Triumph Sports Cars

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

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GLH
steve anderson
Ontario Canada
(6 posts)

Registered:
06/07/2009 11:01PM

Main British Car:
1976 Triumph Spitfire 1500

Triumph Spitfire engine mods
Posted by: GLH
Date: June 07, 2009 11:10PM

I have a 76 Spitfire and it has been sitting for 20 years it only has 45000 miles on it and after changing the fuel, rebuilding the carb among other things it runs real good

but I really dont think the stock power is going to be enough and I was looking for effective power upgrades I would like to keep the stock engine and see if I can get it to about 140 hp IS THIS DOABLE and if so what would it take

thanks for any input and yes this is my first post here and I look forward to getting involved

Steve


dwtr6v8
Don Watson
West Virginia
(305 posts)

Registered:
12/07/2007 07:45AM

Main British Car:
1974 TR6 Ford 5.0 HO

authors avatar
Re: Triumph Spitfire engine mods
Posted by: dwtr6v8
Date: June 08, 2009 07:56AM

20 years, static? Sounds like an engine rebuild if your going to push her up to 140!

How much is your budget? What is your goal? A daily driver, weekend warrior, or something of a balance?

Who about an engine swap, something that will start you off near that 140hp stock?

Here is one way to get 120bph
[www.totallytriumph.net]

Our brothers at Totally Triumph
[www.totallytriumph.net]

Check out Larry's Toyota engine swap, it would double your stock hp.
[www.britishv8.org]


GLH
steve anderson
Ontario Canada
(6 posts)

Registered:
06/07/2009 11:01PM

Main British Car:
1976 Triumph Spitfire 1500

Re: Triumph Spitfire engine mods
Posted by: GLH
Date: June 08, 2009 05:23PM

the engine is pretty tight so id like to use it I was think along the line of a header carbs shave the head maybe a cam
I already have a Neon SRT4 that is a full road race car so this is kinda weekend worrier go to the odd cruse night

140 maybe a little far out there but Id rather aim high than take the easy route

if i was to do a swap it would be a V8 swap that may come later if I like the car that much
Get Your BritishV8 T-shirt by clicking here


GLH
steve anderson
Ontario Canada
(6 posts)

Registered:
06/07/2009 11:01PM

Main British Car:
1976 Triumph Spitfire 1500

Re: Triumph Spitfire engine mods
Posted by: GLH
Date: June 08, 2009 05:26PM

I just read those links thanks theres lots of info there
yes a Toyota or a Honda swap makes sense but Im not a Jap car guy


turbospitfire
Max Brewster

(49 posts)

Registered:
04/25/2008 01:05PM

Main British Car:
1979 Triumph Spitfire Ford 2.3 Liter Turbo

authors avatar
Re: Triumph Spitfire engine mods
Posted by: turbospitfire
Date: June 09, 2009 01:25PM

Durability is a major issue. Remember the Spitfire engine only has three main bearings. You may get a lot of horse power but only at high RPMs and the crank won't take it. It just won't last.

Find a motor with a strong bottom end.

Cheers,
Max Brewster
1979 Spitfire 2.3 Ford turbo


BMC
Brian Mc Cullough
Forest Lake, Minnesota, USA
(383 posts)

Registered:
10/30/2007 02:27AM

Main British Car:
1980 MGB '95 3.4L 'L32' SFI V6, GM V6T5 & 3.42 Limi

authors avatar
Re: Triumph Spitfire engine mods
Posted by: BMC
Date: July 21, 2009 08:30PM

Like Max says, drivability.

For 140 BHP in that engine, your talking NO power down low, no exhaust and so on. Lumpy idle.

Dump the clutch at 5,000 RPM. Overheats within 10 miles of traffic.

140 BHP out of a 1500 Spitfire is not a daily driver and would make a difficult weekend driver.

Cost- Exponential. Conversion territory. Then get ready to rebuild soon. This is more of a grenade than an engine. A one time use item.

I know this sounds tough but I am trying to be practical. I believe that engine only has about 75 BHP to start with and your trying to double it for the street. Its a tall order but if you put enough time and money in to it, it can be done.

-BMC.


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