Hi, folks...
I'm usually a lurker on the 6-Pack list, but I've been having some fun
with my Spit lately and wanted to share. I also own a TR6, and back late
last year, answered one of Jim Swarthout's questions when he was looking
for someone to "beta test" some roller rockers. Well, my TR-6 wasn't
ready for them yet, but I remembered that the Spitfire rocker is the
same part as TR-6's...so...to make a long story short, this past Tuesday
night I installed a prototype set that Jim was kind enough to deliver to
me last week in my daily driver/weekend autocrosser Spitfire. I was
cautiously optimistic, as the engineer in me (I'm a mechanical engineer
for John Deere) thought the engine could stand some increased valve lift
(the rockers have a higher lift ratio by moving the point where the
pushrod connects with the rocker closer to the shaft) and reduced
friction, but I was pleasantly surprised to find that it's a truly
noticeable difference, especially "off the line" and in the lower
mid-range of acceleration.
Anyway, I have no financial interest in these or any other of Jim's
projects, but I thought I'd pass my experiences along to you. I believe
the production rockers will be ready this week...they'll have bushings
for the rocker shaft and improved oiling. Here's my page showing the
installation:
http://www.concentric.net/~jamiep/rockers/Roller_Rocker_Page.htm
After Jim looked at the issue I had (may have been unique to my head,
who knows) with the one pushrod clearance, he said if there was enough
interest, he'd offer a special Spitfire set with a slightly changed
ratio to ensure head clearance. Personally, I'd just take a Dremel to
the head, or even a file like I did (my dremel is loaned out at the
moment). NOTE: Jim tells me that the rockers fit without any pushrod
issues on the TR6, and after looking at a TR6 head on the shelf, I'm
pretty sure he's right.
This is Jim's page if you're interested. He's got some other neat TR6
products on the drawing board, too.
http://web.tampabay.rr.com/tr6tech
OK, back to lurking mode...other than to remind those of you in the
Southeast of The Gathering, taking place May 2-4 in Winston-Salem,
NC...the Spitfire is one of the two featured cars (the other one is the
Mini) this year. Check out the website at:
http://www.triumphclub.org and look for the Gathering link
Jamie Palmer
'71 Spitfire FSP 26
http://www.concentric.net/~jamiep/Spitfire
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