Turbo Technics 2.8 in 2+2 ?
Discussion
I have a 2+2 I'm restoring and still cannot decide which engine to put in it, as the original one is not in good condition & has auto box . I like the idea of the 2.8 turbo technics but will it fit - has anyone tried?
Or my other thoughts are - cosworth 24v or maybe omega 3.0/3.2 V6 ?
The chassis is suppose to be smaller than the V8 chassis so does anyone know of what engines fit well.
Any thoughts are welcome as I'm now at the stage of choosing an engine and putting it in.
Or my other thoughts are - cosworth 24v or maybe omega 3.0/3.2 V6 ?
The chassis is suppose to be smaller than the V8 chassis so does anyone know of what engines fit well.
Any thoughts are welcome as I'm now at the stage of choosing an engine and putting it in.
Cosworth 24v would be my choice, keep it v6 and a reliable 200bhp, only downside I can see is that they are auto only. This can be fixed but I would avoid the type 9 (sierra) box as they are marginal past about 150bhp ish so you are looking for a t5 box (sierra cosworth)
I know there is a v6 Turbo out there but I cant help thinking cooling would be a massive issue.
I know there is a v6 Turbo out there but I cant help thinking cooling would be a massive issue.
Hi...Here is my 2pence worth...Personally i would forget about forced induction as it will cost an arm...Leg...Left testi and loads of frontal lobed banging headaches....Cosworth would be a good alternative but if i was able to go back in time then i would speak to John Toovey of Toovey racing about rebuilding the old unit...I can't think of anyone better...
You could probably pick up a ford 5 speed box ....
You could probably pick up a ford 5 speed box ....
Type 9 seems to cope fine in the S with 170bhp.
All that aside. Engine options are pretty open. Depends on how much work you're willing to do / capable of.
There's an S with a twin turbo Lexus V8 being finished.
Instead of the Cosworth 2.9 - which are getting rare and expensive - the Ford/Jag 3.0 V6 is a good alternative. Lighter and a whole Jag S type can be had for £700. A few have been fitted to S's - http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...
BMW straight 6 fits too - http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a... Although some may not like a BM lump going in a Peter Wheeler era TVR
Other than that the Ford 4-pot range is popular with the 'classic' groupies. Zetec and Duratec can be built to give 200hp and offer a noticable weight saving (more so the Duratec).
How about a V8? Could go Rover or for less money how about a BMW V8 - 4.4 out of the X5 is plentify, cheap (by comparison) and reliable. Having seen one fitted to a mk1 Golf Caddy pickup then it should fit into the FHC.
If the car is a keeper then the choice is yours. Whilst originality is certainly desirable, what is an original TVR? No two were the same leaving the factory.
All that aside. Engine options are pretty open. Depends on how much work you're willing to do / capable of.
There's an S with a twin turbo Lexus V8 being finished.
Instead of the Cosworth 2.9 - which are getting rare and expensive - the Ford/Jag 3.0 V6 is a good alternative. Lighter and a whole Jag S type can be had for £700. A few have been fitted to S's - http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...
BMW straight 6 fits too - http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a... Although some may not like a BM lump going in a Peter Wheeler era TVR
Other than that the Ford 4-pot range is popular with the 'classic' groupies. Zetec and Duratec can be built to give 200hp and offer a noticable weight saving (more so the Duratec).
How about a V8? Could go Rover or for less money how about a BMW V8 - 4.4 out of the X5 is plentify, cheap (by comparison) and reliable. Having seen one fitted to a mk1 Golf Caddy pickup then it should fit into the FHC.
If the car is a keeper then the choice is yours. Whilst originality is certainly desirable, what is an original TVR? No two were the same leaving the factory.
mk1fan said:
Whilst originality is certainly desirable, what is an original TVR? No two were the same leaving the factory.
Using that philosophy we may as well all fit 1.6L turbodiesels 
I wonder how many people would buy a 1920s Rolls-Royce and throw the engine away. They were built the way they were built, if you don't like it that way, buy something else. Simple.
Wedg1e said:
Using that philosophy we may as well all fit 1.6L turbodiesels
I wonder how many people would buy a 1920s Rolls-Royce and throw the engine away. They were built the way they were built, if you don't like it that way, buy something else. Simple.
Not sure you're in a position to preach about keeping a car original I wonder how many people would buy a 1920s Rolls-Royce and throw the engine away. They were built the way they were built, if you don't like it that way, buy something else. Simple.
Thanks for everyone's thoughts, I've considered the jaguar engines but as they have VVC engine no ecu suppliers are willing or able to map them. Then there's the ford V6 2.5 from the mondeo ST 200 but these need jag sumps & gearbox then plenum turning 280degrees etc, that's when I considered the Vauxhall omega engines 3.0 is 200 bhp all set up with gearbox, and Canems can map the dual ram intake, it's just fining one - there's plenty of 2.5 (168bhp) & 2.6 (178 bhp)ones
I don't want to get an engine & gearbox then find it won't fit. So if anyone's tried different engines please advise me.
