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Nov 15, 2011 21:22:16 GMT
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The idea for this thread started, as many do, with a single picture. This one to be precise:  Now I've always liked a good Dolomite, just never loved them. Until I saw that  The stance, the taped up lights, the awesome functional stance and epic touring car livery, the flared arches..... I love everything about it . My brilliant detective skills (reading the image URL) lead to believe this was an ex-Andy Rouse BTCC car. So off I went in search of more of these mean machines, and I found these:     ![]() images.forum-auto.com/mesimages/217630/Scan0006 Vaux Dolo.jpg[/img] ![]() images.forum-auto.com/mesimages/213010/A_397 gr1 75.jpg[/img] ![]() images.forum-auto.com/mesimages/213010/A_400 Gr2 75.jpg[/img]  ![]() images.forum-auto.com/mesimages/217630/Dolo Chr.jpg[/img]  ^ That things is mean Its got a proper Dodge Charger vibe going on. And if you 're dead inside don't like touring cars, then how about some rally Dolomites? ![]() images.forum-auto.com/mesimages/217630/Scan0008 Kaby.jpg[/img]  ![]() [http://images.forum-auto.com/mesimages/217630/Scan0016-1.jpg/img] ..... and breathe..... They were all carefully stolen from here: www.forum-auto.com/sport-auto/photo-sport-auto/sujet361117.htmAnd there is plenty more in that thread too The next obvious step was to go on eBay and find a few nice cars. Then I found out they were crazy cheap to insure.... I think I might have to buy one! So, learnered ladies and gents of Retro Rides, who has one, what are they like to live with? |
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 1990 BMW 318iS, 1971 Range Rover V8 |
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RetroMat
Posted a lot
Column Shifting!
Posts: 3,442
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Nov 15, 2011 21:59:09 GMT
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i got to go round brand hatch as pasenger in this one  until it pee'd its self  :  |
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MiataMark
Club Retro Rides Member
Posts: 2,964
Club RR Member Number: 29
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Nov 15, 2011 22:18:10 GMT
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I've got pictures from Thruxton in 1979 for the Saloon Car Championship, when Dolomite Sprints competed. Also the BMW County Championship, using identical 323i's.
I was researching (google) this evening about 2 door Dolomite Sprints, I'm sure I've read somewhere that Triumph were thinking of using a Toledo/Sprint 2 door for rallying but can't find any evidence.
I'd love one, but not sure the wife would agree.
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1990 Mazda MX-52012 BMW 118i (170bhp) - white appliance 2011 Land Rover Freelander 2 TD4 2003 Land Rover Discovery II TD52007 Alfa Romeo 159 Sportwagon JTDm
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Nov 15, 2011 22:24:56 GMT
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Nov 15, 2011 22:34:19 GMT
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That black one...ooooofff, hell yeah!!
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Koos
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86mike
Part of things
Posts: 453
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Nov 15, 2011 23:16:26 GMT
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I saw this and thought...how? |
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Nov 15, 2011 23:20:31 GMT
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Nov 15, 2011 23:23:23 GMT
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My mate had a standard brown one, not the most attractive colour but was an ace machine to look at, not enough of then around now  |
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ChasR
RR Helper
motivation
Posts: 10,201
Club RR Member Number: 170
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Nov 15, 2011 23:59:46 GMT
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CovCourier, got more info on your metallic brown coloured 1850? Looks quite lovely  . IMO they are starting to creep up in value slowly from what they were. Getting power out of them can become tricky, but getting them to stock power is a good starting place. Ensuring the ignition system is in good order (people go electronic with good results), carbs and dizzy are all tip top (these can cost power) and that is generally a good benchmark. A Sprint with tired suspension can ruin the experience. Some good Poly bushes should sort alot of the issues out along with some half decent dampers . |
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Last Edit: Nov 16, 2011 9:29:20 GMT by ChasR
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theres more to life than mpg & to much power is just enough.
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Nov 16, 2011 22:18:12 GMT
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Chas, as soon as I get some time I will send get a thread up about the car.
