The Triumph Dolomite Club - Discussion Forum

Just brought a X reg Dolomite that's been fitted with an MGA goldseal engine and weighing up my options to either restore it as it is, refit a triumph engine or go mad and put a zetec in it.

What does everyone think?

Cheers

Steve

Zetec. Classic looks with no servicing and reliable power on tap.

What gearbox, and prop has it got on it?
B series, 1600cc engine?

Yep B series 1600, gearbox looks like a triumph box I'll upload some pics in a bit

Cheers

Steve

Put a Zetec in it you might as well get yourself a Ford Focus, I can totally understand the engineering amusement and challenge of putting an engine in that shouldn't go in there, but otherwise it completely baffles me.

Maybe like that rally Metro the 6R4, make a GRP replica of a Triumph Dolomite and stick it on a spaceframe chassis, 6 speed Honda S2000 drivetrain with the 2l VTEC unit (it revs higher, I like sweet sounding high revving 16v engines) and you have a ridiculously quick low maintenance Mockney Triumph Dolomite!

There you go, the B Series 1600 in my dolly, If I take it out and put a zetec in it, it won't be done on fuel injection, it'll be twin webbers like a caterham with a transit gearbox. But as I said, I'm open to suggestions go Triumph, Modern Or leave it modified with its MGA engine

Cheers

Steve

I might be interested in a swap or deal on that...

I have available a reshelled TR7 engine and 1850 subframe that would go well in that dolly. I think I saw it advertised on ebay a while ago in the Aldershot area but wasnt in a position to do anything about it then.

Let me know your thoughts on this in a PM...

Are you sure its an MGA engine? The clue will be where the dipstick is and the shape of the sump. This would go nicely in my Z magnette and the TR7 lump would go well in the dolly, which looks to have been an 1850 by the position of the battery.

Jonners

I'd keep it as it is - just for the novelty value!

I've seen all manner of engines put in Dolomites and done a couple myself. That one is new to me and I can't quite understand the logic behind it. That 1600 MGA lump only puts out about the same power as an original 1500 Dolly motor (though the crank may last longer)
My suspicion is that it was done a long time ago and as such, deserves to be left alone.

If you do decide to change, an MG man will probably pay good money for a proper MGA engine.

Put it back to a Triumph 1500? well no! you'd probably lower it's value!

And there are better engines than a Zetec to put in, but then my GM bias is well known, but I also think well of the Nissan Turbo (200SX/S13) and both Vauxhall and Nissan motors go in easier than the Zetec.

Steve

Jon Tilson wrote:I might be interested in a swap or deal on that...

I have available a reshelled TR7 engine and 1850 subframe that would go well in that dolly. I think I saw it advertised on ebay a while ago in the Aldershot area but wasnt in a position to do anything about it then.

Let me know your thoughts on this in a PM...

Are you sure its an MGA engine? The clue will be where the dipstick is and the shape of the sump. This would go nicely in my Z magnette and the TR7 lump would go well in the dolly, which looks to have been an 1850 by the position of the battery.

Jonners

It would need a front pan sump like a ZA to go in a Dolomite at all, so you might be on a winner there Jonners.

Steve

Well I'm Ford biased hence the Zetec idea, however as you rightly say it just seem so novel an MGA engine in a dolomite.

Btw its defenely a 1600 engine, its all be transferred propally in the V5 log, the previous owner was clearly a DIY mechanic, who seemed to love the car. It's been painted silver underneath, has a stainless steel exhaust system and has been touched up with hand paint all over. It is a tired car, but just so novel. I brought it for spares for my own dolly 1850, but it seem too good to break. Hence the possible engine swap to something silly idea

Cheers

Steve

The builder is obviously a professional heretic who wishes to annoy both Triumph and MG "enthusiasts" at the same time, must be a top bloke!

A bit like an Aussie putting a small block Chevvy motor in a Ford Falcon

Steve

Haha yeah true,

Much like when GM brought sunbeam and no longer made the tiger coz it was a ford block and the GM block won't fit

Cheers

Steve

Think you mean Chrysler and Mopar....

Jonners

Brought is to bring as bought is to buy. Just saying ....