5 WAYS TO MAKE IT BETTER
1 SPIN-ON OIL FILTER
The standard oil filter lacks a non-return valve, so the big-end bearings are starved of oil when the engine is started. A spin-on conversion costs around £60, allows you to fit a much larger range of oil filters and has the bonus of making servicing a bit easier. It’s a relatively easy DIY job, but don’t skimp on the conversion kit; older, cheaper kits can often create a leak.
2 LET IT BREATHE
A stainless steel exhaust is fit-and-forget. Most owners opt for Phoenix because the build quality and sound are spot on. Extractor manifolds need fettling to make them fit, along with the retaining butterflies. You’ll also have to fit a smaller starter motor to get the extractor manifold to fit, so many take this opportunity to fit a modern hi-torque unit, which starts the car more easily and uses less current.
3 PICK YOUR DAMPERS
Stick with lever arm dampers, but use telescopics, which last longer and can be adjustable on the TR4A. Don’t use polyurethane diff erential mounts in a TR4A – most owners believe that they transmit too much vibration through the bodyshell. The rest of the suspension can be polybushed with the usual eff ects, however – increased durability and stiffness at the cost of a slightly poorer ride.
4 MODERN CHARGER
You can fit an alternator that looks like a dynamo for around £350, or you could fit a standard alternator for a fraction of the cost. Use a conversion kit and you can stick with the original belt rather than having to fit a narrower one for further originality. Your car will no longer experience voltage drops when sitting in traffic and you’ll be able to generate more current for any electrical accessories, too.
5 FIT A BRAKE SERVO
The TR4/TR4A never had a brake servo, but it’s worth fitting one to reduce pedal pressure. There’s no need to upgrade the calipers or discs unless you’re adding significantly more power, but a servo used in conjunction with harder pads will make the brakes feel much more reassuring and eff ectively reduce your reaction time on the brakes.