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Garry
East Midlands
Posts: 1,722
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What can be done, engine-swap wise (within reason)? Vauxhall XE, Ford Zetec/Duratec?
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Engine swaps: all those that you mention have been done. Also I've seen 4AGE, CA18, Rover V8, Triumph six cylinder, Honda S2000, Lotus Slant and even one with a BMW M3 (E30) engine.
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MiataMark
Club Retro Rides Member
Posts: 2,964
Club RR Member Number: 29
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Nov 17, 2011 11:13:55 GMT
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Engine swaps: all those that you mention have been done. Also I've seen 4AGE, CA18, Rover V8, Triumph six cylinder, Honda S2000, Lotus Slant and even one with a BMW M3 (E30) engine. What about a modern BMW 4cyl, even the diesel from the 320, 520 and Freelander etc? Also how easy would it be to put discs on the rear axle? Just thinking... Mark |
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1990 Mazda MX-52012 BMW 118i (170bhp) - white appliance 2011 Land Rover Freelander 2 TD4 2003 Land Rover Discovery II TD52007 Alfa Romeo 159 Sportwagon JTDm
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Nov 17, 2011 11:39:39 GMT
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I'm afraid I've no idea about the BMW Diesel engines, but since they are relatively compact it could be possible. At the end of the day, if the six cylinder engine can be squeezed in, a four cylinder one shouldn't be overly complicated.
Incidentally, I forgot to include three others I've seen installed: Ford YB, Ford Pinto and also the Ford Essex V6.
S&S Preparations used to offer a kit to convert TR7s to rear discs. Whatever fits a 7 will also fit a Dolomite. The easiest way to do it is to utilise Rover Metro discs and Golf GTi calipers on the back. Uprated front disc kits are available from Trackerjack on the Triumph Dolomite forum.
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Nov 17, 2011 12:56:04 GMT
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Down to just these 2 at the minute   Is that a standard colour? Not seen it on a BL car before. Sandglow with a hint of brown  Really really really like that tone! |
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Nov 17, 2011 13:03:46 GMT
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One thing to note, is that with Dollys, you cant really go that low, or fit wide wheels. The offset/width ratio is quite narrow (ET35 and 5.5"x13" wheels) iirc.
To live with, they are quite nice, IME, not as civilized as a TR7, but more lively (With a Sprint engine) and surprisingly practical. Very comfortable seats.
They do rust in all the usual places, and a tip top cooling system is a must really with recon rad, Kenlowe Fan and regularly flushed. When overheated, the aluminum head can warp.
The 1850 (8v 1.8)/TR7 (8v 2.0) lump is an easy swap, and both are supposed to give real world performance of the sprint, without the amazing turbo like top end of the 16V but more power/torque low down.
1300/1500 quite slow, the 1300 loves to be abused (if properly looked after). Usual Triumph thing with the 1300 more lively, loves to rev, 1500 more torque and does not like to be revved (longer stroke)
I still miss my old sprint, but then same for the 7. ;D
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Nov 17, 2011 13:06:07 GMT
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My long term plan for my old Sprint (photoshop)  But 13" Revolutions (13"x5.5" ET25) will need a little work to fit in at the back, and stick out a little at the front. I 'think' it has been done before though. Standard Sprint alloys, matte black centre and polished rim-  15" MGF Alloys-  Has been done for a racing sprint, needs work for a daily, 14" generally seen to be the biggest that fit the car. Looks cool though! The Sprint 2.0 16v engine-  |
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Nov 17, 2011 13:08:05 GMT
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And if you want to play around with engine swaps over around the 100bhp mark, you need to get a Sprint, or fit box and axle. The lower stuff just falls apart.
Secondly, this is a proper mojo booster, I really want to go outside and get on with mine now, a shame that of all the parts I ordered that just arrived, the one main one is completely wrong.
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aar0sc
Part of things
Posts: 73
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Nov 22, 2011 17:59:06 GMT
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Very cool!  Yesterday at 7:30 I was at Goodwood to see these: Including a racing Toledo and Sprint |
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The stance, the taped up lights, the awesome functional stance and epic touring car livery, the flared arches..... I love everything about it .
:
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