Triumph Sports Cars

engine swaps and other performance upgrades, plus "factory" V8s (Stag and TR8)

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joebarry10
barry davis

(23 posts)

Registered:
01/16/2016 09:39AM

Main British Car:


Re: Miata 1.6 into a 78 Spitfire
Posted by: joebarry10
Date: May 07, 2016 10:34AM

image.jpeg
image.jpeg
image.jpeg


Mañana
Steve Wten
Toronto Canada
(18 posts)

Registered:
02/28/2015 01:35AM

Main British Car:
1978 Triumph Spitfire 1991 Miata 1.6

authors avatar
Re: Miata 1.6 into a 78 Spitfire
Posted by: Mañana
Date: May 10, 2016 07:44PM

Wow, I think that would be something else!

Personally I think it will be 10x the work, and you'll have issues with front shock towers, cutting a lot of the Spit back end to make room for the rear subframe (although it seems to fit pretty nicely in the images, orrrr are you trying to fool us by sitting it closer to the camera!? :) ), and also with the PPF (Power Plant Frame) maybe reducing the space for seats. The whole thing may need to be widened to accommodate all that Miata stuff.

In secret, I hope you go for it, I'd love to see how things go.

Either way, I'm following that build.


Richard/SIA
Richard Brengman
No. Nevada
(399 posts)

Registered:
01/17/2014 07:47PM

Main British Car:
1969 Triumph GT6+ 225" Buick V6

Re: Miata 1.6 into a 78 Spitfire
Posted by: Richard/SIA
Date: May 10, 2016 09:25PM

I see upper and lower A arms so the shocks should be able to be modified to work.
Lot of Locost builders use Miata front suspension parts.


BlownMGB-V8
Jim Blackwood
9406 Gunpowder Rd., Florence, KY 41042
(6468 posts)

Registered:
10/23/2007 12:59PM

Main British Car:
1971 MGB Blown,Injected,Intercooled Buick 340/AA80E/JagIRS

authors avatar
Re: Miata 1.6 into a 78 Spitfire
Posted by: BlownMGB-V8
Date: May 13, 2016 11:04AM

Interesting approach. I'm sure you recognize that the rigidity of the connection between front and rear suspensions is very dependent on the structure between the two, and the more you can spread out that structure the stiffer it is for any given weight.

Jim


dbeliveau
Daniel Beliveau
Manchester NH
(33 posts)

Registered:
07/18/2015 07:41PM

Main British Car:
1972 Triumph Stag, 1972 Ford 302 1974 Jensen Healey, Lotus 907 stroked to 2.2 Ltr,

authors avatar
Re: Miata 1.6 into a 78 Spitfire
Posted by: dbeliveau
Date: May 15, 2016 09:57PM

Joe
Try using the PIXresizer it allows you to size the pictures so they will be accepted.
Lots of great projects and ideas hear.
Cheers
Dan


joebarry10
barry davis

(23 posts)

Registered:
01/16/2016 09:39AM

Main British Car:


Re: Miata 1.6 into a 78 Spitfire
Posted by: joebarry10
Date: June 08, 2016 01:06AM

Thanks Dan - will try it. But although I have made progress - The photos wouldn't show much - but will still take them when I return home in a couple of days. Progress I have made includes the shortened driveshaft and the PPF being shortened and reinstalled - with a small amount modification - but it works! Next step is merging of the miata body (cut out trunk section which includes the strut supports) to the Spit body. Will explain my plans with photos on the next post - and hope to hear more ideas from you guys as I am flying blind on this project. And I really appreciate the support you all have already expressed.


joebarry10
barry davis

(23 posts)

Registered:
01/16/2016 09:39AM

Main British Car:


Re: Miata 1.6 into a 78 Spitfire
Posted by: joebarry10
Date: October 26, 2016 09:27AM

Hey everyone,

Been a while since I have posted but there is some news to catch up for those interested. Have been delayed due to personal matters and home projects, etc. - y'all know how it is; however, I have made some progress. The rear end with the Miata shock towers installed is done, the PPF is done, and the exhaust has been shortened and re-installed. The measurements are turning out very well so far - although until the body is actually on the chassis nothing is certain. The photos from the previous posts show the wheels/tires fitting very well under the rear fenders - well, with the shock towers in place the measurements look like the tires are actually going to protrude from the fenders by about 1.5-2.0".

