Taraka Engine Mark 1

[cp81]

Hi, am considering taking on a Chim with a early Taraka engine which has mechanical lifters, my query is does anyone have one of these engines and looks after it themselves??

Only asking question as considering taking on car as a 3rd car possibly and would be undertaking all service / maintenance works myself, as well as restoration works. So am trying to work out all potential costs and requirements prior to committing to project.

So if anyone knows how to set them or advice would be grateful appreciated. Hating see the car sitting still and not being looked after or used.

Thanks

[Colin RedGriff]

The Taraka is an upgrade available from TVR Powers it's a blueprinted engine with some modifications to the breathing and the camshaft. I don't think it needs any different serving from the standard TVR engine.

[tvrgreg]

Yep mk1 Taraka engines indeed have solid lifters and adjustable pushrods. I used to set these up after fresh build then again on 1000 mile service. They are a bit tricky at 1st but when you have done it a few times its easy getting adjustment just right with minimal chatter. Cannot remember optimal clearances offhand but if i remember will let you know, I am sure dom at power will give you the correct settings tho.

[cp81]

Greg, thanks.

I am not too sure Dom would give this info out, as he would be losing on out on work.

If my budget figures stack up, I might get the cam swapped out for ease of servicing.

[phazed]

I have a solid cam and have been quoted from V8D that the setting is 16thou cold on inlet and exhausts.

Easy to do, just a pain.

Not worth swapping the cam unless it is on its way out or you have about 1K spare if you are paying someone!

[SILICONEKID345HP]

Do you need solid lifters on these engines ?

[phazed]

SILICONEKID345HP said:

Do you need solid lifters on these engines ?

You don't, "need" solids. Yours performs really well on a hydraulic cam.

Solids are good for continuous high revs as they don't bleed down, therefor power stays the same.......

[cp81]

Phazed thanks, I assume it's like the process of setting tappets from my experience of having a TR6 and Triumph Spitfire in my early days?

[tvrgreg]

Yep just like setting tappets but locknuts on the pushrods so need two spanners to hold locknut and pushrod, they tend to change clearance when being locked up so it takes a few adjustments on one before you workout wot clearance is required when nipping them up. 16 thou sounds huge clearance, that will chatter its tits off (technical term ) i sort of remember something like 6-8 thou but will try and find out.

[phazed]

Yes please if you can find out that would be great.

Have you set them before on many TVRs?

16 thou was recommended but maybe on the generous side.

[tvrgreg]

Yes worked on a dozen or so from when they finished with solid lifters then when Dom developed the mk2 with different cam and followers.

[phazed]

Please let me know what you set them at if it comes back to you!

[macdeb]

Colin RedGriff said:

The Taraka is an upgrade available from TVR Powers it's a blueprinted engine with some modifications to the breathing and the camshaft. I don't think it needs any different serving from the standard TVR engine.

It's a good engine, but I doubt very much it's 'blueprinted'.