Race Cars and Motorsports

Targa/Rally Triumph TR8
Posted by: WedgeWorks1
Date: December 24, 2009 04:04PM

My name is Mike and I have been involved with British cars since 1986 with a 1969 MGB-GT and now 52 cars later! I have owned 5 Triumph TR8 coupes, 1 Triumph TR8 convertable and over 30 Triumph TR7s! Built SCCA ITS TR7s & TR8s and worked for The Wedge Shop for 5 years on too many wedges. I am currently converting a stock TR8 to a BL Motorsport "Works" rally TR8 conversion. I started with an original Triumph TR8 coupe which is #20 of 158 produced for retail sale in late 1979 for 1980 model year. This particular car was a 98% original car with 88,000 miles. Car was equipped with a 3.5 litre 215 cubic inch all aluminum Rover V8 mated to a manual 5-Speed transmission. Rear axle was a 4 link with drum brakes and a 3.08:1 ratio. Front suspension was MacPherson Strut with disc brakes. Included was power steering, power assisted brakes, air conditioning, AM-FM radio, Ermine white exterior with Green & Black Tartan (Check) interior.







I purchased the car in 1998 from its 3rd owner in Maryland where the car has always resided until I brought it up to Massachusetts. The car has always been garaged and maintained as stock. The body is in excellent condition with very few locations of bubble/blisters in the 1 repaint. In 2001 2nd gear syncro failed in the transmission and the car started to come apart for a clutch and transmission rebuilt.



Here it is 8 years later and still in pieces but in the process of being converted into a rally car.
Since the conversion has began I have been in contact with numerous owners of original works rally TR7V8s in the US and Europe. I have collected as many vintage and New Old Stock (NOS) parts as possible that I could find.
Specifications

Engine & Drive train

-320 hp Rover 3.5 Litre aluminum V8 bored .060” with 12.5:1 compression, .520 lift cam, roller rockers, stage 2 heads, custom pistons, chevy 327 connecting rods, lightened flywheel, blue printed & balance.
-Engine moved back 1-inch
-BL Motorsport/Huffaker Engineering 4 Barrel intake & Holley 600 cfm carburetor
-BL Motorsport oil cooler (STR 0755) with remote filter
-Huffaker Engineering NOS headers
-BL Motorsport single bore 3-inch exhaust
-Rover LT-77 5-Speed with NOS BL Motorsports close ratio gears (STN 0084)
-BL Motorsport heavy duty clutch (STR0785)
-Dana 44 rear axle (Equivalent to Salisbury 4HA STR 0418)
-BL Motorsport heavy duty radiator (STR 0414)

Suspension, Brakes & Tires

-BL Motorsport NOS Bilstein front stub axles with 7-inches of adjustment
-BL Motorsport NOS Bilstein front struts sets of 320/120, 280/120, & 220/120 dampening rates
-BL Motorsport NOS front upper mounts
-BL Motorsport NOS 300lb progressive & 300 single rate front springs
-BL Motorsport NOS Bilstein rear shocks 190/80 dampening rate
-BL Motorsport NOS 300lb rear springs
-Urethane front & rear suspension bushings
-TR7 Front sway bar
-Front & Rear disc brakes
-13x7 & 13x8 Superlite rims with DOT competition semi treaded tires
-Hydraulic & cable activated rear hand brake

Body & Interior

-BL Motorsport front rally flares
-BL Motorsport rear forest, tarmac (3 types) flares
-BL Motorsport front air dam (2 types)
-BL Motorsport roof deflector (STR 0379)
-European specification front & rear bumpers
-Trunk mounted alloy spare tire post
-8-point roll cage
-Corbuea seats
-NOS trunk lid tie downs
-Rover SD1 shift knob
-Seam welded & reinforced body

Electrical & Instruments

-Lucas NOS 20-20 8-inch & 6-inch rally fog & driving lamps
-Lucas NOS rear fog lamp
-NOS Sun Tachometer
-Lucas NOS Horn Push from Rover
-Lucas NOS switches
-Relocated fuse block
-Lucas license plate lamp
-T-Handle battery kill and fire suppression cables

My original intent was to replicate a works TR7V8 in Red, White and Blue livery, but with a set FIA Group 4 Homologation papers for a TR8 and only one officially badged TR8 was rallied in the 1981 RAC Rally by John Buffum it made sense to keep it in the original color and to remain a TR8 true to the cars origins.



























Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 12/24/2009 04:08PM by WedgeWorks1.

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WedgeWorks1
Mike Perkins
Ellicott City, Maryland
(336 posts)

Registered: 07/06/2008 08:07AM
Main British Car: 1980 Triumph TR8 3.5 Litre Rover V8


Re: Targa/Rally Triumph TR8
Posted by: WedgeWorks1
Date: December 24, 2009 04:06PM

So here it is December 24 and I decided since it is nice and cold in my unheated garage to do the 2nd crappiest job .....chiseling out sound deadening material! It seems that the material above the gas tank and front half of the transmission tunnel comes out with ease since it was put over gray primer! The floors and behind the emergency brake lever is a pain in the ass and that is on the black primer. It’s either pops off or a little bit with each whack! I’m using a brass chisel and a small hammer and so far the cold with the tools is going pretty well. I figure I can get it all off with the exception of the inside of the rear quarter panels. There is more in the trunk area once I am done with the interior.









I also decided to make a works rally steering wheel which not available state side so I took a Moto Lita wheel from a TR7 and drilled some holes in it and well I think it turned out pretty good for a guy without a drill press and using a step drill bit. I love those things! A little semigloss black paint and who will ever know! Beside those who read this obviously!

My version!


Original Works

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Bill Young
Bill Young
Kansas City, MO
(909 posts)

Registered: 10/23/2007 09:23AM
Main British Car: '73 MG Midget V6 , '59 MGA I6 2.8 GM, 4.0 Jeep

Re: Targa/Rally Triumph TR8
Posted by: Bill Young
Date: December 24, 2009 04:40PM

Mike, sounds like a Merry Christmas for you. Can you access the backside of the panels where the undercoating and sound deadening material is? If so I've found that an electric heat gun or even a propane torch heating on the reverse side will loosen old sound deadening material and bondo very easily. Just apply the heat moving it around in a small area but not too concentrated so not to risk warping the sheet metal and watch the surface, when it starts to bubble up a bit it will usually peel right off with prod from a putty knife. Wish I could open your photos, but the firewall here at the office blocks them. The wheel sounds interesting.

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WedgeWorks1
Mike Perkins
Ellicott City, Maryland
(336 posts)

Registered: 07/06/2008 08:07AM
Main British Car: 1980 Triumph TR8 3.5 Litre Rover V8

Re: Targa/Rally Triumph TR8
Posted by: WedgeWorks1
Date: December 24, 2009 05:04PM

Bill-I have the same problem with opening the photos at work. There is a firewall in my company software that stops this. Im not really concerned with the sound deadening material on the inside of the rear quarters. All the original rally TR7/8s still had it in place. I am going to try a heat gun and a puddy knife to get the material off for the rest of the interior. The most difficult job is next and it is the undercoating. I have some of the spray to losen it but still the bear of bears!

Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 12/28/2009 11:01AM by WedgeWorks1.

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Bill Young
Bill Young
Kansas City, MO
(909 posts)

Registered: 10/23/2007 09:23AM
Main British Car: '73 MG Midget V6 , '59 MGA I6 2.8 GM, 4.0 Jeep

Re: Targa/Rally Triumph TR8
Posted by: Bill Young
Date: December 28, 2009 10:22AM

The heat method also works well on undercoating in most cases. I've used it to strip both the interior of sound deadener from my Midget and the old bondo and undercoating from my MGA.

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WedgeWorks1
Mike Perkins
Ellicott City, Maryland
(336 posts)

Registered: 07/06/2008 08:07AM
Main British Car: 1980 Triumph TR8 3.5 Litre Rover V8

Re: Targa/Rally Triumph TR8
Posted by: WedgeWorks1
Date: December 28, 2009 11:03AM

Well unforetunately my head cold is keeping me from going out to the garage to heat things up! Oh well it make for a good way to start the new year by getting better and having fun with the car!

