> From: bugeye59@kingsnet.com
> Subject: Major Spit surgery--GT6 engine implant?
>
> Listers,
> If any of you have any experience with transplanting a GT6 engine into a
> Mk 2 Spitfire, I would love to hear from you!
> Some specific questions:
> 1--I have a '67 Spit and a '67 GT6; will all frame mounts, engine/trans
> mounts, rear end, etc. bolt in to the Spitfire?
> 2--Is the GT6 engine just a smaller-bore version of the TR6? If so,
> would induction/exhaust systems bolt on?
> 3--Am I crazy for doing this? (Before you answer, see my signature
> line--I don't want to have to go through THAT again!)
> Thanks in advance for any advice or tips!
> - --
> Harris
> '59 Bugeye Sprite (Buick V6 powered!)
> '67 Spitfire Mk 2 (awaiting transplant)
> '67 GT6 (major organ donor)
>
1. Yes, but it would be easier to put the Spit body
on the GT6 frame. You may have to make a notch in the
body to clear the rear of the head. Also, the GT6
radiator may use different mounts on the frame. The
shifter will end up further to the rear due to the
longer engine.
2. Yes and no. The 1967 (MkI) GT6 engine used a
different head like the one on the Vitesse 1600 and
will not interchange with the TR6, TR250 or later
GT6's. The intake and exhaust manifolds are different.
Actually, the GT6 Plus engine was better than the one
in the MkI due to larger valves and ports. If you
use a TR6 engine, you might run into problems with the
front carb rubbing on the bonnet if it has 175CD
ZS carbs. If the intake and exhaust ports are in a
straight line, you have the early engine. If they
are staggered, it's a GT6 Plus engine.
3. No way. There are a lot of Spitfire 6's (or GT6
roadsters) out there. I am accumulating parts for just
such a swap myself. If you
already have two complete cars, you have nearly everything
you need to do the swap and the resulting car will look
like something that could have come from the factory. You
can even piece the GT6 back together using the Spitfire parts
and sell somebody a Spitfire GT at a bargain price.
Dave
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