Once all of the pistons are in you can rotate the engine to the access the bottom side. Those upgrades transformed my previously 1300 powered car, and it did well at club autocrosses. Line boring insures that all crank journals are in perfect alignment and properly sized. If youve got the okay from Johnny Law, a straightforward swap to dual SU carburetors can net you a more fun and agile driving machine. Cut a small piece of plastigauge and place on the #1 journal. Install your newly rebuilt engine in your car. The big end of the connecting rods that clamp around the crankshaft need to be checked for sizing. As a rule of thumb, its best to replace the rod bolts. First, scrape off old gaskets as much as you can, then move on to degreasing. The Triumph Spitfire is a small British two-seat sports car, introduced at the London Motor Show in 1962. Rocker shaft Refer to your workshop manual for the proper spec but it will likely be .002-.005. For a road engine there are a few simple things. 100bhp should be achievable fairly easily. 1979 TRIUMPH SPITFIRE 1500 MK IV. Valve seals Use the ring compressor around the piston at the point where the rings are located on the piston to compress the ring as it would be when in the cylinder. TRIUMPH SPITFIRE MkI,II,III,IV & 1500 (1959-80) FUEL PUMP REPAIR KIT. Piston-to-cylinder wall clearance must be checked. Get your hands on the complete Triumph factory workshop software. This should make for a more spritely drive. Sign in to ask questions, share photos, and access all website features. This full engine rebuild kit includes the minimum of parts required when rebuilding an engine (less crank & cam); and assumes that your cylinder block, head, crankshaft & camshaft are all serviceable. Install the piston and connecting rods MATCHING RED FACTORY HARDTOP. Anyway even with the taller gears the engine isn't so high strung that it lugs at all. (TR6 engine block in the process of being CNCmachined, cylinders being bored). In England, Triumph Spitfire 1500s were sold with dualSUcarbs. Lube the rod bolt threads with motor oil or fastener assembly lube, like the one ARP makes, and torque your rod bolts to manual spec. bolts. They will measure the new pistons to bore the cylinder. The goal is to spin the engine in the normal rotation to maximum cam lift (now zero on the dial indicator) and stop at same given point before and after max lift has been achieved. You will need some headwork, and a skim o achieve a higher compression ratio (depends on the cam). Discuss with the machine shop the piston size. This item: Triumph Spitfire 1500: Repair Operation Manual. If the surface isnt flat, have the deck resurfaced. Re the pinking. You have to have a good idea of your expectations and an understanding of the steps required to get what you want. At TRF, we know every part of the Spitfire 1500 engine intimately, and rebuild them to exacting standards 6000 15.20 17.50 Cover the camshaft journals, lobes and gears liberally with assembly lube. Triumph Spitfire 1500: Repair Operation Manual - amazon.com Motor runs excellent, no issues with state inspection and everything works as it is supposed to. Buy Triumph Spitfire Fuel Pumps and get the best deals at the lowest prices on eBay! The Spitfire has headed over to the garage where the brakes and suspension components have been stripped, sandblasted and painted and have started to be fitted. Triumph Spitfire: Buying guide and review (1962-1980) You can get a reaction between different paints causing wrinkling. Powered by Invision Community, http://tr6.danielsonfamily.org/OilPump.htm, https://www.canleyclassics.com/triumph-spitfire-mki/ii-crankshaft-and-camshaft. Description Triumph Spitfire - Classic Car Fuel Injection Conversion Based on our Premium Vehicle Kit for 2 SU carburettor upto 125 BHP This kit contains all the parts needed for our Classic Fuel Injection system (you do not need to order anything else from our range ) Save around 200 when buying as complete kit The Triumph SC (small car) engines were never derived fromtractors. Payen gaskets where possible, use the best crank bearings you can find (vandervell but you will have to be VERY lucky) and you WILL need a thermostatic oil cooler, and millers CSS20/60 oil a good idea. I raced both 3 and 5 main bearing MG engines and the 3 mains were dealing with slightly less drag and seemed a bit stronger and quicker revving, but bearing life when run to high rpm was better on the 5 main engines - they didn't get around to making 5 main versions until 1965 and Triumph never did go with 5 mains for their 4 cylinder sports car engines. if you look under the rocker shaft face if its stamped TKC1155 its could alreadybe an unleaded head there's some disparity over these numbers depends on. As much as I would like to say you can leave it all in their hands, you cant. Total price: $93.10. an improvement of nearly 25 percent. He has a 2 liter OHC compared with the spit's little push rod 1500. Take your time and give your starter a break if it takes a while. If you want to uprate the big end bolts but don't feel like splashing out on ARP, you can also use Cosworth (YB?) Cloudflare Ray ID: 7a2e7dcb8a2dc2cd A nifty-looking, dual-inlet air cleaner wrapped in a black crackle finish was part of the package. Pat Garity. Triumph Spitfire Full Engine Rebuild Kits | Rimmer Bros Double and triple check this to make sure you are at TDC. 3 times until he put the Vandervells in and were find after 6 events. Move to zero and then around and stop at .005 past zero. Sidedraft carbs are the best alternative, especially twin Weber DCOEs. Most cam lifters can be installed after the cam, but on the MG and Austin Healey A-Series engine, the lifters have to be installed before the cam is installed. Similar upgrades but I milled .125" off the head, sourced a pair of SU's from a '67 Spit, and installeda header from Victoria British. Inspect the rocker arm bushings and replace if needed. Bolting on the new carburetors is easy, and since this is a factory setup, the throttle cable will perfectly join the existing system. The Triumph Sports Six Club Please state if alternate sizes are required. Install the camshaft, front engine plate and cam thrust plate Hap Waldrop. Make sure the engine does not overheat. If you build a 1500 properly and respect it then this much maligned engine can be as dependable as any other Spitfire engine. The downdraft sends the mixture down to a flat surface in the intake manifold where it splatters and pools rather than smoothly reaching the head. This engine is almost a direct bolt-in. All rights reserved. The dual HS setup appears to be the best way to go, either the HS2 set-up from a Euro 1300 Spit or the HS4 set from a Euro 1500 Spit. The machine shop should magnaflux your crankshaft to rule out any cracks. Install lifters, pushrods and cylinder head. Test fitting the crankshaft and bearings Now that you have acceptable readings on the main journal make sure you clean the plastigauge off each crankshaft journal and bearing shell. Because our carburetors didnt exhibit any throttle shaft wear, we didnt need to have them rebuilt. Need someone to fit steel main caps to your block and line bore for the proper fit? Engine was previously rebuild by Ivor Searle, looks brand new under the rocker cover.. Ps, fuel tank is disconnected, now pumping fuel out of a fresh can. Shifts well, stops well. Hardened exhaust seat inserts are a must for the hotter burning unleaded fuels used today. This firm finds these parts overseas and imports them for American enthusiasts. As JohnD mentioned, you can optimise the pump to minimise clearances between the body and rotor, see:http://tr6.danielsonfamily.org/OilPump.htm. Is your favorite classic car properly insured? If the margin (the vertical part of the valve just below the seat sealing area) is ground away during refacing it could leave a sharp edge that can lead to a burnt exhaust valve later on. For most, dropping off the cylinder head complete to a machine shop is the best idea. I use .005 before and after maximum camshaft lift. If you are using a copper gasket then use a copper gasket spray coating. A Speedi-Sleeve can be used to renew the surface. www.mossmotoring.com/disassembling-british-engine, Planning for Rebuilding the Engine on the Spitfire | Triumph Spitfire Mk3 Restoration Project: Bruce's Triumph Therapy, http://mossmotorsltd.wpengine.com/restoring-british-engine/. do make sure you stick to 97+ or better fuel, **95 ul was for side valves and mowers when these cars were born. It will smooth out an engine and pull locked up hp to the fore. But this is for high revving engines, not road use. If you are reusing your existing camshaft your lifters can be reused if they are in good condition. Move the crankshaft the normal operating rotation (clockwise when facing the front of the engine) until you see the needle reach maximum camshaft lift. Your manual will tell you the clearance specs, and you need to use an assembly lube on all moving parts inside the oil pump. The 3 main floppy 1500 crank can live well at higher RPMS than a stock 1500, if rotating and recipricating assemblies are well ballanced and good ARP main studs are used. 1971 Triumph GT6 with a LS4 V8. The spitfre mk3 profile cam is very good, or even the TR5 profile. Triumph Spitfire Market - CLASSIC.COM I remember reading a brief article in Road & Track back in the 70s that with the two SU setup, there's a problem that at higher RPM the mechanical fuel pump doesn't deliver enough gas, causing fuel starvation. Adjustable cam gears will have about 20 degrees of variable adjustment to work with assuring you can get the cam timing exactly where you need. Get notified when we add a new Triumph Spitfire Manual. If the gap is too big, have the cylinders bored and new oversize pistons fitted. Yes I know it was built from parts in the 50s and the design never changed. Copyright 2018 Wishbone Classics. (585) 889-2786 20 TheseSUcarburetors may be older technology, but they have served many owners very well through the decades. I wouldn't bother changing the main bolts either, and I don't think loctite is a good idea. A complete rebuild includes the following: EVALUATION As an engine is torn down, each part is checked for excessive