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Phillip G
Phillip Leonard
Kansas City
(300 posts)

Registered: 02/03/2008 04:12PM
Main British Car: 1992 MG RV8 Rover 3.5


Re: Targa/Rally Triumph TR8
Posted by: Phillip G
Date: December 29, 2009 11:48PM

Wedgeworks One,

Thank you so much for posting.

Your TR8 is so very significant !

What an incredible project you have ! And, right-hand drive ! .....

You have historic material here, and I hope you keep up the reporting of the project of restoration.

Keep them on the track.

Phillip G

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nadg63
Neil Gibson
(47 posts)

Registered: 09/30/2009 11:50PM


Re: Targa/Rally Triumph TR8
Posted by: nadg63
Date: December 30, 2009 04:52AM

Sorry Phillip G but from the strip-down pics it appears to be left hand drive ........................... !?


[img]2414668150103910108S425x425Q85.jpg[/img]

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WedgeWorks1
Mike Perkins
Ellicott City, Maryland
(336 posts)

Registered: 07/06/2008 08:07AM
Main British Car: 1980 Triumph TR8 3.5 Litre Rover V8


Re: Targa/Rally Triumph TR8
Posted by: WedgeWorks1
Date: December 30, 2009 08:46AM

The car is really not that signifigant. I would say all the parts have more history. Now for the car yes it is a chunk of history #20 fo 158 for 1980 retial production TR8 coupes....BUT British Motor Hertitage Industrial Trust in the UK tried to get me a certification for the car and well in typical British Leyland/Jaguar-Rover-Triumph there records do not exist for the car. They have car #19 and #21 but not mine, #20. Also I know it was renumbered to be a 1980 model year car from a 1979. So no proof or history besides the VIN and titles well perfect candidate for a competition car. Just so everyone knows......I would love to have a RHD car!

So here is the 14-inch steering wheel I ordered and I need to make a 1.25" spacer so my hands dont hit the wiper/turn switches. In the end I will have a 13 & 14 inch wheels to suit different needs (gravel or tarmac or autocorss)
SW_A.jpg

Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 12/30/2009 11:37AM by WedgeWorks1.

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Phillip G
Phillip Leonard
Kansas City
(300 posts)

Registered: 02/03/2008 04:12PM
Main British Car: 1992 MG RV8 Rover 3.5


Re: Targa/Rally Triumph TR8
Posted by: Phillip G
Date: December 30, 2009 08:40PM

Wedgeworks One,

In the black and white photo you have displayed, your "Original Works" TR8 looks to be right hand drive.

Is it an original works right hand driver or is the black and white photo simply a snap of another TR8 ?

Fascinating stuff - left or right hand drive. It only matters to SCCA because they demand all racers (except for a few with very old log books) be only left hand drive.

You have a great project going there !

Keep them on the track.

Phillip G

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WedgeWorks1
Mike Perkins
Ellicott City, Maryland
(336 posts)

Registered: 07/06/2008 08:07AM
Main British Car: 1980 Triumph TR8 3.5 Litre Rover V8

Re: Targa/Rally Triumph TR8
Posted by: WedgeWorks1
Date: December 31, 2009 10:06PM

I got into the garage today and decided to just finish stripping the interior out of the car. Dash, wiring, steering, heater core all gone. The insulation padding on the firewall/bulkhead in the trash! All I have left is the rest of the sound deadening on the floors, e-brake, and boot/trunk area and thats it! I will use the heat gun and a small scrapper to try to get the thin stuff off. Still on/in the car is the doors guts, brake lines, fuel lines and gas tank. I am at the point of no return so on to making a rotisserie!







I did not want to lose the ID tags so I hung them up!


Phillip the B&W picture is of one of the "original" works TR7V8s. They did make them in both LHD & RHD, more so the RHD.


Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 12/31/2009 10:07PM by WedgeWorks1.

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nadg63
Neil Gibson
(47 posts)

Registered: 09/30/2009 11:50PM


Re: Targa/Rally Triumph TR8
Posted by: nadg63
Date: February 12, 2010 03:21AM

So how are things progressing Mike!? (must have thawed out by now!)

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WedgeWorks1
Mike Perkins
Ellicott City, Maryland
(336 posts)

Registered: 07/06/2008 08:07AM
Main British Car: 1980 Triumph TR8 3.5 Litre Rover V8


Re: Targa/Rally Triumph TR8
Posted by: WedgeWorks1
Date: February 12, 2010 09:24AM

Neil..........I have 34 inches of snow since last week and snow banks over 5 feet tall! The garage is not heated so I threw the cover over the car and cleaned up the place. I had to put a halt on the project for now to get some things taken care of that I hope will not effect the project. I have my fingers crossed!
[img]HPIM0524smaller.jpg[/img]

[img]HPIM0526smaller.jpg[/img]

[img]IMG00671small.jpg[/img]

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nadg63
Neil Gibson
(47 posts)

Registered: 09/30/2009 11:50PM


Re: Targa/Rally Triumph TR8
Posted by: nadg63
Date: February 12, 2010 06:17PM

Jeez, thats a fair amount of snow! (glad I never get to see any in my part of the world)

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WedgeWorks1
Mike Perkins
Ellicott City, Maryland
(336 posts)

Registered: 07/06/2008 08:07AM
Main British Car: 1980 Triumph TR8 3.5 Litre Rover V8


Re: Targa/Rally Triumph TR8
Posted by: WedgeWorks1
Date: March 13, 2010 10:38PM

The snow is gone and its been about 50 degrees on average and I ordered a body cart so I can get the car up in the air and mobile so I can finish cleaning it up for the roll cage installation. I also could not pass up the price too!

sum-905274_w.jpg

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WedgeWorks1
Mike Perkins
Ellicott City, Maryland
(336 posts)

Registered: 07/06/2008 08:07AM
Main British Car: 1980 Triumph TR8 3.5 Litre Rover V8


Re: Targa/Rally Triumph TR8
Posted by: WedgeWorks1
Date: March 25, 2010 08:12PM

The TR8 has new wheels now and after being locked up in the garage for 9 years it will see daylight!



This is the best $300.00 I have ever spent! Only thing was getting the body 25" up in the air by myself! I did not need all the tubing so I busted out the squirt gun and did some welding to make the connections to the body and after about 2 hours she is mobile again!

Rear attachment




Front attachment



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 03/25/2010 08:36PM by WedgeWorks1.

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Moderator
Curtis Jacobson
Colorado USA
(1996 posts)

Registered: 10/12/2007 02:16AM
Main British Car: 71 MGBGT, Buick 215


Re: Targa/Rally Triumph TR8
Posted by: Moderator
Date: March 29, 2010 04:45PM

That's some nice work... and at just two hours, speedy too!

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WedgeWorks1
Mike Perkins
Ellicott City, Maryland
(336 posts)

Registered: 07/06/2008 08:07AM
Main British Car: 1980 Triumph TR8 3.5 Litre Rover V8


Re: Targa/Rally Triumph TR8
Posted by: WedgeWorks1
Date: March 29, 2010 06:33PM

Well the work is going to be for nothing but future aids in moving a spare body shell around. Im going to build a rotisserie now using two engine stands and a ton of pictures from this forum site!

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WedgeWorks1
Mike Perkins
Ellicott City, Maryland
(336 posts)

Registered: 07/06/2008 08:07AM
Main British Car: 1980 Triumph TR8 3.5 Litre Rover V8


Re: Targa/Rally Triumph TR8
Posted by: WedgeWorks1
Date: April 02, 2010 09:47PM

Here is my Frankenstand...........I am almost done with the rotisserie. I have the main supports welded up and finally got the wheels. I have the mounts bolted to the bumpers and well about another hour and its 360 degrees of fun rotation!

Welding fun!








This was done with a Lincoln HandyMIG on 115v using .035 flux core (inner shield) wire and 1/8-inch wall tubing. Melts like butter!

---

WedgeWorks1
Mike Perkins
Ellicott City, Maryland
(336 posts)

Registered: 07/06/2008 08:07AM
Main British Car: 1980 Triumph TR8 3.5 Litre Rover V8


Re: Targa/Rally Triumph TR8
Posted by: WedgeWorks1
Date: April 08, 2010 06:06PM

The Master!


