Spit or TR7?

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KLJ895W · #1 Post by **KLJ895W** » Tue Nov 22, 2005 3:50 pm

Not for me!! A friend of mine is thinking of getting a Spit (he used to have one a few years back) or possibly a TR7. Since this is the Dolomite club and we therefore have the best taste in cars, I thought I would canvas opinion on which was preferable. 
 
Personally, I've never liked Spits and would rather have a Vitesse. Being a slant 4 driver, I could help him to do a Sprint conversion if he got a TR7. Shame they look so awful. 
 
What do people reckon then? 
 
David

<a href="http://www.triumphowners.com/570" target="top">1980 Sprint</a> 
<a href="http://www.triumphowners.com/569" target="top">1980 1850HL with Sprint gearbox, propshaft and axle</a> 
1972 VW Camper Van

Silvery · #2 Post by **Silvery** » Tue Nov 22, 2005 5:06 pm

If it were my choice, it'd have to be a 7. I quite like them, although I prefer the hard top to the convertable. 
 
Don't know why, I've just never liked Spits.

KLJ895W · #3 Post by **KLJ895W** » Tue Nov 22, 2005 5:10 pm

And this from the slant 4 hater!<img src=http://www.ezboard.com/intl/aenglish/im ... s/wink.gif ALT=";)"> 
 
David

<a href="http://www.triumphowners.com/570" target="top">1980 Sprint</a> 
<a href="http://www.triumphowners.com/569" target="top">1980 1850HL with Sprint gearbox, propshaft and axle</a> 
1972 VW Camper Van

Silvery · #4 Post by **Silvery** » Tue Nov 22, 2005 6:04 pm

I hate the OHV 4s too! <img src=http://www.ezboard.com/intl/aenglish/im ... s/wink.gif ALT=";)"> 
 
Actually, I think the OHV is a poor engine made worse by cost cutting, while the slant 4 should have been a good engine, and in Saab's hands was after a bit of development. 
 
Much as I like some of the Triumph range, I can't say I think all that highly of any of the engines, especially when you compare them to other BL offerings. 
 
But let's not go into all that again <img src=http://www.ezboard.com/intl/aenglish/im ... /smile.gif ALT=":)"> 
 
Anyway, the 7 isn't a rebodied Herald with a wrongly fitted cart spring rear end <img src=http://www.ezboard.com/intl/aenglish/im ... s/wink.gif ALT=";)">

SMIFTER · #5 Post by **SMIFTER** » Tue Nov 22, 2005 8:41 pm

Neither - they are both a heap of dog mess IMO 
 
save up and buy an a series powered midget

<a href="http://www.smifter1971.pwp.blueyonder.c ... >Smifter's Dolomite Sprint Website</a> 
 
Featherweight 1974 Dolomite Sprint - Soon to be XE'd, NOS'd, Megasquirted and 5 linked Lash up to scare myself (and my wallet) senseless 
 
2004 Smart Roadster (company car!!) - 698cc of turbo'd adrenaline fuelled rollerskate - destined to classic status thanks to Daimler Chrysler bean counters. 
 
1997 Audi A4 2.6 to chill out after the above and fill with baby products..... 
 
2005 Trek 1400 (ok its not a car but still fast) - 
a bit like Lance Armstrong but slower and fatter

MaddMart · #6 Post by **MaddMart** » Tue Nov 22, 2005 8:52 pm

If your friend's a girl, get a spit, a proper girls car. If not, get a Sprint. TR7s look shite.........IMO. <img src=http://www.ezboard.com/intl/aenglish/im ... /laugh.gif ALT=":lol">

Martin 
 
<a href="http://www.dolomitesprint.com/" target="top">www.dolomitesprint.com</a>

tinweevil · #7 Post by **tinweevil** » Tue Nov 22, 2005 9:02 pm

Midget a better proposition that an spit or a 7??? 
 
ROTFLMAO 
 
Midgets are cheap cars bodged together out of box section and flat panels. They are a rolling collection of dirt/rust traps and sealed section. Cart spring suspension FFS. There is no style, art or craft in their construction. 
 
The biggest thing they ever got right in the evolution of them was chucking the engine in the skip when a decent alternative came along. Biggest thing they got wrong was not chucking the whole thing in the skip 15 years earlier. 
 
