What modern inline engine would you put in a TR6?

v869tr6 · January 19, 2013, 07:02:20 PM

I have a issue with my TR6 engine and may install a modern engine.
What I want
Easy to install
Stock but having a turbocharged version would be a plus, for a later upgrade.
150 to 200 HP
Easy to set up 5 or 6 speed
4, 5, or 6 cylinder

So far it looks like a Colorado 4 or 5 cylinder might work well, but don't know if I can put a stick
behind the 5 cylinder or if the ECU computer will run stand alone.
Any input?

v869tr6 · January 19, 2013, 07:21:26 PM

-- moved topic --

britcars · January 19, 2013, 10:36:14 PM

If I remember right, that GM Atlas engine is very tall - 30" from bottom of pan to the top of engine. Not sure of the length and width of the 5 but the 6 is about 32" long. They do make godd power and lots of torque. Thought about one of the BMW inline sixes? There are quite a few around with Ford small blocks in them. Check out the How It Was Done Section of this site.

v869tr6 · January 19, 2013, 10:45:31 PM

Didn't really think about the atlas being to tall thanks, thats what I need.
I have a V8 TR6 now, but had a second TR6 follow me home. LOL

BWA · January 19, 2013, 11:43:50 PM

Does the engine have to be an inline 6?
I am putting a 2003 GM 3400 V6 in my TR6 and it fits quite nicely, it bolts up to a Ford T5 transmission. This engine will put out about 210 hp at the flywheel. If you went this route I would recommend the GM 3500 as it has an extra 25 hp and it is the same physical size as the 3400. This swap involves no cutting of the firewall and I am using the existing TR6 engine mounts. The steering shaft needs to be moved over a bit to clear the header.

I bought the parts to convert this FWD engine to RWD from British Car Conversions in Dayton Ohio. Check out their website.

Cheers
Byron

socorob · January 20, 2013, 09:07:59 AM

make sure you choose something that has aftermarket support. Im stuck with an engine thats getting less and less available for it. and when you can find something its used and expensive. I like the gm v6 or ford duratec 4. The 2.5 version can be had with 170 hp/tq factory and an be built to mid 200 hp+ NA and is light. If you want to go turbo 4, theres lots available for the nissan sr20. If you want to spend big bucks you could go for the supra or skyline straight 6.

tr6turbo · January 20, 2013, 10:09:58 AM

Look up Dale Knapke in the photo section of this form for a 2.3 turbo Ford in a TR6.

MGB-FV8 · January 20, 2013, 07:17:14 PM

Modern engine with speed parts, readily available, and strong support, I would have to go Miata 1.8L or 2.0L. These four cylinders enjoy all sort of available turbo kits or superchargers and also all sort of O.E. ECU or aftermarket stand alone systems. I have a friend that installed one of these (Miata) turbo four banger in his T-bucket and it pulls 300 horsepower at the rear wheels. IMHO, it's an all around winner for your TR-6......

socorob · January 20, 2013, 10:07:29 PM

http://www.mazdatalkforum.com/viewtopic.php?f=10&t=1721&hilit=NC+Light&sid=64870e647885dd0ea1aae90d0cc37a55

The mazda mzr/ford duratec use the same block. There are differences in block height between the 2.0 and the 2.3/2.5. Heres a guy who put the 2.5 into a miata and has mid 200hp.

alana · January 21, 2013, 09:00:20 AM

Ecotec fits nicely.
Long thread, but you'll get the idea...
http://www.6-pack.org/j15/index.php/forum/28-upgrades/158843-Looks-like-Al-s-finally-getting

Or a 2JGZE
http://www.6-pack.org/j15/index.php/forum/28-upgrades/245026-TR6-2JZGE-EDIS6-Megasqurt-RAT-CO-All-Kinds-of-Goodparts-Lives

v869tr6 · January 22, 2013, 07:27:09 AM

Wow, lot of responses thanks.
The SR20 looks good as far as price go's from one of the JDM suppliers.
The Ecotech is the small block Chevy of 4 cylinders. The Saab turbo 2L at 210 HP looks to be a little better price then the 260 HP models.
The Ford 4 cylinder, new and old both look good.
So many choices.