wear, damage and failure. Trending price is based on prices over last 90 days. Scott Sewell. I'm also probably going to get another engine and after a bit of general inspection (The one I'm going to look at has already been largely rebuilt) and replacing the oil and water pumps - which haven't been done and then swap engines over - it also has a twin exhaust and a 4-2-1 header which is almost new. Grinding off unnecessary mass from conrods, should be followed by polishing and shot peening, which does increase the strength. Triumph Spitfire Repair & Service Manuals (2 PDF's Select your Triumph Spitfire PDF Download from the list below: Triumph - Spitfire - Parts Catalogue - (1962) Other Manuals 295 Pages. British Engine Rebuilder 217-232-7303 Specializing in MG/Triumph 1500 Engines " I will not let you run one of my rebuilt engines in your car if I would not run it in mine. The rubber insulator can crack and wear out over time. theres no dirt inclusions ,or scuffing , look very good to me Vandervell do come up on eBay from time to time, but most are showing their age from long term storage. They can handle the disassembly, cleaning, checking for cracks, machining and assembly for you. Items that dont move, like valve covers, front and rear engine plates, lifter covers, timing covers, distributor bases, etc., you can clean yourself. DO NOT be tempted by an external oil line to the cylinder head. Copyright 1995-2023 eBay Inc. All Rights Reserved. Many parts are available for this engine from aftermarket suppliers. I'm just curious where this little motor might go if tuned and built properly. With the degree wheel and pointer installed, put the magnetic base on the top of the engine block surface or deck. Be extra careful installing the camshaft into the blockespecially with a block that has cam bearing as most nicks and scratches happen during installation. Triumph TR engines. BLACK SOFT TOP. The 1500 long stroke is not the best for reliability and can suffer serious big end and con rod failures ifnused in a hurried life It does age quite quickly, upping the power wont help much in reliability Clives the best on this Pete clive Members 5.5k Posted October 1, 2017 For a road engine there are a few simple things. I have seen someone fitting an extra thrust bearing by machining the cap to suit - but keep some material for retaining the extra and existing bearings. If you find excessive wear your machine shop can reface them. Its really more simple than people make it out to be. Wishbone Classics is a specialist in rebuilding standard and performance British sports car engines. While often lamented, Triumphs 1500cc, four-cylinder engine is still owned and loved by thousands of enthusiasts. In recent years we have become especially well known for ourperformance Triumph TR6 engines, which put out incredible power while improving durability and eliminating faults with the original design. I highly recommend Moss uprated valve seals. I spoke to the distributor doctor today - after looking at the website - and have ordered a standard replacement dizzy for mine as a starting point because I replaced mine with one from ebay after getting issues (Which I suspect were really down to the carbs) and I am getting some issues with pinking and the like, that could be caused by a cheap chinese one - of course it could be something else, but I decided to start from a good place! Apply 30W motor oil to the cylinder walls and the piston skirts. The snaps were so that I remembered how everything went, so I could put it back together again. June 30, 2021 June 30, 2021; GT6; Fanatik Builds started their 1971 Triumph GT6 project as a simple restoration. Tim mentions the Weber DGV as a suitable alternative carb. Fortify Your 1500: Improving 1500 Spitfire and Midget Engines Make sure to clean and lubricate your throttle linkage, too. Exhaust valves Remember, these parts may be nearing their 40th birthday, so go with a reputable dealer. Maybe Moss Motoring can find a engine builder that specializes in these engines to do article on them, I know I would read it with great interest. It has transformed the Midget into a nice little cruiser. ft/9.5 kgm) at 2500 rpm respectively. I prefer the fullcircle cam bearings and not the split type, and the machine shop has the special tools and knowledge to do it right. Hap, Great article but I must disagree with method for finding TDC. Install the cylinder head and rocker arm assembly. Handy Tip: Use a Sharpie to put markings on parts you have already torqued or checked clearance to know where you are in the process. And real-world performance? Austin Healey, MG or Triumph we can build it better than original and to any performance level. Use rubber gloves, even water-based chemicals can be harsh on skin. Power is, This documentary tells the story of the humble Land Rover, from its origins immediately after WWII as a four-wheel drive farm tractor replacement right, This is the Triumph Scrambler 1200 XE stunt motorcycle that was used while filming the memorable chase scene in the James Bond film No, This Jaguar E-Type has been built to Semi-Lightweight specification