TR3 questions

[markctr3]

I just bought a 1960 TR3 a couple of months ago, and I'm in the process of fine-tuning the restoration. The body and frame are rock-solid, but the engine was buring about a quart of oil every 40 miles. I have the motor out of the car and down to the bare block, and I am in the process of rebuilding it.

Some of my questions are:

I can get 87mm liners and pistons from Moss for about $500. They are listed as "alternate" brand, which some have said are sub-par components. The Roadster Factory on the other hand sells the liners and pistons made by Mahle (Germany) for about $900. When we built engines at RENNtech, that's all we used. I think I want to spend the extra $400 for the Mahle, but I'm looking for the opinion of others that may have crossed this bridge.

What about Webers VS SUs? Part of me wants to keep it stock, but another side of me wants the performance.

Where do you buy the best interior kits (seats & trim panels)? Has anybody done this before?

Thanks for any advice you can give...I'm sure I'll be asking more questions down the road.

[Adamsindrey]

to be honest your best off on a site like www.club.triumph.org.uk There a bit more specific than this site....

[Brummbaer]

Originally Posted by markctr3

I just bought a 1960 TR3 a couple of months ago, and I'm in the process of fine-tuning the restoration. The body and frame are rock-solid, but the engine was buring about a quart of oil every 40 miles. I have the motor out of the car and down to the bare block, and I am in the process of rebuilding it.

Some of my questions are:

I can get 87mm liners and pistons from Moss for about $500. They are listed as "alternate" brand, which some have said are sub-par components. The Roadster Factory on the other hand sells the liners and pistons made by Mahle (Germany) for about $900. When we built engines at RENNtech, that's all we used. I think I want to spend the extra $400 for the Mahle, but I'm looking for the opinion of others that may have crossed this bridge.

What about Webers VS SUs? Part of me wants to keep it stock, but another side of me wants the performance.

Where do you buy the best interior kits (seats & trim panels)? Has anybody done this before?

Thanks for any advice you can give...I'm sure I'll be asking more questions down the road.

By all means go with the Mahle liners and pistons. Personally, I would go with the SU's. If they are properly rebuilt and tuned they give really good performance and as you noted, are original. If money is an object most of the aftermarket interior kits are comparable so just go for the best price. The TR-3 interior really isn't that complicated and any competent upholstery shop should be able to do a much better job for not much more money. Good luck, and be sure and drive it after you get it restored. Trailer Queens are an abomination.

Brummbaer