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Re: GT-6 engine in Spitfire

To: Reed Mideke <rmideke@interbase.com>
Subject: Re: GT-6 engine in Spitfire
From: jak0pab@jak10.med.navy.mil (Bowen, Patrick A. RP2)
Date: Fri, 16 Oct 1998 13:49:47
Reed, what kind of engine did you swap in yours.  As for the emission laws,
my '79 doesn't comply now, why would I worry to much about later.  :^)  I
have a loop hole working right now, wonder if I can keep it going.

At 09:17 AM 10/16/98 -0700, Reed Mideke wrote:
>Bowen, Patrick A. RP2 wrote:
>> 
>> Ok what would it take to fit a GT-6 engine into a spit without changing the
>> bonnet.  I know stock it won't fit.
>> 
>> But I was thinking there has to be a way.  Is it possible to redesign the
>> thermostat housing, what about the valve cover,  carburretors.  Could the
>> engine be sat farther back, maybe lower it some on its mounts (might have
>> to redesign an oil pan)  I really want to add some gusto to my spit
>> (fastest looking car on the road, but yet a Geo can out run me)  But I
>> really like the Spit hood and not the GT-6's.  I was thinking that keeping
>> it with another Triumph engine would be the easiest way.  Thinking a V-6
>> conversion would cost too much.  Thoughts? comments? laughter?
>> Patrick Bowen
>> '79 Spitfire
>> Jacksonville FL
>
>Drop in a blown V8, drive around with the bonnet off
>and call it a 'spit bucket' ;-)
>
>Seriously, I think Barry is right that the factory would have done
>it if it was practical. If your willing to go to a non triumph
>engine, you might find something with similar power to a gt6
>that will fit. It looks like an RX7 will go in without
>the bulge.  Most of the 4 bangers I would want to put in are
>OHC or DOHC which tends to make them taller. If my DOHC 
>nissan ends up in a Spit, it will probably get a custom
>oil pan and a bulge or scoop. I've looked at the 300zx motor,
>which doesn't have the length problems of an inline, but
>I think you'd still have trouble with the throttle body or carb.
>Maybe oil pan modifications would be enough.
>
>But after riding in my friends 510 with that motor in it, I think
>I could stand putting a hood scoop on my spit ;-)
>
>I don't think the cost of switching to a non-triumph engine is that
>much more (though some will say you have to sell your soul).
>If you switch to a common, more recent motor, you get the advantage of
>easy to find, cheap parts at the junk yard. The swap in mine (which isn't
>much of a performance upgrade) only required a custom driveshaft and
>motor mounts. 
>
>With a 79 spit, you might have problems with emmisions laws if you do ANY
>engine swap.
>
>-- 
>Reed Mideke                                        rmideke@interbase.com
>
Patrick Bowen
'79 Spitfire
Jacksonville FL

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