From elliottr at rmi.net Mon Sep 3 10:57:50 2012 From: elliottr at rmi.net (Roger Elliott) Date: Mon, 03 Sep 2012 11:57:50 -0500 Subject: [Spits] Spitfire Seat Back Message-ID: <5044E18E.8000900@rmi.net> Hi All, I was on my way to a car show in Kansas City Saturday and all of a sudden the seat back in my 80 Spitfire reclined way back. The seat back catch just doesn't catch. I took the seat out of the car and pulled the upholstery up far enough that I can see the seat catch mechanism, but I still can't tell for sure how it works (too much is hidden by the frame). The frame is not broken. Has anyone else experienced this? I don't know if TR6s would use the same type of mechanism. Any way to fix it without finding a replacement seat frame? Thanks, Roger Elliott 1980 Spitfire From s1500 at comcast.net Thu Sep 6 22:48:26 2012 From: s1500 at comcast.net (Ryan Waltrip) Date: Thu, 06 Sep 2012 23:48:26 -0500 Subject: [Spits] Purple factory color? Message-ID: <50497C9A.7090100@comcast.net> Not sure if this link will work, but will give it a try: https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151016513201644&set=o.29222983061&type=1&theater Was that GT6 a factory color? From hupshall at triumphcars.com Fri Sep 7 01:04:25 2012 From: hupshall at triumphcars.com (Huw Upshall) Date: Fri, 7 Sep 2012 07:04:25 +0000 Subject: [Spits] Purple factory color? In-Reply-To: <50497C9A.7090100@comcast.net> References: <50497C9A.7090100@comcast.net> Message-ID: <17BBB887D456474AB47877955D9E2F5234592D0A@CH1PRD0411MB419.namprd04.prod.outlook.com> Yes, called Magenta. My Dolomite Sprint is painted that color. Triumph paint code 92 PPG 50921 -----Original Message----- From: spitfires-bounces at autox.team.net [mailto:spitfires-bounces at autox.team.net] On Behalf Of Ryan Waltrip Sent: Thursday, September 06, 2012 9:48 PM To: spitfires at autox.team.net Subject: [Spits] Purple factory color? Not sure if this link will work, but will give it a try: https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151016513201644&set=o.29222983061&t ype=1&theater Was that GT6 a factory color? _______________________________________________ Spitfires at autox.team.net Donate: http://www.team.net/donate.html Suggested annual donation $11.47 Archive: http://www.team.net/archive Forums: http://www.team.net/forums Unsubscribe/Manage: http://autox.team.net/mailman/options/spitfires/hupshall at triumphcars.com From aljlthomson at charter.net Fri Sep 7 03:28:42 2012 From: aljlthomson at charter.net (Alex & Janet Thomson) Date: Fri, 7 Sep 2012 05:28:42 -0400 Subject: [Spits] Car Show Message-ID: <000601cd8cdb$2c0b58c0$84220a40$@charter.net> Reminder to folks in Southern New England - the Connecticut Triumph Register will be hosting their 32nd annual Gathering of British Motorcars this Sunday, September 9th. Details are at our Website. www.CTRiumph.com Thanks. Alex Thomson From spitlist at cox.net Fri Sep 7 09:50:56 2012 From: spitlist at cox.net (Joe Curry) Date: Fri, 7 Sep 2012 08:50:56 -0700 Subject: [Spits] Purple factory color? In-Reply-To: <50497C9A.7090100@comcast.net> References: <50497C9A.7090100@comcast.net> Message-ID: <3EDC48625AAA42D384FC67019362865C@Vista> The color is Magenta and was a factory color. Here's a chart of Triumph colors: http://spitlist.info/Paint.html Joe -----Original Message----- From: spitfires-bounces at autox.team.net [mailto:spitfires-bounces at autox.team.net] On Behalf Of Ryan Waltrip Sent: Thursday, September 06, 2012 9:48 PM To: spitfires at autox.team.net Subject: [Spits] Purple factory color? Not sure if this link will work, but will give it a try: https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151016513201644&set=o.29222983061& type=1&theater Was that