I have done a lot of web browsing lately, looking for engine swaps
that
people have done in the past to their Spitfires. With the exception
of
installing a GT6 engine, the only engine swaps that I have found so
far seem
rather radical in that they use relatively large engines. They are:
Rover 3.5L V8
Chevy 350 V8
Ford 2.8L V6
Mitsubishi 2000 Turbo
Ford 302 V8
Chevy 2.8L V6
Buick 3.8L V6
I am considering an engine swap, but I want to choose an engine and
transmission that will allow me to:
- use a modern, reliable, fuel injected engine with increased power,
but not enough that I have to change the rear end.
- use a 5 speed overdrive transmission.
- use the engine and transmission from a similar sized car so any
modifications to the car itself will be as small as possible.
- make the swap completely unnoticeable unless the bonnet is open.
What about the engine and transmission from a Mazda Miata? As
blasphemous as this might sound, it makes sense. Both cars are about
the same size and weight. (I've heard rumors that they copied right
off of a Spitfire). The
90-93 1.6L engine puts out 116 HP, and the 94-97 1.8L engine puts out
128 HP. I don't have any dimensional or weight information yet, but
the Miata engine and transmission will certainly be lighter than the
Triumph 1493
engine and gearbox.
I don't want to start a war in the newsgroup, but I am looking for
opinions on this. I also want to find out about other successful
swaps that I can or should consider.
Michael Altomare
'77 Spitfire 1500
Kennesaw, GA
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