Hi Kevin,
Lots of opinions out there on this subject. The '69 1296 engine is
considered to be a good one. A bit less lower end weight to throw around,
higher rpm capability, easier on the thrust and crank bearings. That said, I
still prefer the 1500, which is what's in my '72. It's got more low end
torque, more hp, and is a bunch easier to drive around town.
If your engine will spend a lot of time above 5000 rpm, go for the 1296. If
you're just out to have a good time, the 1500 is the way to go.
But, and there is always a 'but', you can't just throw a 1500 into your '69,
they are not completely interchangeable. The 1500 normally uses a different
clutch/flywheel and will not mate up with the 3-rail transmission, the
splines are different. You should be able to use the flywheel and clutch
from the 1296, or you could re-drill/tap the 1500 flywheel for a 1296
clutch, but check it out first. I ended up changing out both the engine and
transmission, they were purchased together.
And in addition to the normal engine rebuild, if you massage the cylinder
head a bit (larger intake valves, gas flow), shave off about 1/4" (brings
the compression up to about 9.5:1), drop on a couple of HS4's, pop in a
'high-lift' road camshaft, and pump everything out through a less
restrictive exhaust system (4-2-1 header, 2 1/2" pipe), you will really
enjoy driving it !
Good luck,
Ken C
> I am looking for some reasoned advice. I need to rebuild one of my
Spitfire
> engines. I have a 69 1296 or a 74 1500. The 1296 started making nasty
> noises with no loss of oil pressure, my mechanic thinks it is a bad little
> end bearing. It has been rebuilt at least once in the past. The 1500 has
> low compression in one cylinder, probably a rusted bore from standing for
5
> years, but is otherwise original as far as I know.
>
> So one or the other needs to be rebuilt, but which one? General opinion
> seems to be that the 1296 is the better engine overall, but I can't help
> but think that the 1500 might be more relaxed to drive - similar HP, but
> more torque at lower rpm. In either case it will have a pair of SU HS2's,
> and I would bump up the compression of the 1500 a bit. The car has
> overdrive, and I only drive it 3k a year or so, so I don't think longevity
> will be a real issue. I don't want a racecar, I have a 69 Saab Sonett for
> when I want to play hooligan... :-)
>
> Opinions wanted!
>
> Kevin Rhodes
> Westbrook, Maine
> Freddy the wounded Spitfire
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