Market Segment:
Performance saloon in its era, niche classic car market
Competitors:
Ford Cortina GXL/GT, Hillman Avenger Tiger, Vauxhall Firenza HP, Fiat 132
Unique Selling Points:
2.0L OHC 16-valve engine (unique for its time), sporty handling, distinctive styling, advanced features for its class.
Intended Users:
Triumph Dolomite Sprint owners, classic car restorers, independent mechanics specializing in British Leyland vehicles.
Manual Value:
Essential resource for maintaining and repairing the Dolomite Sprint, preserving its performance and originality.
Engine:
Complete overhaul, tuning, troubleshooting, diagnosis, lubrication, cooling, fuel, ignition, exhaust
Transmission:
Manual gearbox (type, overhaul, adjustments, fluid) and Overdrive unit (if applicable)
Clutch:
Operation, adjustment, replacement of clutch assembly and hydraulic system
Drivetrain:
Propeller shaft, universal joints, rear axle and differential (maintenance, overhaul)
Suspension:
Front and rear suspension systems, components, adjustments, overhaul
Steering:
Steering box, linkages, adjustments, overhaul
Brakes:
Hydraulic system (master cylinder, wheel cylinders, brake lines), front discs, rear drums, parking brake, bleeding procedures, adjustments
Electrical System:
Wiring diagrams, lighting, ignition system, charging system (alternator, regulator), starting system (starter motor), instrumentation, accessories
Fuel System:
Twin Zenith Stromberg CDSE carburetters, fuel pump, fuel lines, tank
Cooling System:
Radiator, fan, water pump, thermostat, hoses
Body And Chassis:
Body shell construction, doors, windows, trim, bumpers, jacking points
Heating And Ventilation:
Heater matrix, ducting, fan operation
Maintenance:
Routine servicing, oil changes, filter replacements, tune-ups, lubrication schedules
Repair:
Component replacement, rebuilds, adjustments for all covered systems
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic flowcharts, common problems and solutions
Specifications:
Torque settings, clearances, fluid types, electrical component testing values
Depth:
Comprehensive: from basic maintenance to full engine and transmission rebuilds, detailed electrical diagnostics.
Engine Type:
Inline-4, Overhead Camshaft (OHC), 16 Valves (2 per cylinder)
Displacement:
1998 cc (2.0 Litres)
Bore X Stroke:
83.5 mm x 92 mm
Horsepower:
127 bhp (94.7 kW; 129 PS) at 5700 rpm
Torque:
130 lb-ft (176 Nm) at 4500 rpm
Carburettors:
2 x Zenith Stromberg CDSE 175CD (Constant Vacuum) twin-choke
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Petrol (designed for 4-star, but typically run on premium unleaded with potential for lead-free additive or hardened valve seats for longevity)
Oil Capacity:
5.4 Litres (9.5 Imperial Pints) with filter change
Recommended Oil Viscosity:
20W/50 (for general use, consult manual for seasonal variations)
Type:
Lucas electronic ignition (later models) or Lucas/Bosch points ignition
Overdrive:
Laycock de Normanville J-type Overdrive (often fitted as an option, effectively creating 8 forward gears)
Gear Ratios:
Refer to manual for specific ratios (e.g., 1st: 3.079, 2nd: 1.917, 3rd: 1.329, 4th: 1.000)
Clutch Type:
Hydraulically operated single dry plate
Transmission Fluid:
GL4 Hypoid Gear Oil (e.g., SAE 90, consult manual for specific grade)
Overdrive Fluid:
Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF) Type-A or equivalent (consult manual)
Crash Test Data:
No formal modern crash test data available; designed to 1970s safety standards.
Braking System:
Front disc brakes, rear drum brakes. Dual circuit hydraulic system.
Seatbelts:
Provision for seatbelts, often lap belts in front and rear, inertia reel belts later in production/as aftermarket.
Body Structure:
Monocoque construction with integrated safety cage elements.
Oil Change:
Every 3,000 miles or 6 months (recommendation for classic cars)
Tune Up Interval:
12,000 miles or 12 months (including spark plugs, distributor points if applicable, ignition timing)
Valve Clearance Check:
12,000 miles or 12 months
Coolant Change:
Every 2 years (using appropriate antifreeze)
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 (glycol-based, consult manual for specific recommendation)
Coolant:
Ethylene Glycol based antifreeze, typically 50/50 mix with water
Common Problems:
Rust (wheel arches, sills, boot floor), thermostat housing leaks, Lucas electrics reliability (especially early models), clutch slave cylinder issues, overdrive solenoid failure, cam chain wear.
Oil Filter:
Examples: Fram PH2806, Mann W940/1 (Verify specific application)
Spark Plugs:
Examples: NGK BPR5ES, Champion N9Y (Verify specific application and gap)
Brand Focus:
British manufacturer known for sporty and classically styled vehicles.
Development Basis:
Developed from the Triumph 1300/1500/Dolomite range, featuring the powerful 16-valve Sprint engine as its defining characteristic.
Performance Introduction:
Launched as a halo model to showcase performance capabilities.
Manufacturing Location:
Canley, Coventry, England
Production Volume:
Approximately 22,911 units
Motorsport:
Successful in rallying and circuit racing, especially in its era.
