In what way would the V8 be an upgrade? The straight six is the perfect powerplant for this car. Yeah, sure... The grunt and growl of a beefy V8. So what! There´s nothing like the singing sound of a straight six. NOTHING!
I drove a TR6 for 15 years as a daily driver, I loved the Straight 6 with dual Strombergs. Going through the gears was a JOY especially down shifting. Lots of GRUNT using compression breaking. The 302 is way cool, I would love to go thru the gears with that ride. But I am very nostalgic about the 6, My "72 TR6 was a big JOY in My life. ✌❤🤗Thanks
I built this car. Wonderful to see it again. Used to have a four point roll bar attached to the frame. You can see more at British V8. Go to Triumph sportcars and then George Smathers
Ford small blocks are tiny, the 260ci has an even shorter block deck height. It looks like a toy model of am engine. That 260 was also in the original shelby cobras
Drove a friend's Tiger with a 302. Between stiff and hard clutch, shifter, steering, and brakes, it was a 4-wheel Nautilus machine. Quite the workout. But a real giggle to drive.
@@spikespa5208 I raced a Tiger in my 59hp MG Midget on Mulholland Drive in LA one rainy night. He had rain tires.I didnt. Trying to catch up ,I pulled two doughnuts and hit a telephone pole instead of a house at the bottom of a cliff. Only one headlight was broken. Exciting times!
@@MichaelMattison Doomed. The companies/ governments can control mileage and emissions easier by programming automatics. And heaven forbid that anyone should have _fun_ while driving. You might drive more. Can't have that. And too many people look upon manuals as work.
There’s something about this channel it’s the cars but then it’s not just the cars. It’s the way Tedward talks about them, the way he drives them urgh!! Good lordd!! Watching from Nigeria and man O man. I know these toys would prolly not get anywhere near this part of the world but I hope to get behind the wheels of one of them some day.
Brings back my many memories of my British Racing Green TR6 with a high output 289 taken from a Falcon! With the Ford Toploader 4 speed tranny and a Quaife rear end, the roughly 300 horsepower power plant really ripped around town and country roads... Miss that car like an old love... Thanks for the video!
Absolutely! Black on white analog instrument faces, tach and speedo equal size and straight ahead, auxiliary instruments smaller and neatly clustered together, toward the center. And all arranged on a polished wood dashboard. Very nice indeed. Oh, and the steering wheel is very proper as well. Those big brass rivet heads are the cat's pyjamas.
We did this swap back in the early 80's , loved it , so fun to drive , we did break the spider gears on a hard launch , but slipping the clutch just a tiny bit cured that problem, the people ranting against this swap are just afraid of a fast car , plain and simple !
I LOVE this! I actually just got my 1972 TR6 test driving around last week after a new brake master! It's so cool. It bent a valve pushrod and the carbs need to be balanced and enriched but it's been a great first project car to learn from. I hope I can get it on the road end of this month!
Regret is such a poor emotion. Let’s face it, you’ve had 30 more years to achieve what you wanted and still haven’t bothered. - I would hate to view your bucket list by now buddy!
Ton of steering wheel shake, Install an electric fuel pump for carbs with a loop back to the tank. Pit the T fitting near the carb. Also get a metal tire cap, drill a small hole in it and put it in the line that returns to the tank to regulate it back to the tank and provide flow of cooler fresh fuel to the carb. That with your electric fan running after shut down for 10 mins will cure your restart problem.
Back in the day we used to pick up Jag XJ's and E Types cheap because of the expanse of engine repair if something went wrong. The ZJ's got a SBC and the E's got a 302 Ford, we must have done a dozen of them including a MGB and a Jensen-Healey, the difference in performance was another level of amazing. Sure, the 6 in a row sounded great but the performance was lackluster. We even pulled a V12 from a '74 XJ 12L did the swap and that 12 cylinder Jag ended up in a '27 T Bucket. The performance with the V8's was next level and in the case of the 302 was lighter and seemed to handle better with more rear weight bias. In the last few years I have been looking for some British steel to swap again but it seems like anything approaching solid in any shape costs like a MOPAR, especially the Jags but the TR6 is a favorite of mine and definitely a candidate. Would love to get one and measure it up for an LS/TKO combo, the one LS swap I haven't done yet and set it next to my LS Miata.
I love the reasoning for small British sports car and Ford V8+Tremec giving you most of the Cobra experience, it's a very nice way to put it! I think about things like that a lot in cars, I bet it's refreshing! The handles on the door cards look like they're out of a house door lmfao Love this thing, thanks for featuring it
I had a one the year I got out of High School and kept for 5 years. Rollbar, luggage rack, and the "two-speed" electronically actuated J-lock overdrive. Could be engaged in 3rd or 4th. Revs were low out on the highway. GREAT fun. I still have the newsboy hat I used to wear when driving it. I can see the V8 is pretty great.
Beautiful looking car. Had a 71 in primrose yellow. Put twin Rover SU's on after boring intake to accept them ,changed timing to 4deg advance , ran Walker redline muffler right at rear ( better extraction ) redid rear suspension to take out stupid camber and adjusted toe in. Put in a transmission with Laycock de Normanville overdrive ( on 2nd 3rd and 4th ) so 7 speed. It would eat a 350 vette for breakfast and handled like a dream. And oh, had triple trumpet airhorns and Marchal Ampilux 100 watt hibeams so you could see for a mile almost. She was a dream machine.
