GT6 with 215 swap questions
I did a search to see if I could find info about swapping a 215 into a GT6 but nothing turned up. Before I actually swing the engine transmission unit into the maw of the car, I would like to have some information to ruminate on. The first important item I can think of is the fore-aft position. Ideally the 215 bellhousing would land in the same position as the original. Then there is the question of oil sump clearance, followed by exhaust manifold port position. I'll start with these questions and see where it goes from there.
Bill, the MECHANIST |
Moderator Curtis Jacobson Portland Oregon (4577 posts) Registered: 10/12/2007 02:16AM Main British Car: 71 MGBGT, Buick 215 |
Re: GT6 with 215 swap questions
I don't have any information or photos specific to 215 / GT6 conversions for you... but I did just upload another cool Ford V8 powered GT6 to the Triumph photo gallery tonight. Check it out here: Deryle Williams' GT40-powered 1968 GT6
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turbospitfire Max Brewster (49 posts) Registered: 04/25/2008 01:05PM Main British Car: 1979 Triumph Spitfire Ford 2.3 Liter Turbo |
Re: GT6 with 215 swap questions
Bill, there are many Spitfires with this swap out there. The frames are identical, except for rotoflex. GT6 had bigger brakes and stronger spindles but this should not matter as far as the front section of the frame goes. The bonnet gives you additional clearance too. Spitfire and GT6 magazine is a good source. They have a website.
Cheers, Max Brewster 1979 Spitfire 2.3 turbo Ford |
gt6-v8 Martin Flint UK - England (7 posts) Registered: 05/23/2008 01:05PM Main British Car: 1971 Triumph GT6 MK2 Rover V8 3500cc (Buick 215) |
Re: GT6 with 215 swap questions
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Re: GT6 with 215 swap questions
I see that your car is righthand drive. Are you a U K resident? You mention sacrifices. Would you care to elaborate a bit? I see tube headers and am curious if that means that you couldn't make stock manifolds work. It looks like that is a Rover engine? What did you use for a radiator? Did you try using the stock radiator ? I haven't progressed to the point of actually setting the engine/transmission in place. I'm curious what unwelcome surprises are in store. What transmission are you using? I will be using a Camaro T5.
MECHANIST |
Moderator Curtis Jacobson Portland Oregon (4577 posts) Registered: 10/12/2007 02:16AM Main British Car: 71 MGBGT, Buick 215 |
Re: GT6 with 215 swap questions
Welcome Martin!
We need to get you set up with a gallery page and "How It Was Done" article. I'm sure there are a LOT of us here who will be curious to know more about your car. (The website had over 3000 visitors yesterday, of one kind or another.) Please have a look here for the template and for tips about photos: [www.britishv8.org] |
gt6-v8 Martin Flint UK - England (7 posts) Registered: 05/23/2008 01:05PM Main British Car: 1971 Triumph GT6 MK2 Rover V8 3500cc (Buick 215) |
Re: GT6 with 215 swap questions
Hi, yes i'm in UK England, where wet weather tests the rear end all the time :-)
You mention sacrifices. Would you care to elaborate a bit? Sacrifices have been: such fine tollerences on keeping the stock look as there was not a lot of room under the hood and chassis rails: 1. Solid steel engine/box mounts as 1/8" clearance in places, if the drivetran moves it will knock on chassis. 2. Had to saw off the distributor and make up a ford EDIS-8 / coilpacks and aftermarket 3d Ignition as HT leads stopped hood from closing. 3. SS Tubes are for MGB-GT-V8 which actually touch the chassis in places (again motor can't move due to solid mounts) I did make manifolds myself originally, TVR style (swept to front and back under oil pan) but this created too much heat a the rad/oil end. 4. the gearbox manual shifter remote is from a Ford Type-9 box as the rover one was too long. it's a home made job, works well, but isnt spring loaded for centering (be careful going into 3rd gear, it's right next to first) 5. Radiator is standard and copes now i redesigned the header layout, and modified advance curve for cooling. 6. Transmission is Rover LT77 same as triumph TR8 Hope that helps a little? Martin Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 05/23/2008 02:30PM by gt6-v8. |
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V6 Midget Bill Young Kansas City, MO (1337 posts) Registered: 10/23/2007 09:23AM Main British Car: '73 MG Midget V6 , '59 MGA I6 2.8 GM, 4.0 Jeep |
Re: GT6 with 215 swap questions
Bill, check out this Spitfire with the same engine. Nice job and everything clears pretty well. [www.britishv8.org]
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Re: GT6 with 215 swap questions
rear end and axles and u joints are very week and can be changed very cheeply. We used datsun 240 diff ,and axles. But supra and conquest will also work.
Mark |
Re: GT6 with 215 swap questions
the 240 z would be my third choice the supra would be first because It is closeer to the triumph set up has a 411 gear set stock and limited slip stock. the conquest is almost exactly the same . The 240 requires a bracket to mount it and need the ratio changed and install a limited slip but in 73-4 we only had the z that work the best.
Mark |
Re: GT6 with 215 swap questions
I'm putting together a street car and 411s would probably not be a smart choice, even with the T5 with O D. So if the ratio on a 240 fits my needs, is there any other reason to not consider it? Is the supra a bolt-in? My trans is a 2.95 1st gear, by the way.
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Re: GT6 with 215 swap questions
I belive that an auto rear end has a taller gear but not sure what it is . The conquest is allmost a exact copy but I belive it is around 3.8 or 3.6 ? The supra and conquest both bolt in the same way as the triumph irs rear ends. but is around the same size as the tr 4 thru tr6.
Mark |
Re: GT6 with 215 swap questions
when you think you hsve all the info some one like bme add's some more. If you get a chance look at porche 944 or audi Trans axle it will surprize you how the weight willneven out.
Mark |
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