13B powered Triumph TR6 project.

N.RotaryTech · 10-20-2008, 05:34 PM

History:
My dad got this TR6 sometime around when I was born.
It was junk, but it ran.
For the next 24 years we've had it running off an on every few years.
Stuff would brake, let it sit, replace broken stuff, run it again, repeat.
My 1st attempts at driving manual shift took place in this car.
Ive actually had the pleasure of driving this thing when I was a teen (for a short time).
Scared every time, that something would brake or go wrong while driving sending me flaming off the road.

A couple years ago while it was in one of its "sitting" times, the top an wind shield got smashed when the top of a dead pine tree fell on it.

So thats where I start on it.

Ive had the dream of putting a rotary in an old British sports car for years.
So now I'm finally doing it.

Pictures after the tree fell on it, an before I started on it.

need RX7 · 10-20-2008, 05:49 PM

Sweet! It looks like it'll be a long road full of hard work, but totally worth it in the end. That tiny thing will scream with a rotary. Good luck!!

N.RotaryTech · 10-20-2008, 05:56 PM

Jeff20B · 10-20-2008, 06:25 PM

It's good to see some progress and it's good to see it happening on an old British sports car. It's even better that it's getting a rotary.

I assume you're going to use a standard FC 13B as you have two 2nd gens listed in your sig.

Phoenix7 · 10-20-2008, 06:27 PM

a lot of work to do but once it's done It'll be very cool. I've seen those around here and they look nice, i can only imagine the rotary sound from it when it's done.

What the stock power in those things?

WE3RX7 · 10-20-2008, 06:44 PM

Sweet. I love these kinds of projects. My buddy's father just retired this past year and is starting a very similar project.

Whats the powerplant idea? 13B carb?

N.RotaryTech · 10-20-2008, 08:18 PM

N.RotaryTech · 10-20-2008, 08:28 PM

WE3RX7 · 10-20-2008, 09:25 PM

Man those things are scary.

You planning on doing anything w/ the body as far as blasting, etc? or just going to go with it for now...

N.RotaryTech · 10-20-2008, 09:40 PM

The one thing I hate about the damage it has, well you can see it in those last two pictures.
Other than that I think its fine.
It has some rust spots, but there savable.
I'm going to do the body work and paint later down the road.
As of now its just get this thing running mechanically.

I removed 30 pounds (just guessing) of "sound deading" from the interior.
When I removed the dash, the wiring looked like a back-yard mech. put it together. I guess thats how it came from the factory.
I cut the dash around the steering column to get it off. It looks like they installed the dash before the steering column.
The engine is very simple. Carb, strait-6, push-rod. US market has HP ratings around 100. Tranny was a 4spd. Ill have to look up the diff gearing.
No power everything.
And it comes with a full-size spare.
Its interesting how simple these cars were built.

My plans:
I'm going to use the Triumph's rear diff, drive-shaft (going to be customized), suspension, steering, brakes, and fuel-tank.
The things I'm going to use from my '87 RX7 are: Engine, tranny, wire harness, radiator, oil-cooler, coils, battery, etc.
Everything else will be custom.
In a short overall summary I'm going to get it: running, roadworthy, upgrades, upgrades, etc.

The rotary engine is newly rebuilt (atkins) with RA apex seals and some interesting porting, and it still needs breaking in. Story on that in the link in my sig.

TR6's replacement engine.

Rough fit in the TR6. (will go back an down)

Thats where I am now.
I hope to get this running by or before the end of the year.
All that I've done till now has only taken about two weeks in the past 3 weeks.
I don't have a job now, lol, so that helps with build time. But I'm interrupted by weather, other things, etc.
Next is a lot of custom mounting to do.

I decided to post this project up now for some inspiration to finish it. lol.
IcandoitIcandoitIcandoit. lol.

afterburn27 · 10-21-2008, 09:51 AM

Neat project. I am a rotary enthusiest second, and a British car lover first. My first car was an unrestored '74 TR6 which I daily drove through most of high school. I finally saved up enough to restore it my senior year. That car was ridiculously reliable, easily the most trustworthy car I have ever owned. I rebuilt the factory stromberg carbs when I bought it and never had any issues. Those cars are super simple, there just isn't much to break, and if something does break it only takes 2 seconds to find it and fix it. Now it has a high compression, cammed engine with more tunable SU carbs. It is a blast to drive.

I too have contemplated restoring an older british roadster and swapping a 13B-T in. Although I would choose a smaller chassis like a spitfire, midget, sprite, etc. I love british straight-6 engines too much to toss one out. Right now I am on the hunt for a good condition TVR 2500M.

Good luck.

Oh yeah... one more thing:

I would make sure to reinforce the diff mount. They tend to crack with any kind of performance driving.

N.RotaryTech · 10-21-2008, 10:20 AM

^Aren't you in the Carolinas?

Thats awsome that you were able to drive your TR6 through school.