Well, that v8 really fixed the TR6. I remember writing after you last drove one that the engine was uninspiring or something similar. The v8 completely changes the equation. The color is very pretty as well.
I drive an '06 Pontiac Solstice "Mallet", LS2V8. I was looking at a TR6 when I bought the Solstice. The handling and suspension, etc., swayed me to the Solstice, not to mention the V8 of course. But this is pretty awesome, very nice ride, thanks for posting.
I put the Buick V8 into my Triumph GT6. The gearbox lasted from 1st into second. The layshaft shot clean out of the casting. I replaced that with the Galaxie 500GT gearbox and a narrowed rear end to fit the frame. A few hours welding mounting locations, and that was it. The nine gallon gas tank was the only flaw in my plan. Every 100 miles needed a fill-up.
I had a few TR6’s in my day and boy what we wouldn’t have given to get this level of grunt ! I recently picked up a ratty BRG TR6 and may just happen to have a spare 302 bumping around it could just be the right time haha , BR
The 302 music briings back memories. I ordered a stripper LX Mustang in 1987 for $10,600 with the same drivetrain. And the TR6 has always been one of my favorite Brit cars. I never thought of marrying the two. What an awesome match.
I put a Ford 260ci from a Sunbeam Tiger in my 1972 Pinto. I rebuilt it overbore .030, Crane lumpy cam. Same valve covers and a Shelby intake with a lil Holley. 4speed manual. About the same time my friend built a 302 powered 914. Giddyup! Pre-smog times were so much fun to live in.
For anyone worried about the extra weight of the Ford, don't. A fully dressed TR6 straight 6 weighs 460 lb, a 302 with aluminum heads, intake and shorty headers weighs around 450 lbs, you can save another 10 or so by switching to a Powermaster alternator and aluminum accessory brackets. Plus the T5 is 35 lbs less than the overdrive stock Triumph box. So this conversion saves enough weight to beef up the chassis to handle the extra power with tower braces and a roll hoop.
@@georgeabermeth3682 I was wondering why the cooling fans were running with the engine off, he probably drained an already weak battery, or the car was overheating and it had vapor lock. Shoudla parked it on a downhill and bump started it.
The long history of American engines and transmissions in British vehicles are storied. From transmissions in the RR's to engines used in the Aston Martin's. A bit of cross-pollination worked very well. And that beautiful colour
Owned and worked on a TR6 (a lot) as my daily driver for 10 years in the 80s. I can't imagine the extensive upgrades necessary to do this project. For example, just watch the little steering column jump around during the heavy acceleration. The stock inline 6 worked the car as it was (I think most everything except the TR6 motor was brought from the older TR4, a 4 cylinder), and with some basic upgrades (e.g., carburation, ignition, etc.) you could get a lot from that inline. Of course I love the V8 growl but is almost unnatural here; the little inline six (especially with dual outlet exhausts like I used) had the perfect British roadster sounds. I miss the car, but not the constant repair efforts. I actually bought a Datsun mini truck mainly for transporting TR6 parts!
Small cars with V8s that shouldn’t have them are so cool; I know a guy with a 1984 Fiero that has a 350 and 4 speed in it; it’s an absolute riot, he’s got a 5 speed for it that we might install sometime soon that would make it scoot.
That fiero was designed for a v8 gm didn't like that it outpaced the vette and forced the 4 cyl and six cyl onto Pontiac along with crap steering worm and turner.the prototype was wild gm politics killed a very developable platform.
I had a '65 Triumph TR-4 with a Ford 2000 CC Motor and a Ford Transmission, It was absolutely a blast to drive. I saw 2 other TR-4's which were Beasts, one had a 302 Ford, the other a Supercharged 350 Chevy.I really like to body style of the TR-4, with the "Bug Eyes", and rounded trunk with chrome luggage rack.
Those 289 v8's are one of the most slept on under rated v8s of all time! My dad used to have a 66 k code, no options other than a 4:11 drag pack with the toploader and the pillar gauges. It came in at all of 2500lbs, for an engine that made 271 but would rev to 7200 all day the car was a riot! I'm a chevy guy but love those motors too, they're beasts. A 5.0 fox body was a joke to it, even when I got to take it to shop class after you can imagine the chaos and a few dollars brought home. I'll miss that car
This car is amplified by the fact its a drop top, I have an E46 M3 convertible and getting to hear that sweet induction noise of the S54 (when the fan clutch isnt engaged lol) is fantastic. I cant imagine how insane this sounds in person.
My only issue with the V8 swap in the TR-6 is weight. I did a restomod on my 1971 TR-6 and put a JDM Honda K24A with a Haltech ECU. 250 HP and 200 pounds lighter. BTW, I grew up in Lincoln (where this was filmed). Trapelo Road is a great driving road.
