GT6 with 215 swap questions

MECHANIST · April 18, 2008, 07:46:32 PM

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 · April 19, 2008, 01:14:24 AM

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

turbospitfire · May 13, 2008, 03:19:59 PM

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 · May 23, 2008, 01:20:59 PM

Hello, I only just joined the forum, so I could pick brains about advance timings for v8's and noticed your post..

I did a GT6 mk2 (+ in usa) 215 swap and still run the car, still a work in progress, but worth it if you sacrifice certain things.

MECHANIST · May 23, 2008, 01:37:07 PM

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 · May 23, 2008, 01:52:18 PM

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: http://www.britishv8.org/British-V8-How-To-Contribute.htm

gt6-v8 · May 23, 2008, 02:22:22 PM

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

Bill Young · May 23, 2008, 02:48:42 PM

Bill, check out this Spitfire with the same engine. Nice job and everything clears pretty well. http://www.britishv8.org/Triumph/CarstenUllerup.htm

tycorace · June 01, 2008, 03:45:20 PM

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

MECHANIST · June 01, 2008, 05:28:27 PM

You are referring to 240 Z I assume. What is involved with swapping these assemblies?

tycorace · June 01, 2008, 06:02:39 PM

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

MECHANIST · June 01, 2008, 07:37:21 PM

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.

tycorace · June 01, 2008, 09:47:55 PM

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

MECHANIST · June 02, 2008, 12:25:38 AM

Thank you so much. This information is very welcome and may keep me from making an expensive mistake.

tycorace · June 02, 2008, 02:08:15 AM

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