The main problem I had with mine, was it was so freaking hard to start, sometimes when we did have it out we'd go to start it back up an it acted like it had "hot start" issues. Among other starting problems.
The second main problem Ive had was "sticking brakes" / brake problems.
Thats why I would say mine was not very reliable, starting an brake issues.

afterburn27 · 10-21-2008, 12:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by N.RotaryTech

^Aren't you in the Carolinas?

Yup, I'm in Greenville, SC.

Quote:

Originally Posted by N.RotaryTech

^Aren't you in the Carolinas?

Thats awsome that you were able to drive your TR6 through school.

The main problem I had with mine, was it was so freaking hard to start, sometimes when we did have it out we'd go to start it back up an it acted like it had "hot start" issues. Among other starting problems.
The second main problem Ive had was "sticking brakes" / brake problems.
Thats why I would say mine was not very reliable, starting an brake issues.

Yeah, I will admit that the TR6 brakes are horrible. I neglected to mention that the car had a stuck rear brake cylinder stuck when I bought it. I obviously rebuilt the brakes before I drove it at all.

And the hot starting issue was probably a combination of low compression and carbs that needed an overhaul. (The factory carbs are POS).

And yeah it was pretty cool being able to drive that back in school, but it was in pretty rough shape before I restored it. That didn't stop me from driving around like it was the coolest car in the world. lol

SouthSideSlider · 10-23-2008, 06:28 PM

lol i wanted to do this to my TR-7

savannafc4me · 10-24-2008, 10:07 PM

Dammm you got guts, to take on a project of this kind. I bet she will look and sound sweet when you finish her. Good Luck Bro.

10-20-2008, 05:34 PM	#1
N.RotaryTech Home-brew Rotary Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: GooseCreek SC iTrader: (0) Posts: 552 Rep Power: 17	13B powered Triumph TR6 project. History: My dad got this TR6 sometime around when I was born. It was junk, but it ran. For the next 24 years we've had it running off an on every few years. Stuff would brake, let it sit, replace broken stuff, run it again, repeat. My 1st attempts at driving manual shift took place in this car. Ive actually had the pleasure of driving this thing when I was a teen (for a short time). Scared every time, that something would brake or go wrong while driving sending me flaming off the road. A couple years ago while it was in one of its "sitting" times, the top an wind shield got smashed when the top of a dead pine tree fell on it. So thats where I start on it. Ive had the dream of putting a rotary in an old British sports car for years. So now I'm finally doing it. Pictures after the tree fell on it, an before I started on it. __________________ '89 RX7 GTU, half-Bridge-port S4/S5 NA, E6K, Full RB exhaust, weekend warrior. '83 RX7, The "this might take awhile" project. '87 RX7 GXL, Rest In Pieces. '98 Subaru Impreza Outback-sport, rx7 rescue vehicle, down for repair. '94 Ford Ranger, daily.

10-20-2008, 05:49 PM	#2
need RX7 Clean S4 Nutswinger Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Sterling Heights, MI iTrader: (0) Posts: 485 Rep Power: 17	Sweet! It looks like it'll be a long road full of hard work, but totally worth it in the end. That tiny thing will scream with a rotary. Good luck!! __________________ -Ted -1986 Mazda RX7 Sport [DD/beater]: engine finally let go at 205k. parts car status. -1986 Mazda RX7 base [resto-mod project]: S5 n/a swap in progress.

10-20-2008, 05:56 PM	#3
N.RotaryTech Home-brew Rotary Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: GooseCreek SC iTrader: (0) Posts: 552 Rep Power: 17	Teardown begins.

10-20-2008, 08:18 PM	#7
N.RotaryTech Home-brew Rotary Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: GooseCreek SC iTrader: (0) Posts: 552 Rep Power: 17	Teardown cont.

10-20-2008, 08:28 PM	#8
N.RotaryTech Home-brew Rotary Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: GooseCreek SC iTrader: (0) Posts: 552 Rep Power: 17	Teardown cont.

10-20-2008, 06:25 PM	#4
Jeff20B Rotary Fanatic Join Date: Mar 2008 iTrader: (1) Posts: 215 Rep Power: 17	It's good to see some progress and it's good to see it happening on an old British sports car. It's even better that it's getting a rotary. I assume you're going to use a standard FC 13B as you have two 2nd gens listed in your sig.

10-20-2008, 06:44 PM	#6
WE3RX7 RCC Addict Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: VA iTrader: (1) Posts: 1,812 Rep Power: 18	Sweet. I love these kinds of projects. My buddy's father just retired this past year and is starting a very similar project. Whats the powerplant idea? 13B carb?

10-20-2008, 09:25 PM	#9
WE3RX7 RCC Addict Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: VA iTrader: (1) Posts: 1,812 Rep Power: 18	Man those things are scary. You planning on doing anything w/ the body as far as blasting, etc? or just going to go with it for now...

