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One of the modifications you must make if you intend dropping
a V8 into a TR7 is to improve the braking ability of the car. However TriumphTR7.com
would recommend this modification to even standard 2.0l versions of the car.
Look at it like this... your car will pass an MOT (that's a 'certificate of
roadworthiness' to those not familiar with UK legislation) on standard discs
and drum set up. Okay fine... but this car was finalised in the mid 70's when
discs all around was virtually unheard of and ABS was a Formula 1 team's dream!
The original set up is far from perfect, the discs are small and thin and
with the brake  force
being with the wheels that aren't actually moving the car, stopping in an
emergency can be hairy!
If you're not convinced about the merits of an upgrade watch a new car (with
discs all round and ABS) stop from 70mph and compare that to where your TR7
stops. If you did this in a test environment with the two cars running parallel
on a runway, and both braked at the same point, it is clear to see that your
TR7 would be helped to a standstill by the bumper of the car in front! Yes
you may pass the MOT but that newer car requires less road to stop and, in
all liklihood, will loose a greater amount of speed in those first seconds
than an old TR7 would.
Most Triumph specialists stock a good range of alternative
brake systems (even stretching to rear discs!). It may be necessary to replace
the Servo when upgrading, so please seek the advice of the supplier before
going ahead with this modification. The disk shown is part of
a kit from 'S & S Preparations', which also required a new servo and master cylinder
in order to function correctly - spacers are also required if you are running on
13inch wheels.
Some people are loathe to make such a modification - preferring to keep the
car 'original' - thankfully evidence suggests that that outlook is not too
prevalent in the TR7/8 world. It's better to have a modified car on the road
rather than an original one being written off and people needing hospital
treatment!!
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