I was skeptical when I clicked this video. I love the idea of the American V8's in a lightweight British sports car. I'll never be able to buy a real AC Cobra and even if was, I'd be afraid to drive it on the public streets. I know people will take exception to this but, I would never buy a continuation, tribute or replica Cobra, it's not the same and never will be. I know, I know, with modern technology in many ways it's better than the original and I get that but you can't copy the prestige and history of the AC Cobra. If I bought into the new technology making a better car, I'd go with something like the Ariel Atom. Supercar fast and as unique as the Cobra was in 1964. The Triumph TR6 with a Ford 302 is making me rethink the whole thing, definitely a strong alternative.
Rich man's toy, for sure. The TR6 is my favorite Triumph, and this is a beautiful car. I like the way you shot the test drive, so we could get more of the feeling of being behind the wheel. Those damn electrical problems keep the reliability factor down, just like on every old British sports car. But if you can afford two or three cars and are a mechanic, go for one of these.
The TR7 had just come out so went to Triumph dealer to see what kind of deal I could get on new TR6. No got any 6's or 7's but have an MG Midget the dealer told me LOL. Had seen a 6 with a V8 and looked like there was room to take a stroll around in the engine bay. I can barely squeeze my hand in to change plugs in mine. I know first hand what you're talking about, I bought a Sunbeam Tiger which I've had for almost 50 years now. So enjoy the TR6 while ya can. Hearing protection is a Grrreat idea with all the road noise so close. Oh the stories I could tell. Have fun but don't go too crazy.
The pros of using a SBF over a SBC. The Ford is lighter because it is smaller overall. Shorter deck height means a narrower engine. And less engine height. Not a lot but every little bit helps. The pros of using a SBC. Greater parts interchangeablity. One bolt pattern on the bell housing to engine and transmission to bell housing.
In the 80s if you owned a TR6 in Manitoba and wanted to drive it more than a few months a year, Then you needed to do an engine swap, the most popular swaps were small block Chevrolets or Volvo 6s. It wasn't because the Triumph motors were bad , It was the carbs couldn't take the cold.
Or park on a hill and slip the clutch. Gliding over snow drifts took some practice. Always had spare parts like fuel pumps, fuses, plugs and points, jumpers, full set of tools plus wire, tape gas line various clamps sleeping bag, flash light. The drive from Ithaca to buffalo could be tragic if not for people with tractors or power wagons and a spare room to sleep.
As someone who has done the V8 swap into various Jaguars and Austin Healys I have come to appreciate the difficulties involved in making this daily driver reliable. First and foremost is keeping the engine cool enough while running in town. There is precious little if any room to fit a larger radiator. Typically a custom aluminum radiator with twin auxiliary electric fans is obtained at substantial cost. A fan assisted oil cooler helps, but rarely solves the problem completely. The headers and exhaust system are packed tightly to the footwells and they quickly become unbearably hot. Aftermarket front disc brakes are required. The Jaguar XK 120-150 frames are beefy enough to handle up to 500 horsepower, but the weak Triumph frames twist like noodles when you install fat and sticky modern tires. That is if you haven’t already blown up the wimpy rear ends. The Jaguar salisbury solid rear axle can handle stock V8 power if driven carefully. The E Type independent rear end is strong and has been popular with hot rod builders for decades. The smaller the car the more difficult it is to find space for any aftermarket upgrade parts, such as shock mounts, mufflers, dual exhaust pipes, and the like. The worst swaps put a heavier engine up front, destroying the chassis balance. Think my 350 Chevy small block into a Bug Eye Sprite. Live and learn…
I had a 71 GT 6. That was the hard top sport car. Even with that big straight 6 because of the light weight, I stayed up with the Mustangs, and the chargers when racing on the streets. The shift in the Triumph was so synchronized you could shift easily in a hairpin turn. I stayed up with the v8's but on a winding road I always won. I also had a 65 mustang with a fast V8 but I liked this better. You must have had a redone trans. This was back in 1972.
My brother had a tr4 and 2 tr6's. I rebuilt the top end of his last one, and finished just before he and his wife drove from wa to mn and back without any issues. Tribute to my former boss Jim Working and his training me on VW's (one of the few certified VW trained mechanics in the nation) and Jags, and Fiats, etc. Not many people still around who can honestly claim that they have done a complete tune up on a straight 6 Jag. 6 carbs to balance, and the valves must be adjusted perfectly. What a thrilling test drive! no low end, but when it starts winding up, watch out! The secret to keeping an old VW bug going is simply doing an oil change and valve adjust every 3K. I could pull an engine inside of 15 minutes. We could take in a completely destroyed engine, and have the car out in 2 days. I will never forget my good friend mentor and boss, Jim Working. Used to race modded Fiats in Van Nuys Ca.
You got to like it. Was looking for one of these back in the late 70's, ended up with a TR7, it started out good but soon ran into problems. Wish I had found one of these as I would still have it to restore, the TR7 went to the junkyard.
`There`s a real sense of danger` is the quote of the day! Thank-you for that experience. Now I`m searching for my VR goggles to replay this gem ... and I may squeal louder that I did a few minutes ago.
What a great machine and looks so fun to drive. My TR250 was a very fun car but that was many moons ago. After seeing this I want another, this would be a great replacement!
Big engine, small car. What's not to love! Back in college, I had a friend with a Sunbeam Tiger. I thought I’d died and gone to heaven when I rode with him.
