Most interesting engine swap into a

Travis_K wrote: Alfa 2.5s are cheap, but they arent set up for a transmission to be bolted to them (although it can be done) and the oil pan isnt the best for clearance on other types of cars.

Didn't think it'd be particularly easy, but still cool. Since we're on the subject, do you know of any links or sites where swaps or performance mods have been done? Trying to find info on Alfa performance is kind of a pain

BoxheadTim wrote:

Junkyard_Dog wrote: I think I read somewhere that the TR7 engine and the Saab engines were kissin' cousins. Maybe you could use some Saab bits to just turbo the sucker?

They are, to a certain extent. The engine was designed by Ricardo here in the UK in the early 70s for both companies, but both companies developed the design further. Well, BL a little and SAAB a lot... I don't think you can use SAAB bits to turbo the Triumph/BL engine - I don't think they can take that. I'd be tempted to investigate the possibility of a 16V SAAB turbo swap but I'd expect that to be extremely involved given the gearbox location on a SAAB.

And don't forget that the oil sump on those older 4cyl SAABs are actually "in" their gearboxes. If it's not a common RWD conversion, you'd either have to go dry-sump or fabricate a pan.

How bout an Olds 215?

I was silly enough to do the 1uz swap into my wifes tr 7 convertible, still going almost there. Very nice exhaust note from that quadcam. More straight forward than what you may think. It has the R154 5 speed behind it, with the CRS bellhousing Exeedy clutch GTR R32 4 spots, 2 spots and master cylinder/booster Kaaz LSD The best way to get a tr7 going (IMO) is to rip out everything mechanical that is British. Cheers

lewbud wrote: How bout an Olds 215?

I like that idea!

Don't write off the LSX motors due just to cost. You could use a 5.3 or 6.0, swap on the ls1 intake and a F-body oil pan to make it more of a car motor and you are 9 tenths of the way to an LS1, probably for less than $500. If you leave the motor stock you could probably get away with a t5 transmission. Lighter, smaller and much cheaper than a T56.

BoxheadTim wrote:

Junkyard_Dog wrote: I think I read somewhere that the TR7 engine and the Saab engines were kissin' cousins. Maybe you could use some Saab bits to just turbo the sucker?

They are, to a certain extent. The engine was designed by Ricardo here in the UK in the early 70s for both companies, but both companies developed the design further. Well, BL a little and SAAB a lot... I don't think you can use SAAB bits to turbo the Triumph/BL engine - I don't think they can take that. I'd be tempted to investigate the possibility of a 16V SAAB turbo swap but I'd expect that to be extremely involved given the gearbox location on a SAAB. A not very well known swap over here is to take the engine from a late model SAAB 9000 (late as in after the GM takeover) as that will bolt on to RWD transmissions from the larger Opels. Not sure if you can get the bits in the US, though. Also, it's unlikely to be suitable for a TR7 as the engine in the 9000 is sitting straight up and not at an angle as they are in the earlier cars.

Would the caddy catera tranny work? I think that was an Opel Omega.

One of my clubmates did a 1.8l Miata swap into his TR7. He did such a nice job that, even with the bonnet open, many people walk by it without noticing. It didn't make a huge performance improvement but it's reliable and the 5spd comes in handy.

Most INTERESTING engine swap?

Think outside the box.

I bet swapping that in would be interesting ...

Gomer Pyle comes to mind - SHA-ZAM!!!