350i Resto and mods

[Chilliman]

I'm thinking about a 350i body off nut and bolt restoration with a view to a few mods or 'upgrades' during the rebuild. Can any of you guys tell me:

1. What diff is in the 350i (Ford/Jag ??)
2. Is it the same diff thats in the 390/420 etc ?
3. Does the 350i have the same hubs/brake discs/calipers as the larger engined wedges ?
4. Is the 350i chassis the same as the larger engined wedges/are the suspension mounting points the same, or was there revised suspension geo on the later cars ?
5. Are there any known weak areas in the chassis that would be worth strengthening during refurb ?
6. Are there any known major issues replacing an LT77 with a T5 box ? (mounting points/space)
7. Any other mods or upgrades that would be worthwhile during a body off restoration ?
8. Does anybody make a hard top for the convertible 350i ?

Apologies If these questions have all been addressed in previous threads... (point me in the right direction ?)

Any answers or suggestions gratefully received... and lots of thanks in advance...

[Jonny weggie]

Hi Richard,

It depend's on how much you've bought the car for and how much your willing to spend on a lot of upgrades. Upgrades can be costly.
I had a 350 and enjoyed it for 3 years but always wanted the bigger engine [more power] so it was cheaper for me to buy the bigger 390 model which had more power [75bhp more], better brake's [4 pots] it's all down to what you want.
So if your wanting to put on the upgrades with body off resto then your car would be in concours by the time you finish it. That way you dont have to worry about whats going to go wrong.

jonny.

[Chilliman]

Hi Jonny, thanks for your reply. I have undertaken a nut and bolt rebuild before although it wasn't a TVR ! The satisfaction at the end of such a project is enormous, particularly in the knowledge that you've 'saved' a great British classic which will give great pleasure to future owners. I take your point about going for the larger engined car rather than going for expensive upgrades, and totally agree with you... it's, er, well it's the reason I've got a Chimaera 500 and not a 400 Thing is, I'm developing an obsession with restoring and giving new life to an older and not overly loved wedge.... Maybe I'm nuts

[Number 7]

Chilliman said:

I'm thinking about a 350i body off nut and bolt restoration with a view to a few mods or 'upgrades' during the rebuild. Can any of you guys tell me:

1. What diff is in the 350i (Ford/Jag ??)
2. Is it the same diff thats in the 390/420 etc ?
3. Does the 350i have the same hubs/brake discs/calipers as the larger engined wedges ?
4. Is the 350i chassis the same as the larger engined wedges/are the suspension mounting points the same, or was there revised suspension geo on the later cars ?
5. Are there any known weak areas in the chassis that would be worth strengthening during refurb ?
6. Are there any known major issues replacing an LT77 with a T5 box ? (mounting points/space)
7. Any other mods or upgrades that would be worthwhile during a body off restoration ?
8. Does anybody make a hard top for the convertible 350i ?

Apologies If these questions have all been addressed in previous threads... (point me in the right direction ?)

Any answers or suggestions gratefully received... and lots of thanks in advance...

1. & 2. The diff on almost all of the Wedges is the Salisbury 4HU (as fitted to various Jags) - I believe that some early 390SE's had a Torsen diff, but these are very rare. The axle ratio did vary, depending on the model and the options specified at build. Most V8 cars should have the LSD version (Powerlok).
3. Rear brakes are common across the whole range. Most of the front brakes are 2 piston calipers on one piece mountings/rotors. They would be solid on all except the 390/420. The last cars, the 400/450 series used separate alloy mounting bells with vented rotors(v. expensive to replace!) and Princess 4 piston calipers.
4. I assume that you are aware of the differences between the trailing arm and the "A frame rear suspension. I believe that the introduction of the V8 cars came with a modified chassis at the front end to suit the new lump, and some suspension tweaks as well.
5. Outriggers are prone to corrosion, but fairly easily replaced on the Wedges. Chassis can be prone to cracking in some places. On mine, around the front end, and particularly around the diff - again, relatively easy to weld in strengthening (for a pro!) Alloy diff beams known to brake (I've done 2)but again, will be obvious, and not too difficult to drop the diff and replace.
6. I wouldn't bother with a gearbox change. I believe it can be very expensive for not much gain. Unless you are planning to put 350+ torques through it, a rebuild would probably be better.
7. Worth converting the front suspension to a coil-over set-up.
8. Not that I know of - but why? The normal roof is quite good if the seals are in shape and the fabric properly treated.

I would invest in a copy of the Bible as well for more info.

[wooly350i]

Hi Richard,my 350i is an 88 series 2 and have upgraded/modified one or two bits.
The diff is jag xjs
but drive shafts I think are solely TVR but the bigger engines cars do have bigger uj's on all shafts and bigger front calipers on vented discs.
Not to sure about chassis changes although there are some but outriggers need checking for corrosion.
A t5 for an lt77 may need a mod to the propshaft although I stand to be corrected on that one.
Suspension is an obvious improvement,anyway that's a start but I'm sure there will be many more comments.
John.

[Jonny weggie]

Chilliman said:

Hi Jonny, thanks for your reply. I have undertaken a nut and bolt rebuild before although it wasn't a TVR ! The satisfaction at the end of such a project is enormous, particularly in the knowledge that you've 'saved' a great British classic which will give great pleasure to future owners. I take your point about going for the larger engined car rather than going for expensive upgrades, and totally agree with you... it's, er, well it's the reason I've got a Chimaera 500 and not a 400 Thing is, I'm developing an obsession with restoring and giving new life to an older and not overly loved wedge.... Maybe I'm nuts

Know where your coming from now, in that case go for it Richard then you'll have a very much loved Wedge,[by all] see you at the BBWF 2012 !!.
If your looking for spares or bits hard to find then just ask the Wedge lads and you'll get an answer.

jonny.

[Chilliman]

Thanks for the replies guys, all questions answered !! If I get the project up and running I'll be back !!!!! (possibly with more questions Number 7 ) Cheers... R.

Edited by Chilliman on Monday 11th April 18:38