Is it Possible GT6 Question

[Snapper7]

OK some of you might think that I am made to even think this. But I love the style of the Triumph GT6 but don't want to own a car of that age with all the problems that tends to come with them.

So here is the big question. is it possible to get a GT6 in need of restoration, strip it down. Sort out the body work and then rebuild it with modern running gear? IE; suspension wheels and an up to date engine and gearbox. I was wondering if a powerful Ford Zetec or Duratec could be installed.

This way you bet the best of both worlds, a classic car the the power and reliability of a modern car with much better handling.

Has anyone done this or knows of a company that does? I know that there is a company that does this with the Lotus Elan +2.

[Snapper7]

Yertis said:

You know if you build up a GT6 properly you wouldn't (IMO) need to muck about too much with new engines, gearboxes and so on. Certainly rebuild the suspension with some decent bushes and dampers, possibly some uprated front springs and anti-roll bars. The original 2000cc 6-cyl engine is part of the charm of the GT6, it would be a shame to lose that lovely Merlin-esque exhaust. Properly tuned it's quite powerful and responsive.

The gearbox could, on reflection, benefit from replacing.

I am coming from being a Lotus Elise & Exige owner and I am much more akin to the power, performance and handling that these cars have, as well as the reliability that modern running gear & engines provide. But would like a car with older looks. The fiberglass body shell and roll cage mentioned earlier makes great sense.

I would like to have a classic looking car with say a 2lt 190-230bhp engine. 5 or possible 6 speed close ratio gear box. With good suspension, wheels and tyre setup and AP 4pot brakes.

[Snapper7]

//j17 said:

Why would you want to use a stock modern 200BHP/30MPG engine for a few hundred quid from the scrap yard when you can have an expensive tuned classic 120BHP/30MPG one...

Edited by //j17 on Tuesday 27th May 14:19

You might lose some of the nice straight 6 sound. but a GT6 with a fiberglass bodyshell, plus a modern 200-230bhp engine would go like the clappers and with a nice sports exhaust it would still sound great. It would also be very reliable as well

[Snapper7]

Combover said:

Why not fit a BMW Straight Six instead? Staying relatively in keeping with the orginal layout but with BMW power and relability...

HMMM

Do you know if anyone is doing a straight conversion kit for the BMW engine? Mind you ford engines esspecially the Zetecs are as cheap as hell at the moment

[Snapper7]

//j17 said:

All this talk of 4 and 6-pots - pussies! You KNOW it wants a V8 (but make it a good one, not the Buick reject) - turn key 5L Ford 302 small block - £4,000 for 300BHP - http://www.britishamericanengines.co.uk/ford_price...

I would have thought that a V8 would be to powerful for what a GT6 Chassis could take, not to mention the issues over weight and the effect that it would have on cornering and stopping ablity.

A Zetec would have a great power to weight ability and and would also be light enough to aid the cars handling set up.

Power in nothing without control

[Snapper7]

The reason I like the GT6 is because I like coupes and the GT6 shape is IMHO a classic Coupe. But not being the sort of person that can do road side repairs I would like a car that is reliable and has the poke of a mdern day car with classic lines.

I have owned a Caterham, Series 2 Lotus Elise and a Series 2 Lotus Exige. All with modern running gear.I know that a GT6 will feel very old after having owned these cars. So I am just wondering if I can have my cake and eat it, as they say.

I would love the idea of a classic car that is as quick as say an Elise and with handling to match.