A pal of my father put a Mercedes I6 into an Austin Healey 100, in the late 1960s. Carrol Shelby approach was his reasoning. I dig this lunacy. Totally. If I had it my way, wider track and wider wheel arches… cause this is not a sleeper, not at all. If you go crazy, then go flat out. …
Back in 1972 I bought a 1971 Triumph GT 6. It's the brother of the TR 6. But my 5 speed was all synchronized. You could even burn rubber going around sharp curves. With the big 6 it had two, 2 barrel carburetors. Of course it was the hard top and looked like a little Jaguar sport. It toped out at just a little over 130 mph. Also fun to drive. But back then we called that little beep beep horn an English horn.
She's got get-up-and-go and a really sweet sound. I wish I could spend an hour behind the wheel. I drove a 1987 GMC S15 pickup with a 350ci Corvette motor under the hood. It was a danger, but a whole lot of fun. I was lucky to survive it.
Knew someone who put a 427 in a TR6 way back in the 1970's. Called it a TR8. It was insane in straight lines but cornered like a barge. The good old days.
![BLACK BAG - Official Trailer [HD] - Only in Theaters March 14](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/Du0Xp8WX_7I/mqdefault.jpg)
In what way would the V8 be an upgrade? The straight six is the perfect powerplant for this car.
Yeah, sure... The grunt and growl of a beefy V8. So what! There´s nothing like the singing sound of a straight six. NOTHING!
Ok
pin of shame
it's an upgrade if you want more than 100 HP...
I drove a TR6 for 15 years as a daily driver, I loved the Straight 6 with dual Strombergs. Going through the gears was a JOY especially down shifting. Lots of GRUNT using compression breaking. The 302 is way cool, I would love to go thru the gears with that ride. But I am very nostalgic about the 6, My "72 TR6 was a big JOY in My life. ✌❤🤗Thanks
lol, easy, Tiger.
I built this car. Wonderful to see it again. Used to have a four point roll bar attached to the frame. You can see more at British V8. Go to Triumph sportcars and then George Smathers
Loved the drive! Thanks for the smiles. A car like this proves you have a good sense of humor and joy for life
❤
Respect
@@TedwardDrivesI checked BondgroupUSA website to see if this car is available and didn’t see it. Is it still for sale and available?
Just went over there to have a look....Nice work George.
As a Miata guy I have to say, that cute little deathrap is just perfect... makes the right noises and is quick and classy.
I'm a Miata guy too and I used to have one 50 years ago!It was fast for its day with the fuel injection.
that would smoke your little miata haha
Get a Monster Miata.....302 HO engine.
@@paulross9287that has been done and fun 😊
Total deathtrap. But what a way to go!!
That V8 looks so at home underneath that hood, its lovely!
Ford small blocks are tiny, the 260ci has an even shorter block deck height. It looks like a toy model of am engine. That 260 was also in the original shelby cobras
@@cromBumny. Sunbeams had 260's too, no?
260 289 and 302 are identical on the outside zero difference @@cromBumny
How many shoe horns did they kill whilst fitting this V8?
Agreed. The setback vs the superior to the six. The only improvement I can think of is an aluminium block and heads.
Suspension squat under acceleration plus that city bus steering ratio and a V8, ultimate death trap. We die like real men!
😂
@evancain6756 a motorcycle could be more risky in a crash.
@@twilliams8041 "Ermmm aktualy, a motorcycle is a bigger death trap! 🤓🤓🤓" shut up bro
@evancain6756- Well, at least it wouldn’t be a lingering death. 😊
@@bluthebluewolf9886 Nah, mate, it's a smaller deathtrap. I'm pretty sure the Triumph is larger. 😂
Like a Sunbeam Tiger, also w/Ford motor.
Drove a friend's Tiger with a 302. Between stiff and hard clutch, shifter, steering, and brakes, it was a 4-wheel Nautilus machine. Quite the workout. But a real giggle to drive.
@@spikespa5208 I raced a Tiger in my 59hp MG Midget on Mulholland Drive in LA one rainy night. He had rain tires.I didnt. Trying to catch up ,I pulled two doughnuts and hit a telephone pole instead of a house at the bottom of a cliff. Only one headlight was broken. Exciting times!
My exact thought, Tiger, however the Triumph may be a winner. But for sure the Sunbeam is Smart.
Man I miss manual transmission
@@MichaelMattison Doomed. The companies/ governments can control mileage and emissions easier by programming automatics. And heaven forbid that anyone should have _fun_ while driving. You might drive more. Can't have that. And too many people look upon manuals as work.
There’s something about this channel it’s the cars but then it’s not just the cars. It’s the way Tedward talks about them, the way he drives them urgh!! Good lordd!!
Watching from Nigeria and man O man. I know these toys would prolly not get anywhere near this part of the world but I hope to get behind the wheels of one of them some day.
The TR7 with the Rover V8 is also excellent.
Brings back my many memories of my British Racing Green TR6 with a high output 289 taken from a Falcon! With the Ford Toploader 4 speed tranny and a Quaife rear end, the roughly 300 horsepower power plant really ripped around town and country roads... Miss that car like an old love... Thanks for the video!
Retaining the unreliable electrical system shows respect for the car's heritage.
I have a glass jar of first generation Lucas smoke I'll sell you
Aftermarket wiring.
