MadaboutKitcars

Looking to build a 50's replica and thought a v8 would sound great, has anybody managed to do this with say a ribble or miglia.

Some one on this forum is building a V8 powered Ribble G-46.
Uses the Scimitar SE5 chassis and running gear.
V8 Scimitar conversion are very common, one on E-Bay as we speak.

I have also heard a roomer Mike has put a V8 into a Miglia

The miglia was one of the kits i liked the look of but at the moment i am doing a bit of homework to see whats out there.
If Mike has or is doing a v8 version then any photos would be good.

V8 + Small Chassis Triumph = Twisty Twisty Chassis?
Just my gut reaction but forgetting the space consideration im not sure I would be happy subjecting a Small Triumph Chassis to the power and torque of a V8, good luck with it anyway, prove me wrong!

I dunno, my Spyder chassis just about copes with the formidable 79bhp that my straight six feeds to the back wheels. I reckon it could easily cope with another five, maybe even six horsepower without overloading the chassis.

Actually, it depends how you want to drive and what you want from the car. Even with unmodified Triumph cast iron lumps these cars feel quick due to the light weight, and it's really easy to unstick the back end if that's what you want. Every car has its limits and you simply adjust your driving style to stay safe.

There are loads of chassis and suspension upgrades for the Spit/Herald/Vitesse/GT6 and it wouldn't be too difficult to build a very high performance car out of one of these kits. As an example, Phil and Barry have taken their cars on a classic cars track day and on road tyres and basic Triumph suspension their lap times were competitive with the early Porsche 911's.

As for the noise it makes, which is an important part of the experience imho, the six pots, and even the fours sound awesome with a straight through silencer fitted, but I can understand if anyone wanted a v8 burble or bike scream instead if that's your bag.

If you want to fit a V8, hyabusa or even a Veyron lump just because you can I say go ahead. Get the brakes and suspension properly sorted, treat the resultant beast with the respect it deserves on the road and you'll be fine.

Interesting reply Mr T. I had read that the upgrades available for the triumph small chassis that can turn the car into something that's great fun on the B roads, with handling ability that is really up there!

There are several websites covering this

http://michaeljay.tripod.com/spitfires/cdtest/

I would imagine that also bolting a sufficiently strong spaceframe to the original chassis would eliminate a good deal if the chassis flex that people hear about.

ps

this fast triumph herald also vid is also worth a look

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VCC5ga4ZkzU

That sounds great - exhaust roar, supercharger whine and tyre squeal - the theme tune of the fifties!

That clip give's me hope regarding my BMW powered Pilot
I would love to see more of his suspension set-up.
There is talk about a Nissan diff in the comments

As Mr T says "built it because you can" other wise you'll never know you were wrong

Had a look online and there are a few v8 spitfire's around, it looks like willow triumph local to where i live have added a v8 to a spitfire so i think i will contact tim at willows for more info.


Whithout being able to see how much room there is up front for a rad big enough to cool a v8 plus the oil cooler then there's the air intake to contend with without spoiling the great looks of a miglia or ribble.

So the question is is all this worth the burble of a v8 or do i go for a straight six with a tuned exhaust for sound and keep the car looking as close to a 50's sports car.

I say straight six all the way . You will have a much easier , less troublesome build and a s/six is perfect for the sound and look you want.

There is a V8 d-type up for grabs on the Tribute site : http://www.madabout-kitcars.com/forum/showthread.php?t=4681

If you don't want a d-type I am sure you can persuade Chris to whip the body off and offer you something different or you could butcher a Ribble

200lb and 85bhp compaired with 110lb and 160bhp !!!
I know what I would go with

Of course you could go with the modern donor like I did and get a reliable 200bhp and 200lb/ft and it is a straight six.

I know what I would go with...

...oh, it is what I went with ;-)

You are so right!!

We also looked at the BMW 6 pot but thought the BMW 4 pot would be a little safer
We are now thinking of building another G-46 but BMW 6 pot powered, and I just happen to have a BMW 6 pot sat under my work bench

How hard would it be to cut n shut a G46 over the top of a Z3?



If you look at the early part of my build thread you will see the Z3 naked after the bumpers and panels were removed. They are great cars to modify because the basic car works and the steel is good. Tribute seem to be developing a new body for the Z3 each week.

I remember seeing a documentry on the AC Cobra / Ace, and the V8 transplant/upgrade. The general consensous was that BECAUSE the chassis was flexible they could just keep whacking power into it and it would keeps its tyres on the ground.

It goes against everything that we think we understand about chassis design but it worked!


V8 all the way BTW, nothing else compares

I have seen that car in the flesh and its pretty cool.
Its running , driving , rad fitted etc. and doors , bonnet , boot all fitted on hinges etc. A real easy finish for someone and a great chance to get a D-Type for Ribble/Miglia / A352 money.
No offence to the Ribble/Miglia , Tribute guys but a D-Type with V8 is pretty tasty.
If I had the spare folding , I would have definitely been interested.

The V8 TVR the D-Type is my old car.

The engine is phenomenal in sound and fury.

Probably less powerful than any of the other cars i have but Christ alive it sounded good.

Called in to see a mate today and found this in his workshop looking for a new home



and this



Now has anyone got a spare Triumph chassis in need of a engine