I don't want to get an engine & gearbox then find it won't fit. So if anyone's tried different engines please advise me.
Given the Jag engine has successfully been fitted to the S I don't see any issues fitting it to an FHC. Send a PM to DamienS3 who'll no doubt be happy to share his ecu solution.
Anything can be made to fit, just takes time and some knowledge. A mechanically simple swap would be to a 2.9 Cologne. Wiring would be no more difficult than any other engine.
What are you wanting to acheive? 170bhp will be a pretty spritely car but will it be enough? Also, a 170bhp zetec or duratec four point will perform better due to the weight saving.
When Samy is due for a body off I am likely to go lightly enhanced 2.3 Dutatec. 220bhp is fine for what I want from Samy.
Anything can be made to fit, just takes time and some knowledge. A mechanically simple swap would be to a 2.9 Cologne. Wiring would be no more difficult than any other engine.
What are you wanting to acheive? 170bhp will be a pretty spritely car but will it be enough? Also, a 170bhp zetec or duratec four point will perform better due to the weight saving.
When Samy is due for a body off I am likely to go lightly enhanced 2.3 Dutatec. 220bhp is fine for what I want from Samy.
Cosworth BOA V6 seems like a straightforward idea until you actually try it.
Block fits existing mounting points easy enough, you can retain the Ford 5-speed box and clutch from a 280 (mine coped well enough until I enlarged the engine to a 3.3). Exhaust manifolds & wiring loom were not so straightforward (with to a lessor extent starter motor & alternator). Also, the extra power is only noticeable above 3.5k.
Block fits existing mounting points easy enough, you can retain the Ford 5-speed box and clutch from a 280 (mine coped well enough until I enlarged the engine to a 3.3). Exhaust manifolds & wiring loom were not so straightforward (with to a lessor extent starter motor & alternator). Also, the extra power is only noticeable above 3.5k.
mk1fan said:
Not sure you're in a position to preach about keeping a car original
Still has the original engine, gearbox, suspension, brakes, seats, interior trim, spoilers, exhaust, steering, wiring loom, glass, instruments... granted the wheels are from a different car but at least it was also a TVR wedge. Most of the bits I made myself I did with an eye on making money by selling them but lo and behold, nobody wants to spend it unless it's to make an ill-handling, badly-braked car go even faster than the chassis can cope with - and it's a sight easier to swap a set of indicator stalks back to the originals than it is the drivetrain.At the last count the only bits of my car that are not 'original' are the column switchgear, cruise control (which would have probably been how the factory did it if anyone had asked for it), the front sidelights and a few bits of the injection system done as an experiment, I still have the NCK parts which would go with the car if I ever sold it. Which is not likely to happen while they're being bought for banger money and chopped about by people who are convinced they know better than the factory.
Someone in the states fitted a Ford 302 small block into a 280i...I did hear that TVR originally was trying to secure the 302 Boss Mustang engine for the first Wedges and thats why the chassis were wider in the 200??
Imagine if that had happened......
I suspect it could of gone the other way if these engines were used in the beginning...I mean where would you go from 5.0ltr....Smaller bore with forced induction i would imagine...So maybe we should thank our lucky stars that we have what we have...I think the problems we could of faced would of been very expensive compared to what we have at the moment...
I know that the only real Turbo Tasmin 280i Prototype works thanks to a lot of work done by the owner of the car ...
I know also that Turbo Technics has released a kit that is meant for the Cologne V6 but....It can get very expensive.....If i could go back to the point of making the decision of race prepared NA 280i...Crate turnkey 5.0ltr Ford 302 with stage 3 heads and road race cam.... Or a Supercharged 280i..I would of chosen the small block over the choice of supercharged that i made...Okay it would of probably cost the best part of 8K with the T5 and ancillaries over the 5K it cost for the blower fitment but i know i would be suffering severe facial muscle cramps from constantly smiling for the last three years....
So i guess its down to budget...Heart over head.....Marriage or Wedge...(Id choose Wedge every time).....
Imagine if that had happened......
I suspect it could of gone the other way if these engines were used in the beginning...I mean where would you go from 5.0ltr....Smaller bore with forced induction i would imagine...So maybe we should thank our lucky stars that we have what we have...I think the problems we could of faced would of been very expensive compared to what we have at the moment...
I know that the only real Turbo Tasmin 280i Prototype works thanks to a lot of work done by the owner of the car ...
I know also that Turbo Technics has released a kit that is meant for the Cologne V6 but....It can get very expensive.....If i could go back to the point of making the decision of race prepared NA 280i...Crate turnkey 5.0ltr Ford 302 with stage 3 heads and road race cam.... Or a Supercharged 280i..I would of chosen the small block over the choice of supercharged that i made...Okay it would of probably cost the best part of 8K with the T5 and ancillaries over the 5K it cost for the blower fitment but i know i would be suffering severe facial muscle cramps from constantly smiling for the last three years....
So i guess its down to budget...Heart over head.....Marriage or Wedge...(Id choose Wedge every time).....
