Steves tam project

[SteveSPG]

I've a couple spare days at the moment, so started removing the tired speed 6 engine in the tam I bought that shares garage space with the Ls griff

[SteveSPG]

All went pretty smoothly, surprised how heavy the speed engine is

Plan is to refit an Ls based engine and 6 speed box

Did consider the 4.3 or 4.5 option for some time, but I prefer the v8 characteristics of the LS and v8, ( and if i am honest, i don't much like the speed 6 or other straight 6 soundtrack in general , guess I'm just a v8 chap). Now that has been decided, on with the build

With the engine out, the chassis is in really good condition, a small patch near the headers has lost it's powdercoat but apart from that its fine, I just need to repaint where needed, no plans to strip the chassis off this time (this year anyway)

Ive remade the heat shields as the originals were scruffy and will fit those later this week, also I think have sorted the wiring connections, it all works as anticipated though I'm not certain how the shift light Arrangement works. I think ( after some forum help) it works from outputs inside the dash ecu, but we will see. I can drive the dash light from the ecu but prefer to use the dash setup.

Plan to use the existing rad as I found the Ls runs cold in the griff, so unless I'm into lots of track time I believe the existing rads will be fine

Tested the fuel pump, which puts out sufficient flow and pressure, but I will use the corvette filter/regulator to ensure fuel pressure at rails is maintained.

Edited by SteveSPG on Sunday 23 June 13:12

[Walford]

I use a Tuscan rad with no promlems

[BuzzBillsberry]

Sooooo looking forward to this. Something really interesting to read at last. I hope they'll be plenty of pickys once the serious stuff starts.

Buzz

[SteveSPG]

Serious stuff started. GM loom, emerald ecu, cable tb, so lots of the GM stuff needs reworking as it is designed around fly by wire

Nice chap from associated cables sorted me out with original TVR bulkhead and loom connectors, so it will plug into original loom with little modding I hope

[TA14]

SteveSPG said:

All went pretty smoothly, surprised how heavy the speed engine is

If possible could you post the weights of the S6 (dressed?) and the LSx (dressed) please? I gather that they are about the same weight but it would be good to know the weights from a project if you don't mind. Good luck!

[Walford]

Not easy, dressed GM, or after market, starter being classic example

what do you include clutch, alternator, inlet, ecu, bigger exhaust and silencers

what about the bigger gearbox that anything but a 350hp conversion requires

easier to weigh the car before and after

[SteveSPG]

ive a small aftermarket type high torque starter, used them on SBC before, should be ok.

i have a plan for the alternator mount, but will have to see how close it is to the chassis.

[SteveSPG]

the t5 will be replaced with a tremec 5 or 6 speed. both are heavier, but the low rpm 6th is very comfortable on long runs, so IF (and it is a big if), it'll fit ok, i'd prefer a 6 speed.

I've fitted a 6 speed on the griff, and though the exhaust runs a little lower, its a compromise i'm happy with....the front and rear of the tam is way lower than the griff, and to date, ive not had issues with clearance on the exhaust

the ls clutch is heavier than speed 6, but i am considering a lighter ap alternative

Edited by SteveSPG on Thursday 27th June 15:16

[SteveSPG]

looms about done, will wrap it once its running and i am sure no mods need to be made




taking some more measurements, there is no way i can see headers fitting without relocating the steering column to the "griff" position in the wheel well....pity i didn't measure that before i started with the new heat mat.....

not sure if i should leave the column fibreglass in situ or remove it fully and reshape the area...

[Walford]

Tuscan colum is lower

[SteveSPG]

Walford said:

Tuscan colum is lower

does it intefere more with the headers or less do you think?

on the ls conversions ive seen, the column is relocated to give header clearance, but the ones ive seen are tuscans, not tams., and measuring mine, i can see the shaft UJ will be problematic and relocating is probably the best solution

[Walford]

Tuscan colum passes under this tube

[SteveSPG]

Walford said:

Tuscan colum passes under this tube

ok thanks, that is where i will need to put mine i believe......just relocated to tuscan position

[Walford]

put your head under front O/S wheel arch of any (Mk1) Tuscan

[SteveSPG]

Will do, need to find out what bearing housing is used

[SteveSPG]

Not much of an update but I did decide to remove the column housing and flush that in.




this will give me a little more clearance around the headers, and my "bodywork" modification will be underneath new heatmat, so cannot be seen.

Edited by SteveSPG on Monday 29th July 10:17

[Walford]

Tuscan has Vectra B colum
what does your car have?

[SteveSPG]

i think its the same as tuscan one, though i suspect the lower column lengths are different.

just considering what to do re the bulkhead bearing, machine up a housing for a 3/4 bearing or use a tuscan lower column and bearing housing...

Edited by SteveSPG on Monday 29th July 11:59

[Walford]

is it a vauxhall ignition key