The Master Piece!


The other is almost done just some welding, drilling and cutting and we are going round and round!



Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 08/18/2011 12:19PM by Moderator.

Current Page: 2 of 5


WedgeWorks1
Mike Perkins
Ellicott City, Maryland
(327 posts)

Registered: 07/06/2008 08:07AM
Main British Car: 1980 Triumph TR8 3.5 Litre Rover V8


Re: Targa/Rally Triumph TR8
Posted by: WedgeWorks1
Date: April 09, 2010 09:45PM

Now the fun begins. I wondered how it is I went for so long without doing this!





Oh by the way I did not think a coupe was top heavy during the "rotational" movement, ah yeah it is a bit top heavy!

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WedgeWorks1
Mike Perkins
Ellicott City, Maryland
(327 posts)

Registered: 07/06/2008 08:07AM
Main British Car: 1980 Triumph TR8 3.5 Litre Rover V8


Re: Targa/Rally Triumph TR8
Posted by: WedgeWorks1
Date: May 08, 2010 07:24PM

I have an appointment for the rollcage in about 2 to 3 weeks. I got the cage approved with a horizontal and diagonal side door brace. I have the Targa committee looking over my optional k-brace side door bar option. Looks like the major milestone will be over come!

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tr8todd
Todd Kishbach
(128 posts)

Registered: 12/04/2009 07:42AM


Re: Targa/Rally Triumph TR8
Posted by: tr8todd
Date: May 09, 2010 11:56AM

Mike, a couple of things you may have overlooked with this design. The way you have the diagonals in the main hoop, will almost certainly interfere with your shoulder belts. You should have a horizontal bar just lower than the hole in the back of the seat to attach the belts. The rear deck is insufficient for belt mounting. A horizontal at this height is also a good place to attach the back of the seat to, unless you are using a FIA seat that doesn't require it. A horizontal knee bar will go a long way in protecting from intrusion in a side impact. To protect from roll overs, I'd like to see a bar from floor to top of cage right where it bends down at the windshield. If the cage guy falls thru, you can always bring it up here. You and I can bang it out over a long weekend. Oh, and one other thing, NASCAR bars rule! Second photo shows what I mean about the seat, belt, bar relationship. I needed two bars on the BMW. One for the seat support/ SCCA horizontal requirement, and one above that for the belts. The shorter the belts, the safer they are.

DSC01858.jpg

DSC01908.jpg

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WedgeWorks1
Mike Perkins
Ellicott City, Maryland
(327 posts)

Registered: 07/06/2008 08:07AM
Main British Car: 1980 Triumph TR8 3.5 Litre Rover V8


Re: Targa/Rally Triumph TR8
Posted by: WedgeWorks1
Date: May 09, 2010 09:37PM

The targa rules are really wierd. The side bars cannot be any higher than 50% of the door height in the front and rear of the jamb.....so big side impact bars are out and I want wind up windows now plastic. The other is the rear main hoop its either an X-brace or the two diagonals or in my case diagonals/k-brace. I plan on using eyes bolted into the rear shelf with some nice reinforcing plates.

Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 05/09/2010 09:37PM by WedgeWorks1.

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Moderator
Curtis Jacobson
Colorado USA
(1990 posts)

Registered: 10/12/2007 02:16AM
Main British Car: 71 MGBGT, Buick 215


Re: Targa/Rally Triumph TR8
Posted by: Moderator
Date: May 10, 2010 04:03AM

Quote:
The other is the rear main hoop its either an X-brace or the two diagonals or in my case diagonals/k-brace.

I wonder if you could interpret the "two diagonals" option this way:

HPIM0622.jpg

IMHO, the roll structure itself would be more elegant... but moreover you could then incorporate Todd's harness strap suggestion. The angle of the straps (i.e. not too steeply downward from the shoulders) is critical. With this approach you can put them precisely wherever you want them.

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tr8todd
Todd Kishbach
(128 posts)

Registered: 12/04/2009 07:42AM


Re: Targa/Rally Triumph TR8
Posted by: tr8todd
Date: May 10, 2010 07:46AM

That rear deck is very thin. No matter how much reinforcing you do, it won't work. You really need a bar to attach the belts to located just above the parcel shelf area. You could always add a bar between the diagonals. The shelf area is so short, that it isn't that far back to the base of the diagonals. That is what I did on Ropers car, or maybe it was one of the yellow cars- I forget now. If the main hoop diagonals run right where the holes in your seat are, you are completely out of luck anyway. You have to have your seat of choice mocked up and in place to properly build any cage. You also should have a good idea what your doing for window net, side view mirror placement and rear view mirrors. Because of the driving position in a TR8, once your strapped in, you can't reach much more than the wheel, and the shifter. My TR8 has Nascar bars, and still has the roll up windows. Pretty sure you have to open the door to crank them thou. A flat X door bar will intrude into the drivers area because of the way the A and B pillars slope inward. TR8s cages, similar to Miata cages almost have to be built as an extension of the driver. There isn't much room for error like there is in a sedan. You have to continuously check fitment as you build it. I might have a buyer for that Kirk cage I sold you if you want to part with it.

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Moderator
Curtis Jacobson
Colorado USA
(1990 posts)

Registered: 10/12/2007 02:16AM
Main British Car: 71 MGBGT, Buick 215


Re: Targa/Rally Triumph TR8
Posted by: Moderator
Date: May 10, 2010 12:12PM

Quote:
You have to have your seat of choice mocked up and in place to properly build any cage.

I learned this the hard way with my MGB-GT. Luckily, only two bars had to be cut out and replaced.

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WedgeWorks1
Mike Perkins
Ellicott City, Maryland
(327 posts)

Registered: 07/06/2008 08:07AM
Main British Car: 1980 Triumph TR8 3.5 Litre Rover V8


Re: Targa/Rally Triumph TR8
Posted by: WedgeWorks1
Date: May 10, 2010 12:29PM

I plan on a passenger so that is why the I have the cage symmetrical. Doubling the diagonals helps more with roll over and I need rearward vision. The mirrors on the outside will be in the same place and the original mirrors. I don't use window nets! The rear view mirror is open so that could be stock or the wink. I am also using the cage for upper control arm mounting so it will need to be symmetrical. I may run a bar later for the seat belts but getting the main cage done is half the battle.

I also need to get some lbs back into the car and after talking with the guys in austrailia and Europe more is better. I may do a better layout for the side bars but these are as a minimum. This gentleman after going off the road at 80mph and rolling about 7 times built a new TR7V8 with this improved cage.

Crash Video Classic Adelaide 2007 Triumph TR8 Crash



Todd I got someone that might be using the cage in a TR8 for the Lemons race. I will find out today. I do have another one an autopower cage? that I will not be using.

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nadg63
Neil Gibson
(44 posts)

Registered: 09/30/2009 11:50PM


Re: Targa/Rally Triumph TR8
Posted by: nadg63
Date: May 11, 2010 10:33AM

Hi Mike,

Down here we have a different solution to mounting the shoulder belts - and CAMS are happy with it! (but that doesn't mean to say they'll like it your side of the world!)

With both Ian's and my car, our shoulder belts are attached to the cross bar in front of the rear shelf, they just wrap around and pass back through the original buckles/adjusters - no eye bolts needed and the cage cross piece is one hell of a lot stronger than the shelf!

Just been trying to find a pic but don't seem to have one!?

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tr8todd
Todd Kishbach
(128 posts)

Registered: 12/04/2009 07:42AM


Re: Targa/Rally Triumph TR8
Posted by: tr8todd
Date: May 11, 2010 01:56PM

Here's how mine is attached to the cross bar. Also have the seat back support mounted in the same spot.
DSC02197.JPG

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Phillip G
Phillip Leonard
Kansas City
(295 posts)

Registered: 02/03/2008 04:12PM
Main British Car: 1992 MG RV8 Rover 3.5


Re: Targa/Rally Triumph TR8
Posted by: Phillip G
Date: May 11, 2010 07:26PM

Mike,

That is a most impressive roll cage !

You and your navigator will feel very secure. And that means you will drive FASTER.

Way to go.

Keep them on the track.

