Inside the Triumph TR6's Ingenious F1 Fuel Injection System | Tyrrell's Classic Workshop

In this episode of Tyrrell's Classic Workshop, Iain delves into the mechanical marvel that is the 1975 Triumph TR6 PI, a classic British sports car that marries traditional design with groundbreaking engineering.
This particular Triumph TR6 PI, under the expert care of Iain for the majority of its life, showcases the early Lucas mechanical fuel injection system. A system that, despite its complexities, powered Formula 1 race cars into the 1980s and represents a crucial step in automotive engineering.
The Lucas system, renowned for its reliability in an era where electronic aids were still in their infancy, epitomizes the ingenuity of British engineering. Yet, it's a system that demands respect and precision to function correctly, a challenge that Iain embraces with his usual expertise. The episode highlights Iain's meticulous process of adjusting the fuel injection to achieve optimal performance, a task that provides viewers with a rare glimpse into the technical nuances of classic car maintenance.
Moreover, the video does not shy away from the quirks of British automotive design, with Marcus undertaking an investigation into a malfunctioning speedometer. The commitment to thoroughness is a hallmark of Tyrrell's Classic Workshop, ensuring every aspect of the vehicle's performance is scrutinised and perfected.
The episode concludes with a testament to the craftsmanship involved in restoring such a classic - a spirited road test. You can almost feel the open road beneath the car as Iain tests the TR6 PI, now running more sweetly than ever after the fine-tuning of its fuel injection system. This drive not only serves as a nod to the joy these classics bring but also as a validation of the painstaking work undertaken in the workshop.
For enthusiasts of classic British sports cars, and all fans of automotive nerdiness, this episode on the Triumph TR6 PI is a must-watch, providing insight, expertise, and, above all, a deep appreciation for the art of classic car restoration and maintenance. Join Iain as he explores the intricacies of the Triumph TR6 PI, a vehicle that embodies the spirit of innovation and the enduring legacy of British automotive engineering.
Other episodes mentioned during this one:
Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing - Recommissioning an Automotive Icon • Mercedes-Benz 300 SL G...
BMW M1 - the Munich Masterpiece • BMW M1 - the Munich Ma...
Ferrari 456 - recovering lost power from the Italian V12 • Ferrari 456 GT - Recov...
This video was brought to you by Howden - www.astonlark.com/tyrrellswor...
Follow Iain on Instagram: / iain_tyrrell
An Aviant Digital Media Production
Chapters
00:00 Triumph TR6 PI
03:48 Why the TR6 PI is special - the ingenious Lucas Fuel Injection system
14:53 Adjusting the Lucas Mechanical Fuel Injection System
19:48 Have you ever seen a fuel injector working?
23:20 What a lot of history!
26:07 Triumph TR6 road test
= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
IMAGE CREDITS
Sourced from Wikimedia Commons unless otherwise stated.
Title: BF-109G - Flying Legends 2015
Creator: Airwolfhound from Hertfordshire, UK www.flickr.com/people/2487452...
Licence: CC BY-SA 2.0
Title: 1935 Daimler DB 600 aircraft engine
Creator: Morio commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Us...
Licence: CC BY-SA 3.0
Title: Assorted discrete transistors.
Creator: Mister rf en.wikipedia.org/wiki/User:Mi...
Licence: CC BY-SA 3.0
Title: Rolls-Royce Merlin III engine, at the Royal Air Force Museum London.
Creator: tataquax www.flickr.com/photos/2545169...
Licence: CC BY-SA 2.0
Title: Late TR4 engine layout showing twin Stromberg carbs on short neck radiator.
Creator: Jfinney
Licence: CC BY-SA 4.0
Title: Jaguar D-Type at Goodwood Festival of Speed 2018
Creator: Neil www.flickr.com/people/8650778...
Licence: CC BY 2.0
Title: A Ford Cosworth DFV F1 engine on display at the Rahmi M. Koç Museum of Transportation.
Creator: Mr.choppers commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Us...
Licence: CC BY-SA 3.0
Title: Ferrari 330 P3
Creator: crazylenny2 www.flickr.com/people/9291547...
Licence: CC BY-SA 2.0
Title: Ferrari 330 P4 at Museo Ferrari di Maranello
Creator: Arione Leonardo
Licence: CC BY-SA 4.0
Title: Triumph TR5 at Arley Hall Classic Car Show 23/09/2012
Creator: SG2012
Licence: CC BY 2.0
Title: Triumph 2500 PI Mk2
Creator: Charles01 commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Us...
Licence: CC BY-SA 3.0
Title: Laycock de Normanville "J type" Overdrive Unit
Creator: Macfip commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Us...
Licence: CC BY-SA 3.0
LICENCE LINKS
CC BY 2.0 creativecommons.org/licenses/...
CC BY-SA 2.0 creativecommons.org/licenses/...
CC BY-SA 3.0 creativecommons.org/licenses/...
CC BY-SA 4.0 creativecommons.org/licenses/...

[@hugolafhugolaf]

You know a channel is great when it features rare Lambos and Ferraris and RRs but people in the comments will lust over a TR6 or a Renault Gordini. Car guys are a different breed.

