Seems like a lot of chest pounding going on here!
First - I love the stick in the Spitfire and can't imagine a sports car being
any other way! But that is my choice.
As for my other vehicles, two are auto and one is stick. I wish they were all
automatic. Why? I have nothing to prove and in Seattle stop and go traffic
it is a lot more relaxing. Also I have spent far more on clutches than I ever
saved in gas with a stick. And it sure is easier backing a trailer up my
steep drive with the auto than it was with the stick. My wife and sons all
can drive a stick, but I think we are 3/4 in favor of the automatic (Spit
excluded!)
As far as engine swaps and the like: My '74 is near stock. I have a Weber
side draft and no pollution gear. I bought it that way and intend to keep it
that way. I'd like to soup it up some more, headers and the like. Why - to
go faster. I am trying to restore a '65 (so I can become a roundtail
snob????) to original condition. Why - because I like the nostalgia and the
chance to own something you don't see too much. I am lacking a full engine
(anyone with parts to sell?) though and the thought of something else (like a
V-6) has crossed my mind more than once. It would be cheaper.
I guess the question I have is how many people have a truly stock original
Spit and just how much are we allowed to modify them???? Who decides this?
I just don't want to see them crushed.
Ken St.John
'74 1500 (near original)
'65 Mk II basket case - (lot's of stock parts in basket)
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