> If anyone out there has any stories that they
> would like to tell about doing an engine swap
> in a Spitfire I would like to hear them. I am
> particulary interested in suspension and rearend
> modifications to handle LOTS more HP <snip>
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Lots of horse power is a relative thing, Lots of HP in a Spitfire is 160 hp
and a properly set up Spitfire swing spring, with Quaffie carrier, and
modified/strengthened axles will probably handle that much. On the other
hand how much money/time/effort do you want to put into this project, I've
installed a Ford 2600 V6/tranny, and modified my rear end using TR6/GT6/TR7
components, mostly because I wanted the increased handling and braking that
a fully independent rear end allows. This entire conversion took a LOT of
time and effort, but Iv'e enjoyed it, This car is not a hack job either. I
believe in mods, that unless you are familliar with the car, the average
person can't tell you modified it. I love to hear the phrase "I didn't
realize that Triumph made one of these?" The Ford engine has PLENTY of
power for this car, in fact I don't like to drive it in the wet because the
car is so squirrelly (power to weight on reduced friction). If I really
want, I can burn the tires (205/60's) in every gear- but you don't need to.
The car is a joy to drive, and the Ford engine is only slightly heaver than
the stock spitfire. I believe any more than this and the car would not be
fun. Sure It would go like a rocket, but would be so uncontrolable (read
flexible) and a handling nightmare in every day traffic that it would me
miserable to drive!
I guess I'm not as young as I used to be and as the old expression goes,
been there done that. But if your hearts really set on making a "Funny car
top fulie Spitfire" go for it, have fun, just don't say I didn't warn ya"
Barry Schwartz
Bschwartz@encad.com (work)
Bschwart@pacbell.net (home)
(San Diego)
70' Spitfire (under-going major surgery) , 72'-V6 Spitfire (daily driver)
70'GT6+
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