Glad you liked my article George! That was a rather brief one too...
there's loads more stuff to put in that article - but space isnt infinite...
You'll have to get some photos when you're done...
Well done for getting it back on the road...
Wish I was coming to Watkins Glen! Thoroughly enjoyed it in 2002...
george.r.parker@att.net wrote:
>Listers/NASSers,
>
>Well, it's been a long time coming, but my Spit is finally back on the road.
>After several years of tinkering, and some of not much tinkering, I finally
>broke down and took it to a pro for some tuning. I played with it for a long
>time and just felt I wasn't getting anywhere or learning anything, so....
>Engine has been rebuilt w/ 9:1 pistons, Kent hot street cam, dual valve
>springs, dual SU HS-4s (used, rebuilt), Kirk Racing header (4:1), electric
>fans on brand new radiator, etc.
>
>Turns out the mixture wasn't set right (from too much tinkering, obviously).
>It runs much better, but still seems to lack the power I thought it would
>have. Going uphill in O/D just kills it, no matter how hard I step on the go
>pedal. Flick the O/D off and she takes off, but nothing w/ O/D engaged.
>Would that be a cam issue or would different needles in the SUs take care of
>it?
>
>It also still has a bit of "run-on" when I shut the key off. Is that a
>mixture (too rich) or ignition timing issue? Or something else entirely?
>
>I think I still need to drive it (unfortunately, not to WG this weekend), but
>sure wish I could get a more experienced opinion. Not that I don't trust the
>guy who did the work - he seems very knowledgeable and has worked on, or
>restored, many different (l)bcs, from Rolls to Jags to MGs to Triumphs to,
>well, you name it, and of all vintages. But he said that mine was one of the
>best running Spitfires he's ever driven, so I have to believe he hasn't driven
>*that* many of them! Not that it's bad, I just think it can be better.
>
>Anyway, I also had him install the new speedo cable. I believe I got it from
>SpitBits, and am sure I would have ordered for a Spit w/ O/D, but the
>installer claimed it was too short. Anyone else have this problem? I'm
>thinking that once my new shop is set up, I might try rerouting it while I
>install a new trans tunnel. But it works for now (he got it in, but you can
>tell it's tight). He measured it at 54", but it probably needs at least 60".
>
>But it's back on the road and I now have the joy (and that's *not* meant to
>sound sarcastic) of doing more "shakedown" work. It's been a very long time
>since she was regularly driven and I'm sure I'll find other things that need
>attention. Not the least of which is a very serious cleaning - thanks to
>James C for the great write-up in the OVTC newsletter on cleaning. No doubt
>I'll be putting some of those techniques to the test. (And with the new
>garage/shop, I'll be able to do most everything - including washing - indoors!)
>
>So that's where we're at for now. At least now, I feel I can go drive it and
>not worry too much. Oh yeah, and the new fans, new radiator, and new
>thermostat seem to have cured my overheating problem. Just hope it *stays*
>cured!
>
>--
>George P.
>'78 Spit 1500
>Fredericksburg, VA
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