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The Engine
Range Rover engine needs total rebuild but kept stock except for Rover Vitesse pistons. Rover SD1 bellhousing (pretty expensive second hand), Triumph TR7 5-speed box, hybrid drive shaft made of TR7 and other components, TR7 rear axle with SD1 3.08:1 ratio. The axle needs to be shortened some 5 inches.
The car will be fitted with Triumph Herald front suspension but with Triumph GT6 uprated springs and Spax competition shocks. Herald uprights have been fitted with machined Morris Marina uprights. Marina hubs carry modified BMW 320i vented discs (260x22 mm), Opel Vectra calipers and Marina master cylinder and servo. Rear brakes not decided on yet, but probably discs. Steering is still open, some ideas but nothing fixed.
The engine bay photos show the engine bay at an earlier stage. As you can see there is actually a lot of space. I've already had to do some re-thinking, engine supports have been redesigned as I had to raise the engine and gearbox to create some space for the steering rack. I still have to redesign the Triumph spring tower due to same reason. It is a bit frustrating to find these things at this stage but that's part of the hobby I guess... I have already figured out most of the new designs, but just need a few evenings to fix them.
The frame rails or suspension legs are made of 80x60mm steel tube, drilled and fitted with sleeves for lower suspension arm bolts and brackets welded on for Triumph Herald suspension tower.
The Minor body was fitted with stiffening tubing prior to cutting. The left suspension leg was removed and a new one positioned a bit wider, using the right original leg as a datum. Once fixed in position the right leg was removed and the new one fitted.
A new crossmember (50x40 mm) was constructed about 20cm further back and a bit higher, with vertical supports (40x40 mm) forming a 'Y'. This will also allow some space for the steering column.
I have now completed most of the floor, just a few plates missing at the driveshaft tunnel. I have kept the tubes inside the car to show a smooth floor underneath. Rear inside floor is a bit complicated for passengers but there will not be too much legroom.
A special crossmember (50x40mm and 40x40mm) has been fitted forming a 'K' between the frame rails, stiffening the frame and also allowing room for the modified oil sump. A crossmember (40x40mm) at the front connects the rails, with additional legs from the rail to the body under the bumper turrets.
Engine towers are made from 80x40mm tubes, welded to the frame rail and connected to the 'K'-member. Additional boxing with 40x40mm tube.
The Brakes
Check out the Brakes page for details on the front disc brake setup using BMW discs and Marina hubs. Rear disc brake setup will be VW Passat calipers and most likely Fiat discs. A handbrake mechanism is built into the calipers.
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