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Spitfire Easier to Work On: TR6 or Spit?

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Aldwyn

Aldwyn

Jedi Warrior
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Hey folks!

I am seeking my first LBC, and have been going back and forth on both the Spitfire 1500, and the 70's TR6.

Of course, they both have their advantages and drawbacks, and I am weighing them all. But one thing I wonder (and can't answer for myself in a subjective fashion due to lack of experience) is how easy are the two to work on?

I am also a novice at auto repair, other then the run of the mill basic stuff like oil change, air filter replacement, etc... so one being easier to work on then the other will factor into my desicion!

So I was hoping to get some opinions from those of you who have worked on both cars as to which one is easier to work on and maintain.

Thanks!
 
After owning either, you will no longer be a novice at auto repair for very long. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif)
 
In my opinion they are pretty equal in the way they were put together as long as you are talking about a mk4 or 1500 spitfire. The thing about a TR6 is that when the car is running right you have at least twice the power as a spit and the car it self handles a lot better. I like spitfires but I LOVE a TR6. They are both great cars and either way you will learn a whole new vocabulary of four letter words! Good Luck
 
I would give the edge to the Spitfire for ease of maintenance and repair. Access to the engine and front suspension is unparalled, with the flip-forward bonnet/fender assembly. The entire car, mechanically, is a fair bit simpler than the TR6, and a majority of components and assemblies are physically smaller and lighter than those of the TR6. So it's kind of a no-brainer as to which is easier. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif
 
If you bundle all the above comments together you are still faced with a decision. Which car will you most enjoy after you're done working on it? The Spit is easier, but I think the TR6 is more enjoyable to own and drive. If you are like a lot of Triumph owners, after owning the car for awhile you will want more power. The TR6 has the advantage along with the potential for another 20 to 50 HP without getting too radical. Working on the cars is still work no matter which car you choose. Driving is fun. Driving with more horse power and tourque is even more fun. My recommendation is the TR6.
 
[ QUOTE ]
Which car will you most enjoy after you're done working on it? The Spit is easier, but I think the TR6 is more enjoyable to own and drive....Driving is fun. Driving with more horse power and tourque is even more fun....

[/ QUOTE ]And I would respectfully disagree. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif Doesn't make me right and you wrong, though. It's just one of many reasons why both cars existed and why they're still popular today! /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/driving.gif
 
Buy a Miata and don't worry about it breaking
 
You know another way to look at it is that when you sink $10,000 into the spit she will only be worth $8,000 when you sink $10,000 into the TR6 she might bring $15,000 or more.
But of course $$$$ does not equal happiness.
 
"Buy a Miata and don't worry about it breaking "
That's not entirely true. Our Miata (35K miles) needed the O2 sensor replaced. The dealer wanted approximately $250 for the part. I spliced in a universal sensor for $60. Surprisingly the sensor wasn't covered by the emissions equipment warranty. There are numerous postings on the Inet concerning these sensors. It appears the Miata has some chinks in its armor.
Andrew! I'll meet you out behind the garage as soon as I finish gapping the points, adjusting the rear brakes, topping off the oil in the carbs, finding the rattle in the exhaust, replacing the differential mounting bushings, fabricating an auxilary hood latch release, setting the timing, finding the source of the oil leak, changing the lock sprockets, replacing the halogen fluid and revarnishing the demystifier!
 
[ QUOTE ]
Buy a Miata and don't worry about it breaking

[/ QUOTE ]

Gag! Ackkk, acckkk. (insert noise of my cat woofing up a hairball, okay?!)

Seriously though, I'd suggest trying on both cars for size. That's the biggest difference, IMHO. Many taller (wider?) folks find the Spits a bit tight. TR6 have a bit more elbow (and knee, etc.) room and some folks just find them a littl e more comfortable.

Test drive each before making a final decision. If good running cars for sale can't be found locally, maybe you have Triumph club in your area with some members who have one or the other or both models, and who would be willing to let you sit in their cars, maybe even take them out for a short driving experience.