10-20-2008, 09:40 PM	#10
N.RotaryTech Home-brew Rotary Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: GooseCreek SC iTrader: (0) Posts: 552 Rep Power: 17	The one thing I hate about the damage it has, well you can see it in those last two pictures. Other than that I think its fine. It has some rust spots, but there savable. I'm going to do the body work and paint later down the road. As of now its just get this thing running mechanically. I removed 30 pounds (just guessing) of "sound deading" from the interior. When I removed the dash, the wiring looked like a back-yard mech. put it together. I guess thats how it came from the factory. I cut the dash around the steering column to get it off. It looks like they installed the dash before the steering column. The engine is very simple. Carb, strait-6, push-rod. US market has HP ratings around 100. Tranny was a 4spd. Ill have to look up the diff gearing. No power everything. And it comes with a full-size spare. Its interesting how simple these cars were built. My plans: I'm going to use the Triumph's rear diff, drive-shaft (going to be customized), suspension, steering, brakes, and fuel-tank. The things I'm going to use from my '87 RX7 are: Engine, tranny, wire harness, radiator, oil-cooler, coils, battery, etc. Everything else will be custom. In a short overall summary I'm going to get it: running, roadworthy, upgrades, upgrades, etc. The rotary engine is newly rebuilt (atkins) with RA apex seals and some interesting porting, and it still needs breaking in. Story on that in the link in my sig. TR6's replacement engine. Rough fit in the TR6. (will go back an down) Thats where I am now. I hope to get this running by or before the end of the year. All that I've done till now has only taken about two weeks in the past 3 weeks. I don't have a job now, lol, so that helps with build time. But I'm interrupted by weather, other things, etc. Next is a lot of custom mounting to do. I decided to post this project up now for some inspiration to finish it. lol. IcandoitIcandoitIcandoit. lol. __________________ '89 RX7 GTU, half-Bridge-port S4/S5 NA, E6K, Full RB exhaust, weekend warrior. '83 RX7, The "this might take awhile" project. '87 RX7 GXL, Rest In Pieces. '98 Subaru Impreza Outback-sport, rx7 rescue vehicle, down for repair. '94 Ford Ranger, daily.

10-21-2008, 09:51 AM	#11
afterburn27 Rotary Fan in Training Join Date: Feb 2008 iTrader: (0) Posts: 58 Rep Power: 17	Neat project. I am a rotary enthusiest second, and a British car lover first. My first car was an unrestored '74 TR6 which I daily drove through most of high school. I finally saved up enough to restore it my senior year. That car was ridiculously reliable, easily the most trustworthy car I have ever owned. I rebuilt the factory stromberg carbs when I bought it and never had any issues. Those cars are super simple, there just isn't much to break, and if something does break it only takes 2 seconds to find it and fix it. Now it has a high compression, cammed engine with more tunable SU carbs. It is a blast to drive. I too have contemplated restoring an older british roadster and swapping a 13B-T in. Although I would choose a smaller chassis like a spitfire, midget, sprite, etc. I love british straight-6 engines too much to toss one out. Right now I am on the hunt for a good condition TVR 2500M. Good luck. Oh yeah... one more thing: I would make sure to reinforce the diff mount. They tend to crack with any kind of performance driving. __________________ '93 RX-7 (GT3574 track toy) '74 Triumph TR6 (weekend cruiser) Last edited by afterburn27; 10-21-2008 at 09:54 AM..

10-21-2008, 10:20 AM	#12
N.RotaryTech Home-brew Rotary Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: GooseCreek SC iTrader: (0) Posts: 552 Rep Power: 17	^Aren't you in the Carolinas? Thats awsome that you were able to drive your TR6 through school. The main problem I had with mine, was it was so freaking hard to start, sometimes when we did have it out we'd go to start it back up an it acted like it had "hot start" issues. Among other starting problems. The second main problem Ive had was "sticking brakes" / brake problems. Thats why I would say mine was not very reliable, starting an brake issues.

10-23-2008, 06:28 PM	#14
SouthSideSlider Rotary Fan in Training Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Goose Creek/Summerville iTrader: (0) Posts: 60 Rep Power: 17	lol i wanted to do this to my TR-7 __________________ 2000 Acura Integra GS: daily driver 1990 Mazda RX-7 GTU: parts car. 1986 Mazda RX-7 base: under the knife.(no sunroof!!!) 1989 Volvo 745 turbo: B230ET,19T turbo,850 Turbo injectors,HKS Manual Boost Controler,Port/Polish,Oversized valves,titanium valve springs,M-Cam,G80 locker,modded AW71 transmission.

10-24-2008, 10:07 PM	#15
savannafc4me The Newbie Join Date: Oct 2008 iTrader: (0) Posts: 14 Rep Power: 0	Dammm you got guts, to take on a project of this kind. I bet she will look and sound sweet when you finish her. Good Luck Bro.