Recently I acquired a 1500 engine and 4 speed gearbox (and many other parts)
from a '72 Spitfire, and I'd like to put the engine into my '67 Mk2 while the
original 1147cc that is in there now receives a complete rebuild. The change
is not meant to be a performance mod, I only want to do this so I can
actually drive the car during the year I'm scheduling to unfreeze and rebuild
the original engine. Before I start doing this I have some important
questions that I hope all of you can help me with.
First: Are there any tricks I need to know about dropping the 1500 engine
into the engine bay? No cutting required, I hope. (Because I'm not doing
any. If it needs cutting, I won't do this little project.) Standard motor
mounts will work, won't they? Will I need a custom exhaust manifold, or will
a standard production unit work here?
Second: Assuming that the first has easy answers, are the transmissions
different in any significant way? Or will the (weaker) 1500 engine bolt
right up to the gearbox of the 1147? How about clutch, slave cylinder, etc.?
If I change, am I asking to have a new driveshaft made?
Third: Is it worthwhile/advisable/possible/crazy to exchange the
differential units for the year or so that I will be running the 1500 engine?
I'm not at all concerned with performance issues, I only want to make sure
nothing gets chewed up in there. If I can leave the original there, that's
all the better.
Fourth: Anything else?
I got this engine for a pittance, and would like to put it to use this way
before I find a car to install it in. I think that this should be an easy
exchange, but I thought I'd seek higher wisdom before I open my toolbox!
Calling Dr. Spitsinbitz! Calling Dr. Spitsinbitz!
Michael Turley
Killjoy@aol.com
'67 Spitfire Mk2
Vital internal organs of a '72 Spitfire
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