Triumph Repair: Blown engine, quality replacements, reconditioned engines

Question
Hi Jim, I had a DCOE 45 carb installed in my 1975 Spitfire.
On the way home from the shop an engine rod came right through the block. I am considering changing the engine with a rebuilt one. Am I ok to do so? Or is the big carb the reason that the engine went? Also, considering replacing just the block-how hard is that to do compared with removing the old engine and putting in a new one?
Also, there are reconditioned engines on ebay for $1400,
I would consider a used engine for 500 or so. Do you know where I might find one in Ontario/Canada?

Thanks

Frank

Answer
Frank,

Bolting a carb that will flow more gas such as the 45 DCOE will definitely put more stress on an engine, especially one that might be a bit marginal.

$1400 for a complete rebuilt engine isn't out of the question provided all the correct parts have been replaced with quality replacements and the machine shop did a proper job of prepping the block/crank/head.  Still, I'd be hestitant to buy one "blind" without at least having a good recommendation from someone I trust that the seller knows what they're doing with a rebuild.

It's very easy to pull either the block or the entire drivetrain on the Spitfire, it comes down to how much other work you want to do while replacing the engine.

As to a used/good engine local to Ontario, you might contact one of the Ontario VTR Chapters, they're listed on www.VTR.org.


Cheers,

Jim