I believe someone has already pointed out that a portion of the trunk area will need to be removed to fit the subframe - this IS true and is my next task - but from the looks of it - I am hopeful it will be less than I initially expected. I would post some photos, but there is really nothing new to see at this point - it basically looks like a Miata without it's body (which is what it is, just a bit shorter). I'm hoping to get the trunk cut this week/wkend and have the body placed on it again - those photos will definitely be posted. Just wanted to let you guys know I haven't given up. Thanks.

Also, noticed several posts regarding Spit conversions and even another whole drivetrain conversion (Jag) - anyone know how to search for these to get them into a group together ( and EASIER to find)? That would be great! Need all the advice I can get.



joebarry10
barry davis

(23 posts)

Registered:
01/16/2016 09:39AM

Main British Car:


Re: Miata 1.6 into a 78 Spitfire
Posted by: joebarry10
Date: October 26, 2016 05:16PM

Well, just got home and did a quick measurement. A LOT of the area behind the seat and wheel wells is going to have to come out - but too far to turn back now. Hahaha! Remain calm and carry on, right?!


1ferrariguy
Colton Ledford
Grand island Nebraska
(1 posts)

Registered:
12/16/2016 05:38AM

Main British Car:
1964 triumph spitfire

Re: Miata 1.6 into a 78 Spitfire
Posted by: 1ferrariguy
Date: December 16, 2016 05:50AM

Hey guys I know this is old...but I absolutely love what is going on...I do have a question, I have planned to use a mx-5 drivetrain on my mk1 spitfire... any advice? I noticed everybody else uses the slightly newer spitfire. I have a mx-5 parts car at my disposal and an already gutted spitfire. Thanks in advance


mildo04
doug milligan

(36 posts)

Registered:
07/26/2010 08:17AM

Main British Car:
1978 Triumph Spitfire Mazda 1.6 liter

Re: Miata 1.6 into a 78 Spitfire
Posted by: mildo04
Date: December 19, 2016 08:45AM

it should work fine.....the dimensions are essentially the same-it all depends on how you want to mount the drivetrain and how you handle the wiring. I recommend you read all the articles you can find on this type of swap-I used an article in the Spitfire & GT6 magazine as my starting point for the engine mounting....but decided on a few changes based on the depth of engineering(and frame cutting) I was willing to do.


Mañana
Steve Wten
Toronto Canada
(18 posts)

Registered:
02/28/2015 01:35AM

Main British Car:
1978 Triumph Spitfire 1991 Miata 1.6

authors avatar
Re: Miata 1.6 into a 78 Spitfire
Posted by: Mañana
Date: January 12, 2017 11:16PM

That's the same article that inspired me Doug!

With Dan's permission I posted it on my site as well.
[stevew10.wixsite.com]

I think he was pretty ground-breaking back then and am indebted to him for sharing. (he's a very nice guy, we've discussed a few issues through email)

Steve


mildo04
doug milligan

(36 posts)

Registered:
07/26/2010 08:17AM

Main British Car:
1978 Triumph Spitfire Mazda 1.6 liter

Re: Miata 1.6 into a 78 Spitfire
Posted by: mildo04
Date: January 13, 2017 09:09AM

that article was my inspiration also.....just as an FYI...I sold the Spitfire several months ago...but, I bought a TR7 droptop and dropped a Buick V6 in it....it was a much easier swap as there are several kits out there that make it easy. I must admit, the amount of extra room in the TR7 compared to the Spit is like night and day....no more rubbing shoulders with someone in the passenger seat. i'll have to start a new thread on my adventures with this new project. It is QUITE fast with the V6..hehehe.


Mañana
Steve Wten
Toronto Canada
(18 posts)

Registered:
02/28/2015 01:35AM

Main British Car:
1978 Triumph Spitfire 1991 Miata 1.6

authors avatar
Re: Miata 1.6 into a 78 Spitfire
Posted by: Mañana
Date: December 17, 2017 12:17PM

Joe! You still out there?

Any progress on this?

