280i upgrades

[lotuseater]

I would like info on the most cost effective way of upgrading my fhc 280i 1981 It has the v6 Cologne engine and is fine but, well you know how it is! I have a budget of 2500 max; I guess the options are turbo or 350 engine, presumably entailing brakes upgrade.And what about insurance? I am 32.I am a bit new to TVR, but would be very grateful for any help.

[sevans]

You probably don't want to hear this...but selling it and buying a 350 is probably the most cost effective option. Unless you are trying to turn the car into something a bit different, even then it's doubtfull you would get your money back. I guess you would have the satisfaction of knowing you had built something a bit different. It is possible to turbo the 2.8 engine and the factory did build a one off prototype which is still around.
Regards SteveE

[kevinday]

I second the sell and replace route. This may be a problem if you want to stay with fhc style. If so the upgrade route should consider the fact that the early wedge cars had poor rear suspension which barely copes with the power. To increase the power may result in a decrease in handling and driveability.

[mikeb]

I got an article about a 280i owner changing his engine for a cosworth unit. Might be of interest to you. It is under the project cars tab.

Mike

www.tvrwedgepages.co.uk

[abw280]

I'm in the same boat - it's all well and good suggesting an up-grade to a 350 but you could end up buying an absolute lemon - if you've got a good 280 then why get rid of it.

Have you thought about a re-bore - I wondered if the engine could be taken out to 3.1L (There was a Capri 3.1 RS in the 70's) - that's the route I'm looking at going down.

[mikek]

i also thought about using a new 4.0 v6 out of a ford pickup or suv. i know here in america they come from the factory w/ 207 hp. this 4.0 v6 is like the 2.8 in the 280i b/c its a 60 degree motor, and should bolt right in place of the 2.8

[shpub]

quote:
I'm in the same boat - it's all well and good suggesting an up-grade to a 350 but you could end up buying an absolute lemon - if you've got a good 280 then why get rid of it.

Because it will cost a fortune to upgrade it to cope with the power. The 350i has a stronger chassis, usually A frame rear suspension, uprated transmission, bigger brakes to name but a few mods.

Steve