Phillip G

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WedgeWorks1
Mike Perkins
Ellicott City, Maryland
(327 posts)

Registered: 07/06/2008 08:07AM
Main British Car: 1980 Triumph TR8 3.5 Litre Rover V8


Re: Targa/Rally Triumph TR8
Posted by: WedgeWorks1
Date: May 16, 2010 01:39PM

Well busted out the grinder and removed the rust free battery tray (TR7)/emission canister tray and wiper motor & wash brackets. It is so simple that the main harness hole in the firewall would be used to run the strut brace/cage extensions through, too easy!

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WedgeWorks1
Mike Perkins
Ellicott City, Maryland
(327 posts)

Registered: 07/06/2008 08:07AM
Main British Car: 1980 Triumph TR8 3.5 Litre Rover V8


Re: Targa/Rally Triumph TR8
Posted by: WedgeWorks1
Date: June 09, 2010 09:26PM

Off to the Fab shop she goes for the cage installation!




I tossed in the dash board and some interio bits for making the cage work. I will have to notch the dash board but I want the cage to be more obvious than the works cars. They hid the cage at the roof and front pillers in the body work.



Work starts on Monday!

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nadg63
Neil Gibson
(44 posts)

Registered: 09/30/2009 11:50PM


Re: Targa/Rally Triumph TR8
Posted by: nadg63
Date: June 15, 2010 04:13AM

Mike,

Tuck the cage in as tight as you can along the roof line above your head - no matter how much you lower the seat you'll find when wearing a crash helmet it can get in the way a bit! (our seats are way down compared top standard and I am always aware ogf the cage tube beside/above my head; now I'm 6' and a bit but Craig is only around 5'8" and he still has the odd moment with it). With Ian's car he had the cage put in before they put the roof on to get things as tight as poss!

We are going to look at getting some custom seats and or mounts made to see if we can get our seating any lower - it does help when a major Aussie seat manufacturer is local and you know him :-)

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WedgeWorks1
Mike Perkins
Ellicott City, Maryland
(327 posts)

Registered: 07/06/2008 08:07AM
Main British Car: 1980 Triumph TR8 3.5 Litre Rover V8


Re: Targa/Rally Triumph TR8
Posted by: WedgeWorks1
Date: June 15, 2010 10:07AM

I am actually going to have the tubes next to the head area sunk/tucked into the roof framing so they are out of the way. About halfway towards the front of the cage they will emerge and then hug the windshield. I will be stopping by the shop tomorrow to see the car, so pictures will follow!


WedgeWorks1
Mike Perkins
Ellicott City, Maryland
(327 posts)

Registered: 07/06/2008 08:07AM
Main British Car: 1980 Triumph TR8 3.5 Litre Rover V8


Re: Targa/Rally Triumph TR8
Posted by: WedgeWorks1
Date: June 16, 2010 06:54PM

Neil-They decided to just cut out a slot for the upper tubes......and things are in tight!

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tr8todd
Todd Kishbach
(128 posts)

Registered: 12/04/2009 07:42AM


Re: Targa/Rally Triumph TR8
Posted by: tr8todd
Date: June 17, 2010 02:27PM

Are you sure they are using DOM? That sure looks like an ERW seam on the inside of the main hoop.

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WedgeWorks1
Mike Perkins
Ellicott City, Maryland
(327 posts)

Registered: 07/06/2008 08:07AM
Main British Car: 1980 Triumph TR8 3.5 Litre Rover V8


Re: Targa/Rally Triumph TR8
Posted by: WedgeWorks1
Date: June 17, 2010 04:54PM

It is ERW since DOM in the size down here is a pain in the arzz to get.


Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 06/17/2010 04:54PM by WedgeWorks1.

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tr8todd
Todd Kishbach
(128 posts)

Registered: 12/04/2009 07:42AM


Re: Targa/Rally Triumph TR8
Posted by: tr8todd
Date: June 17, 2010 06:16PM

OK then. Just don't plan on entering events run by or getting a logbook from, SCCA, VSCCA, EMRA, NASA, BMWCCA, PCA, VARA, etc. FYI, the biggest distributor of DOM in the country is located in Dillsburg Pa. not far from you. Looks like the toughest part is done. Bending the main hoop and getting it to fit that nicely is a chore. Is the fabricator planning on cutting off the roof to get at the top welds? The last cage I built, I used the hole in the floor then drop the cage down to weld method. It worked out well, but it took some effort to pull it off. Taking the roof off and reinstalling is much easier on a wedge. Good luck. I can't wait to see it finished.

Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 06/17/2010 06:29PM by tr8todd.

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WedgeWorks1
Mike Perkins
Ellicott City, Maryland
(327 posts)

Registered: 07/06/2008 08:07AM
Main British Car: 1980 Triumph TR8 3.5 Litre Rover V8


Re: Targa/Rally Triumph TR8
Posted by: WedgeWorks1
Date: June 17, 2010 06:38PM

The guy in PA is a really squirrelly bird......he is worse than Mike B. Plus I'm getting a good deal on the stuff. Plus this is stock they have left over from a Lexus they did last month for the same rally. It was one of those new 400hp V8 paddle shift all wheel drive 4 doors......just not right. This cage made to the Targa Rules would never fly in any other world, especially the side bar protection.....thats is the worst part. Any way here are some more pictures! By the way Todd doesn't paint hide things ;)









Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 08/18/2011 12:35PM by Moderator.

Re: Targa/Rally Triumph TR8
Posted by: WedgeWorks1
Date: June 21, 2010 04:06PM

All that is left are the rear back stays/diagonals, seat belt bar and gusseting with final welding to all the joints!

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nadg63
Neil Gibson
(47 posts)

Registered: 09/30/2009 11:50PM


Re: Targa/Rally Triumph TR8
Posted by: nadg63
Date: June 22, 2010 12:26AM

Looking good Mike; are you leaving the side intrusion bars in the doors then! (we took ours out)

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WedgeWorks1
Mike Perkins
Ellicott City, Maryland
(335 posts)

Registered: 07/06/2008 08:07AM
Main British Car: 1980 Triumph TR8 3.5 Litre Rover V8


Re: Targa/Rally Triumph TR8
Posted by: WedgeWorks1
Date: June 22, 2010 09:40AM

I am thinking about it but my issue is I have to be at 2560-ish lbs which is curb wieght -100lbs so I might need the extra 33lbs.

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nadg63
Neil Gibson
(47 posts)

Registered: 09/30/2009 11:50PM


Re: Targa/Rally Triumph TR8
Posted by: nadg63
Date: June 23, 2010 09:23PM

Think I'd be keeping them as well - ours only came out as the side intrusion bars in our cage are half way up the door! (good for getting in/out when you are 6' tall - not!)

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WedgeWorks1
Mike Perkins
Ellicott City, Maryland
(335 posts)

Registered: 07/06/2008 08:07AM
Main British Car: 1980 Triumph TR8 3.5 Litre Rover V8


Re: Targa/Rally Triumph TR8
Posted by: WedgeWorks1
Date: June 23, 2010 10:23PM

All done and will be returned to the home before the weekend begins! Now to stitch weld and reinforcing the tops of the front struts....and rears, upper control arms, lower, etc..........

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WedgeWorks1
Mike Perkins
Ellicott City, Maryland
(335 posts)

Registered: 07/06/2008 08:07AM
Main British Car: 1980 Triumph TR8 3.5 Litre Rover V8


Re: Targa/Rally Triumph TR8
Posted by: WedgeWorks1
Date: July 25, 2010 09:37PM

Figured I would work on some of the unique parts and here is the center console.


This is the original works one. I will be doing it in black krinkle finish.

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Phillip G
Phillip Leonard
Kansas City
(299 posts)

Registered: 02/03/2008 04:12PM
Main British Car: 1992 MG RV8 Rover 3.5


Re: Targa/Rally Triumph TR8
Posted by: Phillip G
Date: July 26, 2010 09:36AM

Mike,

I've been following your progress on the TR8, but have not seen any updates lately.

