Club Triumph

At the moment I am in the process of uprating the front suspension for my TR7 Sprint. Most important upgrade will be the brakes but that is all worked out more or less.�

The other part of the upgrade is converting the original strut uprights to adjustable ones so that I can use (more or less standard) 2�" diameter front springs. I am not sure wether to use the original (rubber) top mount or try to find "something else"�

Anyone out there who can give me some advice on this one; what top mounts are available for a TR7 and what best to use ?

Theo - I think there's a conversion to fit Ford (Sierra?) bearings to replace the rubber top mounts.

That's if I am thinking of the right bit of course.

I suggest you contact S&S Preps who are happy to give advice (and sell you something occasionally)

Thanx Martin, that's indeed one of the bits I am thinking about. The other part (and of the question) is the upper spring pan, I am not quiet sure what's gonna happen to steering when I leave that one out 

http://www.rallydesign.co.uk/catalog/index.php?cPath=1358_532

all nicely supplied in a kit (although still need to source top mounts-S&S sell 'em I think)...not done it myself yet, but it's what I'm planning on... that way you can play with 2 1/4" ID springs, and finetune corner weights/ride height with the seats.. just a bit of welding required to sleeve your struts

I do have a the adjustable spring conversion kit (only have to weld it on to the struts). But I am wondering what will happen to the steering as the thrust collar in the upper spring pan on which the steering normally rotates will be gone. 

I tihnk converting to RBTM at the same time will help, but I'm no use there as I've not done it yet!

There was this thread though about it...>>
http://www.tr-register.co.uk/forums/index.php?showtopic=1373&b=1&st=&p=&#entry

Thanx, very intersting thread

Well after lots off browsing various (TR7) sites, some measuring off existing  parts, and a good few hours behind the computer I think the redesign is ready, the new front top mount is going to look like this. Most important parts;
- Adjustable front struts with 2¼ inch springs;
- Machined alloy upper spring pan;
- Thrust ball bearing (standard SKF item);
- "Original" Koni dampers for TR7;
- Original rubber top mount;
Expect the parts from the guy who'se doing the machining in the next one or two weeks.
Question for Raider, what is the free and fitted length of your front springs? So that I can calculate the length I'll be needing (running 200 lbs springs and changing to 240/250 lbs)

Has anyone thought of using these? http://www.k-mac.com/ To be honest iv had a pair stuck in the garage for a few yrs but with the V8 having adj TCR's i think it would be over kill, ill prob put them on the DHC in Summer

I planned converting to spherical bearing top mounts but "was talked out off it".
Seems they heve a tendency to be noisy, harsh etc. and no real improvement over the original rubber ones. But I have to admit, no experience with them

Quoted from Beans

Blah.pl?b=tr78,m=1140297657,s=7

I've gone coilovers on my fronts.  I had the strut housings shortened so there was less droop using some Koni reds made for a Stag.  I've heard the k-mac strut tops weren't real good, from more than one source.  I settled on Noltec ones.  a bit more sturdy.  They should only rattle, or be noisy if the top bearing isn't secured tightly and can rattle in place.  I still haven't got my setup installed on the car, but hopefully in a week or so they will be.

Well it has taken some time but now the suspension upgrade is almost finished.
Only some new hubs/bearings and offcourse the brakes 

They look very impressive!

I've kept mine standard for now, just cleaned/painted everything up and replaced the dampers. I'm pretty pleased with them now they're back on the car, but they're not quite up to yours! 

Ally

What is the free length of the springs you have?  I  got 10 inch springs to retain good travel and ensure no chance of the springs bottoming out but found that the stock 13 inch wheels just rub on the perche and spring.  I'm rinning 65 dia springs.

10 inch free length (225 lbs/inch to start with)
Outerdiameter springs ø79mm (internal ø2,25 inch)
Will be a tight fit with 205 tyres on 7" rims 

Quoted from Ally_H

Blah.pl?b=tr78,m=1140297657,s=13

I'll be interested to know how you go with ride height when you get them all installed.  I have my perches sitting a bit lower than you have yours and have the platforms wound to the bottom.  I haven't got the engine in there, so it doesn't give an accurate ride height yet.

At last .... 

It took some time but the new front brakes arrived today
Only thing to do is fit everything under the car ....

Wish I'd gone for black now!

Hey guys great looking brakes would like a set for mine , where did you get them from and what sort of money are they worth, just got the alloy 4 spot ap factory style caliper conversion at the moment and want something a bit better without having to pay brembo prices.