Triumph Repair: Installing a MK1 Vitesse 2ltr engine into a 1500cc spitfire!, gt6 mk, donor car

Question
I am just about to buy a 6 cylinder Vitesse MK1 2 litre engine with the intention of taking out my 1500cc spitfire engine and replacing it with the Vitesse engine! Can you tell me if the swap is a straight forward one and any advice would be appreciated...I am a total novice here and so any help would be greatly appreciated! Many thanks,
Kevin.

Answer
Kevin,

The Spitfire + 6 cylinder engine swap is common and there are some good online resources.  

Typically it's done with GT6 mechanicals, as you'll also need the GT6 front suspension towers to get the correct engine mount spacing.  Also there will be a  bonnet clearance issue with the stock Spitfire bonnet, so you'll either need to add a bump or two to the Spitfire bonnet or source a GT6 Mk III bonnet.

The radiator mount will need to be moved forward and you'll need the GT6 driveshaft (prop shaft) or you'll need to have the Spitfire shaft shortened to fit.

And you'll need an aftermarket or Triumph 6 cylinder tachometer.

If it sounds like you're better off starting with a GT6 donor car.. well.. you're essentially duplicating the changes the factory made to the Spitfire to create the GT6.

Cheers,

Jim