Triumph Repair: TR7 Rebuild, piston rings, waterpump


Question
I've actually got a couple of questions for you.I am currently rebuilding a 1976 TR7.I went through the engine and replaced the bearings and piston rings.When I took the head off I noticed some pitting on it.It is not real bad,should I go ahead and have it shaved?I can't seem to find any used heads anywhere.Do you know if the tr7 has problems with the heads?My last question is;would you rather buy decent used parts at a fair price or should I go with new parts at high prices(if available)?

Answer
I'll answer the last question first. I would rather buy new parts when i can. it also depends on what it is . i would never buy a used waterpump, alternator,clutch,and on anything else be able to look it over before you buy.#2,If you see a problem in one car chances are the rest are like that also. #1 I owned almost every other triumph except the tr7 that was a poor engine and i hope you did'nt spend to much on it.the pitting should be judged by a machine shop. you should have the head rebuilt anyway.they may build the surface up then shave it back to the correct hight.I had a spitfire head done once. i told them to mill it as much as they could ( you know more compression more power all that ) they said doing that throws all the clearances off. you get spark knock and things like that. if you put close to stock you might get a descent running car. dave ps check the carburetor if you are going to keep it it probably needs rebuilding also