I know exactly how you feel mate, I've been there, done that.
>From the symptoms it sounds like a bottom end problem in the engine. I
believe you could pick up a short engine for about #400 and re-use the
old head assuming that it's ok. Did you take a look at the rockers to
see if there was any problem there?
I got a garage to fit my engine for about #100, not very reputable, but
they were cheap. I believe that the spitfire graveyard would sell you a
2nd hand engine for about #200/250, although there is no guaruntee of the
quality here. I'll ask them for you if you like.
I'm not sure why you would need a new gearbox but if you do I have a
non-od one out of a dolomite (which I think would fit onto a spit) that
you can have for free if you can arrange collection/delivery.
There's always ways out of these predicaments, just sometimes they may
take a while to present themselves.
Good luck anyhow,
John
--- James Carruthers <j.carruthers@rave.ac.uk> wrote:
> Dearest Listers,
>
>
>
> My engine problem has been diagnosed, and its not good.
>
> After a year of ownership, and never letting me down, finally its
> decided to drop a bomb shell on me.
>
> To fix the engine and gearbox, I have been quoted 2000, thats for my
> engine to be reconditioned and a new gearbox.
>
> All this to a car I bought for 1300 and have spent about 700 on in the
> last year. To spend another 2000 on is not worth it. Considering the
> bodywork also needs making good - at a guestimate thats another
> 1500-2000 at least. If I had the money and were attempting a resto then
> this would not matter. But unfortunatly being a student, and on a tight
> budget this is all too much for me.
>
> So I don't know what is going to happen next. Maybe I try and sell this
> car (which is pretty much worthless) and buy another one (if you
> believe
> it, I'd probably go for another Spit) - I don't know. I can't imagine
> life without a Spit. I was planning to keep this one forever, even if
> it
> meant keeping this current one in storage for a few years - it has too
> much sentimental value.
>
> My first car I ever bought, my pride and joy, is going to have to go.
> My
> emotions are running wild, and the only thing stopping me from actually
> crying at this point is the fact Im in a computer room with 20 other
> people.
>
> It's not just a car...
>
>
>
>
> James
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