[@petervankas1352]

Lambos and ferraris are rare and are lame to drive around because no 1 wants to race them. Board quickly But a old Montego turbo or a 93 5 series BMW 4 litre debadged will bring delight day and night as it dispatches those that have spent out thousands on new kit only to be blown and shown by a old banger! Ahh the joys of the look on them 🤬faces. Priceless 😡

[@johnallred716]

I love how Iain once again gives the viewer a nod and a wink into the nuanced engineering for all cars that visit his garage. His knowledge is impressive no matter the brand or range. But you viewers already knew that...and it's why we watch another thirty minutes or so of zen.

[@yalerosner1059]

Thank you for this rare opportunity to see and learn about this wonderful TR6 and its Lucas fuel injection. My father's 1968 Volvo 1800s had a lovely overdrive switch that illuminated a red dashboard light .Unfortunately it stopped working when he needed it most while driving it through the Canadian Rockies in 1975!

[@dj_paultuk7052]

My late Dad used to tune these for a living "Triumph Tune". He loved the Pi system and was one of the few people in the UK in the 70's and 80's who could actually set them up correctly. Our main family car right up to the mid 80's was a Mk1 2500 Pi Saloon. The head and the ITB's were all ported and polished. I believe it made 170bhp approx.

[@iain_tyrrell]

Thanks for that- interesting!

[@MrByootox]

We're you involved yourself by any chance?

[@dj_paultuk7052]

@@MrByootox My Dad did teach me a lot of what i know, but i went on to do an Apprenticeship with SAAB and worked with them for a long time before going solo with The SAAB Clinic which i still run today. But these days i just do engine tuning. I dont really remember much about Triumph's.

[@terencebrown1754]

Your dad tuned my tr4a in the mid eighties. Stage 4 cylinder head, triumph tune inlet manifold, fast road cam 45 webers. He was the goto man if you wanted serious power back in the day. It easily powered passed tr6 ‘s to much disbelief.

[@dj_paultuk7052]

@@terencebrown1754 He closed up shop in 1994 i seem to remember. My parents both retired to Swanage and i had to move out and find my first flat. Sadly lost Dad 3yrs ago to Cancer. Greatly missed.

[@GrandadTinkerer]

I had a 1970 2.5PI saloon in 1978. The car had belonged to my father, who had bought it from my uncle, who had bought it new. My uncle was an engineer by trade, working on all his own vehicles. To this end, he had acquired the official A4 'ring binder' workshop manual. This manual contained a 'pearl of wisdom', which allowed me to diagnose a fault in the fuel injection system in seconds. I forget the exact words, but the manual suggested that, on suspicion of a fuel fault causing a misfire, one should: With the engine at tickover, firmly grasp each individual injector pipe in turn, where a distinct series of 'pulses' should be felt in the lines. If the 'pulse' was absent, then suspect the 'poppet valve spring' in the associated injector nozzle to be faulty. Just thought I would pass that little snippet on, as it may be of help to somebody in the future.

[@iain_tyrrell]

Thank you- simple but enlightening potentially

[@steenjensen8183]

I have an early 69 PI with overdrive that snuck into Canada. Restored it in 1989. Fitted a Bosch fuel pump and it has run reliably for 35 years with proper care. Own Porsche's and Ferrari but will never sell the TR-6...

[@AvaPxiaO]

You mean you actually like the steering system/geometry and those rear oil/lever shocks?

[@steenjensen8183]

@@AvaPxiaO Yes I do. It's a nice change from the effortless precision of modern cars. The TR-6 awakens the senses. You have to pay attention and drive it. Having said that , I wonder how I drove one as a teenager as my daily driver. Even in the Canadian winters! Thought nothing of it. I must admit though , that as I have become older/softer I can only take her in measured doses but I enjoy every mile...

[@paulie-Gualtieri.]

The colour is gorgeous, which really suits the lines of the car, and also looks great of the Stag.

[@stevennazar2102]

Magenta!

[@returnofthenative]

I like British Racing Red.

[@returnofthenative]

@@tsb3093 No, no, Triumph is not Italian, I'm sure of it.

[@davidrhodes7655]

It's called " Peel me a grape "

[@mw8653]

A colour that looks awful when the sun fades it.

[@simonelliott5956]

Great to see a humble TR6 in the workshop, what a lovely example this one is. As always Iain’s explanation of (as he would say) the nerdy stuff, was excellent and very informative. There’s never a dull moment on a Tyrrell’s Classic Workshop video!

[@NitroModelsAndComics]

As a Benz mechanic it was assumed I could work on anything from across the pond. Got one of these in the late 80s into the shop. Being Bosch certified I was under the misapprehension I knew everything injection. Got a lesson on this one. The valve is very much like American gas range valves. Aside from its multiple layers it is essentially the same. After that it was easy peasy as you Brits say. The car was a TR7 wedgy I believe. Edit: As for Lucas bits I'll say this. If your grounds are well done, and you keep things clean, most of it is serviceable

[@anthonyxuereb792]

Now I'll have to try and look-up American gas range valves to hopefully understand what have said.

[@emmajacobs5575]

If it was a TR7, it’d have been on carbs. Later on, the TR8 used electronic fuel injection (Bosch L-Jetronic)

[@deanstanley5799]

Lovely car driven on potholed roads!

