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Hello all. I've been lurking for a month or two, while contemplating the restoration and modification of my 1971 Vixen 2500, Chassis # 1972T. My late wife and I purchased it new at Sportique Motors in Huntington, LI, NY in '71.
It has been off the road for 33 years, since the birth of my first son. My sons (I have 3) and I have discussed its resurrection for years but one thing or another has interfered. Due to a recent encounter, we've decided to go for it.
We have an HVAC contracting business on the North shore of Long Island, in New York. One of our clients is a very wealthy collector and vintage racer with an unbelievable collection of '50s and '60s Ferraris, Maseratis, and an assortment of other vintage super exotics. We have worked for him for 20 plus years, keeping the climate right in his shops, garages, and private showrooms.
He employs 2 full time mechanics to keep everything in tip top shape. One of the mechanics (an expatriate Brit), has asked me frequently over the years if I would sell him my Vixen. I always declined because of the sentimental value of the car. About a month and a half ago I had a service call at the shop. As soon as I arrived, Neville cornered me and showed me photos of his latest acquisition: a 1971 Vixen 2500!
He shared his restoration plans with me and rekindled my desire to get her back on the road.
He's planning to turn his into a rocket sled ( Small Block Ford V-8, stroked to 354? C.I. and tuned to 500 plus H.P., Fender flares, old style rear mounted Cortina tail lights, and the like).
Our plans are much more modest. We wish to retain the original look, but would love to drop a small block Ford and 5 speed into it.
I've read of a number of similar conversions on this site, and would love to hear from any of you willing to share your experiences, successes, and/or mistakes!
I have gleaned a lot of knowledge from this site, and look forward to hearing from you folks.
Best, Gil Tastrom
It has been off the road for 33 years, since the birth of my first son. My sons (I have 3) and I have discussed its resurrection for years but one thing or another has interfered. Due to a recent encounter, we've decided to go for it.
We have an HVAC contracting business on the North shore of Long Island, in New York. One of our clients is a very wealthy collector and vintage racer with an unbelievable collection of '50s and '60s Ferraris, Maseratis, and an assortment of other vintage super exotics. We have worked for him for 20 plus years, keeping the climate right in his shops, garages, and private showrooms.
He employs 2 full time mechanics to keep everything in tip top shape. One of the mechanics (an expatriate Brit), has asked me frequently over the years if I would sell him my Vixen. I always declined because of the sentimental value of the car. About a month and a half ago I had a service call at the shop. As soon as I arrived, Neville cornered me and showed me photos of his latest acquisition: a 1971 Vixen 2500!
He shared his restoration plans with me and rekindled my desire to get her back on the road.
He's planning to turn his into a rocket sled ( Small Block Ford V-8, stroked to 354? C.I. and tuned to 500 plus H.P., Fender flares, old style rear mounted Cortina tail lights, and the like).
Our plans are much more modest. We wish to retain the original look, but would love to drop a small block Ford and 5 speed into it.
I've read of a number of similar conversions on this site, and would love to hear from any of you willing to share your experiences, successes, and/or mistakes!
I have gleaned a lot of knowledge from this site, and look forward to hearing from you folks.
Best, Gil Tastrom
Welcome Gil. Good to know another Vixen is coming out of long term storage. I can't offer much advice but others will be along who have experience of putting a V8 in a Vixen.
A major project to do it. I'd be inclined to keep the Triumph 6 cylinder and tune to 175bhp. Easy and relatively inexpensive.
Good luck and keep us informed.
Moto
A major project to do it. I'd be inclined to keep the Triumph 6 cylinder and tune to 175bhp. Easy and relatively inexpensive.
Good luck and keep us informed.
Moto
Thank you for your response, Steve
We are weighing the option of retaining and tweaking the TR6 motor.
I have corresponded with the owner of a 2500/V-8 conversion (He's on the board of the TVRCCNA) and he is very happy he made the switch. I'm under the impression that the Ford V8 and 5 speed is a lighter combination than the TR6 motor.....
Still researching.
Best, Gil
We are weighing the option of retaining and tweaking the TR6 motor.
I have corresponded with the owner of a 2500/V-8 conversion (He's on the board of the TVRCCNA) and he is very happy he made the switch. I'm under the impression that the Ford V8 and 5 speed is a lighter combination than the TR6 motor.....
Still researching.
Best, Gil
Gil,
Take a look at this thread from the TR register forum. It will give you a fair bit of useful info that will get you thinking along the various routes others have taken and results they have got.
http://www.tr-register.co.uk/forums/index.php?/top...
Moto
Take a look at this thread from the TR register forum. It will give you a fair bit of useful info that will get you thinking along the various routes others have taken and results they have got.
http://www.tr-register.co.uk/forums/index.php?/top...
Moto
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