Thanks for the article though it just reinforces my decision. It went like stink. Have them measured by your machinist. Lifters (tappets) are always replaced with a new camshaft. Rocker arm bushings, if needed, Gaskets and the final touches A word of caution about decking the block too much: Some engines, such as the Spitfire and Midget 1500 and the later TR6, have necessary recesses around the cylinder bores. The CNCblock machining center is a major contributor to the high level of quality and performance on our engines. This pristine car is fa. Our reconditioned full engines have one of the highest rebuild specifications available on the market. Having trouble posting or changing forum settings? Once the crankshaft is installed, be sure to check your crankshaft end float as I first discussed in the disassembly article, and make sure it is in spec per the manual. This may seem like a lot of clearance to your machinist who is not used to working with our engines. The Spitfires exhaust system is epically simple, and any competent shop can build you a nice system. Install the piston and connecting rods Now that you have acceptable readings on the main journal make sure you clean the plastigauge off each crankshaft journal and bearing shell. By Tim Suddard All in all, even though there are more desirable sports cars out there the 1500 Midget has been a fun car to have owned for the past 18 years. This may take several minutes. Current slide {CURRENT_SLIDE} of {TOTAL_SLIDES}- Save on Engine Blocks, Current slide {CURRENT_SLIDE} of {TOTAL_SLIDES}- You may also like. You'd hopethey'd have put them back for the sake of a few pence if they reduced engine failure rates That's interesting, I wonder why they are on my late GT6 mk3? And, once you have the engine block on the engine stand, youre ready to dive in. These are both good solutions, but we went with an even easier fix on our1973Spitfire. I am looking for some specific engine modifications, specific cam recommendations, specific machining insight from the Spit crowd who have been tuning these engines longer and harder than we MG owners. Cover the camshaft journals, lobes and gears liberally with assembly lube. And I'll be looking at the shells as I said and thrust washers - though it does look from the outside to have been done well (I don't want to knock the chap who did it!) Over the past 8 years I ahve been upgrading my 1500. Inspect your starter ring gear. It will smooth out an engine and pull locked up hp to the fore. Piston set these will come with rings and pins supplied. The chap who created this stop motion film is one of the few chosen ones who successfully completed a full engine rebuild without throwing in the towel and marching down to the pub, the engine in the film is a 1500 4 pot from a Triumph Spitfire one of those cars Ive always sworn Ill buy. Rotate the engine by hand; I like to do this from the rear of the engine as to not disturb the degree wheels setting. (585) 889-2786 - I think there is some end float issues amongst others!). In addition there are no springs or weights to fool with. When you check the shells, if it hasbeen built with cheap bi-metalones (you can tell by colour and the markings on the rear) then replace them with lead/copper. 10 watching. The key here is getting the entire setup, including the linkages. 3 main engines were definitelymore common but Triumph had a lock on using only half the thrust washers other manufacturers (like MG) did in that period - a definite shortcoming. A frind ran a Ginetta G4 with a 3 main Ford MAE - 3 main, 9500 rpm red line (albeit with a short stroke). Quickview. The vehicle was based on a design produced for Standard-Triumph in 1957 by Italian designer Giovanni Michelotti. | Alfa Spider vs. MGB vs. TR6 vs. Miata. At TRF, we know every part of the Spitfire 1500 engine intimately, and rebuild them to exacting standards The engine number is FM91xxxHE - which I know is Spitfire and High compression - E for engine? Quantum Mechanics offers these as used sets with manifold pulled from old Spits in England. Re the pinking. Water pump We've endeavored to have our machine work carried out on the finest, most accurate equipment available. A 439 inch small block that put out 739HP on pump gas. I don't want to build a racing engine, but would like to do some sensible upgrades to improve reliability and drivability. Many parts are available for this engine from aftermarket suppliers. Piston-to-cylinder wall clearance must be checked. However bad previous repairs, rust, and a desire for more power, resulted in After a few