I hope much progress has been made since your last post. Please post some new photos and let me know how the project is coming along. Particularly, I am most interested in how you plan to solve the induction concerns on your 3.5 or 3.9 Rover engine. I see your intake manifold in your posted photos, but would like to know more about it.

keep up the good work and

keep them on the track,

phillip g

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DiDueColpi
Fred Key
West coast - Canada
(289 posts)

Registered: 05/14/2010 03:06AM
Main British Car: Do you mean one that runs? Engine by lotus, about 2 foot square.


Re: Targa/Rally Triumph TR8
Posted by: DiDueColpi
Date: July 26, 2010 06:35PM

Hey Mike,
Nice work!
Do the plaidinum door panels add much strength?
Cheers
Fred

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Phillip G
Phillip Leonard
Kansas City
(299 posts)

Registered: 02/03/2008 04:12PM
Main British Car: 1992 MG RV8 Rover 3.5


Re: Targa/Rally Triumph TR8
Posted by: Phillip G
Date: July 26, 2010 08:56PM

Mike,

That is some beautiful welding on the roll cage. And the 5 point section at the left rear roof section is awsome. Hats off to the welder here !

keep them on the track,

phillip g

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WedgeWorks1
Mike Perkins
Ellicott City, Maryland
(335 posts)

Registered: 07/06/2008 08:07AM
Main British Car: 1980 Triumph TR8 3.5 Litre Rover V8


Re: Targa/Rally Triumph TR8
Posted by: WedgeWorks1
Date: July 27, 2010 07:10AM

Fred the door panels offer comfort! Important when dealing with trees and stone walls at 90mph! Now if only I had a Carpenters 8 Track in the car too!

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WedgeWorks1
Mike Perkins
Ellicott City, Maryland
(335 posts)

Registered: 07/06/2008 08:07AM
Main British Car: 1980 Triumph TR8 3.5 Litre Rover V8


Re: Targa/Rally Triumph TR8
Posted by: WedgeWorks1
Date: August 03, 2010 05:32PM

I gave the krinkle a shot.....more like a spray and its not the gray color like the original would be but I think the black tones it down to blend wiht the interior plastic bits.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 08/08/2010 08:54PM by WedgeWorks1.

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nadg63
Neil Gibson
(47 posts)

Registered: 09/30/2009 11:50PM


Re: Targa/Rally Triumph TR8
Posted by: nadg63
Date: August 07, 2010 09:45PM

Coming along nicely Mike; I left our switch panel in it's 'matt' ali finish but have to admit the black finish does look good!

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WedgeWorks1
Mike Perkins
Ellicott City, Maryland
(335 posts)

Registered: 07/06/2008 08:07AM
Main British Car: 1980 Triumph TR8 3.5 Litre Rover V8


Re: Targa/Rally Triumph TR8
Posted by: WedgeWorks1
Date: August 08, 2010 08:53PM

Neil....gauges are next!

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nadg63
Neil Gibson
(47 posts)

Registered: 09/30/2009 11:50PM


Re: Targa/Rally Triumph TR8
Posted by: nadg63
Date: August 11, 2010 05:55AM

Hmmm, like the look of that Mike! We still have the standard dash in ours, but looking at this things could change ........ :-)

At the moment Ian is building us a new 'race' engine for the car which should be in the car around September; as we were doing OK with the standard 3.9 motor it was decided that a power increase would not go astray - by increase we are probably talking near double what we currently have! (gonna need it as have entered Targa Tasmania next year, a really long and hard tarmac event!)

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WedgeWorks1
Mike Perkins
Ellicott City, Maryland
(335 posts)

Registered: 07/06/2008 08:07AM
Main British Car: 1980 Triumph TR8 3.5 Litre Rover V8


Re: Targa/Rally Triumph TR8
Posted by: WedgeWorks1
Date: August 11, 2010 09:52AM

Neil here is the latest picture and with a few more holes it will go into krinkle. I found a gentleman here in the US about 4 hours from me that is going to flock the dash too. Its all coming along really easily.

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WedgeWorks1
Mike Perkins
Ellicott City, Maryland
(335 posts)

Registered: 07/06/2008 08:07AM
Main British Car: 1980 Triumph TR8 3.5 Litre Rover V8


Re: Targa/Rally Triumph TR8
Posted by: WedgeWorks1
Date: August 15, 2010 09:04PM

OK Neil.....here is how easy it was and you can do one of these too for your red beastie!

#1 remove all the junk.....ribbon wiring, bulbs, terminal, gauges, etc and drill some big holes for the 4 replacement and tach gauges. I kept the stock speedo. I also cut the upper lip off of the gauge cover plate to use for on top of the new panel.





#2 have fun making the aluminum panel and getting the gauges to fit with the holes in the pod as previous shown. The gauges are from a Jaguar XJ6 around the same time period and have a semigloss face surround. Now the speedo is the stock one but NOS with something like 2 miles on it. With the removal of the clear cover I needed a glass cover and found a Triumph Stag had as close as I am going to get for a fit. I got LED dash indicator lights.



#3 Spray some krinkle paint and wait for it to dry.......then reassemble. So simple you MUST do it to your TR8!

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nadg63
Neil Gibson
(47 posts)

Registered: 09/30/2009 11:50PM


Re: Targa/Rally Triumph TR8
Posted by: nadg63
Date: August 16, 2010 03:01AM

Thanks for that Mike, will be giving it a go, even have a spare dash assembly in the shed somewhere to pull apart!

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WedgeWorks1
Mike Perkins
Ellicott City, Maryland
(335 posts)

Registered: 07/06/2008 08:07AM
Main British Car: 1980 Triumph TR8 3.5 Litre Rover V8


Re: Targa/Rally Triumph TR8
Posted by: WedgeWorks1
Date: August 17, 2010 08:12PM

Here you go!

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nadg63
Neil Gibson
(47 posts)

Registered: 09/30/2009 11:50PM


Re: Targa/Rally Triumph TR8
Posted by: nadg63
Date: August 18, 2010 02:25AM

I am impressed!

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Moderator
Curtis Jacobson
Colorado USA
(1994 posts)

Registered: 10/12/2007 02:16AM
Main British Car: 71 MGBGT, Buick 215


Re: Targa/Rally Triumph TR8
Posted by: Moderator
Date: August 18, 2010 10:40AM

Very nice!



Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 08/18/2011 12:44PM by Moderator.

Re: Targa/Rally Triumph TR8
Posted by: WedgeWorks1
Date: August 26, 2010 05:51PM

I finally got to hack, grind, snip and well anything possible to get the dash fit with the roll cage. Man what a fun experience. I will say once trimmed the dash fits really well!







I went as far as getting the arm rest on the transmission tunnel fit around the cage.



Now the dash is off to get flocked!

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djw090
David Witham
Warwick UK
(69 posts)

Registered: 06/12/2008 11:20AM
Main British Car: MGB 1974 and MG ZT 160 turbo 2005


Re: Targa/Rally Triumph TR8
Posted by: djw090
Date: August 27, 2010 08:16AM

In period the works TR7 V8 rally cars had a flock finish on the top of the dash only. This was to reduce reflections in the windscreen.




nadg63
Neil Gibson
(48 posts)

Registered: 09/30/2009 11:50PM


Re: Targa/Rally Triumph TR8
Posted by: nadg63
Date: August 27, 2010 08:14PM

You are being civilised Mike, an arm-rest!

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WedgeWorks1
Mike Perkins
Ellicott City, Maryland
(338 posts)

Registered: 07/06/2008 08:07AM
Main British Car: 1980 Triumph TR8 3.5 Litre Rover V8


Re: Targa/Rally Triumph TR8
Posted by: WedgeWorks1
Date: August 27, 2010 08:40PM

Neil-The arm rest on my first reply would be to everyone....."it hides the Nitrous bottle!", but actually I plan on possibly putting the e-brake master cylinder in there and it would look some what stock with center rest.

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Phillip G
Phillip Leonard
Kansas City
(300 posts)

Registered: 02/03/2008 04:12PM
Main British Car: 1992 MG RV8 Rover 3.5


Re: Targa/Rally Triumph TR8
Posted by: Phillip G
Date: August 28, 2010 10:03PM

Mike,

The roll cage joints and welds are very impressive. Any SCCA tech person would sign off on the work with no questions asked.

