5-speed sprint?

Message

X-pat · #1 Post by **X-pat** » Thu Nov 15, 2007 3:02 am

Greetings to all from the USA!

It's good to see a number of names on the forum that I recognize from way back, even some from the original D&SR. My first post is a question for those who might have seen (or even installed) the TR7/SD1 manual gearbox in a Sprint. My 1976 car (and member of our family since 1981) is getting a minor facelift. Part of this includes conversion from the BW65 auto box to a manual transmission and, given the lack of Sprint O/D units "over here", I had planned to use the aforementioned TR7 item. Minor problem is the rear crossmember - the gearbox doesn't clear it. So, being new to conversions, if anyone has any bright ideas short of removing the crossmember, I'd be most appreciative. I'd thought of dropping the subframe using spacers (as suggested for the V8 in the TR7), and I've had some tips from Ben, Alun and Paul so far - thanks for those, gents.

Andrew

USASPRINTMAN · #2 Post by **USASPRINTMAN** » Thu Nov 15, 2007 3:20 am

Good to know of another Sprint in the USA!

We've got Joe Earnest down in Georgia with Mighty Dolomitey, a red '75 with a brand spankin' newly rebuilt motor.
We've got Shannon in Lousiana with Almighty, a red-hot 1980 that has all sorts of hot rod parts on it.
We've got me here in Detroit with Whitey, a very clean New White '77 Sprint.
There's a few more scattered around as well. Maybe about a dozen Dollies in the USA. Harry in Colorado has a pair. Huw in Washington State ha sa Magenta automatic that's for sale!

Anyway, I think that you'll also have problems with the slave cylinder clearing the steering rack and the shifter coming out in the wrong place if you try and put in a TR7 box in a Sprint.

This may be a tougher job than you bargained for.
Seems to me you can use a TR6 overdrive box with the Sprint input shaft.
But someone like Alun or David will know for sure.

I have a slew of extra Sprint parts including the proper extra pedals. Check with me before you buy anything overseas. I might be able to save you some cash.

Good luck,
Richard Truett

X-pat · #3 Post by **X-pat** » Thu Nov 15, 2007 3:31 am

Thanks Richard. I've already taken care of the gear lever position by shortening it by around 5 inches. And you're right about the slave cylinder - it looks like it might be a problem, although dropping the subframe may take care of this. Anyhow, I'll keep my eyes open for a TR6 box and an o/d, then hope to find a prop that fits. As it happens, the auto prop is perfect for the TR7 tranny - if I can ever get it near enough to bolt together!

Hope you got your ignition problem sorted.

Andrew

georgiasprint · #4 Post by **georgiasprint** » Thu Nov 15, 2007 4:58 am

Greeetings from the real South where it was 77 degrees today. What's the story on your sprint and where exactly are you? There's another ex-pat in Lynchburg. He's got a 66 2000 Rallye-Prepared Saloon. It's been all over the continent and Middle East on crazy trips. A bunch of us get together each year to cause trouble from 9 states. in 08 it will be Flint Michigan 1-5 August and then Ypsilanti 5-8 for the National VTR Convention. Drop your e-mail and we'll get you on the list. What color is your car?

Best regards,

Len Hughes · #5 Post by **Len Hughes** » Thu Nov 22, 2007 8:28 pm

Down a bit further south in Florida is Steve who I recall had a 5 speeder in his Sprint in the UK. He is on here every now and again under Quicksprint, try a PM.

Alun N has the car now in the UK, he may be able to help.

Cheers,

Len

http://www.triumphowners.com/97

Jon Tilson · #6 Post by **Jon Tilson** » Thu Nov 22, 2007 9:48 pm

There was also someone that had fitted one and used a clutch cable instead of hydraulics to get round the slave cylider issue...
He sold the car on ebay...always wonder what happend to that one.

If you can wait a while its a problem I'll be solving too...I have one in line for a project of mine...

Jonners

2F45T4U · #7 Post by **2F45T4U** » Thu Nov 22, 2007 9:52 pm

Aluns quicksprint has an LT77 doesnt it? Oh Len already told you

You can't beat the ratios on the 4 speed and the 'overtaking' button

xvivalve · #8 Post by **xvivalve** » Thu Nov 22, 2007 10:09 pm

Andrew already PM'd me. 'fraid I couldn't help him much as I simply bought the product; Steve was the mastermind behind it and I'd already put him in touch there. Managed to highlight the clash of the cross shaft and down pipe though.

I was only looking at the car this morning thinking I must press on with it, else I'll be testing the nitrous effect with frost underfoot!

A post '72 TR6 'box with a Sprint input shaft would be identical to a Sprint one though...

Aluns quicksprint has an LT77 doesnt it?

It will always be Steve Martin's Quicksprint whoever owns it!

David6214 · #9 Post by **David6214** » Thu Nov 22, 2007 10:16 pm

Lewis's V8 was like that when I owned it.......but its definitely Adams HCY

2F45T4U · #10 Post by **2F45T4U** » Thu Nov 22, 2007 10:17 pm

Thank you David

2F45T4U · #11 Post by **2F45T4U** » Thu Nov 22, 2007 10:20 pm

Sprintinbits · #12 Post by **Sprintinbits** » Thu Nov 22, 2007 11:13 pm

ABS not working then Ad?

White Flame · #13 Post by **White Flame** » Fri Nov 23, 2007 12:21 am

Hi Andrew,

Judging from the picture of your car and the front spoiler I think we have exchanged emails in the past.

I think you may have bought something of eBay from me, can't be sure for certain though!

Anyway, can't give you advice so I will poke off!

X-pat · #14 Post by **X-pat** » Fri Nov 23, 2007 2:00 am

[quote="Al Williams"]

Judging from the picture of your car and the front spoiler I think we have exchanged emails in the past.

I think you may have bought something of eBay from me, can't be sure for certain though!

Hi Al, Yes, and you very kindly sent me some excellent polishing cloth as an extra - brought the bumpers up a treat!

X-pat · #15 Post by **X-pat** » Fri Nov 23, 2007 2:23 am

Thanks for the info, folks. Must admit, I hadn't thought of using a clutch cable, althoug I'd prefer to keep the hydraulic system if possible. Only experience I have of cable systems is my wife's old Nova - when it snapped, twice. Just waiting to make some space in the garage so that I can get underneath the Dolly and have a good look at the clearances, see if I can come up with any solutions short of sourcing a TR6 box or trying to pick up a s/h Sprint unit and prop next time I'm back "home". Had hoped to paint the car over the winter and get back on the road early next year, but now looking less likely.

Seems like every time I'm flying back here I get "special treatment" from security at the airport, curious to see what the strange X-ray-dense objects in my luggage are. They were sniffing my Dellortos last time to make sure they were free of petrol.

Getting an o/d looks like an expensive exercise too. If I can just squeeze the 5-speed in there somehow..........

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5-speed sprint?

5-speed sprint?

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