Engine / Gearbox compatability Triumph & Ford
Discussion
Hi guys,
I’m currently building a kit car and would like to use the Triumph ID I have; the plan is to use the classic Lotus 7 set-up with the addition of a MGA rear axle.. Triumph hubs, brakes and steering. Ford box and engine … however I need to use more Triumph parts to retain the original ID – are there any classic Ford engines or gearboxes that interchange with Triumph parts eg a ford pinto mated to a spit gearbox or a herald box mounted to a pre x-flow engine…
Thanks in advance
Matt
I’m currently building a kit car and would like to use the Triumph ID I have; the plan is to use the classic Lotus 7 set-up with the addition of a MGA rear axle.. Triumph hubs, brakes and steering. Ford box and engine … however I need to use more Triumph parts to retain the original ID – are there any classic Ford engines or gearboxes that interchange with Triumph parts eg a ford pinto mated to a spit gearbox or a herald box mounted to a pre x-flow engine…
Thanks in advance
Matt
I'm wondering if your proposed driveline will be up to the job if you're looking for any kind of performance. 
Agreed a Dolly engine might be a good bet....consider whether unleaded can be used too, to save extra expense and hassle. Maybe fit the matching axle ?
I used to have a Dutton 'B-Plus' (Lotus 7 S4 lookalike). That used Spitfire front suspension and brakes, Ford 1600GT Kent engine and box, but can't remember which back axle. Probably Ford, but with coil-overs.
Haven't heard of Ford being matched to Triumph boxes. Try asking on a Triumph specialist site.
Bear in mind that you'd also need a modded propshaft if going that route.
Agreed a Dolly engine might be a good bet....consider whether unleaded can be used too, to save extra expense and hassle. Maybe fit the matching axle ?
I used to have a Dutton 'B-Plus' (Lotus 7 S4 lookalike). That used Spitfire front suspension and brakes, Ford 1600GT Kent engine and box, but can't remember which back axle. Probably Ford, but with coil-overs.
Haven't heard of Ford being matched to Triumph boxes. Try asking on a Triumph specialist site.
Bear in mind that you'd also need a modded propshaft if going that route.
I'd go with SPrint engine & box & back axle. The box is derived from a TR5/6 box so pretty tough & the back axle is a decent live axle with a good range of diffs & LSDs available. The TR7 5 speed uses the same axle as the Sprint but I think is different in width. The other option would be Sprint lump with TR7 LT77 which would give a 5 speeder.
Not sure but if the MGA axle is the same as early MGB then it ain't too strong & won't be too easy to source either.
Not sure but if the MGA axle is the same as early MGB then it ain't too strong & won't be too easy to source either.
Not a combination I've heard of , obviously there are adaptors for bellhousings to engine but input shaft compatibility will be a bigger hurdle , the easiest thing to do is use the same brand engine and box then the propshaft can be fabricated - welded together - Ford one end Triumph the other by a specialist.
Matt - I think you need to be asking this question on the kit-car forum, where you'll get more definitive advice.
It all depends on what you mean by your Triumph's ID. Is this a Herald based kit? What kit is is? Or is it a self build body? Sounds very much you will be heading the the IVA test to me.
It all depends on what you mean by your Triumph's ID. Is this a Herald based kit? What kit is is? Or is it a self build body? Sounds very much you will be heading the the IVA test to me.
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