Have you thought about SCCA racing in the GT2 class ?

keep them on the track

phillip g

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WedgeWorks1
Mike Perkins
Ellicott City, Maryland
(338 posts)

Registered: 07/06/2008 08:07AM
Main British Car: 1980 Triumph TR8 3.5 Litre Rover V8


Re: Targa/Rally Triumph TR8
Posted by: WedgeWorks1
Date: September 23, 2010 09:11PM

The gas tank has arrived all 17 gallons of it! Some notching needs to be made so it fits in the trunk which may be about 2 gallons less but worth it!

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nadg63
Neil Gibson
(48 posts)

Registered: 09/30/2009 11:50PM


Re: Targa/Rally Triumph TR8
Posted by: nadg63
Date: September 24, 2010 02:56AM

Very tidy!

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74ls1tr6
Calvin Grannis
Elk Grove,CA
(617 posts)

Registered: 11/10/2007 10:05AM
Main British Car: 74 TR 6 2002 5.7 LS1 Chevy


Re: Targa/Rally Triumph TR8
Posted by: 74ls1tr6
Date: September 24, 2010 09:25AM

Hi Mike,

I have the same fuel tank in my build, just a 19 gallon tank. Are you going to weld in some king of baffles inside for fuel slosh when in hard cornering? These fuel tanks are open inside, one tube for the fuel draw, and a fuel sender is all that's inside.

I did open mine up and welded in 3 baffles, one at a 45 degrees for the fuel sender float swing.

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WedgeWorks1
Mike Perkins
Ellicott City, Maryland
(338 posts)

Registered: 07/06/2008 08:07AM
Main British Car: 1980 Triumph TR8 3.5 Litre Rover V8


Re: Targa/Rally Triumph TR8
Posted by: WedgeWorks1
Date: September 24, 2010 04:33PM

I am going to have baffling done plus have a horizontal extension of the tank added for more fuel. It is what the factory cars called the long distance tank.

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nadg63
Neil Gibson
(48 posts)

Registered: 09/30/2009 11:50PM


Re: Targa/Rally Triumph TR8
Posted by: nadg63
Date: September 25, 2010 12:37AM

Although we run a totally different tank set-up to what you're doing Mike, we had to get ours re-baffled or constantly run at more than half full; if not got really bad fuel surge half way through a days rallying - bit of a nuisance!

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WedgeWorks1
Mike Perkins
Ellicott City, Maryland
(338 posts)

Registered: 07/06/2008 08:07AM
Main British Car: 1980 Triumph TR8 3.5 Litre Rover V8


Re: Targa/Rally Triumph TR8
Posted by: WedgeWorks1
Date: September 26, 2010 02:37PM

I dont know if there is an advantage of the combined flat and vertical tank or not but baffles in the mid to lower part plus near the filler neck will be pretty important. I am also think about a surge/swirl pot too, any thoughts?
Ted Lathrop of Fast Cars Inc. specializes in suspension and chassis modifications for British sports cars.

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roverman
Art Gertz
Winchester, CA.
(1199 posts)

Registered: 04/24/2009 11:02AM
Main British Car: 74' Jensen Healy, 79 Huff. GT 1, 74 MGB Lotus 907,2L


Re: Targa/Rally Triumph TR8/ fuel cell ?
Posted by: roverman
Date: September 26, 2010 10:14PM

With foam ? Not allowed ?

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WedgeWorks1
Mike Perkins
Ellicott City, Maryland
(338 posts)

Registered: 07/06/2008 08:07AM
Main British Car: 1980 Triumph TR8 3.5 Litre Rover V8


Re: Targa/Rally Triumph TR8
Posted by: WedgeWorks1
Date: September 27, 2010 06:41AM

The Targa NF organization has little if no requirements of the fuel cells. I would rather baffle then foam but who knows it could go either way?

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bsa_m21
Martin Rothman
Toronto Canada
(52 posts)

Registered: 01/06/2009 11:41AM
Main British Car: 1980 TR7V8 Rover 3.9L


Re: Targa/Rally Triumph TR8
Posted by: bsa_m21
Date: October 07, 2010 08:52AM

Mike,

Haven't had an update on your build for a while. How's it moving along?

Martin

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77v8
Robert Dehart
(25 posts)

Registered: 10/07/2010 06:56AM


Re: Targa/Rally Triumph TR8
Posted by: 77v8
Date: October 07, 2010 07:52PM

wow. you give me courage for my tr7 project car. learned something new today. did not know you could get a tr8 hard top in the states.

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WedgeWorks1
Mike Perkins
Ellicott City, Maryland
(338 posts)

Registered: 07/06/2008 08:07AM
Main British Car: 1980 Triumph TR8 3.5 Litre Rover V8


Re: Targa/Rally Triumph TR8
Posted by: WedgeWorks1
Date: October 07, 2010 10:20PM

Martin-Im still getting parts and well going try out the welder soon. Its getting there but time is rare.
Robert-About 350 hardtop or Fixed Head Coupe TR8s were produced with about 80% coming to the US. The convertibles were about 2,200 in 1980 through 1982 and with rust, conversions and abuse suffered by the coupes not many are left! This is coming from a guy who has owned about 6 TR8 coupes and 1 TR8 convertible.

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WedgeWorks1
Mike Perkins
Ellicott City, Maryland
(338 posts)

Registered: 07/06/2008 08:07AM
Main British Car: 1980 Triumph TR8 3.5 Litre Rover V8


Re: Targa/Rally Triumph TR8
Posted by: WedgeWorks1
Date: October 12, 2010 09:18PM

I ordered some brake master to the same specifications of the original rally cars. 875" bore for the rear and .625" for the front. To my surprise my brake pedals are already set up for dual master cylinders! I just have to put a panel over the power brake booster hole in the firewall and redrill for the masters and done! There is enough space to put them next to each other.

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Moderator
Curtis Jacobson
Colorado USA
(1999 posts)

Registered: 10/12/2007 02:16AM
Main British Car: 71 MGBGT, Buick 215


Re: Targa/Rally Triumph TR8
Posted by: Moderator
Date: October 13, 2010 12:24AM

Very cool... but surely you'd rather discard that pedal and replace it with one that provides adjustable brake bias, no?

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WedgeWorks1
Mike Perkins
Ellicott City, Maryland
(338 posts)

Registered: 07/06/2008 08:07AM
Main British Car: 1980 Triumph TR8 3.5 Litre Rover V8


Re: Targa/Rally Triumph TR8
Posted by: WedgeWorks1
Date: October 13, 2010 09:05AM

Curtis-The proportioning valve gets installed for the rear so maybe that is why it is of a bigger diameter? Just following the building block already put down. It goes in the dash next to the down tube of the roll cage where the vent is.

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DiDueColpi
Fred Key
West coast - Canada
(291 posts)

Registered: 05/14/2010 03:06AM
Main British Car: Do you mean one that runs? Engine by lotus, about 2 foot square.


Re: Targa/Rally Triumph TR8
Posted by: DiDueColpi
Date: October 14, 2010 03:48AM

Hi Mike,
You might want to consider some sort of a bias bar arrangement for your brake pedal. I think that the extra holes in the pedal are a red herring.The differing diameters of master cyls. And varying demands of front and rear brakes. Are going to require different lengths and rates of input travel that the fixed pedal arrangement can't accommodate. While it could be set up to be perfect for one particular circumstance, this is racing and nothing is perfect (except for Arts car) (oops! was that out loud?) Anyway terrific car. You've got something to be proud of.
Cheers
Fred



Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 08/18/2011 12:54PM by Moderator.

Re: Targa/Rally Triumph TR8/ Art Carr ?
Posted by: roverman
Date: October 14, 2010 09:53PM

Fred, har,har,car! Art Carr built "perfect' automatics, NO affiliation. No perfection in my "Huff". It's old and beat, jus' like me. But jus' "maybe" next year.... First comes the motor, and the car shall follow.roverman.

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WedgeWorks1
Mike Perkins
Ellicott City, Maryland
(327 posts)

Registered: 07/06/2008 08:07AM
Main British Car: 1980 Triumph TR8 3.5 Litre Rover V8


Re: Targa/Rally Triumph TR8
Posted by: WedgeWorks1
Date: October 18, 2010 10:49AM

Fred-I looked into the bias bar for the brake pedal and for the cost and availability why not? I will do it since there is such a diameter/bore size difference between the two brake masters. Thanks for the imput.

