Triumph Repair: spitefire engine swap with GT6 engine, input shaft, weber carb

Question
ihave a 79 spitfire, i want to place a GT6 engine in it. what do i need to do, can i also use the weber Carb from the spitfire and use on the GT6? will this engine mate up with the spitfire tranny without any mods. looking for any and all information on what i will have to do to make this engine fit in and run.  

Answer
Wes,

Installing the 6 cylinder into the Spitfire isn't too difficult a task, but there are some things you'll have to do in order to make it all fit.

If you look at a GT6 there's a bulge in the center of the bonnet.  That helps clear the thermostat housing on the front of the engine.  Most people use the GT6 bonnet for their coversion, although I've seen either hood scoops added or just the application of a ball peen hammer to make the space.

The transmission is not a direct swap, you'll need to get the GT6 trans along with the engine as the starter motor is on different sides of the engine (Spitfire vs GT6) and the input shaft is longer on the GT6.  You'll also need to modify the firewall to fit the GT6 engine as the starter is on the passenger side and the bell housing will hit the Spitfire firewall opening.

The intake manifold is different for the GT6 (6 cylinders vs 4 cylinders) so you'd need the correct manifold to fit your Weber.

Also the radiator mounts are different and you'll need the front suspension towers, or you'll need to make adapters to get the motor mounts bolted up.

And while you're getting the front suspension towers you might want to grab the GT6 front suspension as the vertical links are stronger and have larger discs and calipers for increased stopping power.

If this is for a street car check with your local DMV to see if such a swap is legal.  Some states don't care about cars this old, others are still very strict.


Cheers,

Jim