There is a running article (6-part?) is Grass Roots Motorsports on this
subject. They are dropping an RX-7 motor in a Spitfire1500. They go over
all of the mods needed to stuff the engine in, etc. Since they are racing
it, they also added a custom roll cage, seats, and other high zoot racing
stuff but they do detail all the technical mods needed to make it work. I
don't have a copy of the magazine with me so can't give any more info right
now. ISTR that they have a web site and you can get a free copy by filling
out the form on their page.
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Terry Thompson [SMTP:terry_t@access.digex.net]
> Sent: Saturday, July 25, 1998 6:41 PM
> To: triumphs@autox.team.net
> Subject: How big is yours?
>
>
> Going back to someone commenting about being out-accelerated (sp) by a
> VW Bug while driving their Spitfire. I've recently had the low
> horsepower and acceleration of my Spitfire 1500 pointed out to me again
> and again (spent this past week driving my friends 88 corvette while he's
> out of town sort of topped off the experience). My question is...How big
> of an engine can one put into a Spitfire without some serious modification
> (Will I have to completely replace the frame or body panels with
> custom made parts?).
> I know I could put a GT6 bonnet on the spitfire and install the inline six
> cylinder with major changes in radiator placement, carbeuration,
> drivetrain etc. But if I'm going to go through the hassle and expense of
> all of changing everything anyhow, why not go as big as I can get in the
> car? I've heard about rotary engines (from say an RX-7) fitting quite
> nicely in a Spitfire with additions to the frame and
> replacement of the drivetrain, but what about american engines?
> I happen to have access to a Ford 302 that's been rebuilt, but the engine
> looks almost as large as the car.
>
> Am I the only one dreaming of putting an altered decal on their bonnet
> that has the words "Spitfire 5000"?
>
> Don't get me wrong. I love the car, but as a daily driver, it's really
> starting to bite (it takes about half a minute to get up to Highway
> (65+ mph) speeds). I could buy my friend's (hardly used) Corvette for
> just under $10k. But then I think what could I do to the Spit for $10k?
> Hmmm...
>
> I guess I'd just like to see what the feasability is (cost & time), and
> know what people's experiences have been having altered their Spitfires.
>
>
> Terry Thompson
> '76 Underpowered Spitfire
>
> "So what? I'm sure lots of people get beat in the quarter mile by Geo
> Metros."
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