Modifying a GT6

[43scotty]

Hi looking for ideas on modifying a GT6
I have a 1972 MK3 GT6 owned for many years and rebuilding back in 1986. The car is still in very good condition but has not run or been used for about 7 years. Once I get the engine running again and the brakes checked it would be ready for an MOT.

I would like to upgrade the Brakes, handling and engine, get the car back on the road and use it on a regular basis. I don’t want to go mad with the modifications but would like more usable power to keep up with today’s traffic so any ideas welcome.

Many thanks.

[//j17]

The Mk3 has the standard double wishbone front/swing spring rear suspension, which is perfectly adiquate for road use. Replace all the bushes with Polybush/Superflex, adjustable shocks and 1" lowered/uprated springs at the front and 1" lowering block at the rear and the handling should be sorted. If you want to go further than this then you need the Rotoflex drive shafts/vertical links from a Mk2 GT6. but this only gives a marginal increase in camber control and isn't necessary unless racing.

Brakes aren't too bad - if in good condition. Vented/groved disks and uprated pads should prevent fade. Other calipers can be fitted but don't come cheap.

Rebuilding the engine with hotter cam/bigger carbs/free-flow exhaust system and air filters will probably give you say 20BHP but the gearbox becomes the limiting factor.

If you want more the easiest option is a 2.5l lump from a saloon/TR that can get you to 120BHP but more work is required to fit the saloon/TR gearbox (minor chassis trimming from memory).

If your doing this though you might as well go the whole hog and fit a 2.5PI engine that gives you 150BHP out the bag in TR form.

If your doing that you can save your self some heartache and effort by getting the throttle bodies re-machined to take modern injectors and go for mappable EFi.

[43scotty]

Thanks Mark

The car is an early MK3 so has the rotoflex rear,as for the engine it has a 6-2-1 manifold and stainless semi sport system. I do like the idea of a 2.5 lump but how hard are these to find now!! The gear box was rebuilt and only has about 4000 miles on it (Ex BL factory man built it) where would be the best place to source suspension, brakes and engine parts ?

[//j17]

43scotty said:

Thanks Mark

The car is an early MK3 so has the rotoflex rear,as for the engine it has a 6-2-1 manifold and stainless semi sport system. I do like the idea of a 2.5 lump but how hard are these to find now!! The gear box was rebuilt and only has about 4000 miles on it (Ex BL factory man built it) where would be the best place to source suspension, brakes and engine parts ?

2.5 engines come up on fleaBay reasonably often - normally from scrapped saloons. Need to swap a few bits to straighten it up (canted at 15degrees in saloons) and swap sumps (to clear rack - needs a few hamber blows too at the flat end so the big ends have room too).

Usual suspects for parts that I use:
Rimmers (www.rimmerbros.co.uk) - good quality but expensive unless you live near one and save postage.
Canley Classics (www.canleyclassics.com) - cheaper but quality can ocassionally miss the mark.
Jigsaw (www.jigsawracingservices.co.uk) - reasonable prices/quality but not always the best customer service in the world.
eBay - Just don't drink before bidding

Join the Club Triumph forums (if not the club) for more advice/experience.

[mattius]

Most of the people that know about properly modifying triumphs left club triumph a while back and moved accross to sideways due to the club employing stupid moderators.
if its serious modding your after you would get a lot better advice here:

http://www.sideways-technologies.co.uk/forum/Blah....

For bushes only use superflex, polybush has gone downhill and they are crap
Brakes, various options but until you get serious power the GT6 doesnt really need them, brakes are pretty good already just fit stainless hoses and a decent set of pads i.e. mintex 1144

Drivetrain is pretty decent as is, for extra strength fit cv jointed rear shafts

Engine wise = costly bore it out to +40, fit hot cam and get it all balanced and lightened.

Biggest gain you can get from the car in performance is to shed weight, there is a lot you can get rid of although that does sacrifyce comfort.

Edited by mattius on Wednesday 31st December 14:45

[43scotty]

Thanks for all the feed back lads, I have found a 2.5L engine and box comes with all bits IE carbs ect hope to pick it in next 2 weeks. Will rebuild it but it is a runner with a reported 60K !! not sure of the BHP I expect to find that out from the engine Num !