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Re: V8 conversion

To: s.janzen@comcast.net, fot@autox.team.net
Subject: Re: V8 conversion
From: VANDECARR@aol.com
Date: Sun, 4 Dec 2005 10:14:11 EST
I put a Ford 302 and a T5 transmission in my TR6, it runs in EM Solo II.   
There is a good web site http://www.britishv8.org/ that shows a lot of 
conversions.   I put aluminum heads and manifold on the engine and the 
engine/trans 
setup with aluminum flywheel was 35lbs lighter than the TR 6 engine/trans.   
You 
have to be concerned with a few things.   The Ford engine 5.0 liter is lighter 
and smaller than the Chevy.   The all aluminum Chevy weighs the same as the 
Ford but is a lot bigger.   Don't go with the new Ford modular engines because 
they are too wide.   

If you look at the web site there are some street conversions that are done 
so well you wouldn't know it was done.   The problem is that most have the 
engine forward and they   remove the front tower support.   I moved the engine 
back to get better balance (it's now 51% rear with driver) and I kept the 
support.

The conversion took some time but was not too difficult.   Last year I added 
the Edelbrock fuel injection system and installed a new short block (.040 
Keith Black pistons, forged rods and ready to go for $800).   I now have about 
400 
HP and about 380 ft.lbs of torque.   When you can get your foot to the floor 
the acceleration is awesome.   To hold the power, I installed a BMW 325 read 
diff.   Most of the conversions use the 8.8 or 9 inche Ford rear.   The BMW 
conversion was real easy and their Diffs are real strong. I had my machinist 
install the BMW wheel bearings in the TR 6 hub and I had shorter axels made.   
I 
not only have a stronger diff but I'm using BMW axels and CV joints.   

I have raced this setup for 2 years now and I don't regret the change.   The 
car had tons of power but is easy to manage.   I put a fresh motor in this 
year and I have twice the HP I could get from my TR 6 motor and it runs great 
on 
pump gas, always starts and runs great.   At 400 HP at 5500 rpm, I'm only 
running 9 to 1 compression and the motor will last for many years with nothing 
other that oil changes.   I'd be glad to send pictures or talk to anyone who is 
interested.   I'm in NY and if you'd like to come visit you're welcome.

Dean VanDeCarr


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