The Triumph Dolomite Club - Discussion Forum

Hi all, I saw this and could not resist http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll? ... 0801689319 Seems to be a nice little car. My first Triumph (if you dont count the Bonny). Ive been reading the forum and the plans the former owner had for it. Very solid and drives well so very happy so far. Cant give it a full test as I havent got thee V5 yet and tax has just run out. Quick question for those thak know. Are all the engines inta changable and would an overdrive box fit a 1300 dolly.
Thanks

You can tax it at the post office using the green slip from the old V5 that the previous owner should have given you!
To convert to overdrive you will need the O/D gearbox, prop, mounting, tunnel housing, overdrive loom and clutch centre plate from a 1500cc car. There are other ways of doing it but this is about the easiest.
1500 engine is a straight swap, fitting the slant engine entails changing the front subframe and (in the case of a Sprint engine especially) the back axle or at least the diff for a more favourable ratio.

Steve

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'73 2 door Toledo with Vauxhall Carlton 2.0 8v engine (The Carledo)
'78 Sprint Auto with Vauxhall Omega 2.2 16v engine (The Dolomega)
'72 Triumph 1500FWD in Slate Grey, Now with RWD and Carledo powertrain!

Maverick Triumph, Servicing, Repairs, Electrical, Recomissioning, MOT prep, Trackerjack brake fitting service.
Apprentice served Triumph Specialist for 50 years. PM for more info or quotes.

A lot has to be changed if you want a slant engine, you'd be better off buying a genuine one unless you're a good mechanic.

I had a Dolomite 1300 with an overdrive conversion. It really didn't work very well. I think on reflection a different ratio differential would of helped for it to work.

All that happened when you engaged the overdrive was the engine note changed! :slap:

Thanks all for the info. Im a Moggy man with a two door and a van but saw the dolly local and couldnt resist. After the replys I think ill just keep it as is for now and just enjoy.
Thanks again,
I saw the link didnt work so have edited it.
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll? ... 0801689319

With the peppier engine that car has, the cheapest and easiest way to lengthen its stride a bit is to fit a 3.63 diff from a 1500HL Dolly or Spitfire 1500 in place of the somewhat undergeared 4.11 it probably has at present.

Steve

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'73 2 door Toledo with Vauxhall Carlton 2.0 8v engine (The Carledo)
'78 Sprint Auto with Vauxhall Omega 2.2 16v engine (The Dolomega)
'72 Triumph 1500FWD in Slate Grey, Now with RWD and Carledo powertrain!

Maverick Triumph, Servicing, Repairs, Electrical, Recomissioning, MOT prep, Trackerjack brake fitting service.
Apprentice served Triumph Specialist for 50 years. PM for more info or quotes.

Thanks for the info. I was offerd a higher diff with the car. Is there a quick fix for the change in peedo reading IE 1500 speedo or speedo drive or is it a recalibration ?

Just a speedo I believe, if not then a cable as well but nothing dramatic.

Or do what I do, check it against a satnav and work out the error! After a few weeks driving, translating in your head becomes automatic!
But in my experience of old Smiths clocks, they're usually rather optimistic and upping the diff ratio will probably make it better!
When I built my Mongrel Toledo, I used a Sprint axle, 15" wheels, an Omega gearbox and a Nova speedo. the net result is a speedo which is pessimistic by 40%, 30mph indicated is 50mph true! Since the error is consistent, I considered having a new dial face made (200mph max possible, posey or what?) But its been 2 years now and I've got used to it how it is and see no reason to fix (???) it!

Steve

_________________
'73 2 door Toledo with Vauxhall Carlton 2.0 8v engine (The Carledo)
'78 Sprint Auto with Vauxhall Omega 2.2 16v engine (The Dolomega)
'72 Triumph 1500FWD in Slate Grey, Now with RWD and Carledo powertrain!

Maverick Triumph, Servicing, Repairs, Electrical, Recomissioning, MOT prep, Trackerjack brake fitting service.
Apprentice served Triumph Specialist for 50 years. PM for more info or quotes.

All triumph speedos are 1000 turns per mile.
If you change the diff ratio you need the speedo drive cog that goes with it....and its a simple pop in and out job on the gearbox.

But I would disagree a tad with Steve....most old smiths clock on the Triumphs I have, and I have a few, under read by increasing amounts with age...

My spit is now a dangerous 58 at a legal 70, so I work on the tacho...and know the gearing figure. Kileage counter is still accurate so it must be a tired spring....

Jonners

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Note from Admin: sadly Jon passed away in February 2018 but his humour and wealth of knowledge will be fondly remembered by all. RIP Jonners.