Don't believe me? I don't expect you to take my word for it so here's a test. Next time you are at Moss or Gaydon ask to look at a heritage Spit/GT6 floorpan. It's a work of art. It's got strength to it,it's got gorgeous curves, it's got depth and character, it makes you think 'I'd feel safe sitting on something that strong'. Then ask for a midget floorpan. Handle it carefully tho or you'll have bought it. 
 
Tinweevil

1978 <a href="http://www.triumphowners.com/704">Dolomite Sprint</a> 
1972 <a href="http://www.triumphowners.com/754">Spitfire IV</a> 
1968 <a href="http://www.triumphowners.com/705">GT6 II</a> 
1973 <a href="http://www.triumphowners.com/755">Dolomite Sprint</a> 
39 anorak points on the Nicholas scale

tinweevil · #8 Post by **tinweevil** » Tue Nov 22, 2005 9:06 pm

Oh and to answer the question, it depends what he wants. 
 
Can't see the point in a tin top 7 or any 7 with the standard hamster power under the hood myself. 
 
If he wants to go quick get a 7 sprint. 
If he wants real wind in the hair driving that feels a lot faster than it is get the Spit. 
Either is a grin but the Spit is a cheaper to maintain grin. 
 
Tinweevil

1978 <a href="http://www.triumphowners.com/704">Dolomite Sprint</a> 
1972 <a href="http://www.triumphowners.com/754">Spitfire IV</a> 
1968 <a href="http://www.triumphowners.com/705">GT6 II</a> 
1973 <a href="http://www.triumphowners.com/755">Dolomite Sprint</a> 
39 anorak points on the Nicholas scale

Silvery · #9 Post by **Silvery** » Tue Nov 22, 2005 9:13 pm

Have to say, given the choice, I'd have an A Midget any time. Bulletproof reasonably powered little engine, no silly antiquated chassis underneath, and rather neat handling (at least it has the right number of cart springs, in the right place!<img src=http://www.ezboard.com/intl/aenglish/im ... /laugh.gif ALT=":lol"> ) . If only I had the wadges of cash required to even buy one, let alone keep it up to scratch. 
 
And what's the point of a beautifully sculpted floorpan in a crappy flimsy box section chassis'd tarted up Herald? <img src=http://www.ezboard.com/intl/aenglish/im ... s/wink.gif ALT=";)"> (Have to say, I do actually like Heralds). 
 
Nah, if it has to be Triumph, and can't be Dolomite/ 1500/ fwd, then I'd go for a 7. I like the 70s wedginess, the driving position is pretty good, and I'll forgive it the usual naff back axle and underbraking aspects. I do feel that a whopping 110hp doesn't really make it a sportscar though, but hell, pop up lights so who cares <img src=http://www.ezboard.com/intl/aenglish/im ... /smile.gif ALT=":)">

SMIFTER · #10 Post by **SMIFTER** » Tue Nov 22, 2005 9:27 pm

I'm glad you agree - I thought I'd stepped into some parallel universe for a minute where the A series wasn't the great little engine It's meant to be! 
 
Being totally impartial I've been in both and I'd rather have a Spridget than a spit as the A series is a lot more tunable and revvy than the triumph 1500OHV lump. And the midget seem to handle far better. 
 
My mate has a Spit and its goddamn awful - it feels like its going to implode over 40mph. 
 
But I too wouldnt bother with either - a tin top TR7 sprint at a push so you dont actually get seen driving a 7!!!! 
 
If it really really has to be a triumph sports car, assuming he doesn't want a saloon, Get a loan and buy a TR6. 
 
Now WTF is wrong with a TR6 eh?????<img src=http://www.ezboard.com/intl/aenglish/im ... s/roll.gif ALT=":rollin"> 
 
 
 
 
 

<a href="http://www.smifter1971.pwp.blueyonder.c ... >Smifter's Dolomite Sprint Website</a> 
 
Featherweight 1974 Dolomite Sprint - Soon to be XE'd, NOS'd, Megasquirted and 5 linked Lash up to scare myself (and my wallet) senseless 
 
2004 Smart Roadster (company car!!) - 698cc of turbo'd adrenaline fuelled rollerskate - destined to classic status thanks to Daimler Chrysler bean counters. 
 
1997 Audi A4 2.6 to chill out after the above and fill with baby products..... 
 
2005 Trek 1400 (ok its not a car but still fast) - 
a bit like Lance Armstrong but slower and fatter

tinweevil · #11 Post by **tinweevil** » Tue Nov 22, 2005 10:18 pm

The A series is a half decent engine in a mini. 
 
