Hello all,
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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