost £2.5-3K, I'd suggest knock that off the car's 'normal' value . . . . . as previously observed, in another decade's time the availability of TR gearbox parts is likely to be considerably better than those from 30 or 40 year old Ford or Toyota 'boxes . . . . . Cheers Alec Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Cew Posted June 19, 2015 Report Share Posted June 19, 2015 I considered power steering so Angie could drive my 6 easier but even she said "why?" it is only heavy when manoeuvring and isn't an issue,we are both in our 60s and although when she does drive it I have to call overdrive occasionally we both manage as it is. Compared to my XK8, that is all singing and dancing but very clinical to drive, the TR6 is just a joy to drive in all manners that are legal.It is on 165 tyres and has only a marginally smaller steering wheel. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
harrytr5 Posted June 20, 2015 Report Share Posted June 20, 2015 (edited) Never mind Bill, we know!!! Regards Harry Edited June 20, 2015 by harrytr5 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Bill Bourne Posted June 21, 2015 Report Share Posted June 21, 2015 Never mind Bill, we know!!! Regards Harry Hi Harry - ha, yes I know.. you know and I believe others know too. Perhaps when tried out - opinions might change. But heh, it's a free world, personal choice and all that. As for removal. Easy - just keep the old steering rack and steering column. Re-track and job done. Best Bill Quote Link to post Share on other sites
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