BlownMGB-V8 · January 22, 2013, 08:13:55 AM

A 4 cylinder in a TR6 just seems wrong.

Jim

socorob · January 22, 2013, 12:25:57 PM

I know what you mean, but a lighter more powerful, more reliable engine can't be a bad thing, even If it has 2 less cylinders.

v869tr6 · January 22, 2013, 02:51:23 PM

A 4 cylinder in a TR6 does seem odd, but if I do the math on two TR6's I have one V8 + one 4 cylinder / by 2 = 6 cylinders
If I can find a nice inline 6 I may still go that route, but I do like the idea of a lighter weight higher powered engine. The parts in my TR6's get run very hard, as I am sure the rest of the people on this site do to their cars, the stock hi compression ( shaved head ) engine beat up a rod bearing after 3 days of pounding the car at Brainard Intnational Raceway during the Powercruse.
Before this TR6 was found on a internet auction by accident , I was planning to get a Solstice or Sky as a nice weather driver.

BlownMGB-V8 · January 22, 2013, 03:43:45 PM

There's got to be a good alloy block inline six out there. Volvo comes to mind but didn't Nissan have a really good six?

Jim

How about the 2JZ?
Ford Australia's Barra 4.0L Turbo?
S54?
Or perhaps the 4.2L TVR Tuscan?

HealeyRick · January 22, 2013, 04:36:43 PM

I really think this would be the ultimate:

http://bringatrailer.com/2011/08/21/ultimate-motoring-machine-bmw-powered-1973-triumph-tr6/

socorob · January 22, 2013, 06:25:31 PM

The Nissan RB inline 6s and the Toyota straight 6 are very nice but. $$$.

MGB-FV8 · January 22, 2013, 09:13:29 PM

I though that his requirements were turbo, easy set up, and ECU adaptability?!?!?! Miata has it all!

v869tr6 · January 22, 2013, 09:52:22 PM

Keep them coming, the choice is still wide open at this point. The Ecotech superchaged install looks like a pain due to the placement of the supercharger. Looks like many of the straight 6's are also wide on the steering side. That BMW looks cool is there a build write up?
BWA, what T5 did you get and does it line up as far as the shifter go's? And that is a 60 degree engine?

MGB-FV8 · January 22, 2013, 09:55:48 PM

Good luck with the BMW electronics (ECU)

BWA · January 22, 2013, 10:15:55 PM

Ed the T5 is a Ford Racing transmission that is for the 1979 to 1993 Ford Mustang V8. The 3400 3500 engines are 60 degree engines and are quite light they have aluminum heads; the engine would weigh about 320 pounds.
The center of the shifter is about 1.5" back from the center of the original shifter.

Cheers
Byron

alana · January 22, 2013, 10:29:45 PM

Just as an FYI, the turbo Saab mill is also an ecotech under the covers.

socorob · January 22, 2013, 10:36:34 PM

http://eurointernationalgroup.com/series/formula_atlantic/

If you like the mazda mzr/ford duratec route(same block, both are Ford castings) it is very supported. There is even a formula atlantic racing series that uses that engine. I think it weighs under 200 pounds, and uses a crank cradle, if thats what you call it, instead of main caps, like F1 engines use. A 4 wont be as torquey as a 6 at low rpms but dohc can rev higher to make up for it.I do think they have a problem with head lift once you cross 450 hp, from what ive read. I dont know how Bergenholtz keeps them together with around 1300 hp. I think he ses the ranger bloc.

mgb260 · January 23, 2013, 01:07:06 AM

Supra 6 or Aussie crossflow 6.

BlownMGB-V8 · January 23, 2013, 01:16:24 AM

Talk about expensive, that BMW S54 is easily double the 2JZ, and at least one of the toyo motors on ebay now for about $700. Intake on the wrong side yes, but that clears easier than the exhaust I'd say. But the Nissan RB has the intake on the other side and about the same cost as the toyo.

Jim