QuestionI have just purchased a 74' Spitfire 1500 (at least the badging on the outside says 1500). Car runs and drives but needs paint, inteior, etc. I owned a couple of these cars 20 years ago and loved them. This is a present for my wife's 50th birthday (a surprise in 4 months). Gonna completely re-do it for her. My question is this:
To improve power in this car without internal engine modifications, what would you suggest as a first step?
Also, what would you suggest I replace / check in the existing engine to insure confident semi-daily driving on her part?
Thanks.
Todd
AnswerTodd,
First off... bolt on power kinda limits what you can do. Essentially you can either improve the carburation and exhaust flow to increase power. There is a nice 4-2-1 exhaust manifold available, and swapping either a singe HS4 or a pair of HS4s for the stock Stromberg open the possibilities carb wise.
An electronic ignition setup can increase reliability as the stock setup does wear with age.
Otherwise, have the engine checked (compression, oil pressure, thrust washers, etc) if they're in good shape then the engine itself is usually a fairly reliable unit. Keeping in mind that the car is 33 years old... a good cell phone and roadside assistance plan are cheap insurance too.
Cheers,
Jim
