My '67 T

Charles R Simmers · Post by **Charles R Simmers** » Thu Dec 12, 2019 8:32 pm

Finally finished my power train upgrade for my 1967 Bentley T.

If anyone is interested, I can post details.

John Murch · Post by **John Murch** » Fri Dec 13, 2019 6:01 am

I would be fascinated to read what you have been doing.

Nicholas Simons · Post by **Nicholas Simons** » Fri Dec 13, 2019 9:33 am

I also have a '67 T and have not upgraded it. I see you have added an alternator and air con and the carburettors have disappeared. What else have you done? My T is totally original, with a real dynamo and no air con. It is a delight to drive.

Charles R Simmers · Post by **Charles R Simmers** » Fri Dec 13, 2019 7:04 pm

Engine

GM Cadillac 8.2 Litre (61E), 400 hp (298 kW) @ 4400 rpm, 550 lb⋅ft (746 N⋅m) @ 3000 rpm torque, 1970
GM electronic fuel injection with custom programmed ECU
WABCO hydraulic pumps, accumulators. (Retains original brake and leveling system)
Heavy-duty aluminum crossflow radiator

Transmission

GM 4L80E 4-speed electronic overdrive
Shadow II gear selector actuator (retained original Hydramatic 4-speed selector switch, P=R+ignition off

Chassis

Shadow II front and rear struts and shock absorbers
Shadow II rack-and-pinion steering
Uprated anti-roll bar

Accessories

Power door locks with Remote Keyless Entry, custom
Turbo R electronic speedometer
Power seat recline
Custom centre console, adapted from a Bentley T2
Nardi walnut steering wheel
Air conditioning

John Murch · Post by **John Murch** » Sat Dec 14, 2019 6:32 am

That all sounds like a huge amount of work with many difficulties to have been overcome.
The substantial increase in power must make it very lively, are the anti roll bars similar to the Harvey Baillie handling kit?
I had a T2 about 30 years ago and do recall wanting to improve it’s handling.

Nicholas Simons · Post by **Nicholas Simons** » Sat Dec 14, 2019 11:44 am

Surely this is no longer a Bentley T?

Charles R Simmers · Post by **Charles R Simmers** » Sat Dec 14, 2019 11:05 pm

John,

I took five years of engineering, fabrication, debugging, and rebuilding to get everything to work.
Yes, the anti-roll bar is similar to the HB kit. Putting T2 components inplace of the original T1 bits greatly improved handling.
I use it as my daily driver. I have had the engine dyno'd. The top speed is 154mph,calculated (132mph, observed), comfortable, quiet. All around beautiful ride. Merging or passing on the motorway is ... effortless.

Nicholas,

What's the Bentley content of newer models?

Nicholas Simons · Post by **Nicholas Simons** » Sun Dec 15, 2019 10:13 am

Charles
The Bentley content of newer models is not relevant to the discussion. If you want a more powerful and up to date car than the T can give you why not buy a more modern car? I prefer preservation to modernisation, but it's a free country and we can all do as we wish to our possessions, although future generations may get confused if we all did the same as you.
By the way, my T has Bentley written on the rocker covers whereas your Cadillac engine is pretending to be a RR. I remain confused.

John Murch · Post by **John Murch** » Sun Dec 15, 2019 2:19 pm

Most Bentley models have been modified in a variety of ways, the T series is rarely treated to ‘up grades’ , I think it great that you have created such an effective’special’.

Nicholas Simons · Post by **Nicholas Simons** » Sun Dec 15, 2019 4:45 pm

I don't like Specials. The BDC seems to be infested with Specials, especially Mk VI's pretending to be WO's. At least Charles's Special still looks like what it used to be.
Sits back and waits for the brickbats.

Christopher Carnley · Post by **Christopher Carnley** » Sun Dec 15, 2019 5:17 pm

A lot of old Shads and "T",s with the old old S3 engine and GM Hydramatic are mechanically shagged out.
As are the MKVI family, and a few Silver Wraiths. Only this week hav I seen 3 repatriated MKVI,s denuded de-engined and put into special "Special" production, which is far better than having them moulder away back to nature.

Charles R Simmers · Post by **Charles R Simmers** » Sun Dec 15, 2019 8:11 pm

I have always liked the early T as the best looking of the SY range. The T2 were softened a bit and lost a lot of chrome bits.
I've never cottoned to the SZ series. This car was bought at an estate sale in Jersey and shipped to the US in the mid-90's. I was in very rough shape and many rusted lower body panels needed to be replaced, a repaint, and new upholstery. (Thanks to the folks at Introcar)
I drove the car for many years until the hydraulic pumps wiped the camshaft and two cylinders suffered from bent valve stems. I was advised to scrap it and get something newer. I couldn't bring myself to sell it for parts.I was not fond of the old Hydramatic and the SZ series used the GM4L80E overdrive so that was a bolt-in. The engine only needed new mounts to line up with the original mounts.
I had owned a Cadillac Eldorado in 70's and was always pleased by its smooth power, acceleration, and quiet. So I planned this combination of the two experiences.

Charles R Simmers · Post by **Charles R Simmers** » Sun Jan 03, 2021 7:10 pm

“Take the best that exists and make it better.”
“When it does not exist, design it.”

Philip Edginton · Post by **Philip Edginton** » Mon Jan 04, 2021 8:44 am

I am with Charles on this one.
I think that last comment is more of a creed. where did that come from.I think W.O. Would be the first to improve if it was possible.

Paul1979T2 · Post by **Paul1979T2** » Mon Jan 04, 2021 9:31 am

Well done.

The pleasure is in looking at and driving these cars. If they are made better then there is more pleasure. Does anyone doubt a Vicarage Jag or one of the other 'rebuilders'?

If owners want a completely 'original' car down to the stickers, then good for them. Each to their own. I am with the OP here. Make it better; more useable and more enjoyable. Over 15 years that is what RR tried to do too!

Christopher Carnley · Mon Jan 04, 2021 11:07 am

The two separate quotations are attributed to Sir Henry Royce, and appear on advertisements for R-R cars others are:-.

"Accept nothing nearly right or good enough".

The quality will remain when the price is forgotten"

My '67 T

My '67 T

minor improvements to my T1