@@georgesmathers6056do you mean the jump pack? 😂
@@georgesmathers6056 Yup, looks like the Advance Autowire harness.
That’s why the Brits like warm beer … Lucas refrigerators.
Fantastic car. In 1969 we put a 289 Hi Po in a British Anglia sta wagon. It was quite the sleeper.
Exactly what I wanted to do except with one of these TR6’s, I’m sure it would have shocked a few of my buddies in their Chevelle’s and Camaro’s.
"Now I just want to play with it and make noises."
😂😂
Tedward out of context is hilarious
That's a proper dash.
Absolutely! Black on white analog instrument faces, tach and speedo equal size and straight ahead, auxiliary instruments smaller and neatly clustered together, toward the center. And all arranged on a polished wood dashboard. Very nice indeed. Oh, and the steering wheel is very proper as well. Those big brass rivet heads are the cat's pyjamas.
We did this swap back in the early 80's , loved it , so fun to drive , we did break the spider gears on a hard launch , but slipping the clutch just a tiny bit cured that problem, the people ranting against this swap are just afraid of a fast car , plain and simple !
3:10 "I'm not going to tell you how" we know you push started it
Stupid.
Once again, Lucas Electric 1, Ford zero
A properly tuned carbureted V8 should start the first time a piston comes up... unless it's been sitting for several days...
I for one would have enjoyed seeing that.
@@buzzwaldron6195 to be fair this one had been sitting for five minutes after already being run. You are only meant to drive it once a month.
I LOVE this! I actually just got my 1972 TR6 test driving around last week after a new brake master! It's so cool. It bent a valve pushrod and the carbs need to be balanced and enriched but it's been a great first project car to learn from. I hope I can get it on the road end of this month!
Stunning colour. I have wanted to do this engine swap for over 30 years. I wish I had bought a rough TR4 for $500 in the early nineties.
Regret is such a poor emotion. Let’s face it, you’ve had 30 more years to achieve what you wanted and still haven’t bothered. - I would hate to view your bucket list by now buddy!
There is a gentleman here in Florida doing the same thing to MG’s. They are Awesome looking and sound great.
Ton of steering wheel shake, Install an electric fuel pump for carbs with a loop back to the tank. Pit the T fitting near the carb. Also get a metal tire cap, drill a small hole in it and put it in the line that returns to the tank to regulate it back to the tank and provide flow of cooler fresh fuel to the carb. That with your electric fan running after shut down for 10 mins will cure your restart problem.
Back in the day we used to pick up Jag XJ's and E Types cheap because of the expanse of engine repair if something went wrong. The ZJ's got a SBC and the E's got a 302 Ford, we must have done a dozen of them including a MGB and a Jensen-Healey, the difference in performance was another level of amazing. Sure, the 6 in a row sounded great but the performance was lackluster. We even pulled a V12 from a '74 XJ 12L did the swap and that 12 cylinder Jag ended up in a '27 T Bucket. The performance with the V8's was next level and in the case of the 302 was lighter and seemed to handle better with more rear weight bias. In the last few years I have been looking for some British steel to swap again but it seems like anything approaching solid in any shape costs like a MOPAR, especially the Jags but the TR6 is a favorite of mine and definitely a candidate. Would love to get one and measure it up for an LS/TKO combo, the one LS swap I haven't done yet and set it next to my LS Miata.
I’ve got a great solid English car for you to consider. Lmk if you want to talk.
I owned a TR-6 and always wished it had a little more power but that's just insane. A couple of wings and a tail fin you're cleared for take off. 😂
✈️
Rocket ship!
I love the reasoning for small British sports car and Ford V8+Tremec giving you most of the Cobra experience, it's a very nice way to put it!
I think about things like that a lot in cars, I bet it's refreshing! The handles on the door cards look like they're out of a house door lmfao
Love this thing, thanks for featuring it
I had a one the year I got out of High School and kept for 5 years. Rollbar, luggage rack, and the "two-speed" electronically actuated J-lock overdrive. Could be engaged in 3rd or 4th. Revs were low out on the highway. GREAT fun. I still have the newsboy hat I used to wear when driving it. I can see the V8 is pretty great.
Beautiful looking car.
Had a 71 in primrose yellow.
Put twin Rover SU's on after boring intake to accept them ,changed timing to 4deg advance , ran Walker redline muffler right at rear ( better extraction ) redid rear suspension to take out stupid camber and adjusted toe in. Put in a transmission with Laycock de Normanville overdrive ( on 2nd 3rd and 4th ) so 7 speed.
It would eat a 350 vette for breakfast and handled like a dream.
And oh, had triple trumpet airhorns and Marchal Ampilux 100 watt hibeams so you could see for a mile almost.
She was a dream machine.
What a gorgeous and fun little roadster. You need to buy it immediately! .
Awesome video Tedward!! Thanks for filming a TR6 for me I really appreciate it. I’m a huge European car enthusiast.
Another fine example of “Ford’s Better Idea.” That is soooo cooool.
Nice third gear chirp! Sweet ride!!!
After many years of Mustang Gts, after decades of MGs and a Triumph, this TR6 would get me back into a 6 again in a heartbeat. Love it.
You want to show us this car , can’t you sort out the starting first ,……
But its a V8
@@JoachimKofahl-ou2yq That won't be authentic - it's a British car!