heat cycles, you will need to retorque the cylinder head and re-adjust the valve lash. Triumph had a lock on using only half the thrust washers Valve springs, Rocker arms assembly I wouldn't bother changing the main bolts either, and I don't think loctite is a good idea. Quantum Mechanics, Ltd. Ray Ciccarelli, Hello I started a similar thread on the MGE and got quite a bit of good feedback, so I thought I'd see what you guys have to say. Short stroke Vs long stroke: The 1147 & 1300s can all rev much higher than a 1500, the 1500 due to its bigger capacity has more low down pulling Torque. Body & Chassis Brakes Clutch, Gearbox & Axle Cooling System Electrical Engine Exhaust Exterior Fuel System & Induction General Accessories Heating & Ventilation Interior Use a wooden, or plastic hammer handle, to tap the top of the piston down into the bore. Is your favorite classic car properly insured? The magnaflux chemicals help the machinist detect cracks. The following is a list of new parts I typically include in an engine rebuild. Need oversized lifter / tappet bores? I was not aware of the header from the UK. Keep advancing the timing until you do, then retard just enough so you don't get any pinking. Make sure to clean and lubricate your throttle linkage, too. It has transformed the Midget into a nice little cruiser. Can't find a shop that offers a crankshaft nitriding service? The American exhaust system from the downpipe back will need to be replaced, however, as it wont mate to the European-spec downpipe. The goal is to find maximum camshaft lift on the indicator. This is due to the manifolds available for that adaptation. Make sure the engine does not overheat. All rights reserved. The three-main-bearing design did not lend itself well to hard use. It's easy! 6500 16.47 18.96 We carry a wide-ranging catalog of used Triumph engines for all applications including gas and diesel engines. Personally, I'd just check the originals for signs of stretch and reuse them. This is very important, because if you are not on TDC, all your readings will be wrong. Install the cylinder head and rocker arm assembly. The 123 ignition(distributor) is a modification that employs spark balancing, like used in formula race cars. 2,000 rpm. Remember, these parts may be nearing their 40th birthday, so go with a reputable dealer. TR3B-TR6 four speed gearbox with A-type OD base rebuild pricing $3250. Southern Rebore Services carried out the machining work. Sign up for a new account in our community. Degree wheel Performance & security by Cloudflare. A shop manual is a good idea, but we have a little cheat: Just disassemble one unit at a time, and use the other as a 3-D shop manual of sorts. If you are using an adjustable cam gear then you can do all of this without removing the timing gears again unlike a offset key which can have +/- 1-2 degree tolerance range. Oil Pump and Exterior Assembly I recommend replacing valves and valve springs. Make sure you keep the ring compressor firmly against the block deck. Remove no more than .010 so that the head gasket will seal properly. If your engine has a harmonic balancer, it will have a rubber insulator between the inner and outer rings. The Webers are 1 step up from the stock ZS carb, but suffer from a lack of tuning experience and info on this side of the pond. It set the record on 60% nitromethane, naturally aspirated. Engine Block But the Spitfire could be easily stroked to 1493 ccto regain some performance. Scott Sewell. For a reliable road-going engine, careful building, in clean conditions will get you one tha is long-lasting! The car was an instant hit. A fair amount of work, but nothing too technical, and it saves the engine. Move the crankshaft the normal operating rotation (clockwise when facing the front of the engine) until you see the needle reach maximum camshaft lift. 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. Refer to your workshop manual for the proper spec but it will likely be .002-.005. Lighter pistons and lighter conrods, by reducing their mass. We're able to bore Triumphblocks to accept cam bearings, we've even produced specialized tooling to shorten the duration of this procedure - which saves you money, because we can do it quicker. You will need a piston ring compressor. I did the SU conversion source from Quantum Mechanics along with a 5 speed transmission also sourced from Quantum. Shifts well, stops well. The factory paired these preferred carburetors with a free-flowing, cast-iron exhaust manifold that emptied into twin pipes. Surfacing them smooth will result in more material being removed than needed. Have your timing light ready to set the timing. Some information and prices may be differenttoday. I've read that a Newmans mildroad cam is a good option, and payan gaskets are the best, but what bearings and rings? 