The point I was trying to make with the floorpans is that it embodies the comparison between the two cars. One is crafted the other cheap. Even the venerable Triumph chassis is put together well. Each main rail is two c sections formed to shape with curves in three dimensions, one is formed slightly smaller so that it fits snugly inside the other. Then the two are spot welded at 2" intervals top and bottom. Craft. The main sections on the midget are handy places to store your snooker cue once the end has inevitably rusted off. Two folds - job done. Cheap. 
 
What amazes me about the Midget and the Spit is that they cost broadly the same. Why did Triumph not go to the wall faster if they were pricing down to the midget level. Or on the other hand if the spit was turning a profit how come MG didn't end up vast with the enormous profit each midget brought. 
 
Not all 7's have the Rod Stewart on Acid interior, some are merely LOUD! It's 92bhp for a standard 7 according to the TSSC. 
 
Tinweevil

1978 <a href="http://www.triumphowners.com/704">Dolomite Sprint</a> 
1972 <a href="http://www.triumphowners.com/754">Spitfire IV</a> 
1968 <a href="http://www.triumphowners.com/705">GT6 II</a> 
1973 <a href="http://www.triumphowners.com/755">Dolomite Sprint</a> 
39 anorak points on the Nicholas scale

SprintMWU773V · #12 Post by **SprintMWU773V** » Wed Nov 23, 2005 10:36 am

I have to confess I have a soft spot for the TR7. Yes it was badly built and has questionable styling but I still like em. On the down side the interior is nothing special all very 70's plastic and tartan. However even a decent one is cheap and parts availability is pretty good. I'd have a standard one no matter how tempting a V8 conversion would be. 
 
I like Spitfire's too but i'm more of a hard top man and thus a Spitfire would be no good for me. still it's a decent car and the later one's even had most of the ox cart suspension sorted. Greasy bit access is excellent and people always like them. 
 
Incidentially i think the TSCC quote is for USA spec cars, thought it was more like 100+ a bit, still down on the 4.6 V8 version down the road from me.

KLJ895W · #13 Post by **KLJ895W** » Wed Nov 23, 2005 10:39 am

Well that's given me a few laughs. To answer a few questions in no particular order: 
 
No he's not a girl. 
Yes I think they're both shit, and I don't like midgets either. The only MG midget I want is a pre-war M type. 
He doesn't have the budget for a TR6 unfortunately. 
Yes TR7s are wheezy, but we could Sprint it if he got one of them. 
If he wants the old separate chassis I would prefer a Vitesse or possibly a GT6, but again these may be out of the budget. 
 
David

<a href="http://www.triumphowners.com/570" target="top">1980 Sprint</a> 
<a href="http://www.triumphowners.com/569" target="top">1980 1850HL with Sprint gearbox, propshaft and axle</a> 
1972 VW Camper Van

Silvery · #14 Post by **Silvery** » Wed Nov 23, 2005 11:05 am

Forgot to also say... Trunions!!! 
 
Not for comparison to Midgets, but back to the Spit v 7 debate - One has a dire OHV and hateful trunions (as well as a strange cart spring rear, seperate chassis, etc) the other actually has an almost modern design, other than the live axle. 
 
And I'm sure the UK 7 spec is about 108hp - Still nothing like enough for a sportscar IMO, but not too bad. 
 
And ignoring all of that, it has to be the 7 because of the pop up lights! I know I keep saying that, but they're just so great <img src=http://www.ezboard.com/intl/aenglish/im ... /happy.gif ALT=":D">

bodgerben · #15 Post by **bodgerben** » Wed Nov 23, 2005 11:44 am

TR7 any day, take no notice of any male who's brave enough to drive a Smart Roadster, but not brave enough to be seen in a 7, he's already deluded himself the Roadster was a Smart move <img src=http://www.ezboard.com/intl/aenglish/im ... /devil.gif ALT=":evil"> (oh dear, that was very corny). 
 
7's are as cheap as chips, but there are a lot of wrecks out there, the hardtop is butt ugly but warm and comfortable, but if that's your thing buy a Dolly. 
 
Spitfire's - pretty little car - that engine and rear suspension. 
 
The 8 valve 7 can be made into a sporty old banger with a few cheap and simple mods. 
But get a V8 TR7 for fun, a Sprint conversion is not worth the hassle - beware of knackered V8's that are all noise and no go. 
 
Buy a TR6 if you want to polish it or spend a shed load of dosh to make it as fast and reliable as a 7. 
 
Oh and the 7 has pop up lights.

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