[@stevesmith2214]

@@emmajacobs5575 I'm sure that California spec 2.0 litre TR7's were fitted with Bosch injection equipoment in order to pass that states emission requirements.

[@simonmusgrovewethey]

The Laycock overdrive system is simply devine equating to a 6 speed gearbox, 3rd, 3rd o/d, 4th, 4th o/d. When changing down a quick blip of the throttle as you flick the o/d switch and you get a seamless gear change. Fantastic.

[@LarsAgerbk]

Finally something positive about British engineering. How wonderful.

[@6isenough161]

I'm Across the pond here in Canada and have been driving and restoring TR's for 38 years. I love your perfection and quality as well as your ability to use your ears. Well done!

[@iain_tyrrell]

Thank you! Keep up the good work

[@shiftfocus1]

Erm, speaking of British engineering...I think this is the only car channel on KZbin that could post an 30+ minute in-depth video about a mid-70's BL car...without making any mention whatsoever of that incredible pre-Rolls-Royce Bentley casually lingering in the background...

[@julianb1474]

I had a 2.5 PI saloon which served me as a high speed commuter from Leeds to Darlington in '73-'74. The weak point was said to be the HP fuel pump, but luckily I never had a problem. These were used as police cars. Got stopped once doing 100+ on the A1 and got off with a friendly warning.

[@martinda7446]

Ha, ha, wonderful... I was stopped in a yellow Fiat 124 sport coupe in Peckham doing 55! They let me off too. I only did a quick burst, but still, today? No chance. Also today, I'd never speed. Times have changed. I love the 2.5PI saloon. It looks better than the stag to me.(I had three Vitesses).

[@simondavies4603]

My Dad had both a Mk1 and a Mk2 2.5 PI. He was (still is at 88) an “enthusiastic” driver and loved them dearly. The held the road like they were glued too; I think they had an independent rear suspension set up. We drove (on family holidays) all over Europe in the late 60’s and early 70’s and we only had problems with the HP fuel pump in hot weather (in Spain and Portugal). It was in the boot on one side under the luggage floor and was easily accessed so we used to wrap a wet towel around it, which worked a treat! Great cars!

[@metaxa715]

what a warm noodle british story to say the least

[@DenisEdwards-ls2de]

I owned a 2500 PI estate car. That think was a rocket ship. This was 35 years ago. To this day I sleep with one eye open to find another.

[@cq44b]

I was in the metropolitan police summer 76 triumph 2.5pi area cars, I remember some unit in the boot overheating in the warm weather and having to blag ice from the street traders to pack round the thing in the boot to stop the motor cutting out.

[@markcollins457]

Love that you shared this TR6. On my daily bus ride to school as a child once or twice per week a TR6 would overtake and pass the bus on a wild stretch of "Breakneck Rd" and the sound was glorious and obviously instilled lasting memories. 😊

[@gregedmand9939]

The most fun I've ever had driving was when I was able to swap cars for a weekend with a friend's 1972 Lotus Elan. I'd had the chance for an odd drive in Triumphs and MGB's, but the Elan was in a class by itself. There are few modern comparisons for these mid 20th century British 2- seaters, for sheer driver pleasure. At least not for the money they cost new. 700hp and driving aids really can't compete for driver engagement in a light car designed to make best use of under 200hp.

[@roadie3124]

Yes! It wasn't particularly powerful, but the light weight and the handling made it a contender. I had a ride in a modified Elan in 1970. I think that Lotus claimed 105 bhp or thereabouts for the standard Lotus/Ford engine. Those were the days when quoted HP figures were to be taken with a huge pinch of salt. It was more like 90. But the car was so light that the performance was quite good. Ian Walker Racing in London raced Lotus Elans. He would sell you a modified Elan with a genuine 165 bhp. That was fast 😁🤩

[@user-dw9ps2mt6c]

Love the way Ian says ‘ let’s open her up and the van in front still pulls away’ 😂😂

[@petervandoren2984]

Coming from the other side of the Pond, Triumphs were always exotic to me. I would love to own one, much like I was thrilled when I bought an MG (Midget) back in the 90's. They are what I think of with the quintessential British sports car, small and fast. I love the colour of this one as it really stands out. Thank you again and thank Paul for letting you show it on the channel.

[@scifikid108]

That's the first time I've ever heard the phrase "back in the 90's!"

[@Mike-rk8px]

If you want an English sports car, have it carefully inspected by an expert, and buy it! I live in Connecticut and I’ve owned a TR6, TR7, and 2 Lotus Europa’s. There are some great places to get service and restorations, it’s important to join a Triumph owners club, they can provide you with invaluable information and it’s where you’ll find the best cars for sale. My Triumph’s and Lotus’ always stayed garaged all winter, as well as on rainy days. It’s important to keep them dry to avoid rust. As long as you have a garage to keep one (and a main car to drive) there’s no reason not to get one. It’s certainly far less expensive than buying and maintaining a Porsche or a Ferrari, and if you have mechanical knowledge they’re easy to maintain yourself. The TR7 and TR8 are far more modern than the TR6, handle much better, and have more interior room. The TR7 got a bad reputation early on, which was really not fair, because it was a great car. The things that were problems (head gaskets) are well known by experts and have usually been rectified by now, that’s the advantage of buying an old English car: the problems are well known by now.

