TR4 Fast Road Engine

[aterro]

Hi all,

i have spoken with a variety of people on engine specifications and opinion varies massively, therefore i was hoping for some honest unbiased opinions on engine builds.

Before i summarise this, if anyone would like to recommend an engine builder in the Midlands that would be helpful.

The purpose of the car is to be a fun, reliable car that will take some abuse. It will be accompanied with a LSD, HS6 carbs, strengthened chassis, twin valve rear dampers and a better braking setup. I want it to be relatively quick from 20mph to 60mph.

therefore i have the following questions;

1) would you recommend 89mm pistons or 87mm?

2) rear crank seal, should the crank end be ground down and an updated seal fitted?

3) What max duration would you recommend for the camshaft? Piper do a nice one with 286. (TR3BP285) but do you think this would likely make it un-driveable as a road car?

it will be standard rods & crank, with a suitably ported head.

thank you

Kind regards

 

 

 

 

[Andy Moltu]

Using 89mmpistons is fine as you can use standard head gaskets. I thingk beyond that you may need specialist head gaskets. Either way go for decent quality. 89mm pistons and liners are significanly more expensive than 87mm.

There are now seal conversions that don't require machining so probably a better option.

Lighten the flywheel and have the bottom end balanced - no direct gain in power but will allow you to use any power gains with greater reliability and faster pick up.

Were you planning on any head work such as gas flowing and changes to compression ratio?

Most of the TR people will have their recommended "fast road" cam. Talk to them and see whether the power band will suit your preferred driving syle. Go too wild and you'd be changing up too often. Not wild enough and you might wish for more power!

As for who might do the work EJ Ward who are Stag specialists are certainly up to the job if you are in the South of the county and there's TR Enterprizes to the North. There are plenty of us in the club in Leicestershire happy to lend advice and a hand (when lockdown permits) Where are you exactly?