by XK Engineering, its powered by an all-alloy Crosthwaite & Gardiner 3.8 liter straight-six thats, The Volkwagen SP2 was developed by Volkswagen do Brasil specifically for the Brazilian market as a locally producedsports car. Its rated horsepower was 104 hp in its final year of production, which was 1973. For a reliable road-going engine, careful building, in clean conditions will get you one tha is long-lasting! As you'd expect Vesseys are the specialists in the repair and reconditioning of the Triumph 4 and 6 cylinder engines. AVAILABLE IN STANDARD OR ALL REGULAR OVERSIZES [ E-MAIL OR TEL. Use a wooden, or plastic hammer handle, to tap the top of the piston down into the bore. These are both good solutions, but we went with an even easier fix on our1973Spitfire. Bottom end item 3 Triumph Spitfire 1500, MG Midget 1500 Rebuilt 4-Speed Transmission, Original, !! The rule with engine building is clean, clean, and then clean some more. Now loosen the crank nut and rotate the degree wheel to reflect TDC on it. Instead, Ill tell you about steps the manual may not cover, and about the engine assembly sequence that can be helpful to you. This reduces flow to the mains. WHAT YOU CAN CLEAN YOURSELF Triumph removed the lock tabs quite early on in production and never reinstated them despite loads increasing considerably (e.g. The biggest problem with these engines, however, had to be the single, emissions-era Zenith StrombergCVcarburetor. Minimum engine rebuild service price is $10,000 USD for a fully rebuilt dyno tested engine package (fully assembled engine, carbs, ignition, exhaust manifold, etc) All engines being rebuilt are torque plate honed for superior cylinder bore geometry and improved piston ring seal Make sure all stud and bolt threads are oiled. 9.99 Download now. My spit was a 79, and when I compare it to the other tech available at the time it just looks sad. Pay close attention to your workshop manual for tips like this. The crankshaft needs to be measured for wear and sizing. Sort By Price Please include what you were doing when this page came up and the Cloudflare Ray ID found at the bottom of this page. What you are looking for is the point the dial indictor needle quits moving as the piston comes to the top of the block. If you feel any resistance, make sure the ring compressor is tamped square against the block deck, and if you still feel resistance, you may want to look in the bottom of the block and make sure your connecting rod is not interfering with the crankshaft. The music is In The Hall Of The Mountain King from Edvard Griegs Peer Gynt Suite After a few heat cycles, you will need to retorque the cylinder head and re-adjust the valve lash. Your machine shop can easily do this for you. " Create your own unique website with customizable templates. http://auskellian.com/paul/links_files/performance_enhancements.htm. Just because your cylinder bores or crankshaft journals look good, never assume they dont have any wear or issues. Current slide {CURRENT_SLIDE} of {TOTAL_SLIDES}- Save on Engine Blocks, Current slide {CURRENT_SLIDE} of {TOTAL_SLIDES}- You may also like. Install the crankshaft and bearing Engine Machining & Assembly Photo Gallery. 1500 engine performance mods : Spitfire & GT6 Forum : The Triumph It takes a trained eye to do this procedure. These engines were known to be delicate, especially if over-revved. Install the cam thrust plate, timing gears, chain and tensioner (if applicable) following the workshop manual guidelines. A window into racing in the 1960s | Sebring Special MGBs: How an MG TC gave way to a worldwide British car enterprise. Purpose manufactured components designed to replace faulty original designs - for increased reliability and durability. Pointer this can be as simple as a piece of wire bolted to the front side of the block. I built a 1500 engine for my '72 Spit back in the day. The project is really starting to come together now, with the engine soon to go back in. http://triumphspitfire.com/enginenumbers.html, Ok, given that I'm going to drop the sump to replace the oil pump, I have decided to also change all the bolts on the bearing caps - gives me the opportunity to inspect the journals and shells and re-oil prior to start-up (its been on an engine stand for about 3 or 4 years). Sign up for a new account in our community. If building a performance engine, ARP bolts may be ofbenefit, but they use their own special lube with a lower than factory torque!! Single DCOEs on the 8 port heads suffer from uneven fuel distribution between the inside two cylinders and the outside two owing to the unequal runner lengths of the available intake manifolds. | Never miss an article, [Editor's Note: This article originally ran in the March 2013 issue of Classic Motorsports. The big issue with Spit motors was not wear onTW, it was preventing them from dropping. As always, check your local emissions laws. Our initial zero-to-60 testing was just as depressing. Vandervell were the bearing of choice when a friend of mine built a 2ltr pinto for rallying as alternative bearings failed after about 3 events (Spectacularly the first time!)