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nadg63
Neil Gibson
(44 posts)

Registered: 09/30/2009 11:50PM


Re: Targa/Rally Triumph TR8
Posted by: nadg63
Date: November 10, 2010 06:28AM

So what's been happening Mike!?

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WedgeWorks1
Mike Perkins
Ellicott City, Maryland
(327 posts)

Registered: 07/06/2008 08:07AM
Main British Car: 1980 Triumph TR8 3.5 Litre Rover V8


Re: Targa/Rally Triumph TR8
Posted by: WedgeWorks1
Date: November 10, 2010 05:50PM

Neil-I finally got around to ordering a 10.5 inch clutch and lightened steel flywheel and all the brake stuff including a rear break bias/proportioning valve, In the process I cleaned out the garage to make room for an OIL PAN ;) Just getting reay to bring the shell iside for the winter to do some work on it. I also have a late 3.5/3.9 rover front cover I am going to run with the large snail type water pump. I did some mocking up of the intake and valve covers.

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CJ Steak
Chris Salisbury
(20 posts)

Registered: 10/25/2010 05:17PM


Re: Targa/Rally Triumph TR8
Posted by: CJ Steak
Date: December 08, 2010 01:12PM

Sorry if it was mentioned elsewhere, but is the side draft to 4V carb adapter a one off piece or can it be found for sale somewhere?

I've been wanting to run 4 SUs on my 302 powered '67 MGB GT. I'm running an old Edelbrock F4B intake. I didn't want to make one out of steel tubing...

Thanks for any info.

Also, good job on the car so far. I've been lurking and following your thread for a while now. The first TR8 I ever saw was a white one, and the first thing I thought was "I sure would like to make a works rally car out of that". As you can imagine reading your thread is quite enjoyable for me.

Keep up the great work!

-Chris

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Bill Young
Bill Young
Kansas City, MO
(904 posts)

Registered: 10/23/2007 09:23AM
Main British Car: '73 MG Midget V6 , '59 MGA I6 2.8 GM, 4.0 Jeep


Re: Targa/Rally Triumph TR8
Posted by: Bill Young
Date: December 08, 2010 09:52PM

Chris, try Inglese Induction, they carry the Weber to 4bbl adaptor. [www.inglese.com]

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WedgeWorks1
Mike Perkins
Ellicott City, Maryland
(327 posts)

Registered: 07/06/2008 08:07AM
Main British Car: 1980 Triumph TR8 3.5 Litre Rover V8


Re: Targa/Rally Triumph TR8
Posted by: WedgeWorks1
Date: December 14, 2010 09:08PM

The side draft DCOE weber adaptor pictured is a very rare Repco made in Australia. Pierce Manifolds in California has one that is about the same but does not have the lugs/bosses on top for linkage. Another option but it does sit really low low is finding one made by B&M for a blower.

On another note I am going to use a Dana 44 rear axle from an International Scout. It is about 1/2-inch narrower than the stock TR7/TR7 differential which is 56.5-inches without drums (same as Dana 44 with drums) and 57 inches with drums and they come with almost no brackets on them so welding and fabricating should be simple. It seems to be an abundant rear axle and Im sure parts are a plenty. Biggest expense will be custom axle for the TR7/8 wheel patterm.

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roverman
Art Gertz
Winchester, CA.
(1193 posts)

Registered: 04/24/2009 11:02AM
Main British Car: 74' Jensen Healy, 79 Huff. GT 1, 74 MGB Lotus 907,2L


Re: Targa/Rally Triumph TR8
Posted by: roverman
Date: December 15, 2010 09:05PM

Mike, Might consider welding in the holes and re-drilling.Not stressed like a "drag" axle. This is done alot. Not heard of , that much. Don't want a spool/live axle ? Good luck, roverman.


Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 12/16/2010 01:47PM by roverman.

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DiDueColpi
Fred Key
West coast - Canada
(282 posts)

Registered: 05/14/2010 03:06AM
Main British Car: Do you mean one that runs? Engine by lotus, about 2 foot square.


Re: Targa/Rally Triumph TR8
Posted by: DiDueColpi
Date: December 15, 2010 09:36PM

Mike:

Have you thought about Volvo axles?
Very strong, cheap and plentiful, lots of gear ratios available, many have LSD from factory and they all come with very good disc brakes.
122 / P1800s are 51.6" 140 / 240 are 53.5" and 740 / 760 are 57.5"
Hope thats helpfull.

Cheers
Fred

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WedgeWorks1
Mike Perkins
Ellicott City, Maryland
(327 posts)

Registered: 07/06/2008 08:07AM
Main British Car: 1980 Triumph TR8 3.5 Litre Rover V8


Re: Targa/Rally Triumph TR8
Posted by: WedgeWorks1
Date: December 16, 2010 02:36PM

Well I am trying replicate and do some improving on the original factory cars and they ran a Salisbury 4HA which is the same as a Dana 44. I plan on getting the tubes welded to the housing and lots of plate reinforcing. I can get parts and gear set rally cheap and the LSD would be as fitted originally, tracloc. I have one in my 2004 jeep and its nice. I will do either 3.90 or 4.10-ish gears. I already have the rear discs and calipers that will fit uner 13-inch rims so its all about brackets & axles.

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WedgeWorks1
Mike Perkins
Ellicott City, Maryland
(327 posts)

Registered: 07/06/2008 08:07AM
Main British Car: 1980 Triumph TR8 3.5 Litre Rover V8


Re: Targa/Rally Triumph TR8
Posted by: WedgeWorks1
Date: April 16, 2011 08:09PM

Got some drive to get working on the project and fabricated the glove box panel for the fuses, tripmeter and other accessories I may need. Some aluminum sheet metal and a bender and snips with cardboard to make templates it was pretty simple.







The fit is perfect and I am going to use the original hinges so I can drop the panel down for access for the wiring behind the panel.



I also got a Ford 8.8 rear axle with 3.55 gears from a friend that was one of the first few done by Woody @ The Wedge Shop years ago set up specifically for a TR7/8. The parts are piling up!





Here are some cool pictures of the different color schemes found on the Rally TR7, TR7V8s & TR8s, so enjoy!

The works 4 cylinder TR7 colors.....(this particular car has a Rover V8)




The works TR7V8 colors.....




The works TR8 colors.....aka John Buffum.....


And his SCCA TR8

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nadg63
Neil Gibson
(44 posts)

Registered: 09/30/2009 11:50PM


Re: Targa/Rally Triumph TR8
Posted by: nadg63
Date: April 21, 2011 06:39PM

Hi Mike,

Nice to see things are still progressing; like your fuse panel, very tasty.

Neil.

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WedgeWorks1
Mike Perkins
Ellicott City, Maryland
(327 posts)

Registered: 07/06/2008 08:07AM
Main British Car: 1980 Triumph TR8 3.5 Litre Rover V8


Re: Targa/Rally Triumph TR8
Posted by: WedgeWorks1
Date: April 21, 2011 09:06PM

Neil,

It is almost finished. Tomorrow will be the hinges and then the wrinkle/krinkle paint.




Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 04/21/2011 09:11PM by WedgeWorks1.

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nadg63
Neil Gibson
(44 posts)

Registered: 09/30/2009 11:50PM


Re: Targa/Rally Triumph TR8
Posted by: nadg63
Date: April 21, 2011 09:24PM

No good for me Mike, would get in the way of the steering wheel .............................................. ;-)

PS:- On your posted colour schemes, know I'm biased but has to be red! (please what ever you do don't go for the 'rainbow' look - know it is of your home country but yeuch!)

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WedgeWorks1
Mike Perkins
Ellicott City, Maryland
(327 posts)

Registered: 07/06/2008 08:07AM
Main British Car: 1980 Triumph TR8 3.5 Litre Rover V8


Re: Targa/Rally Triumph TR8
Posted by: WedgeWorks1
Date: April 21, 2011 09:34PM

The irony is that the home country colors (USA) that John Buffum ran was the TR7 in white with red & blue and the TR8 in white with the dark green lower. The rest including the rainbow are all BL works colors. Im still thinking about white stock coupe and canadian stripes in black & green.

