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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