GT6 a factory color? _______________________________________________ Spitfires at autox.team.net Donate: http://www.team.net/donate.html Suggested annual donation $11.47 Archive: http://www.team.net/archive Forums: http://www.team.net/forums Unsubscribe/Manage: http://autox.team.net/mailman/options/spitfires/spitlist at cox.net From elliottr at rmi.net Sun Sep 16 18:16:05 2012 From: elliottr at rmi.net (Roger Elliott) Date: Sun, 16 Sep 2012 19:16:05 -0500 Subject: [Spits] Spitfire Clutch Message-ID: <50566BC5.4030908@rmi.net> Hi All, I have to rebuild the bottom end of my engine, so I am going to replace the clutch at the same time. Any recommendation on brand? TRF has LUK for $290 OEM for $195 SpitBits has Coventry for $118 Moss has Borg and Beck $190 and QH $160 BP Northwest has Borg and Beck for $120 Victoria British has an unnamed brand for $140 Oh of course FLAPS Beck/Arnley for $400 It seems like a very wide range of prices. Car basically what European trim would be - dual SU's compression about 9.2 - so it does not need a heavy duty or racing type clutch. Thanks, Roger Elliott From Michael.Mack at redcross.org Mon Sep 17 06:21:23 2012 From: Michael.Mack at redcross.org (Mack, Michael (Rochester)) Date: Mon, 17 Sep 2012 12:21:23 +0000 Subject: [Spits] Spitfire Clutch In-Reply-To: <50566BC5.4030908@rmi.net> References: <50566BC5.4030908@rmi.net> Message-ID: <6A6C6BB6A374144385E5E3CF3864B545216AB7F3@BY2PRD0410MB377.namprd04.prod.outlook.com> I installed a Borg & Beck, 3 piece set in my 79 Spitfire this past spring. No issues on installation or function on my 1600 miles so far. I gets my vote. Mike Mack 79 Spit 73 Stag 80 TR8 76 TR7 ---------------------------- I have to rebuild the bottom end of my engine, so I am going to replace the clutch at the same time. Any recommendation on brand? TRF has LUK for $290 OEM for $195 SpitBits has Coventry for $118 Moss has Borg and Beck $190 and QH $160 BP Northwest has Borg and Beck for $120 Victoria British has an unnamed brand for $140 Oh of course FLAPS Beck/Arnley for $400 It seems like a very wide range of prices. Car basically what European trim would be - dual SU's compression about 9.2 - so it does not need a heavy duty or racing type clutch. Thanks, Roger Elliott From s1500 at comcast.net Mon Sep 17 19:23:01 2012 From: s1500 at comcast.net (Ryan Waltrip) Date: Mon, 17 Sep 2012 20:23:01 -0500 Subject: [Spits] Spitfire Clutch Message-ID: <5057CCF5.30503@comcast.net> Canley Classics clutch here: 100 miles & nothing but smooth shifts so far. From rfeibusch1 at earthlink.net Thu Sep 20 17:55:11 2012 From: rfeibusch1 at earthlink.net (rfeibusch1 at earthlink.net) Date: Thu, 20 Sep 2012 16:55:11 -0700 (GMT-07:00) Subject: [Spits] The British Fall Classic - Oct 21st, 2012 in Morgan Hill, CA. Message-ID: <26121993.1348185312024.JavaMail.root@mswamui-chipeau.atl.sa.earthlink.net> /local/mailman/lynxXXXX3xvk6i: Permission denied From rfeibusch1 at earthlink.net Thu Sep 20 18:07:35 2012 From: rfeibusch1 at earthlink.net (rfeibusch1 at earthlink.net) Date: Thu, 20 Sep 2012 17:07:35 -0700 (GMT-07:00) Subject: [Spits] San Diego British Car Day Sunday, 10/7/12 Message-ID: <15651761.1348186055175.JavaMail.root@mswamui-chipeau.atl.sa.earthlink.net> /local/mailman/lynxXXXXFZ8rZq: Permission denied From elliottr at rmi.net Fri Sep 21 11:32:58 2012 From: elliottr at rmi.net (Roger Elliott) Date: Fri, 21 Sep 2012 12:32:58 -0500 (GMT-05:00) Subject: [Spits] Cam Bearings in 1500 Message-ID: <811780.1348248778517.JavaMail.root@mswamui-swiss.atl.sa.earthlink.net> Hi, I am rebuilding the bottom end of my engine - bad rod bearing. My cam looks like it is in good shape and is only a couple years old. I will ask shop to verify. I am thinking