As ususal, I agree with Joe! I've had the same set of pistons and
liners (87mm) for roughly 50 races. It's been re-ringed 3 or 4 times.
I ran compression numbers even lower than Joe's for 2-3 years and have
always limited max rpm to 6000 (ok, I cheated at Daytona and Road
America).
I used a normal differential with 3.7 gears for a couple of years and
than went to the ultimate limited slip, it's welded solid. compression
has been slowly increased over the years as well as cam agressiveness
but it's still a 6000 rpm motor and it still has the 3.7 rear.
Lots to be gained in the suspension department.
Even more in driver development.
The people that race Triumphs and other British iron are a lot of fun.
I look forward to seeing you at a race in the southeast someday.
mike jackson
Alexander Joseph H wrote:
>
> Hi Richard,
>
> This sounds very familiar to us. We ran an engine very near to stock the
> first couple years. Our initial focus was to build a car from the ground
> up paying particular attention to what ever we could do to the
> suspension/handling. Reads: whatever we could produce ourselves without
> spending large dollars. We ran this way for two years.
>
> We continue to run the same set of pistons, rings and liners (87mm) for
> the past five years (really!). Through the advice of the late Mike
> Belfer, we went to the ISKY TR666 cam three years ago and have made some
> improvements to the head. Our Compression Ratio is well less than 11.0:1
> (about 10.5:1 calculated) We run the Crane/Allison ignition. After that,
> there has been alot of attention to detail and we hold the redline at
> 5500-6000 rpm.
>
> We have a Quaiffe, which was installed after the first year. We ran an
> open differential the first year. This was not a bad move as we sorted
> out the car & learned some driving skills...(hopefully). The rear end is
> a 3.7:1 which is good for Road America (long winded) and a bit marginal
> for Black Hawk Farms. The transmission is stock...no close ratio..and we
> have run an O.D. but I moved it to our street TR3.
>
> Outcomes: We have been very reliable, qualify the car very well, but
> usually lose a couple of positions during the race. I attribute the
> position loss to the lack of some of the "goodies" we might have and to
> a lack of driving experience/skill/aggressiveness.
>
> The 'fun factor' and associations we have developed have been the high
> points, but I would be lying if I didnt admit to a certain degree of
> satisfaction over placing well, especially against some of the "cubic
> cash" entries.
>
> Would be happy to share more of our experience, if you wish.
>
> Good Luck, Richard.
>
> Alexander Racing
>
> >----------
> >From: Richard Taylor[SMTP:n196x@mindspring.com]
> >Sent: Tuesday, July 15, 1997 3:34 AM
> >To: fot@autox.team.net
> >Subject: Big Bore Kits
> >
> >Fellow FOTers,
> >I recently located an old clapped-out TR-4 motor to re-build for my '66
> >street-legal/vintage racing Triumph. In the great American tradition, my
> >first thought is that the road to power is paved with cubic inches.
> >Contrary to my personal MO of "ready, fire, aim," I thought this time I
> >might take advantage of our august pool of experience and first ask you
> >guys for any advice you could offer. Admittedly I'm still on the uphill
> >slope of the learning curve but if I can lean on you all a little, I bet
> >next year I can bring a much better car to the track.
> >
> >My questions about Big Bore Kits are:
> >1. Is there an optimum size?
> >2. What are the biggest pitfalls?
> >3. Is the concept of lots more cc's the right one?
> >4. Is much (any) special machining necessary?
> >5. What is the best source and cost?
> >
> >My ultimate goal is to build a strong, tourqy motor; not a super high
> >compression fire breather. If 150 hp is somewhere around optimum for a TR-4
> >motor, I will shoot for 125. For you real racers this may be some sort of
> >perverted heresy, but for me, I will rely heavily on torque and reliabilty
> >until (& if) my driving skills warrant a more aggressive approach. Any
> >other advice you can offer will be greatly appreciated (other than to
> >pursue Kwaun Do or astronomy.) Thanks for your comradery.
> >Richard
> >
> >
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