I've seen that Rover V-8 conversion-I must admit that it is very nice (Also
Barry Schwartz's Spitsix.)- but....It's not a 4 banger! They sing a
different tune-and I like the music that comes out of my little engine just
fine! :-)
BTW-when you do that automatic tow vehicle, don't forget to put in a
microwave and T.V. outlet!
Laura G. and Nigel
-----Original Message-----
From: Joe Curry <spitlist@gte.net>
To: john matthews <john__matthews@hotmail.com>
Cc: spitfires@autox.team.net <spitfires@autox.team.net>
Date: Wednesday, April 21, 1999 11:49 PM
Subject: Re: Engine Swaps
>
>John,
>I'm curious why you had to fabricate different radiator mounts. Did you
>use a diferent radiator?
>
>I find that the Mk1 Spit radiator handles the 1500 engine just fine.
>
>As for the other things, those are rather routine things to be expected
>when changing to a different transmission. I am in the process of
>adding a 3-rail tranny with D-type overdrive to my Spit. The driveshaft
>is in the shop as we speak. Then there's the wiring and of course, I
>have to do the mandatory touch-up and fix things that aren't broken. I
>am going to get rid of some rust on the Monza pipes and spray with Flat
>Black Barbecue paint!
>
>Regards,
>Joe
>
>P.S. I have seen some nice conversions including a Rover V8 but unless
>there is something special that one wants to accomplish, I am in favor
>of staying with a Spitfire 4 banger. But I have to admit to speculating
>about installing a V6 and automatic Tranny with air conditioner and
>cruise control. Wouldn't that make a great tow vehicle for the "Trailer
>Queen"?
>
>
>
>john matthews wrote:
>
>> Yes, the 1500 is the same size as an 1147. I did change to the single
>> rail gearbox for strength and synchros though. Doing this "simple"
>> engine swap involved changing the shock uprights, shortening the
>> driveshaft, fabricating new radiator mounts, wiring harness changes,
>> and several dozen other "little" things. Not as easy as one might
>> think.
>>
>> My point is that the basic Spitfire engine is strong and quite
>> tuneable. And, adding signifigantly more power to a Spit will break
>> every other piece in the drivetrain one by one. There's a club member
>> I know who has a buick v-6 in his TR6, and although he's done a
>> beautiful job it must have cost him at least 10 grand or so. This guy
>> is an engineeer, and he does have a machine shop in his garage.
>>
>> Unless you're just a massochist it really doesn't make sense to start
>> putting Japaneese engines into these cars. It's a whole lot of hard
>> work to end up with a car that will be worth less money than when you
>> started. I say if you want a Toyota, get a Toyota. They're fine cars
>> in their own right, but they're not Triumphs.
>>
>> I contemplated many different engine swaps when I got my Herald. But,
>> after talking with a lot of people I realized the thing that really
>> made my car special was that it belonged to another time when they did
>> things a little different than now. Besides, think of the joy you
>> would miss out on not being able to tell people about the little bits
>> of wood that hold your "Made in Coventry" engine together.
>>
>> Cheers,
>>
>> John Matthews
>>
>> _______________________________________________________________
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>
>--
>"If you can't excel with talent, triumph with effort."
> -- Dave Weinbaum in National Enquirer
>
>
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