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Hi all firstly my 7 i aim to have fully restored by next year although i dont really want to set a target date but as mine is gonna be as orignal as i can get it, it does have the 2.0 litre engine under its bonnet as did 3/4 of did, daft as this question is as i havent even had chance to drive mine yet is the 2.0 Litre engine as bad as most say? or with a lot of TLC it can be reliable as any other car from that period.

Steve

If in good condition and with normal servicing it should be as reliable as any car on the road today.
Just remember it's an old car, so certain aspects need more TLC then others [;)]

<center>
<font color="blue"><i>1981 TR7 FHC Sprint (better known as 't Kreng)
1981 TR7 DHC (not very well known yet, but back on the road)
Also a 1980 TR7 DHC, 1980 TR7 DHC FI, 1981 TR7 FHC
http://tr7beans.blogspot.com/</i></font id="blue"></center>

There is nothing wrong with the 4 cyl. engine!!!! If the engine is in good running order. Regular maintenance will keep the engine running fine for a long while. I would take the time to find out if the head has been removed and skimmed. If that's the case I'm hoping the previous owner replaced the head studs. The original head studs were absolute garbage and over time they stretched. Because of that, you had a high frequency of head gasket failures (besides the cause from overheating). If you think you still have the original ones, search for the thread here covering the topic of re-torquing headbolts. I know some here retorque their head bolts on regular intervals to make sure they are snug. Another thing to watch is the cooling system. If you don't know the condition of the radiator, have it professionally pressure tested for leaks and have it tested to make sure there are no blockages. Then fill with a quality anti freeze. I use Pentosin blue anti freeze (the same stuff that I use in my 21 year old Audi) I don't like using the cheapo green Prestone or department store crap. They claim to be safe for systems but I see that stuff sludge up all the time and actually attack aluminum and other metals...no thanks! I swear by it. I took apart my 20 year old daily driver last year and found the cooling system clean as a whistle...no rust at all. Good luck.

Many thanks guys for youre sdvice as always its invaluable.

Steve

I've read blogs of owners who have got just under 200,000 miles on their 2 litre engines, one on west coast and one on east coast (US).
Most of us haven't got that far but something to look forward to.

I'll be just happy when mine is finished next year to try her out, and next Sat im really looking forward to meeting feloow TR's at the NEC in Birmingham.

Catch you all then

Steve

Remember to talk to me about the engine Steve. The advice regarding corrosion inhibiting antifreeze really is the part to focus on.

By the way, my TR's running again... not 100% yet but it doesn't seem to be too far off.

<center><b>[url="http://www.triumphtr7.com/documents/sales/codenamebullet.asp"]Buy the story of the Triumph TR7/8 on DVD here[/url]</b></center>

well being the owner of a standard FHC and a beastie of a v8, i would say the v8 (touch wood) is the most reliable engine without doubt

But i do love driving the standard car it has plenty of power for todays traffic and certanly and everyday car, not to mention the MPG compared to the v8 is definetly a big plus point.

slightly high revving engine so noisery than most, and yes you have to take care of these cars, regular servicing and just good housekeeping really.

in my opnion driving the ole FHC brings back the joy of driving, unlike todays cars that just havent get any sole, you feel, hear and Know you are driving Brilliant

[8 whole cylinders worth of punch to ram the world through the windshield and out the rear view mirror. Car & Driver]
1981 Grinnall TR7 v8
1981 Black FHC
1979 & 1980 Black Premium FHC(laid to rest) Sorry


John

I have only had my 2litre for five years and in that time it has only ever let me down once. That was the first time I used it, the electronic ignition (crappy after market, not standard fit) broke up literally! It was converted back to points and drove happily home. It has since been converted to the Aldon Ignitor ignition and still performs very well. I look forward to many more happy driving sessions with it. Just keep it regularly serviced, use the correct anti freeze as mentioned above but most of all, drive it and enjoy it. Personally it always puts a smile on my face when I see a poor modern thing stranded at the roadside whilst I'm blasting around in a 27 year old car!

Gary

Eeyore rides again !!

EOR14W - Persian Aqua 2L Dhc, Now rebuilt and looking lovely - Sprint engine being prepared!

Another tip I got on coolant from a radiator shop is to mix the antifreeze with distilled water. Helps to stop the calcium deposits from tap water. It's only a couple of bucks at the grocery store so I figure why not. It's also proven to cool better than straight antifreeze.

72 MGB BRG
80 TR8 Persian Aqua
If women don't find you handsome, they should at least find you handy.

Hi John i will do, ive being looking forward to going the the show for a while now as you know, i'll be there on the Sat and look forward to meeting you and many others

Steve

many thanks all youre advice is invaluable.

Steve

Distilled is definetly recommended....I don't use anything else when mixing.

It's an excellent engine - slightly underpowered for a short stroke overhead cam 2 litre, but then you can go 16 valve Dolly head if you want a bit more. Just look after it - it will be fine.