about having cam bearings installed - I have read arguments on both sides. As I understand it, the normal process is to install cam bearings then use an earlier small journal cam. Is there a bearing set that will allow me to use the large journal cam I have? I realize the block would have to be bored out to accept larger bearings. Thanks, Roger Elliott 1980 Spitfire From spitlist at cox.net Fri Sep 21 12:26:33 2012 From: spitlist at cox.net (Joe Curry) Date: Fri, 21 Sep 2012 11:26:33 -0700 Subject: [Spits] Cam Bearings in 1500 In-Reply-To: <811780.1348248778517.JavaMail.root@mswamui-swiss.atl.sa.earthlink.net> References: <811780.1348248778517.JavaMail.root@mswamui-swiss.atl.sa.earthlink.net> Message-ID: The best way to install cam bearings in a 1500 block is to use a cam for an engine that was originally equipped with cam bearings. That way you don't have to bore those journals. The Mk3 for example had cam bearings which use the same size block borings as the 1500 but have the cam journals sized smaller so the bearing will fit between the block and the cam. Joe -----Original Message----- From: spitfires-bounces at autox.team.net [mailto:spitfires-bounces at autox.team.net] On Behalf Of Roger Elliott Sent: Friday, September 21, 2012 10:33 AM To: Spitfire list Subject: [Spits] Cam Bearings in 1500 Hi, I am rebuilding the bottom end of my engine - bad rod bearing. My cam looks like it is in good shape and is only a couple years old. I will ask shop to verify. I am thinking about having cam bearings installed - I have read arguments on both sides. As I understand it, the normal process is to install cam bearings then use an earlier small journal cam. Is there a bearing set that will allow me to use the large journal cam I have? I realize the block would have to be bored out to accept larger bearings. Thanks, Roger Elliott 1980 Spitfire _______________________________________________ Spitfires at autox.team.net Donate: http://www.team.net/donate.html Suggested annual donation $11.47 Archive: http://www.team.net/archive Forums: http://www.team.net/forums Unsubscribe/Manage: http://autox.team.net/mailman/options/spitfires/spitlist at cox.net From wrgingerich at gmail.com Fri Sep 21 17:19:24 2012 From: wrgingerich at gmail.com (Bill Gingerich) Date: Fri, 21 Sep 2012 18:19:24 -0500 Subject: [Spits] Cam Bearings in 1500 In-Reply-To: References: <811780.1348248778517.JavaMail.root@mswamui-swiss.atl.sa.earthlink.net> Message-ID: <003d01cd984f$8accac40$a06604c0$@com> Was it the #3 rod? I've never seen bearings for what you're talking about. It seems like an awful lot of work to avoid finding a small journal cam. Perhaps your existing cam can be machined down to the correct size. But I'm with Joe on this one - leave the block alone. If you haven't already, seriously consider enlarging the oil galley in the block as per the competition prep manual. It helps that #3 rod bearing live longer. I don't know if there is a trick to putting the bearings. I was considering doing this when I did my 1500 several years ago, but decided to let it ride. Joe - any wisdom on installing the bearings in the block? BillG 74 Spit -----Original Message----- From: spitfires-bounces at autox.team.net [mailto:spitfires-bounces at autox.team.net] On Behalf Of Joe Curry Sent: Friday, September 21, 2012 1:27 PM To: 'Roger Elliott'; 'Spitfire list' Subject: Re: [Spits] Cam Bearings in 1500 The best way to install cam bearings in a 1500 block is to use a cam for an engine that was originally equipped with cam bearings. That way you don't have to bore those journals. The Mk3 for example had cam bearings which use the same size block borings as the 1500 but have the cam journals sized smaller so the bearing