Steve


joebarry10
barry davis

(23 posts)

Registered:
01/16/2016 09:39AM

Main British Car:


Re: Miata 1.6 into a 78 Spitfire
Posted by: joebarry10
Date: June 03, 2018 11:45PM

Hey guys. Finally made it back with some news on my project. Although I have been keeping up with you all’s projects and they look great! If you recall, I started with a 78 - and actually came pretty close to getting it on the road but I went TOO FAR with some body modifications and needless to say - it went completely sideways! And ended up beyond salvation. However, during my trials with the 78, I came across a 63 which was actually FREE (if that tells you anything - and it should lol). Anyway, I decided to just go with a straight swap of the drivetrain and be done - BUT I did end up fitting the Miata differential into the Spit frame. It required pieces from both frames and a set of custom made axles - but it’s in. It uses coil over shocks instead of the leaf spring. All that required some cutting which I wasn’t extremely happy about - but I wanted that rear end. Im using the miata hubs, the miata wiring harness, and clutch and brake systems. Only thing is no power steering and no power brakes - I learned to drive in a 1970 Chevy Longbed so I know what to expect. Anyway, frame is basically done, engine is in, and it’s time to start on the body. The true test will obviously be when I get it on the road and try it all out - hopefully, it (and me) will all come back in one piece. Lol!

Apparently, my photos are too big to attach - not sure how to fix that - but will see what I can do when I return home.


joebarry10
barry davis

(23 posts)

Registered:
01/16/2016 09:39AM

Main British Car:


Re: Miata 1.6 into a 78 Spitfire
Posted by: joebarry10
Date: June 04, 2018 12:03AM

And was just looking back at some of the previous posts regarding advice I received on my failed attempt - you guys were dead on. It was WAY TOO MUCH work and modifications with front towers, etc just could not be worked out and keep any kind of integrity in the body. With the 63, Im am very happy with the results to date. Again, will see what I can do on the pics.



Mañana
Steve Wten
Toronto Canada
(18 posts)

Registered:
02/28/2015 01:35AM

Main British Car:
1978 Triumph Spitfire 1991 Miata 1.6

authors avatar
Re: Miata 1.6 into a 78 Spitfire
Posted by: Mañana
Date: June 05, 2018 02:42PM

Joe / Barry, I don't know which it is?

Anyway, fabulous to see you back. And although maybe not the most successful project, I for one, appreciate the effort you expended; still really good to know.

Congrats on the '63, I hope it's more mechanical than rust that brought the value down.

I considered the Miata diff, but really don't like the gearing. Australia got stuff closer to what I'd like, but still too low. I know it does work pretty well in the Miata, but with a few hundred pounds less on the Spit, I really like the idea of about 3.54.

Regardless, I'm excited to see how you did that diff and all of the rear end; sounds great! Especially the Coilover set-up, but I'm guessing you had to go into the boot for mounting locations?

Anyway, great to see you back, look forward to seeing more on the project.

Steve


joebarry10
barry davis

(23 posts)

Registered:
01/16/2016 09:39AM

Main British Car:


Re: Miata 1.6 into a 78 Spitfire
Posted by: joebarry10
Date: June 06, 2018 06:23AM

59D97841-95CB-4907-837F-6683E51D0050.jpeg

Here it is. Maybe hard to see - but basically, I used a second shock tower from the second frame. I will add more pics as I can get them resized. Joe.


joebarry10
barry davis

(23 posts)

Registered:
01/16/2016 09:39AM

Main British Car:


Re: Miata 1.6 into a 78 Spitfire
Posted by: joebarry10
Date: June 06, 2018 06:27AM

ADAB0B79-378C-4BA6-89B8-BC27A5D3F692.jpeg


joebarry10
barry davis

(23 posts)

Registered:
01/16/2016 09:39AM

Main British Car:


Re: Miata 1.6 into a 78 Spitfire
Posted by: joebarry10
Date: June 06, 2018 06:30AM

B24ACAFF-C2A1-4CEE-A5D1-148EDBA403CD.jpeg


joebarry10
barry davis

(23 posts)

Registered:
01/16/2016 09:39AM

Main British Car:


Re: Miata 1.6 into a 78 Spitfire
Posted by: joebarry10
Date: June 06, 2018 06:33AM

55CD9FE7-3D6F-4983-BD86-707FAC1AFB71.jpeg
And unfortunately Steve, it’s rusty. 😩
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