Triumph Repair: cylinder head, spitfire 1500, thickness measurement

Question
Good day.  I Think have a 1979 Spitfire 1500.  I know it's a Spitfire 1500 but not exactly sure of the year.  I would like to know the thickness of a stock head.  Also, is there any difference in any 1500 head?  I'm concerned that the head I have has been milled but I'm not sure.  If the stock head thickness measurement is available I sure would like to know what it is.  Thank you so much, Jim

my email addy: jabridges@swbell.net  

Answer
Jim,

The Spitfire 1500 did have some variations in the head castings over the years.  

You can identify the body date by looking at the Commission plate in the drivers side door opening.  The engine number is stamped into the block on the left side of the engine just behind the distributor.  The head numbers are on the flat area of the cylinder head not covered by the valve cover.  There should be a casting number inset in the casting and a part number stamped into the machined flat on the casting, typically towards the front of the cylinder head.

Get back to me with those numbers and I'll see if I can help sort your engine out.  I guess you're suspecting that the compression ratio is too high?


Cheers,

Jim