Moss Motors, Ltd

I on my way saving a Spitfire -63 from the graveyard and I think of replacing the driveline.

I think that the gearbox will be an T9 (Ford) or an T-50 from an Toyota Corola but

I can’t decide witch engine to use, maybe a Honda D14 or maybe the Corola engine. I don’t won’t to increase the power to much maybe about 75Hp.

And it wood be grate if it cud be running at E85 -petrol  

Is there anyone that can help me to deside?

 

 

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Spitfire MK1 -63.

Krille:

 There was a really nicely done Spit at Triumphest here in California last weekend. It had a Honda VTEC under the bonnet, or actually somewhat through it.

I didn' t have a chance to chat with the owner, but the motor was tall enough to require a substantial bubble and the drive shaft tunnel had to widened considerably.

Pretty evil looking though in black, with a Sebring style nose and a side pipe.

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Kelvin Dodd
Global Sourcing Engineer
Moss Motors, Ltd.
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Kevin!

Hi. Well.. I have seen a lot of interesting engine swap from US at the net.

V8 or Toyota 2000 engine, but I think I shell hold my horses and select a little smaller one

I think I will have problem whit the registrations else. Here in Sweden there are to many roles. But it wood be cool doing it.

 

 

 

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Spitfire MK1 -63.

What about a Miata engine, trans and even the diff.

 

Tons of them around,  lots of aftermarket support.

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Jason - 1970 MKIII

You have a very good idea of what level of performance you desire which is important in selecting a drivetrain for a swap. For those in Europe the Ford T-9 transmission is widely available and fits most applications well, so selecting an engine which will mate up to that makes things a lot easier, although the Toyota combination would work well also.

 I would recommend considering replacing the differential as well, as it is a potential weak link and gear ratio selections are very limited. With the increased torque and horsepower you'd probably want a little "higher" ratio, probably something in the 3.7 :1 range. I believe that some of the Spitfire racers here in the US have a method of adapting the differential assembly from a Nissan, you might check the web for more information.

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'73 Midget (V6)
'59 MGA (I6) under construction
'73 Lotus Europa
'52 MG TD kit car body project.
'98 Jag XK8

"There is a fine line between a hobby and mental illness"

Sounds like you know what you want as far as performance goes. For simplicitys sake I'd stick with an engine that has been in production long enough to have older versions with non-computer distributors and intake systems available, other than that you're in for some serious electronics work. I also recommend you consider some change to the rear differential assembly, which is none too strong and has a serious lack of ratios available. Here in the US some of the Spitfire racers have a way of mounting a Nissan third member, you might check on the web for more information on this swap which would give you increased ratio selection and strength. With most modern DOHC fours I think you'll find that they are much taller than the original engine and you might have some bonnet clearance issues, a GT6 bonnet would help there. I'd look at the Nissan or Toyota fours of around 1600-1800 cc. They've been in production for years and both have good 5 speed transmissions available. Should give you the power and simplicity you're looking for.

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'73 Midget (V6)
'59 MGA (I6) under construction
'73 Lotus Europa
'52 MG TD kit car body project.
'98 Jag XK8

"There is a fine line between a hobby and mental illness"

A quick search of some other Spitfire boards found one interesting suggestion for a similar restore project: what about a Mazda RX-7 Wankle? (I'd NEVER try this...don't have the skills personally...) The thread noted that, unlike the Nissan or Honda conversions, the RX motor would not require a new bonnet...and provide PLENTY of power.

However, the consensus of the other forums was to rebuild the original motor.

Wish I could help more: just reporting what I found... 

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"Time machine: you get in, turn on the engine, and you're 17 years old again!"

Hi Bill!

(And all others)
 

Thanks for all the answers.

Well the plans are to change the outside of the Spitfire as little as possible.

Butt the GT6 bonnet looks cool so why not. Yes the rear diff is also very week and has to be replaced.

I thinking of changing the rear so it more looks lice a GT6 I’m not so good of ole the technical name in English.

I have seen when they use axes from a TR6 I think.  And if I understand it right the T9 and T-50 gearbox can be fitted in the Spitfire without rebuild the chassis. One of my friends is on his way to pot a V8 in his Spitfire.

But I will use my Spit as an all day car not to expensive to run. I got a Jeep 4L-6 as my other car so it word be nice

with a car that can run not that expensive.  

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Spitfire MK1 -63.

I found a interesting build at the net…

http://www.gt6.com/gallery/Triumphs/Geoff_Cheeseright/slides/gt6DSCF2484.jpg

It is a GT6 and a Subaru diff. I don’t now where the axes com from and how he plans to add the

rear springs but a guess it will locks as the front suspension. Is there anyone that now how to calculate

such build so all the angels will be right.

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Spitfire MK1 -63.

Although you are interested in a potential swap, you can pretty easily achieve your horsepower target with the existing motor, and save yourself alot of trouble with all of the conversion issues (mounting, electrics, brakes, etc). I'm getting approximately 100hp out of a built 1296 in my 1963 Spitfire that drives very well on the street. It's not very "green" however, and requires premium unleaded gas and does not get very good mileage.....

Regarding the transmission conversion, I believe Conversion Components out of New Zealand make a 5 speed conversion (Toyota T50) which mates up to the Spitfire engine. Others are also available. 

Early Spitfires are becoming rarer, as few have survived the ravages of rust. You may want to give some thought to keeping the car as close to original as your driving needs would accomodate.