>Just rebuild the Spit 4 banger and have fun. There is a lot you can do to
>it that will make it a handful to drive without the mess of swapping.
Hi,
All this talk of engine swapping is makin' me think about that Herald in
my garage again.
I've been contemplating my options because the Herald is a fine car
except for the engine that's too weak, the transmission that won't shift
right, and the rear suspension that, well....... you get the picture. The
Buick V-8 is very tempting. Ford 9" rear-end. Tube frame roll cage, big
brakes to make it stop, now that might make the little chrome handle on
the bonnet worth pulling on! In terms of making it work and doing it
right, all it takes is money, and time, and some blood.
My neighbor suggested swapping to a motorcycle engine a while back. Seems
like those Ninja bikes got's loads of HP, but would it have the torque to
move the pig? A 6 speed sequential shift tranny would be great too, but
could it handle the extra stress of moving a 1800 lb car as opposed to
maybe 800 lbs of bike and rider? I don't really mind the thought of
giving up reverse, but would the thing self destruct within a few miles?
Ok, I'll stick with the 1296 that's in there. But, I'd be real interested
in knowing what others on the list have done to get this unit to make
power. I know a few guys who race Spitfires, and they don't seem to be
able to get any power out of the suckers either. Now, I'm not willing to
build a $4000 motor for a $1000 car, and even if I did I'd still have to
deal with the tranny, rear end, and brakes. How about it? Anyone have
good suggestions on how to get more power without dumping tons of money
into it? Or should I just start looking for a TR-6? Anyone wanna trade????
John Matthews
'61 & '65 Heralds
Cupertino, CA USA
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