Any one ever built a TC Auto?

PNP

PNP

Member
Has anyone ever built up a TC Auto? My S1 still has the original engine and auto gearbox. Don't want to do anything irreversible but would be keen to play around for a few years. Would twin 1.75" carbs and the right cam make for a more drivable car?
 
I've done two, as Harvey suggests a straightforward job. As I recall, the tricky bit was hooking up the downshift cable. But beware the flex plate, the first one I did the owner broke the flex plate in about a month. On the second one we replaced the flexplate as part of the job and that one held up. Or I should say held up until I lost track of the car.

Yours
Vern
 
Thanks Harvey, Vern, What about performance? Not looking for a farrari like outcome but would it make a substancial difference, would expecially like a bit more torque down low.
 
If you have a 2000 the the 2200 is a better option the TC delivers only a little more torque and it is higher up the rev range. I'd image fuel economy would make the V8 look appealing also.

Similarly if doing this, the the HS8 would be an even poorer choice than in the manual compared to the HIF6s from the 2200 regardless of whether you are 2000 or 2200.
 
2200s are very rare in Australia. I assume the handful that are down here were imported by the owners. We have plenty of body panels that the guys in the northern Hemisphere would fight over but no 22oo engine parts. I guess I should really learn to enjoy the scenery when travelling up hills or off the traffic lights. Ive done all the hard work to keep her original
 

Attachments

  • IMG_1967.jpg
    IMG_1967.jpg
    644.9 KB · Views: 13
  • IMG_1395.jpg
    IMG_1395.jpg
    793.9 KB · Views: 12
2200 were relatively plentiful here in NZ but of course were only produced for a short time compared to the 2000 and the 3500 but like elsewhere the enduring interest has always been the V8 so the 4 cylinder models have steadily fallen by the wayside over the years.

A Larger percentage of 2200 I would guess still survive in NZ compared to the 2000 litre models but getting harder to find now.
 
there was at least one 2200 conversion done down here, boring the engine and using a new set of 2200 pistons...using the original head and carbs - so no exhaust heat valve in the air cleaner box. You will need to change the radiator to the TC type ( I can help there I think) and fit an transmission oil cooler. The Aus TC engines all came with engine oil coolers.
 
I would have thought fattening up the torque curve, the SAAB approach of a low-pressure turbo would be a better way to go.

That or simply buy a V8.
 
PeterZRH said:
I would have thought fattening up the torque curve, the SAAB approach of a low-pressure turbo would be a better way to go.

That or simply buy a V8.
Click to expand...


My thoughts exactly, all that faffing around when a simple bolt on turbo provides an instant smile though there may be some sweat in getting the fueling curve right.

OR buy the eight!
 
Doesn't every turbo require a lot of extra pipes and what not? Since my daily is a Saab 93 Aero I can confirm turbo's in Saabs are awesome!

But of you're going down the route of modifying... Fuel-injection might be nice as well? :)
 
Correct, a V8 would solve this problem but S1 V8s are also fairly rare here in Aus (everywhere I suspect).Can still pick up a nice Series 2 for a fair price but theres something about an earlier car (apart from the lack of performance that is !!!)
 
Thijs Leuven said:
Doesn't every turbo require a lot of extra pipes and what not? Since my daily is a Saab 93 Aero I can confirm turbo's in Saabs are awesome!

But of you're going down the route of modifying... Fuel-injection might be nice as well? :)
Click to expand...

A basic, simple turbo retrofit is surprisingly straightforward, it's mostly a case of physically fitting it - no electronics in the simplest of systems whatsoever - the wastegate is effectively a valve controlled by a spring. The difference today is the integration with the fuel injection and engine management systems and the intercooler plumbing make it much more complicated

Simple EFi can be done too relatively easily with a trottle body kit for about £1200-1500. They did it on Car SOS to a Triumph Herald:
and interestingly put it on a track with a standard car.

The fundamental problem with a TC engine is that it's a productionized rally engine and the power delivery isn't really automatic friendly. Ford built a handful of automatic Lotus Cortinas in the 1960s and similarly found they were only slightly faster but had catastrophic fuel consumption. Amazingly there also was an automatic 1100 Escort for a while before the 1300 was standardized. That must have been "leisurely*.
 
That Car SOS episode is exactly what I had in mind! Love that show by the way. :)

The idea of a simple EFI system speaks to me. I love carbs, but old carbs can be a pain in the *** to get right and keep right. The advantages of EFI (fuel economy, reliability, power, torque) are numerous and it even looks kinda sexy and unique... Would perhaps be better than slapping a turbo on a set of old carbs?
 
Last edited:
Thanks for the video. I've only see seasons 1 and 2 on Netflix. EFI would be a fun option.
 
I'd say go for it,done mine in 2005 and not had a bean of trouble with the old girl,forget the early HD's, (they went in the bin :D ),ideally you want the HIF6,HS is ok but 3/4 to full throttle it felt like you were going backwards,first thought that might be the autobox but the HIF proved different,especially over 4000 rpm,

95RON unleaded,no additives,30 mpg at a steady 60 although that drops to about 25 around town,

engine bay 001 by Kevin, on Flickr
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top