Wedg1e said:
mk1fan said:
So the cars not original then.
If I want to make changes to my car I just do it, I don't ask the internet to hold my hand and decide which bits I should use... 
...On a different subject the Wedge is the most comfortable TVR i have ever sat in...(Regardless of what engine it had in it)...Actually its the SEAC....So Mr E if you are watching please fit the Wedge seating arrangement DNA into the new cars...Please...Thanks....
If it's an earlier 2.8, then the chassis is quite narrow at the back, which is a PITA. You can tell by checking if the two top rails are straight. Also they have a cross beam which gets in the way.
Later ones have a bend in them to widen the space at the rear for the Rover lump, and crossbeams revised for front sumped Rover. The Rover V8 isn't that small, so quite a few engines should fit in this one.
I looked at engine alternatives for mine (1982 - straight rails) now that I'm in NZ.
For earlier ones like mine, Rover V8 won't go in without serious chassis mods, but a 'foreign' 60 degree V6 may go in - I'm amazed that the Cossy goes in (but I understand the exhaust manifold is VERY tight, and has to be custom made. DOHC V6 are typically quite wide too, so may not easily fit. 302 are actually very small for a V8 lump, so may squeeze in, but they are outclassed today by more modern stuff.
NB The 4.0 Cologne is a LOT taller, and is OHC, and has a reputation for blowing cam chains (at least here in NZ anyway). Pushrod 4.0 are VERY rare, being US only before going OHC....
There are a few engines here which aren't in UK, like the Ford Falcon L6, and the 3.8 Holden (=Buick), which might fit. I haven't measured a 3.6 GM/Opel/Vaux. but I understand it's a 60 degree V6, so may be OK (they are here too).
From what I've read, if I was in UK I would consider - (not in any order)
3.5 (3.7?) Cologne from specialised engines. looks original, hard to tell - can even keep 'K' injection !!
BMW L6 - 3.5, 3.3, 3.0. M if possible
Jag 3.0 V6 - I understand there are bits to make them RWD.
Can you still find the Opel senator 24 valve L6 ? I understand they were good.
even some of the 16 valve DOHC engines with turbos.....
Incidentally I recently bought a Toyota Aurion - which is basically a 3.5 DOHC V6 (= Lexus 350) powered Camry - 270bhp, and a simply wonderful engine, amazingly smooth, quiet, economical too. Smoothest V6 I've ever driven. I think it's just a bit too wide for the Tas....
Later ones have a bend in them to widen the space at the rear for the Rover lump, and crossbeams revised for front sumped Rover. The Rover V8 isn't that small, so quite a few engines should fit in this one.
I looked at engine alternatives for mine (1982 - straight rails) now that I'm in NZ.
For earlier ones like mine, Rover V8 won't go in without serious chassis mods, but a 'foreign' 60 degree V6 may go in - I'm amazed that the Cossy goes in (but I understand the exhaust manifold is VERY tight, and has to be custom made. DOHC V6 are typically quite wide too, so may not easily fit. 302 are actually very small for a V8 lump, so may squeeze in, but they are outclassed today by more modern stuff.
NB The 4.0 Cologne is a LOT taller, and is OHC, and has a reputation for blowing cam chains (at least here in NZ anyway). Pushrod 4.0 are VERY rare, being US only before going OHC....
There are a few engines here which aren't in UK, like the Ford Falcon L6, and the 3.8 Holden (=Buick), which might fit. I haven't measured a 3.6 GM/Opel/Vaux. but I understand it's a 60 degree V6, so may be OK (they are here too).
From what I've read, if I was in UK I would consider - (not in any order)
3.5 (3.7?) Cologne from specialised engines. looks original, hard to tell - can even keep 'K' injection !!
BMW L6 - 3.5, 3.3, 3.0. M if possible
Jag 3.0 V6 - I understand there are bits to make them RWD.
Can you still find the Opel senator 24 valve L6 ? I understand they were good.
even some of the 16 valve DOHC engines with turbos.....
Incidentally I recently bought a Toyota Aurion - which is basically a 3.5 DOHC V6 (= Lexus 350) powered Camry - 270bhp, and a simply wonderful engine, amazingly smooth, quiet, economical too. Smoothest V6 I've ever driven. I think it's just a bit too wide for the Tas....
You can fit a Rv8 in a narrow chassis wedge, without cutting up the chassis, but your need to use griff headers to go over the top, and make a custom exhaust, make some engine mount plates, etc so quite a lot of work. also the engine will sit a little high so your need to mod the bonnet. plus you may have to move the induction about.
as for turbo's one of the racers tried to run a twin turbo V6 but had serious over heating problems.
Maybe easier to get the 2.8 Engine rebuild and run triple webbers, done right your get over 200 BHP so more than a std 3.5 Rv8.
as for turbo's one of the racers tried to run a twin turbo V6 but had serious over heating problems.
Maybe easier to get the 2.8 Engine rebuild and run triple webbers, done right your get over 200 BHP so more than a std 3.5 Rv8.
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