[@TheMajorMicro]

Filming on this episode was great. Felt very natural/organic. Like us viewers were right there!

[@davidadams007]

So pleased you highlighted a beautiful TR6! The first car I bought after graduation in 1980 and starting full time work was a 1976 TR6 in Periwinkle Blue. I loved that car despite it's rust and quirks. So much fun and all the comments one could ever want from strangers on the street. Sold when I got married but my wife still remembers our dates when she would give me a push to jump start the car when the started got hot. Good times!

[@roygardiner2229]

"Periwinkle Blue": what a splendid name for a colour.

[@stevesmith2214]

The much maligned Lucas high pressure pump was a 14W windscreen wiper motor body with a pump bolted on the top! They used to overheat and stop. The in period mod was to replumb the returning (cool) fuel line and wrap it in a coil around the pump body to cool it down. Interesting film Ian.

[@danapeck5382]

Thanks! You're a friend indeed. Also, brought back nice childhood memories of my dad's WWII pal who was the US Midwest sales rep for TRs in the 1960's. Passenger miles with a former P-47 pilot never got old. All the best

[@MorningNapalm]

I have always loved these TR6s, they are so nicely styled, with a distinct look to them, and the big wheels.

[@soonerlon]

Here in America we had a similar problem with fuel injection systems. The Corvette had a mechanical fuel injection system and there's a thousand antidotes out there about people removing the system and replacing it with a large Holley carburetor. I've even heard stories about 'Vette owners pulling off the system as soon as got the car home from the dealer! The sad part about all that behavior is that if they would have retained the injection system it would have significantly increased the value of their cars. I learned about the Lucas PI system while I was in engineering school , and to agree with you, I found it to be quite an elegant design, however, with that Lucas name attached to it, it made it a little less desirable.

[@sresto7943]

British 6 cylinders do have a wonderful note, also this purple is so wrong yet like the mustard yellow, is a great colour, stunning car and great history.

[@MasterMalrubius]

@sresto7943 I’ve never been a fan of purple but it fits this car well.

It's not wrong, it is the factory colour and is gorgeous!

[@powerje75]

It's called magenta, believe it or not

[@jet1ok]

Mustard yellow = Saffron

[@powerje75]

I used to have a stag in topaz orange, I really liked it

[@jonathanandrews807]

Had a 2.5 Pi Estate back in the 90's. Loved the car to bits. 3rd / OD 3rd is great on winding roads. Needed to check the fuel pressure so headed to my local garage outside Market Bosworth to ask if they had a pressure gauge could cope with the required ~ 110 psi. 'What do you need it for?' was the response. I explained upon which they produced a plastic briefcase labelled Lucas PI Test Equipment. This was a factory original kit with a fuel pressure gauge and engine vacuum gauge with enough hose length to reach from under the bonnet to inside the car for road testing (just as well Triumph bonnets open forwards!). I recall that the Factory workshop manual for the 2.5 PI stated that customers would usually blame the petrol injection for any faults but chances are it was something else at fault and this certainly matches my experience. I met a chap who'd worked at a Triumph dealer in period who said standard practice on all PI equipped cars was to first do a 'second gear decoke', which generally solved loads of problems. Happy days.

[@iain_tyrrell]

This is wonderful detail. Thank you very much for sharing it.

[@georgebettiol8338]

A wonderfully preserved English sports car. What's more, is so refreshing to see a vehicle painted in such a stand out colour (Magenta) - as opposed to the current lot of vehicles that are normally painted in the colours of the 'German rainbow' - that consist of: White, Silver, Black and 150 shades of Grey.

[@simondavies4603]

Well said. I thought I was the only one with a dislike of monochrome cars! The German rainbow even determines resale values too! You are forced to have a black/grey/white one.

[@georgebettiol8338]

​@@simondavies4603 Yes - monochrome cars. If you took a photo of a car park using both color and monochromatic film the outcome would be almost identical.

[@alansorbie4038]

Lovely in Magenta! In 2006, I bought a 1969 mk2 Triumph 2000 saloon. Most people who saw it threw their hands up in horror assuming it had the PI injection system whereas in fact it had carburettors. From getting to know a few people with 2.5 PI cars, In reality the PI system worked really well and was pretty simple if you took the time to understand how it worked.

[@gordonsimpson3235]

In the days when I was selling Triumph, Rover, Jaguar, Daimler, Rolls-Royce and Bentley, the local Suffolk Police had a fleet of Triumph 2.5 PI's.....no problems with them because they got caned, every day. The problem was with owners who pootled them around...the 2500 TC sorted that out. I have had several TR6's over the years, most recently a Mimosa Yellow example ("the Mustard Pot"). Sounded great with the stainless steel (wheel barrow handles ) exhaust - much like a C Type Jaguar. Mine had a Bosch pump which sat outside the tank...I always understood the original pump was in the tank - cooled by the petrol!

[@Miata822]

I love the timeless design of the TR6. I was fortunate enough to have an uncle who had one that he bought new. That was before my driving days but I loved riding in it whenever I could. I was heartbroken when he traded it for a Porsche that, to my mind, lacked soul.

[@Pauley_in_GP]

Iain, you are a walking encyclopedia of so many things automotive. As a long-time Triumph fan (and former owner), I really enjoyed this one. What a wonderful car, and a wonderful story. Indeed a "sweet ride." Thanks.