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tr8todd
Todd Kishbach
(128 posts)

Registered: 12/04/2009 07:42AM


Re: Targa/Rally Triumph TR8
Posted by: tr8todd
Date: April 23, 2011 08:28AM

C'mon Mike. You know you really want to go with the one you drew up like mine using hews of pink and purple. Happy Easter.
DSC01845.jpg

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WedgeWorks1
Mike Perkins
Ellicott City, Maryland
(327 posts)

Registered: 07/06/2008 08:07AM
Main British Car: 1980 Triumph TR8 3.5 Litre Rover V8


Re: Targa/Rally Triumph TR8
Posted by: WedgeWorks1
Date: April 23, 2011 11:00PM

I had a BAAADDDDDD experience with cold weather and wrinkle/krinkle paint. I ended up spraying the glove box cover and well 5o degrees, rain and an unheated garage decided to screw me on the wrinkle paint. After 4 hours just a few randon spots wrinkled up. I looked at it and some pictures fo the orignal cars and said the heck with it! I striped all the aluminum panels and painted them with satin black trim paint. Man it looks better than the krinkle! I put some of the parts together and Im really happy with the end result.











I also scarfed up two more Sun tachs so besides the one in the dash now I got 2 more. Its a disease!



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 04/23/2011 11:04PM by WedgeWorks1.



Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 08/18/2011 01:02PM by Moderator.

Re: Targa/Rally Triumph TR8
Posted by: nadg63
Date: August 08, 2011 03:02AM

Craig, (driver), rang to ingform me I have been replaced, no idea as to why, but that's how it stands....................... !?

Not happy!

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WedgeWorks1
Mike Perkins
Ellicott City, Maryland
(337 posts)

Registered: 07/06/2008 08:07AM
Main British Car: 1980 Triumph TR8 3.5 Litre Rover V8


Re: Targa/Rally Triumph TR8
Posted by: WedgeWorks1
Date: August 08, 2011 09:38AM

Ok so the red TR7V8 is it your car or Craigs? Sounds like a Tiger Woods move! Well if I ever get mine done you have a front row seat available.....problem is it is on the worng side for you, but you may get excited since it is on the right side, driver's side in your country. I could put a steering wheel there for you to feel at home? Remember we still love you man!


Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 08/10/2011 11:45AM by WedgeWorks1.

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nadg63
Neil Gibson
(47 posts)

Registered: 09/30/2009 11:50PM


Re: Targa/Rally Triumph TR8
Posted by: nadg63
Date: August 09, 2011 03:06AM

Started out as my car, (when it was yellow!),but when it got crashed Craig financed the re-build so in my mind it kinda became his car.

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WedgeWorks1
Mike Perkins
Ellicott City, Maryland
(337 posts)

Registered: 07/06/2008 08:07AM
Main British Car: 1980 Triumph TR8 3.5 Litre Rover V8


Re: Targa/Rally Triumph TR8
Posted by: WedgeWorks1
Date: August 09, 2011 08:19AM

Sorry to hear. Well you need to find a new toy and get back on the road!

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WedgeWorks1
Mike Perkins
Ellicott City, Maryland
(337 posts)

Registered: 07/06/2008 08:07AM
Main British Car: 1980 Triumph TR8 3.5 Litre Rover V8


Re: Targa/Rally Triumph TR8
Posted by: WedgeWorks1
Date: August 10, 2011 06:56PM

I used my tubing bender for the first time last night to bend some 1.75"x.130" wall roll cage tubing to install for a front brace. The rally cars removed the boxed section brace behind the bumper and between the frame rails to let more air in and to mount the oil cooler.





Next step is to start welding!



Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 08/18/2011 01:04PM by Moderator.

Here are some old updates.......

The boot/trunk area is now done for cutting out panels. Bead roller and electric metal sheers are on the way!



All primed up!

I cant believe that with all the panels I have removed that there is no rust to be found

Made a new panel for the modified rear trunk area. I reuse trunk lids for thier size and flatness. The rest of the structural panels will also be made from more lids. I bought an electric hand held metal cutters from Harbor Freight with an extra set of blades. For cutting 16 gauge and thinner it makes a breeze! 8)

The dimple die punch came and was put straight to use and the replacement bead roller die too! All is right in the universe with a full moon!




Yeah Im gonna do it...........

MIke,

You are a very bad, bad, boy :)

Martin

Bad more like social issues!

Tooo much!

I agree Mike,
TOOO MUCH!!!
If it helps you out ....I'd be willing to take that intake off your hands.

But seriously, that thing is pretty sweet.
Cheers
Fred

I spent my Christmas Eve day working on the TR8. Broke out the die grinder, bead roller and body hammers to get a panel made for the boot.




I got my engine lift back from my office and dumped in a spare engine with a crank and a hollowed out transmission. I moved the engine back 1" and well the headers barely hit the frame rails and I am sure the steering rod will too. The transmission shifter assembly is so far back it goes beyond hitting the frame. Now to make tons of notes for additional cutting and trial fitting of parts.


The shifter assembly needs about 1.5" to 2" removed.......

I got my 225/45/15 tires back mounted on 15x7 & 15x8 rims and they look the part!

Going green with belts to compliment the original green check door panels! They are also FIA approved too!


I ordered a new upgraded electronic stock looking Rover V8 distributor from Petronix with two coils. I need a short water pump and pulley and from there it A-N hoses and fittings with the rear suspension and boot are modifications. Its coming together!



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 02/06/2012 08:50PM by WedgeWorks1.

Put the front of the engine on to see what nightmare I am getting into with getting the new positioned alternater and the water pump alignment with the crank pulley......we have a issue



I put the remote oil filter, 4 barrel intake, carb and valve covers on to start work on the air filter assembly.

Hi Mike

It is very nice job you are doing. Looks really good. Keep up the good work.
I build a TR7V8 works replica in 2007-2009 which I am rallying now.


Engine compartment


Engine, making new exhaust manifold



Best regards
Per Andersen

Per-

Did you move your engine back in the engine bay? What did you do for your transmission cross member/mount? I might use a Rover SD1 tranny mount bracket.

I moved the engine back some 60-70 mm and used the standard TR7 gearbox mount. However I had to shorten the gearbox linkage and make a new brass bush that is around 40mm long as there now only is 1 bush, but before there was 2.
One of the spring supports on the top must be relocated.
This conversion works really good if you keep all bushes in good condition all the time.



Per

Of all the hard things to do I figured the air pan air cleaner assembly used in NASCAR/AARCA would be an issue trying to conform to the underside geometry of the bonnet (hood) After a few hours or trimming it turned out really well and all that I need is a 14"x2.5" K&N air filter that is ordered.

Initial Fitment


Made a template for some baseline measurements


Then the final product less air filter.

Hey Mike,

Been a long time since your last update. Still working on the car??

Martin

Well I just got back home after being away at Susquehanna Steam Electric Station (Nuclear Plant) for In-Service Inspection requirements that went from 2 to 3 weeks to 8. I guess there was a time out from the TR8.

It has been 12 years since my last unescorted nuke plant access so it was some what interesting but after a few days it was like old times!

I did while in Berwick, Pa trade my lime green jeep in on a tow vehicle for the TR8. Its a 2006 Chevy Crew with 65,000 miles and I love it.....might paint the TR8 silver to match or not!

Back to working on the TR8 hopefully unless I get sent to wor on the Ronald Regan aircraft carrier in Seattle for 3 months?

It's been what........4 months and a another Targa Newfoundland missed. I did manage to get something done to the car that I was not going to do myself and you guys here know what happens........you end up doing things yourself. I flocked my dashboard to cut down on glare and reflected light and it was not as hard as I thought it was going to be! It came out really nice in the end and cost me about $40.00 in materials and I still have enough left to do 2 more dashes!



I ended up filling in the little tray-recess on the top of the dash above the glove box door. The works cars deleted it so why not follow their lead? You can tell at all there was anything there!


I also have been working on the drivers seat installation and the trunk/boot area. I will post more stuff as I go hoping to keep this thread alive.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 09/12/2012 04:09PM by WedgeWorks1.