will fit between the block and the cam. Joe -----Original Message----- From: spitfires-bounces at autox.team.net [mailto:spitfires-bounces at autox.team.net] On Behalf Of Roger Elliott Sent: Friday, September 21, 2012 10:33 AM To: Spitfire list Subject: [Spits] Cam Bearings in 1500 Hi, I am rebuilding the bottom end of my engine - bad rod bearing. My cam looks like it is in good shape and is only a couple years old. I will ask shop to verify. I am thinking about having cam bearings installed - I have read arguments on both sides. As I understand it, the normal process is to install cam bearings then use an earlier small journal cam. Is there a bearing set that will allow me to use the large journal cam I have? I realize the block would have to be bored out to accept larger bearings. Thanks, Roger Elliott 1980 Spitfire _______________________________________________ Spitfires at autox.team.net Donate: http://www.team.net/donate.html Suggested annual donation $11.47 Archive: http://www.team.net/archive Forums: http://www.team.net/forums Unsubscribe/Manage: http://autox.team.net/mailman/options/spitfires/spitlist at cox.net _______________________________________________ Spitfires at autox.team.net Donate: http://www.team.net/donate.html Suggested annual donation $11.47 Archive: http://www.team.net/archive Forums: http://www.team.net/forums Unsubscribe/Manage: http://autox.team.net/mailman/options/spitfires/wrgingerich at gmail.com From spitlist at cox.net Fri Sep 21 18:41:30 2012 From: spitlist at cox.net (Joe Curry) Date: Fri, 21 Sep 2012 17:41:30 -0700 Subject: [Spits] Cam Bearings in 1500 In-Reply-To: <003d01cd984f$8accac40$a06604c0$@com> References: <811780.1348248778517.JavaMail.root@mswamui-swiss.atl.sa.earthlink.net> <003d01cd984f$8accac40$a06604c0$@com> Message-ID: <71C1EA64900C4FA2A406CAB5E8F8874B@Vista> Yes Bill. "Let a Professional do it"! :) JOe -----Original Message----- From: Bill Gingerich [mailto:wrgingerich at gmail.com] Sent: Friday, September 21, 2012 4:19 PM To: 'Joe Curry'; 'Roger Elliott'; 'Spitfire list' Subject: RE: [Spits] Cam Bearings in 1500 Was it the #3 rod? I've never seen bearings for what you're talking about. It seems like an awful lot of work to avoid finding a small journal cam. Perhaps your existing cam can be machined down to the correct size. But I'm with Joe on this one - leave the block alone. If you haven't already, seriously consider enlarging the oil galley in the block as per the competition prep manual. It helps that #3 rod bearing live longer. I don't know if there is a trick to putting the bearings. I was considering doing this when I did my 1500 several years ago, but decided to let it ride. Joe - any wisdom on installing the bearings in the block? BillG 74 Spit -----Original Message----- From: spitfires-bounces at autox.team.net [mailto:spitfires-bounces at autox.team.net] On Behalf Of Joe Curry Sent: Friday, September 21, 2012 1:27 PM To: 'Roger Elliott'; 'Spitfire list' Subject: Re: [Spits] Cam Bearings in 1500 The best way to install cam bearings in a 1500 block is to use a cam for an engine that was originally equipped with cam bearings. That way you don't have to bore those journals. The Mk3 for example had cam bearings which use the same size block borings as the 1500 but have the cam journals sized smaller so the bearing will fit between the block and the cam. Joe -----Original Message----- From: spitfires-bounces at autox.team.net [mailto:spitfires-bounces at autox.team.net] On Behalf Of Roger Elliott Sent: Friday, September 21, 2012 10:33 AM To: Spitfire list Subject: [Spits] Cam Bearings in 1500 Hi, I am rebuilding the bottom end of my engine - bad rod bearing. My cam looks like it is in good shape and is only