Well, that v8 really fixed the TR6. I remember writing after you last drove one that the engine was uninspiring or something similar. The v8 completely changes the equation. The color is very pretty as well.
I drive an '06 Pontiac Solstice "Mallet", LS2V8. I was looking at a TR6 when I bought the Solstice. The handling and suspension, etc., swayed me to the Solstice, not to mention the V8 of course. But this is pretty awesome, very nice ride, thanks for posting.
That color is just perfect, matches with everything
Agreed. That color is sweet. Excellent interior too. Love the lighter wood color and those gauges. A really sweet package.
I put the Buick V8 into my Triumph GT6. The gearbox lasted from 1st into second. The layshaft shot clean out of the casting. I replaced that with the Galaxie 500GT gearbox and a narrowed rear end to fit the frame. A few hours welding mounting locations, and that was it. The nine gallon gas tank was the only flaw in my plan. Every 100 miles needed a fill-up.
I had a few TR6’s in my day and boy what we wouldn’t have given to get this level of grunt !
I recently picked up a ratty BRG TR6 and may just happen to have a spare 302 bumping around it could just be the right time haha , BR
The 302 music briings back memories. I ordered a stripper LX Mustang in 1987 for $10,600 with the same drivetrain. And the TR6 has always been one of my favorite Brit cars. I never thought of marrying the two. What an awesome match.
Oh man! That car seems like perfection for the road.
I put a Ford 260ci from a Sunbeam Tiger in my 1972 Pinto. I rebuilt it overbore .030, Crane lumpy cam. Same valve covers and a Shelby intake with a lil Holley. 4speed manual. About the same time my friend built a 302 powered 914. Giddyup!
Pre-smog times were so much fun to live in.
For anyone worried about the extra weight of the Ford, don't. A fully dressed TR6 straight 6 weighs 460 lb, a 302 with aluminum heads, intake and shorty headers weighs around 450 lbs, you can save another 10 or so by switching to a Powermaster alternator and aluminum accessory brackets. Plus the T5 is 35 lbs less than the overdrive stock Triumph box. So this conversion saves enough weight to beef up the chassis to handle the extra power with tower braces and a roll hoop.
How about make it a bit easier to start
@@georgeabermeth3682 I was wondering why the cooling fans were running with the engine off, he probably drained an already weak battery, or the car was overheating and it had vapor lock. Shoudla parked it on a downhill and bump started it.
Of course, a properly tuned carbureted V8 should start the first time a piston comes up... unless it's been sitting for several days...
The long history of American engines and transmissions in British vehicles are storied. From transmissions in the RR's to engines used in the Aston Martin's. A bit of cross-pollination worked very well. And that beautiful colour
Much like the Merlin Rolls-Royce in the P-51 during WW2.
Love it! I'm almost finished putting a Toyota 4AGE engine in an MG Midget....165 HP with Mazda RX-7 rear end. Why not?
Including the "not wanting to startup feature" really makes it a true restoration.
Was that only a Lucas thing?
Very British
Omg we had a triumph Tr4 a irs and i loved it but this car is beyond amazing. I love it
I love the TR4a! I have only driven solid axle
80’s Mercedes plus a 302ci is a winner too. This is just sporting fun. Love it
5:03 the tire screech! This car is so fun to drive
Great little car. Brought back memories of my cousin's TR6 with a Buick 215 Aluminum V8 he built over 30 years ago. Fast!
Once again commenting to show my appreciation for you showing us these classics. 😌 Keep it up my man.
Owned and worked on a TR6 (a lot) as my daily driver for 10 years in the 80s. I can't imagine the extensive upgrades necessary to do this project. For example, just watch the little steering column jump around during the heavy acceleration. The stock inline 6 worked the car as it was (I think most everything except the TR6 motor was brought from the older TR4, a 4 cylinder), and with some basic upgrades (e.g., carburation, ignition, etc.) you could get a lot from that inline. Of course I love the V8 growl but is almost unnatural here; the little inline six (especially with dual outlet exhausts like I used) had the perfect British roadster sounds. I miss the car, but not the constant repair efforts. I actually bought a Datsun mini truck mainly for transporting TR6 parts!
LOVE THIS. NOTHING like the sound of a V-8 with a stick and dual exhaust. UGH !
I had a 71. Felt like your sitting right on the pavement. This car is pretty much a motor with wheels & a seat!
Small cars with V8s that shouldn’t have them are so cool; I know a guy with a 1984 Fiero that has a 350 and 4 speed in it; it’s an absolute riot, he’s got a 5 speed for it that we might install sometime soon that would make it scoot.
That fiero was designed for a v8 gm didn't like that it outpaced the vette and forced the 4 cyl and six cyl onto Pontiac along with crap steering worm and turner.the prototype was wild gm politics killed a very developable platform.
@@joesutherland225 That is such a GM thing to do, they’ve killed off way too many cool cars.
I had a '65 Triumph TR-4 with a Ford 2000 CC Motor and a Ford Transmission, It was absolutely a blast to drive. I saw 2 other TR-4's which were Beasts, one had a 302 Ford, the other a Supercharged 350 Chevy.I really like to body style of the TR-4, with the "Bug Eyes", and rounded trunk with chrome luggage rack.
