QuestionMy son recently purchased a used Spitfire from a local used car dealer, not sure if '76 or '77 with 1500cc(approx). It was stated as having a new rebuild with a Weber on it. Within just a couple of days, apparently a washer that was left 'in' the carb made its way through the fuel inlet valve and you know what happens next. Since there are no 'Lemon Laws' on used vehicles in our state, I told him that I thought I had heard of people swapping out the triumph motor with an older '69-'72 Datsun L16,L18,L20 with much success, which also can be found for a real reasonable price. He's not interested in making it a powerhouse, just wants to get it going without having to rebuild the current factory motor. Any ideas or web links that you know of? Thanks
Carl
AnswerCarl,
What was the extent of the damage? One or both valves bent? Did it crack the rocker arm(s)? Score piston walls?
The Triumph Spitfire engines are very easy to rebuild and the parts are still available and reasonable. And it is possible to find a good used 1500 (1493cc) by searching at the Vintage Triumph Register website (www.VTR.org). If there's nothing listed, place a "parts wanted" ad.
I have not heard of the Datsun engines as being an easy swap. The Mazda rotary engines (12A, 13B) are easier as the under hood space is height limited. Grassroots Motorsports did a rotary conversion in the late '90s and had a good writeup on all the work they did.
Otherwise, I've seen everything from a Ford 2.3 liter turbo to Ford 289 hi-po stuffed into the Spitfire. All required extensive work to make it all fit, from frame mods to hood scoops to clear the top of the engines/carbs.
Another route to go is to pick up a GT6 2 liter straight 6 and use that as a replacement. It's a common swap and fairly easy as the GT6 is basically a hardtop Spitfire. The main mods are setting up the radiator mounts and either putting on a hood bulge/scoop or fitting a GT6 bonnet.
Cheers,
Jim