a couple years old. I will ask shop to verify. I am thinking about having cam bearings installed - I have read arguments on both sides. As I understand it, the normal process is to install cam bearings then use an earlier small journal cam. Is there a bearing set that will allow me to use the large journal cam I have? I realize the block would have to be bored out to accept larger bearings. Thanks, Roger Elliott 1980 Spitfire _______________________________________________ Spitfires at autox.team.net Donate: http://www.team.net/donate.html Suggested annual donation $11.47 Archive: http://www.team.net/archive Forums: http://www.team.net/forums Unsubscribe/Manage: http://autox.team.net/mailman/options/spitfires/spitlist at cox.net _______________________________________________ Spitfires at autox.team.net Donate: http://www.team.net/donate.html Suggested annual donation $11.47 Archive: http://www.team.net/archive Forums: http://www.team.net/forums Unsubscribe/Manage: http://autox.team.net/mailman/options/spitfires/wrgingerich at gmail.com From elliottr at rmi.net Sat Sep 22 18:08:19 2012 From: elliottr at rmi.net (Roger Elliott) Date: Sat, 22 Sep 2012 19:08:19 -0500 Subject: [Spits] Spitfire Clutch In-Reply-To: <6A6C6BB6A374144385E5E3CF3864B545216AB7F3@BY2PRD0410MB377.namprd04.prod.outlook.com> References: <50566BC5.4030908@rmi.net> <6A6C6BB6A374144385E5E3CF3864B545216AB7F3@BY2PRD0410MB377.namprd04.prod.outlook.com> Message-ID: <505E52F3.7040206@rmi.net> Hi All, Thanks for the recommendations for the clutch. I am going to get a Borg & Beck for 3 reasons. 1) had several people recommend it. 2) It is reasonably priced 3) The one that was in the car was a Borg & Beck - it had been in the car for a few years and it is still in pretty good shape. Thanks, Roger Elliott On 09/17/2012 07:21 AM, Mack, Michael (Rochester) wrote: > I installed a Borg & Beck, 3 piece set in my 79 Spitfire this past spring. No issues on installation or function on my 1600 miles so far. > I gets my vote. > > Mike Mack > 79 Spit > 73 Stag > 80 TR8 > 76 TR7 > > ---------------------------- > I have to rebuild the bottom end of my engine, so I am going to replace > the clutch at the same time. > > Any recommendation on brand? > > TRF has LUK for $290 OEM for $195 > SpitBits has Coventry for $118 > Moss has Borg and Beck $190 and QH $160 > BP Northwest has Borg and Beck for $120 > Victoria British has an unnamed brand for $140 > Oh of course FLAPS Beck/Arnley for $400 > > It seems like a very wide range of prices. Car basically what European > trim would be - dual SU's compression about 9.2 - so it does not need a > heavy duty or racing type clutch. > > Thanks, > Roger Elliott From elliottr at rmi.net Sat Sep 22 18:36:03 2012 From: elliottr at rmi.net (Roger Elliott) Date: Sat, 22 Sep 2012 19:36:03 -0500 Subject: [Spits] Cam Bearings in 1500 In-Reply-To: <71C1EA64900C4FA2A406CAB5E8F8874B@Vista> References: <811780.1348248778517.JavaMail.root@mswamui-swiss.atl.sa.earthlink.net> <003d01cd984f$8accac40$a06604c0$@com> <71C1EA64900C4FA2A406CAB5E8F8874B@Vista> Message-ID: <505E5973.9080602@rmi.net> Hi All, It was actually the second rod. When I bought the car from a friend, I had to rebuild the bottom end - the #3 and #4 rods had spun bearings. (I knew the engine was bad when I bought it) I had the oil galley enlarged at the time. I'm not sure what caused it this time. Here is a link to a picture of the bearing. ( http://www.kcallbritish.com/spitfire/rodbearing.jpg) It was hammered down and over the edge of the rod. Yeah, I suppose I am going to some extra work to keep the cam. But I figured if I am having bearings added to the block, it probably would not be much difference in cost whichever bearing I