Both pre-crossflow and crossflow Ford and Triumph engines are capable of high mileages and reliability.
They are also perfectly capable of being stripped and rebuilt in the home workshop with little or no need for special tools. There is also a lot of literature available on rebuilding and tuning both engines.
However, what you need to consider is the issue of spare parts availability. Pre crossflow and crossflow parts were once very common but are now difficult but not impossible to find. A complete spare engine which could have been purchased for £100 is now 500 plus.
Likewise, with the TR4 engine, most parts are available through places such as Moss, Rimmers and The TR Shop but I have been looking for a good, usable crank for my spare TR engine for the past 5 years!
Hope this helps
Arwyn