[@gori277]

Glad you could put away your “engineering snobbery” long enough for us to appreciate this beautiful version of the TR6, best looking TR of them all. Oh, and that colour…🩷

[@uniqueaustraliandestinatio1352]

I had a 1969 MGB fitted with electric overdrive, it made the car lovely to cruise on longer trips in Australia. Built at Zetland in Sydney, where a high school excursion featured MGB bodies being painted in a bath of paint, "ROTODIP," while slung on a rotisserie.

[@gazzafloss]

That's "Zetland".😊

[@nickw7041]

I just acquired a gorgeous Leyland P76 Targa Florio made at that very same facility In Zetland. An amazing era of automotive master strokes peppered with missteps from a cash strapped Leyland in that era.

[@ScottDLR]

I've always admired the proportions of these Triumphs.

[@russellmalone3532]

I used to restore Triumph TRs in the late nineties early 2000s. My favourite was the TR5 due to the beauty of the 4 and that great 6 cylinder pi. The TR6 was a lovely car to drive. I would definitely own one if I had the money spare.

[@simondavies4603]

TR4a for me. You see very few 5's for some reason.

[@warmstrong5612]

Studebaker trialed an EFI system around 1956/57 but never brought it to market. Chrysler did bring an EFI system to market for 1958 but recalled them soon after launch. They both used the Electrojet injector which went on to become Bosch's K-jetronic.

[@RW-bi2rp]

If the tappet noise doesn't go away after the valves have been correctly adjusted, you may find that one or more of the rocker arms have dents in them(were they contact the top of the valve) you can either file them down smooth or replace them.

[@BA11AGO65]

Great suggestion but just be aware that the filing trick won't last long, the faces should be hardened. These parts are cheap enough just to replace.

[@hornetbrown]

My Dad's friend bought one of these used as an around town car and a fun jaunt to work occasionally. Work was at a GM car and van factory, he was a paint man.

[@josephkelly4893]

What a beautiful vehicle, the colour, the wheels, just stunning

[@risinbison1106]

Drove a carb TR6 once. Was a delightful driving experience and felt very quick, not fast but quick. A very sweet ride indeed.

[@NickC341]

I owned one of these in 1984 ish, I forget the year, think '72 .. I'll never forget the exhaust sound bouncing off the buildings driving down Sevenoaks High street .. pure heaven! The little old ladies shopping must have hated me :)

[@guyosborne2696]

Look forward to the overdrive feature. My father had a Dolomite Sprint that had the overdrive activated by a switch on the gear knob, I seem to recall it worked in both third and fourth.

[@gazzafloss]

I had a 1975 2500 TC, 4 speed manual, it was a beautiful sporty family saloon car, the valve gear tappy-tapped just like that TR, 35 mpg was easily attainable, my friend had the same car with the Laycock overdrive pretty rapid, great comfortable cars indeed.

[@woodrow60]

What a terrific engine note.

[@shankarbalan3813]

What a beauty this Triumph is. What a lovely colour too. Thank you Iain as always for bringing us this wonderful video.

[@christopherringham6779]

I owned a TR6 in the 80's, my first sports car and I loved it!. Back then it was pretty fast. It was very dodgy on the limit though the rear would just go with no warning.

[@jonj-lab4633]

My stepdad had a TR6 from new until 2006. Fantastic car, serviced by his mate from new and was very reliable. He had the engine rebuilt and blueprinted at the end of the 80's, taking it up to 172bhp, Sadly I was never allowed to drive it, but it could shift after the engine rebuild and it sounded glorious. Said to me last month that he regrets selling it. Possibly the last of the hairy chested UK sportcars (TVR excepted),

[@daddy6249]

I used to work in a "diesel pump shop" in Melbourne Australia. I believe we were the only ones in Melbourne who had a diesel calibration test bench that could spin fast enough to properly calibrate the metering unit off car. I vaugely remember the vaccuum diaphram would tear and the plactic link conecting the diaphram unit to the "fuel cam" would break..... We had original equipment O ring seal kits for the injector tips, they would leak and dribble...... The original owner of the business, back in the day, used to make the return fuel from the metering unit through a coil of copper tube, he fabricated, wrapped around the motor of the electric fuel pump to try and keep the motor cool in the aussie heat. We could tell how long the TR6 etc had been in our workshop by the size of the oil lake on the workshop floor........🤣😂🤣😂😅😆

[@Rovinman]

My car {a humble 1960 Rover P4, 100 }, has a Laycock de Normanville Overdrive ! { fitted from new, {Solihull,} and still working perfectly ! } There are actually 5 switches on it to make it work smoothly, in a very intricate, rod operated, throttle action ! 1} The lever on the steering column 2} The lever on the gearbox to ensure that the overdrive ONLY operates in top gear { 4th } 3} Two No. rotary cam switches, bracketted off the engine, operated by an angled lever, to optimise the speed range within which it may operate. 4} And finally a Kick-down switch under the floor mounted, lever type, accelerator pedal, to allow the immediate dropout of the overdrive, for instant acceleration, and return to normal Overdrive operation upon lifting the foot off the loud pedal ! A truly ingenious system, and relatively easy to set up ! Shame that it only has ONE carburettor, as I would have LOVED the Lucas PI system, but my Carburettor { an SU HD6}, is connected to the cylinder head via an Integral Carburettor Access. Love your Nerdy series Iain ! Take care, Stay safe, Stu xx

[@iain_tyrrell]

Thanks Stu!