4-SPEED, DISC WHEELS. Something went wrong. Remember they have to go in the exact spot they came out of it. Inferior steel in the crankshaft, narrow bearings and thrust washer inadequacy posed issues for the 1500 and on top of that the single carb is a negative, as your test showed A competitor in my race group used to refer to his 1500 as "Mr Floppy" (referencing the crank, which precluded using high rpm). No problem. The project is really starting to come together now, with the engine soon to go back in. Mean piston speed (MPS) is a simple calculation using the revs and thestroke. Sign in to ask questions, share photos, and access all website features. The machine shop should magnaflux your crankshaft to rule out any cracks. 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. Includes engine/driveline, suspension, brakes, Connecting Rod Bolt Set HD Triumph Spitfire, Midget 1500 . Proper clearance is required in many areas of your enginepiston to cylinder wall, crankshaft end float, camshaft end float, connecting rod side clearance, and then also things like spring valve lash. Click to reveal If you are using a performance camshaft you may have to advance the cam timing per the cam manufacturers instructions. My spit was a 79, and when I compare it to the other tech available at the time it just looks sad. A parts washer makes this job a lot easier, but if you dont have one you can make a temporary parts washer out a 5-gallon bucket and waterbased degreasers. MG Midget Triumph Spitfire Rebuilt 1500 Engine About this product About this product Best Selling in Engine Blocks Speedmaster Pce286.1049 Aluminum Engine Block Ford 351w Windsor 9.500 In. Install the cam thrust plate, timing gears, chain and tensioner (if applicable) following the workshop manual guidelines. The Triumph SC (small car) engines were never derived fromtractors. Add to Cart. Yeah, except for Mazda, Ford, GM, Toyota, Mercedes, Nissan, Honda, etc. A word of caution about decking the block too much: Some engines, such as the Spitfire and Midget 1500 and the later TR6, have necessary recesses around the cylinder bores. New rocker arms are not expensive and in many cases less than the cost of having your originals rebushed and refaced. bolts. I used to do it your way but a lecture by Dimitri Elgin pointed out that using a dial indicator can lead to errors. It is now running with high compression pistons, UK-spec cam, UK-spec 4-2-1 exhaust manifold, and HS4 carbs. Bearings shouldn't touch surfaces! I also experienced the thrust washer failure which ruined the crank so my advice is to keep your foot off the clutch as much as possible. Newman a decent supplier so may have variations worth exploring. Does the backfire come from timing, or carb? So I always set timing by ear, drive the car and try to get it to pink. We will cover that later. And as my current engine seems to be doing about 28mpg, I'd hate to think what a low efficiency engine is like, i cant find any data readily availablethat explains the last suffix 'E'. This is where most cracks occur, so the proper filet radius is important for the overall strength of the crankshaft. Your connecting rod will almost always warrant big end resizing, and considered a must if you replace the connecting rod bolts. I start with the #1 piston. 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. Sidedraft carbs are the best alternative, especially twin Weber DCOEs. and he didn't use eBay parts, just Canley Classics, Rimmers or Moss. You have to have a good idea of your expectations and an understanding of the steps required to get what you want. 13 33,950 TRIUMPH SPITFIRE 6383 MANUAL RHD Refcode: 07AD6F7A-7C71-6CF9-9CAF-66E10EE97FDA Pristine Triumph Spitfire 1500 with just 3,999 miles on the clock! Apologies, confusion re std. The exhaust manifold goes on first, underneath the intake manifold. On some crankshafts the area where the seals ride can wear over time and new seals alone may not insure you wont have leak. Triumph produced the fun and affordable Spitfire for 18 years, during which time over 314,000 were built. If you're a British car owner that seeks perfection, you will not find another engine rebuilder that is able to produce as fine of finished unit. If you are reusing your existing camshaft your lifters can be reused if they are in good condition. DO NOT be