5:05 BeamNG car launch sound lmao jaja 😂❤
Those 289 v8's are one of the most slept on under rated v8s of all time! My dad used to have a 66 k code, no options other than a 4:11 drag pack with the toploader and the pillar gauges. It came in at all of 2500lbs, for an engine that made 271 but would rev to 7200 all day the car was a riot! I'm a chevy guy but love those motors too, they're beasts. A 5.0 fox body was a joke to it, even when I got to take it to shop class after you can imagine the chaos and a few dollars brought home. I'll miss that car
"We got it started, not gonna tell you how" ???? Why the fuck not
Came here to say the same. How can you start a car in a way too sketchy for YT? Idgi
Pushed it!
Why is it so hard to start? Vapor lock with the heat?
The ghost of the Prince of Darkness returns?
@@spikespa5208 Lucas Electrical system lol
This car is amplified by the fact its a drop top, I have an E46 M3 convertible and getting to hear that sweet induction noise of the S54 (when the fan clutch isnt engaged lol) is fantastic. I cant imagine how insane this sounds in person.
The car Triumph should have built. Fantastic!! Love it.💪
This is great. The straight six in these cars are gutless.
Imagine standing on a corner and this beast passes making those noises and you don’t know about the swap
I’d be laughing 😝
My only issue with the V8 swap in the TR-6 is weight. I did a restomod on my 1971 TR-6 and put a JDM Honda K24A with a Haltech ECU. 250 HP and 200 pounds lighter.
BTW, I grew up in Lincoln (where this was filmed). Trapelo Road is a great driving road.
I think this is lighter than the original inline 6
Nothing sounds better than a high performance Ford V8.
I love the V8 and I own a Mustang/Coyote, but my lifelong attraction to the TR6 is it's distinctive sound. That goes for the E-Type Jags as well.
2000 RPM at 70 MPH? WTF? Now THAT is hunkered down.
210 MPH at 6K RPMs...
5:18 Why do I have the feeling that you painted these donuts on the road earlier? 😁
What a fun little screamer!
I was skeptical when I clicked this video. I love the idea of the American V8's in a lightweight British sports car. I'll never be able to buy a real AC Cobra and even if was, I'd be afraid to drive it on the public streets. I know people will take exception to this but, I would never buy a continuation, tribute or replica Cobra, it's not the same and never will be. I know, I know, with modern technology in many ways it's better than the original and I get that but you can't copy the prestige and history of the AC Cobra. If I bought into the new technology making a better car, I'd go with something like the Ariel Atom. Supercar fast and as unique as the Cobra was in 1964. The Triumph TR6 with a Ford 302 is making me rethink the whole thing, definitely a strong alternative.
I love it I want it 😁👍❤️
Rich man's toy, for sure. The TR6 is my favorite Triumph, and this is a beautiful car. I like the way you shot the test drive, so we could get more of the feeling of being behind the wheel. Those damn electrical problems keep the reliability factor down, just like on every old British sports car. But if you can afford two or three cars and are a mechanic, go for one of these.
Day 17 of asking Tedward to drive the S60R
It's crazy how even in that British car, that sound, acceleration, and characteristics reminded me exactly of my friend's GT350 he had in the 80s!
Chirped the tires in second gear, I love it.
Caught 3rd too.
The TR7 had just come out so went to Triumph dealer to see what kind of deal I could get on new TR6. No got any 6's or 7's but have an MG Midget the dealer told me LOL. Had seen a 6 with a V8 and looked like there was room to take a stroll around in the engine bay. I can barely squeeze my hand in to change plugs in mine. I know first hand what you're talking about, I bought a Sunbeam Tiger which I've had for almost 50 years now. So enjoy the TR6 while ya can. Hearing protection is a Grrreat idea with all the road noise so close. Oh the stories I could tell. Have fun but don't go too crazy.
buy a battery, you can't always push start it, love the exhaust!
It died that morning. It’ll get a new battery haha
It’s absolutely brilliant ! I used to have a 1974 TR6 with Triumph tune exhausts. Loved that, love this more. It does indeed sound better.
Looks like it needs a steering stabilizer shock in the front and the suspension maybe to be tightened up.
Drove my friends 1970 TR6 when it was brand new, it was actually hard to shift! The l6 was peppy but I was only 16. This is a great swap!!
The pros of using a SBF over a SBC. The Ford is lighter because it is smaller overall. Shorter deck height means a narrower engine. And less engine height. Not a lot but every little bit helps. The pros of using a SBC. Greater parts interchangeablity. One bolt pattern on the bell housing to engine and transmission to bell housing.
In the 80s if you owned a TR6 in Manitoba and wanted to drive it more than a few months a year, Then you needed to do an engine swap, the most popular swaps were small block Chevrolets or Volvo 6s. It wasn't because the Triumph motors were bad , It was the carbs couldn't take the cold.
Or park on a hill and slip the clutch. Gliding over snow drifts took some practice. Always had spare parts like fuel pumps, fuses, plugs and points, jumpers, full set of tools plus wire, tape gas line various clamps sleeping bag, flash light. The drive from Ithaca to buffalo could be tragic if not for people with tractors or power wagons and a spare room to sleep.