[@Farlig69]

Yes to video on a Leycock OD!!!!!

[@TM-mk2zb]

“I’ll just put the overdraft on” my thoughts every episode Iain!

[@bradcaldwell9158]

Thanks, Iain, for my Brit car fix. I desired British sports cars in my youth, but by the time I could afford one, they were gone. Nice ones are quite rare here in America's rust belt, so I appreciate seeing this one. And I never knew TR6s were injected! Strictly carb'ed here stateside, I believe.

[@gordonsimpson3235]

The Carb equipped Stateside TR6's were well down on power compared to the UK versions. We used to sell hundreds of them to USAF personnel at Mildenhall/Lakenheath in the day. They had the advantage of buying them tax free, and invariably bought them at the end of their tour of duty to take them home.

[@carloguzzi5801]

My '76 tr6 (US carb version) had a valve tick that would not go away, my Mom bought it new and it always had the tick. I couldn't stand it any longer and tore it apart at about 50,000 miles. It had a bad cam lobe/lifter. I replaced the lifter and had the cam and other lifters reground at a local shop in San Diego. After that it sounded like a sewing machine. It was a good and reliable car for me.

[@ruaraidhmcdonald-walker9524]

What a peach of a car!! Lovely backstory too! Good old Lucas mechanical fuel injection was on the DFV too!! Famous forefathers indeed!

[@grahamdavies2624]

To my eyes this TR6 is exotic!!

[@Zilla__man]

Nothing wrong with the TR6

[@davevan9150]

Then you probably haven't owned one. I once had to replace every bit of wiring in one

[@jaapbruijn1300]

The colour

[@russcooke5671]

@@jaapbruijn1300Beautiful. That and white.

[@johnsherborne3245]

@@davevan9150ha, I had to replace the wiring on a TR4 when the ammeter wires sawed through the bulkhead, nasty mess.

[@ProjectFairmont]

That an IRS wouldn’t fix.

[@manandboy2]

Iain, what an absolutely wonderful car. Another, brilliant, interesting and informative video. The passion you have for these cars comes through in every KZbin video you do, and I share that passion. Thank you so much for taking the time to share these cars with us, I get so much from this window on the classic car world.

[@markedmundsmrehke3]

Excellent presentation yet again Iain! I have a very early 1969 TR6 PI and as you say not the quickest, but the Lucas PI system once set up is reliable and fuel efficient (acknowledging the "sports" nature of the car). She keeps up with "modern traffic" and sometimes embarrasses it - with the straight 6 British soundtrack what's not to like? Will from now on call the A Type Laycock Overdrive on her the Overdraft! Many thanks!

[@oliverlondon5246]

It is one of the best sounding cars in my view. Always admired these. What a handsome colour

[@hondablack1]

As I remember, the high pressure pump on these was basically a Lucas windscreen wiper motor, which explains their 'iffy' reliability. The other problem with these engines was that when the bores started to wear, this affected the obtainable vacuum, which in turn made the mixture too rich and smoky. Only real remedy was a rebore and pistons. Cheaper to get twin Strombergs.

[@iain_tyrrell]

Interesting- thank you

[@hondablack1]

My pleasure !@@iain_tyrrell

[@robertcambareri1028]

How wonderful to see a Triumph in the Workshop. Love that groovy 1970's color.

[@workman122]

It's nice to see one with the original wood on the dash. So many people feel the need to go down the deep gloss burr walnut route, then next throw in the leather seats with coloured piping for the full t*rts boudoir effect.

[@jeremyfdavies]

Great video. Brings back memories of my misspent youth in early 70’s when I sold TR’s at Puttocks in Guildford; the injectors would occasionally foul especially with cold stop/starts (like moving around the showroom) so mechanics would pull out the injectors just like you did to check them. Brilliant.

[@iain_tyrrell]

Great memories- thanks!

[@paullewis1587]

It's actually the original hood too! Thanks for giving it a blast - they really appreciate it.

[@iain_tyrrell]

Erred on the side of caution because the hood is still excellent, but has a funny feeling it was. The car is a tribute to you

[@paulking8055]

Really enjoyed this Vid Mr T, we had a breakfast spin in ours this morning, owned TR6's for 40 years. Your comments and perceptions on the car are spot on of course, from the throttle action to the steering feel and as you say, not the fastest car but very enjoyable listening to the glorious sound. Now to find someone to fiddle with my mixture with grips!!

[@highlandcow4765]

I used to drive a 1973 mk2 2.5pi saloon in ice blue, straight pipe with no silencer, sounded amazing and do 120 mph. Overdrive gear change would push you back in your seat. Fuel pump in boot overheated once, before I replaced it with a Bosch - just pulled out on to the A9 at Dunkeld and floored it and total fuel starvation, instead of leaving smoking rubber I puttered onto the verge nearly getting wiped by the truck behind. She was called Blueberry pie and was a true love of mine. Car was much admired by the many policemen she encountered.

[@iain_tyrrell]

Great memories- thanks for sharing!