have put in. But a new cam is going to be about $200 additional that I might not have to spend if my cam checks out and it only has a few thousand miles on it. I was also considering asking the machine shop if they can machine down the journals. The manufacturer is out of business, so I can't go back to them. So I am mainly trying to be ready for different options. Thanks, Roger On 09/21/2012 07:41 PM, Joe Curry wrote: > Yes Bill. "Let a Professional do it"! :) > > JOe > > -----Original Message----- > From: Bill Gingerich [mailto:wrgingerich at gmail.com] > Sent: Friday, September 21, 2012 4:19 PM > To: 'Joe Curry'; 'Roger Elliott'; 'Spitfire list' > Subject: RE: [Spits] Cam Bearings in 1500 > > Was it the #3 rod? > > I've never seen bearings for what you're talking about. It seems like an > awful lot of work to avoid finding a small journal cam. Perhaps your > existing cam can be machined down to the correct size. But I'm with Joe on > this one - leave the block alone. > > If you haven't already, seriously consider enlarging the oil galley in the > block as per the competition prep manual. It helps that #3 rod bearing live > longer. > > I don't know if there is a trick to putting the bearings. I was considering > doing this when I did my 1500 several years ago, but decided to let it ride. > > Joe - any wisdom on installing the bearings in the block? > > BillG > 74 Spit > > > -----Original Message----- > From: spitfires-bounces at autox.team.net > [mailto:spitfires-bounces at autox.team.net] On Behalf Of Joe Curry > Sent: Friday, September 21, 2012 1:27 PM > To: 'Roger Elliott'; 'Spitfire list' > Subject: Re: [Spits] Cam Bearings in 1500 > > The best way to install cam bearings in a 1500 block is to use a cam for an > engine that was originally equipped with cam bearings. That way you don't > have to bore those journals. The Mk3 for example had cam bearings which use > the same size block borings as the 1500 but have the cam journals sized > smaller so the bearing will fit between the block and the cam. > > Joe From elliottr at rmi.net Mon Sep 24 08:17:47 2012 From: elliottr at rmi.net (Roger Elliott) Date: Mon, 24 Sep 2012 09:17:47 -0500 (GMT-05:00) Subject: [Spits] Spitfire engine parts Message-ID: <4439035.1348496267587.JavaMail.root@elwamui-lapwing.atl.sa.earthlink.net> Hi, Has anyone tried either the Max Speeding connecting rods (http://www.ebay.com/itm/Triumph-Spitfire-1500-4340-H-Beam-Connecting-Rod-Conrod-Con-Rod-Rods-bielle-ARP-/400296672621?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&hash=item5d338a7d6d&vxp=mtr) or the ITM pistons (http://www.ebay.com/itm/ITM-Engine-Components-RY6361STD-Piston-With-Rings-/280914433017?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&hash=item4167ce13f9&vxp=mtr)? If so, what has your experience been? Anyone use rods similar to Carrillo at a lower cost and been happy with them? I really can't justify the cost of Carrillo rods at the moment. Thanks, Roger Elliott 1980 Spitfire From elliottr at rmi.net Sat Sep 29 17:48:05 2012 From: elliottr at rmi.net (Roger Elliott) Date: Sat, 29 Sep 2012 18:48:05 -0500 Subject: [Spits] Spitfire 1500 Oil Coller Message-ID: <506788B5.4050807@rmi.net> Hi, I am installing an oil cooler on my Spitfire, but have a few questions. This is on a 1500 with a slanted radiator. Should the oil cooler parallel the radiator or should it be vertical? How far in front of the radiator should the cooler be? Has anyone used the Victoria British stainless steel installation kit on a 1500? Were the hoses long enough? My engine is out of the car at the moment and measuring to where I think the oil filter is, makes me think the hose in the kit is a bit shorter than I would like. Thanks, Roger Elliott