tempted by an external oil line to the cylinder head. TRIUMPH SPITFIRE 1500 16958 N/A RHD Refcode: 333759 Complete strip down, body spray with new parts and components and rebuilt 12 years ago, engine re. For instance,the 2014 Renault F1 engine has a stroke of only 53mm but is limited to 15,000rpm! They don't appear on any of the Canley GT6 diagrams, but they were certainly there the first time I took the sump off in 1979, or there abouts. Almost 100,000 of these engines were used in the 1973-80 Spitfires, and nearly as many were used inMGMidgets sold from 1975andlater. As much as I would like to say you can leave it all in their hands, you cant. If you want to uprate the big end bolts but don't feel like splashing out on ARP, you can also use Cosworth (YB?) We know as the piston idles around TDC the cranks motion doesnt produce much stroke so the positive stop method is more accurate and easy too. $29.77. Powered by Gasoline and Caffeine. The Kent fast road grind has a lot of lift but not a lot of duration which keeps the power band from being pushed too high. CARMINE RED WITH TAN TRIM, TAN TOP BOOT. Camshaft if needed/desired. The car was largely based upon the chassis of the Triumph Herald saloon, but shortened and without the Herald's outrigger sections. A complete rebuild includes the following: EVALUATION As an engine is torn down, each part is checked for excessive wear, damage and failure. It was beautifully designed by the legendary Italian car designer Giovanni Michelotti, and it also surprisingly sold in greater numbers than any of its rivals between 1962 to 1980. Engine Rebuild Kit Major Spitfire 73 to 80 Part number MEK7380 Availability: In stock Triumph Spitfire 1973 to 1980 Email Question $726.52 $920.47 Share this product Engine Rebuild Kit Major Spitfire 73 to 80 Go back to product details Piston Set 1500 (Choose Size) Piston Set STD 1500 9-1 + $233.99 Piston Set 020 1500 9-1 + $193.99 Intake valves dont require hardened seats since they are not subjected to intense heat. Crankshaft bearings for the connecting rods and main bearings. An adjustable cam gear is really worth it if your budget allows. WHAT A MACHINE SHOP SHOULD DO 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. Buy the HD/LC or whatever they are called, a few a set more than, that shell looks pretty much like its hard ever run , ive seen much worst in brand new engines off production, All pricing, component availability, and terms of business are subject to change without notice. There is no need to hurry; time is your friend when degreasing. You dont want anything to be bent or stuck, as this will affect your cars operation. 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 big issue with Spit motors was not wear onTW, it was preventing them from dropping. Quickview. Add those two numbers together and divide by twothat is your cam timing. I'd start with some head work a header and dual SUs. I have 3 1500 Triumph engines in RB Midgets I'd like to rebuild and upgrade for greater performance and reliability, to take advantage of modern engine components, the years of tuning and development on this engine since the 70's, and the wealth of engine building experience that has amassed since the engines were introduced. The biggest problem with these engines, however, had to be the single, emissions-era Zenith StrombergCVcarburetor. By the time you factor in a driveline loss of 15 to 20 percent, our low horsepower reading looks pretty accuratemaybe even a bit impressive. Once you have confirmed oil pressure you are ready to fire the engine for the first time. ], Story by Tim SuddardPhotography asCredited. If it is worn, have it replaced as well. Install your newly rebuilt engine in your car. sorry real name is Mark - Ill update my signature when I get 5 ! A trip to the machine shop requires a plan. Otherwise, enjoy the car, collect the stuff you need and don't put yourself under pressure! Do both methods and you will see the dial indicator method can lead you astray by a couple degrees. Spitfire/GT6 TS Imported Automotive, 108 South Jefferson St., Pandora, Ohio, 45877, USA Tel 800.543.6648 (USA & Canada only) 419.384.3022 (Tech / General Information) The rule with engine building is clean, clean, and then clean some more. If using a performance aftermarket cam, it may be different than what is listed in the manual. But now you will know what degree of offset key to order. TRIUMPH SPITFIRE MkI,II,III,IV & 1500 (1959-80) FUEL PUMP REPAIR KIT. The engine needing the least work to retrofit is the Triumph GT6, or the Triumph TR6. Pointer this can