HI, this is my first message on this Forum, so far I have enjoyed this thread and the very lengthy but good one about a TVR 2500M.
I am based in Hampshire, England and enjoy reading what you are up to with old British cars over in the USA.
I own three straight six Triumph cars: GT6 mk2, 2.5Pi mk1 and TR6 all from 69 and 70. To me the major joy of driving these cars is the engine, it really is the heart and soul of them. I bought the GT6 in 83 after owning a Vitesse (Sports Six) and from that point have loved owning Triumph cars.
I do believe that these cars respond well to some tuning, nothing too wild though. Engine wise, some porting and bigger valves to the head, lightened and balanced crankshaft and rods, a lightened flywheel and say a TR6 (UK) camshaft. If well built, this will produce more power and torque and make the car more fun as well as being able to rev better. As for suspension, its the usual story of quality polyurethane bushings, slightly lower and firmer springs and decent shocks: Koni. Change ARB ends to rose joints and upgrade the centre mounts. Brakes: Wilwood or AP. Wheels Minilites (not copies) or Revolution with Uniroyal or Michelin tyres. Interior, my GT6 has standard seats as I find them very supportive, the TR6 has MX5 units (separate headrest type..not tombstone) and the Saloon has some Vauxhall Recaros. Oh, and every one has a Motolita steering wheel.
These cars are used for Autosolos, Track Days, endurance runs and 12 car rallies.
Anyway, I have drifted off thread. The point I must make is that the main point of these cars is to just enjoy them, don't go mad and attempt to make them some wild track beast, just use them and modify as one goes along. My best memories of using my cars are when out on runs throughout the UK or Europe with my mates. Luckily, there are a number of very good Triumph Clubs in the UK and one of them, Club Triumph organises top events like the Round Britain Reliability Run (RBRR) and 10 Countries Run. I am the main organiser of the RBRR, the event is tough, 2000 miles in 48 hours (London to John O'Groats to Lands End to London) , but when run every two years attracts 120 Triumph cars and owners..its just a fabulous weekend of hard and exciting driving. Covid meant we had to postpone last October's event, but we will be running the event next October in 2021.
Good luck with the TR6, great to read about the story so far.