[@lindaoffenbach]

What a wonderful colour this one. The question coming to mind pronto was if this magenta is as delivered from factory but you've actually answered it by going through the documentation. The colour suits her unexpectedly well in the sense that it is quite the surprise that it does. It actually accentuates all of her intricate lines very well. Stunning car, and thank you once again for sharing all of her delights 💓

[@grantp7975]

Back in 1960 my father, posted to a military base in Germany, bought a Ford Zephyr with overdrive on the 3 speed (iirc) box. It made cruising on the Autobahns a little nicer. In the mid 70s I spent a year working in the West Country. Rented a cottage and the chap who lived in the house opposite was a TR specialist with a nearby garage just outside Bath. His regular transport was a TR6 of one sort or another. Lovely sound as he drove up the narrow lane out of the village between the stone built cottages.

[@peterlewis3540]

What a delight, that was a masterclass in explaining the Lucas injection system. Is it any wonder the little TR was on its best behaviour, surrounded by so many multi million pound exotics, looking on with disdain, on yet another BL creation. That for me, was one of Ians most informative and interesting technical videos, just a total delight to listen to. Thank you once again for such an interesting lecture, but Inca Yellow would be my colour of choice.

[@iain_tyrrell]

Thank you! Inca yellow is indeed a great colour too

[@blackbuttecruizr]

Very few of these still exist in the States, the metal just couldn't withstand the salt on the roads in the winter in the Mid-West and on the East Coast. I've only seen a few in the wild, but think a resto-mod with the engine from a Triumph Rocket III motorcycle would be delightful.

[@FastTrack-1]

What a great engine/exhaust sound !

[@andrewtognola1116]

I had a 1972 Pimento red TR6 in 1975 and I loved it !😊

[@TalkieToaster.]

My Dad had a 76 PI restored over a decade ago, it was a lovely thing. GJL 99N was the reg, I can still smell it.

[@arkhsm]

That MAGENTA colour, wow !!

[@iain_tyrrell]

It really pops, doesn't it?

[@truxton1000]

I got an imported US model, 1970 in signal red. Restored it over 5 years, replaced the Strombergs with SU’s, installed SS manifolds and a big bore exhaust. Not fast but the sound of it is very satisfying!

[@kayeninetwo3585]

Great video! No need to apologize for a 70's Triumph TR6, in my opinion. They are wonderful looking and sounding sports cars...one of my favorites among the more well known British cars that were imported to the US. I also love the color. I don't believe I've seen one in that shade of magenta.

[@lancerbiker5263]

Fine specimen indeed. We have a 1969 Triumph GT6+ in the family. My brother is coming from the USA back to Canada this summer to resurrect it .Should be a treat. I never fail to learn something watching your channel. Cheers

[@B1bthinkin]

It's always a pleasure to spend time with a true enthusiast. Thank you.

[@Onez_1]

My friend purchased one in 77 it was white, he fiddled with the overdrive switch so it was on the gear stick and you could use overdrive in every gear so cooool. He let me drive it and I had never driven anything like it before, it cornered like it was on rails.😁

[@martinmartin5810]

Dear Iain, as an classic car enthusiast for over 40 years I really enjoy every part of your videos on youtube. An even as a German and not very skillful English speaker I can understand every word in your passionate technical explorations. Thank you very much and best greetings from Germany. Good luck, Martin

[@iain_tyrrell]

Vielen Dank, Martin, and thank you for watching. Your comments are so kind. 👏

[@OnTrackDetailing]

Really enjoyed this episode - Haven't had a lot of time recently to catch many of the episodes (working too much!) It's nice when I get an hour or so spare to enjoy watching Iain geeking out, also I find the colour of the car nice :)

[@davesmith60]

As it happens, i do love one take driving videos. Its the best thing about youtube.

[@susanhenderson2322]

The lucas fuel pump was actually a modified lucas wiper motor, when working correctly it could produce much more than 110lbs working pressure, after the pump was a pressure regulator , they were more problematic than pumps, dirty fuel was the cause of lots of there problems . I worked at Triumph dealership when these came out, the older technicians didnt want anything to do with them. If 1 tappet is noisy it's probably a worn rocker, check the rocker shaft locating screw hasn't fallen out. You really need an exhaust gas analyzer to set fuel ratio accurately, use a multi carb balancing tool to balance throttle bodies. Check metering pump is timed correctly, many technicians replaced it without setting it correctly.

[@alanjust]

It’s not a Lamborghini Riva for sure but in your hands it could be! Nice work Iain, it’s a beautiful example for sure.

[@dancarter482]

_Bounder, cad, incorrigible rogue ~ the illustrious Mr T.!_

[@stevennazar2102]

Cant take my eyes off the Countach's in the background!😊😊

[@AvaPxiaO]

I had a funky pastel like blue 75 I bought under the budget constrains of a college student. To be able to use it I put it on my gf's name since women had much cheaper insurance for our age group. She never liked driving it which was great too. Some time passed, and me and her have a split of plans, and as a concession she took the TR out of spite, run out of room to park it safely, trusted a friend of her mom's, and when later we dealt peacefully about me getting back I was told it was left with no top through a snowy/wet winter and because rent wasn't paid it was "taken". The 75 US model had ugly bumpers (rubber bombs hanging off of them) and a union jack on the rear panels, as well as ugly US DOT marker lights. For such reasons I always found TR250s more attractive :) I had no clue they came with FI, a Lucas FI of all things. I also had a 75 Alfetta gtv2. with mechanical Magnetti Marelli injection which was "fun" to get timed.