Nice conversion - and probably a cheaper solution than modifying the original straight six!
As someone who has done the V8 swap into various Jaguars and Austin Healys I have come to appreciate the difficulties involved in making this daily driver reliable. First and foremost is keeping the engine cool enough while running in town. There is precious little if any room to fit a larger radiator. Typically a custom aluminum radiator with twin auxiliary electric fans is obtained at substantial cost. A fan assisted oil cooler helps, but rarely solves the problem completely. The headers and exhaust system are packed tightly to the footwells and they quickly become unbearably hot. Aftermarket front disc brakes are required. The Jaguar XK 120-150 frames are beefy enough to handle up to 500 horsepower, but the weak Triumph frames twist like noodles when you install fat and sticky modern tires. That is if you haven’t already blown up the wimpy rear ends. The Jaguar salisbury solid rear axle can handle stock V8 power if driven carefully. The E Type independent rear end is strong and has been popular with hot rod builders for decades. The smaller the car the more difficult it is to find space for any aftermarket upgrade parts, such as shock mounts, mufflers, dual exhaust pipes, and the like. The worst swaps put a heavier engine up front, destroying the chassis balance. Think my 350 Chevy small block into a Bug Eye Sprite. Live and learn…
That "heavy" clutch is actually a good thing for durability in this high performance application.
I'd take this car over any "supercar" out there. Having fun is what it's all about and it doesn't get any better than this!!
I had a 71 GT 6. That was the hard top sport car. Even with that big straight 6 because of the light weight, I stayed up with the Mustangs, and the chargers when racing on the streets. The shift in the Triumph was so synchronized you could shift easily in a hairpin turn. I stayed up with the v8's but on a winding road I always won. I also had a 65 mustang with a fast V8 but I liked this better. You must have had a redone trans. This was back in 1972.
My brother had a tr4 and 2 tr6's.
I rebuilt the top end of his last one, and finished just before he and his wife drove from wa to mn and back without any issues.
Tribute to my former boss Jim Working and his training me on VW's (one of the few certified VW trained mechanics in the nation) and Jags, and Fiats, etc.
Not many people still around who can honestly claim that they have done a complete tune up on a straight 6 Jag. 6 carbs to balance, and the valves must be adjusted perfectly. What a thrilling test drive! no low end, but when it starts winding up, watch out!
The secret to keeping an old VW bug going is simply doing an oil change and valve adjust every 3K.
I could pull an engine inside of 15 minutes. We could take in a completely destroyed engine, and have the car out in 2 days.
I will never forget my good friend mentor and boss, Jim Working. Used to race modded Fiats in Van Nuys Ca.
You got to like it. Was looking for one of these back in the late 70's, ended up with a TR7, it started out good but soon ran into problems. Wish I had found one of these as I would still have it to restore, the TR7 went to the junkyard.
American grunt and Brit handling,a great combination!
Had one. You'll find the weight distribution is still excellent. SBC350 w TH350 all pushed back to the X member with the batter in the trunk as well.
`There`s a real sense of danger` is the quote of the day! Thank-you for that experience. Now I`m searching for my VR goggles to replay this gem ... and I may squeal louder that I did a few minutes ago.
It’s a good Friday morning when I can make my coffee and watch a Tedward video!
You drive most of the cars I like best (and put the emphasis on driving them), hence, I’m a fan! Keep up the great work!
What a great machine and looks so fun to drive. My TR250 was a very fun car but that was many moons ago. After seeing this I want another, this would be a great replacement!
Always liked the tr6 neighbor had 1 beautiful car. Every Saturday he worked on it. Miss them days
My 71 TR6. Triple webers,OD.The best sound is wide open webers going into turn one at Laguna Seca!! That is a great sound indeed!
While I plan on keeping my six in my '72 TR6, I have to say that's a beautiful car!
Big engine, small car. What's not to love! Back in college, I had a friend with a Sunbeam Tiger. I thought I’d died and gone to heaven when I rode with him.
A pal of my father put a Mercedes I6 into an Austin Healey 100, in the late 1960s. Carrol Shelby approach was his reasoning.
I dig this lunacy. Totally. If I had it my way, wider track and wider wheel arches… cause this is not a sleeper, not at all. If you go crazy, then go flat out. …
Imagine the fun had those speed bumps not been there!
Back in 1972 I bought a 1971 Triumph GT 6. It's the brother of the TR 6. But my 5 speed was all synchronized. You could even burn rubber going around sharp curves. With the big 6 it had two, 2 barrel carburetors. Of course it was the hard top and looked like a little Jaguar sport. It toped out at just a little over 130 mph. Also fun to drive. But back then we called that little beep beep horn an English horn.
She's got get-up-and-go and a really sweet sound. I wish I could spend an hour behind the wheel. I drove a 1987 GMC S15 pickup with a 350ci Corvette motor under the hood. It was a danger, but a whole lot of fun. I was lucky to survive it.
Knew someone who put a 427 in a TR6 way back in the 1970's. Called it a TR8. It was insane in straight lines but cornered like a barge.
The good old days.
Love the details - like not starting! Very authentic. The V8 changes it completely though - it's just a Cobra now, albeit sounding fabulous.
had to park my Triumph TR3 on a hill so I could start it each morning to get to work.