Triumph Repair: 73 TR6 engine into a Spitfire, rear axle assembly, mazda rotaries

Question
can you put a TR6 engine and trans in a spitfire without any major modification? and what all is involved?  and brakes as well? thank you

Answer
Wes,

I guess it depends upon your definition of "major modification".   

The Triumph factory essentially did the same thing (6 cylinder into Spitfire) when it created the GT6.

Keep in mind that there are differences between the TR6 and GT6 engines.  The TR6 2.5 liter is a stroked GT6 block, meaning the block itself is physically taller.  There were already issues with clearance under the bonnet of a Spitfire, leading to the GT6 bonnet with it's center 'power bulge'.  

Also, as the stroke is longer the TR6 has a deeper oil pan.  You'd need to either modify the Spitfire frame or use a GT6 oil pan with a bit of creative reshaping to clear all the crank throws.

And you'd need to modify the bonnet to fit over everything.  Using a GT6 intake manifold would keep the carbs a bit lower, but the extra height of the block may make that advantage moot.

The GT6 used essentially the Herald/Spitfire gearbox.   Fitting a TR6 transmission will require a bit more creativity.

Keep in mind that you'll be putting substantially more HP (and torque!) into the rear axle assembly, traditionally the weakest point of the Spitfire/GT6 series.

As to the brakes, the front setup will require more creativity as the TR6 vertical links were taller and I'm not sure if they can be adapted to fit the Spitfire A-arms and keep reasonable geometry.  

Also keep in mind that the radiator setup and exhaust header routing will be interesting.

If you go ahead and perform the swap let me know.... I'd be interested to see it at a show sometime.

I have seen Ford 289 V8s, Ford 2.3liter Mustang engines and Mazda rotaries dropped into the Spitfire, so why not a TR6 engine.


Cheers,

Jim