[@iain_tyrrell]

Thanks for the stories!

[@alandrobnak]

In 1972 I had a 1969 TR6 for a few years then gave it up for one reason or another. Today I miss that car dearly.

[@a.brounz]

Yes indeed we do enjoy one take driving recordings Mr. Tyrrell

[@markwhitaker3673]

What a lovely Magenta TR6-thanks for the great mechanical injection review. One of the best 33 minutes of car video I have seen! Jealous of the overdraft/overdrive-would love that on my 69 Elan although I guess it is the opposite of the "simplify and add lightness" mantra. Nice flexibility too with the injection system and the 2.5 inline six. Super video-thanks as always Iain.

[@marcusbrutus1999]

That was the most educational episode Iain has produced IMHO. I always thought Lucas' P.I was a disaster, so have learned a lot today. It is sad that somehow, the correct way to set this system up was not passed down the line more.

[@markaluge]

Beautiful motor car. My first TR was a ‘75 Magenta TR6, a lovely colour when it is clean. I’m not sure that the dash is walnut. There is an inertia cutoff switch which cuts off the power to the fuel pump in the event of an accident, which was a safety feature. One morning I came out to start the car and it wasn’t starting. I managed to diagnose that they was no power getting to the fuel pump, which I traced to the inertia switch. Once bypassed, the car started and ran fine. I called into the Leyland garage but they said that the inertia switch was no longer available and that the best thing would be to go to a scrapyard and see if they have one on an old Triumph 2500 PI. I was a student at the time and when I got to Uni the guy I sat next to for the next lecture asked why I was late. I explained to him what had happened and he said that his father had invented the cut off switch and had a box of them in his garage. A few days later a new one arrived in the post.

[@iain_tyrrell]

Excellent experience- thank you for sharing

[@bishwatntl]

I had a 1972 MGB GT that had overdrive on 3rd and 4th, activated by a simple switch on the dash. Very useful for extra gearing when cruising and a great way of exploiting that unique "B" exhaust sound, especially when near walls or bridge parapets to add echo chamber effects.

[@markjackson1183]

Great job Iain! I wish I could disengage my overdraft with the flick of a switch 😂 Seriously though, when I got my TR6 it had no overdrive, so I added the J-type. Best thing I did as it transformed the car and it now cruises effortlessly up to about 85 mph.

[@PAGallagher]

Interesting video! I had a 1971 Mk2 saloon 2.5 PI, back in the day, and it was glorious once I worked out an easy way to reset the fuel injection, mine was running horribly rich when I bought it. I left the adjusting rings alone and, from an article in CCC magazine, I used a feeler gauge to take up wear between the roller and shuttle slide, in the small compartment under the vacuum diaphragm. I used progressively thicker feelers, which raised the idle, until it was hunting and running too lean. Finally, I came back a few thou on the feeler to get the mixture right and permanently fitted that particular feeler gauge in place, in the unit. I never needed to touch the fuel injection again. Went from about 18 mpg to around 32 mpg (on a run) Also, the overdrive didn't work ..... that turned out to be a really easy fix ...... the slider switch, on top of the gear stick, was seized. Quick squirt of contact lube and we were back in action. I always fancied a TR6 or a Stag, both fabulous cars! Thanks for the video 👍

[@iain_tyrrell]

Excellent bit of offshore engineering there!

[@gordonhamilton727]

Unbelievable that they could replace this beauty with the TR 7.

[@pwatom22]

I think highly effective, ingenious and simple design is the key to the best everyman classics in my opinion. Great video that captures that lovely sound and interesting injection system.

[@iain_tyrrell]

Couldn't agree more! Delighted to know you enjoyed it.

[@julianadams3738]

Your video took me back to when I owned a TR6, an earlier 150bhp model. That had been fitted with a Bosch pump and in the three years that I owned the car the fuel injection gave no problems. It was a great driving car that gave me lots of pleasure, just wish I could get in and out of one easily now!

[@anstroth]

Thank you Ian for bringing back memories of my earlier 1970 Damson TR6. The only “Fettling” it needed was to the front trunnions I had to replace after the nearside one sheared and the wheel collapsed at some traffic lights! Oh, and the rear diff carrier which was cracked and proceeded to knock each time the prop came under pressure, temporarily solved by wedging between the cracked section with a piece of wood! How’s that for engineering 😂. I still loved it though and drove it to London with drivers door caved in thanks to some kind lady who reversed her car with tow ball into it! The clutch was heavy as hell and murder on my leg trying to negotiate Marble Arch traffic. Oh the memories🙂 Thanks again. 👍

[@iain_tyrrell]

Quite the experiences! Thanks for sharing

[@007JHS]

Great clip... thanks for posting it on YT.

[@mrgonk3060]

I never had any PI issues running a TR6 for most of the1980's. Another tip it to nip each injector pipe between thumb and forefinger, this helps detect weaker/dripping injector pulses, which can usually be sorted by removing and tapping with something metallic until you get a decent pattern again