be as simple as a piece of wire bolted to the front side of the block. Lube should be used any place one part makes contact with another that could cause frictionthe exception being the piston and cylinder walls. Purpose manufactured components designed to replace faulty original designs - for increased reliability and durability. Has anyone done anything to deck the block to remove the recesses between the cylinders and run a diff head gasket, i.e. The Triumph Sports Six Club This website is using a security service to protect itself from online attacks. TheseSUcarburetors may be older technology, but they have served many owners very well through the decades. Discuss with the machine shop the piston size. Triumph TR engines. Once all of the pistons are in you can rotate the engine to the access the bottom side. I was always much more partial to the 1296cc Spitfire engine than the 1500. Mainly as we now run unleaded fuel, not old 4 star! Paddocks) sell. Launched in October 1962, the Spitfire featured sleek styling by famed Italian designer Giovanni Michelotti. 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. With your choice of advance curves or a tunable unit. Theres nothing quite like the process of pulling apart, fixing and rebuilding a vintage engine. Line boring is not needed in most street engine rebuilds. I know I was able to replace the thrust bearing in my TR-6 by dropping the pan and removing the rear main bearing cap, but can't remember if it the same on the Spitfire. Triumph removed the lock tabs quite early on in production and never reinstated them despite loads increasing considerably (e.g. The last GT6s had a lot of differences from earlier mk3s, I wonder if Triumph went back to tabs? In this way, conrods can be made 15% lighter and stronger than the OE ones. Larger and the vital internal parts should be cleaned by professionals in an industrial parts washer. Dont let this step scare you. 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 For engines with a lifter cover or external lifter access, install the liftersif not already pre-assembled. You can get a reaction between different paints causing wrinkling. Most machine shops have a special tool that can cut all three angles at the same time. 21.49. Purchase a good quality assembly lube. The cost for this setup is only about $400 to $500, depending on the source and condition of the parts. So, if not Vandervell, what other makes are recommended? Triumph Spitfire 1969-1980 Owners Workshop Manual: Glovebox Edition (Practical Classics & Car Restorer) $2000. For a road engine there are a few simple things. Sometimes old paint will strip off if soaked long enough. Do you need custom pistons for this? Deck H $3,341.18 New ---- Used Dart SBF SHP Iron Block 4.125 Bore 9.500 DH - 31375235 $2,999.00 New ---- Used Protecting it by reducing the stress. But do no explore the rev range too often (maybe get a rev limiter!). After your 20-minute break-in, do your final tuning. Make sure to lube all points of contact. Follow the same process with the rod bearings as we did with the crankshaft and plastigauge each journal one at a time. Crankshaft grinding is a very skilled part of the machine shop phase. I can then, at my leisure,rebuild the one in my car now and either sell it on or do another swap. Measured engine output had improved nicely: We posted 65 horsepower and 78 lb.-ft. of torque during our next visit to the dyno. But the US emissions regs sucked away both torque and power. Your machine shop can easily do this for you. I'm just curious where this little motor might go if tuned and built properly. Listen out for rattling and blue. Your manual will tell you the clearance specs, and you need to use an assembly lube on all moving parts inside the oil pump. That is as good as you are likely to get it, though DD can of course alter advance curves to suit your engine spec, or go for a mapped ignition! Detractors complained of durability anddrivabilityissues. I dont like refacing valves. This is really useful and clearly written. This is a good time to consider a performance cam. Spitfire/GT6 site suggests E for engine, to avoid confusion with commission number. Take the connecting rod, with the cap removed, and the rod bearings installed and insert the connecting rod in the bore. 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. Add to Cart. Bring in the camshaft you are using to insure it fits with the new cam bearings. The shop will most likely resurface the cylinder head to insure flatness, and provide for a good sealing surface for the head gasket.