A Spit will likely cost less to buy right now, but also might not enjoy as much appreciation in value in the future. An exception to this might happen if BMW (or someone else) ever comes out with a "Spitfire II" or "TR9". Take a look at what happened to classic Mini values when the new Mini Cooper was introduced. But this is certainly not anything to bank on. Rumors of a revival of the Triumph marque with a new model have been echoing around for several years and certainly no one has a clue what a new model would be called, if and when one ever gets built.

The independent rear suspension is quite different between these cars. Both have their own challenges and opportunties for improvement, but in stock form the TR6 is a bit less apt to tuck a wheel under during spirited cornering.

All in all, I'd just suggest you take your time shopping and make as many "hands on" comparisons as you can, then get what makes you smile the most.

/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cheers.gif
 
If ease of maintenance/repair is a concern (and you say it is) you might also consider an earlier solid-axle TR such as the TR4.

Not as many on the market compared to Spits & 6s but good examples are still (I think) reasonably priced. In my opinion both the engine & rear-end on these are simpler and easier to work on than the TR6.
 
[ QUOTE ]
"Buy a Miata and don't worry about it breaking "
That's not entirely true. Our Miata (35K miles) needed the O2 sensor replaced. The dealer wanted approximately $250 for the part. I spliced in a universal sensor for $60. Surprisingly the sensor wasn't covered by the emissions equipment warranty. There are numerous postings on the Inet concerning these sensors. It appears the Miata has some chinks in its armor.

[/ QUOTE ]

I know you said that tongue in cheek...$60...WOW...you've spent a ton of money on that Miata.

I also own a Miata. I payed half as much for it then it will take to get my TR3 to going, and I'm doing all of the work on the TR. Those Miatas are just so darn reliable and will run rings around any TR I've ever owned. Having said that, there's a reason I'm still into TR's, and that's the same reason that all of you folks spend your time and money to keep them running.
 
Sorry TR6 guys but I have to agree with Alan on this one. The Spitfire would be easier to acquire and cheaper to rebuild and repair. The mechanical repair of a spitfire is simplier and most of the parts comparable to the 6 are actually cheaper to purchase. It also costs a lot to go fast and you better have a big wallet or know how to fix it yourself if you wish to do so. As you know the TR6 is also currently a high demand car and there is a lot of interest but based on the posts here as well as another site I frequent it sure seems like they break alot as well.

I know...You're out of the forum! Go hang with the MG guys! Just my opinion though.
 
Another thing to consider. If you think TR6 PO (previous owner) stories are bad, some Spitfire ones are downright frightening. From personal observation, Spitfires are more likely to be abused by owners than TR's. It seems that their 'lower' position in the Triumph hierarchy contributed to a lot of owner abuse. Not necessarily agreeing with the 'lower' statement but I do own two TR's.

In either case, buy the very best example you can afford. It will not only return more enjoyment, but it will be less likely to have major faults to begin with.

Best of Luck

/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cheers.gif
 
Thanks for the replies guys! Seems there is no cut/dry answers here.

I suppose I will focus more on how I like driving them both (which is where I have been so far).

While I am a member of VTR and of my local group "TRAC", I have only driven one Spit and one TR6 (Hey, Phil! Thanks again!). I would love to drive more, but the local sales of these cars seem to be few and far between for me to give them test drives.

Each has their own advantages and disadvantages, as I mentioned in the opening post of this thread. I like the power and the raw guts of the TR, but I also like how low to the ground the Spit is, and how "spirited" it can be, and doesn’t seem as fickle in the clutch.

Given the two test drives I have taken, I think I had more fun with the Spit, but that may be because when I drove the TR, I was driving a friend's and was being quite gentle her due to that. The Spit I opened up a bit more.

But I need to drive more, for sure. The problem is finding more to drive, as mentioned above. I even called a semi-local dealer who had two 6s, and asked if I could drive them. "Sure, no problem! Come on in" I was told. When I arrived (after a 45 minute drive) both were in the showroom and blocked in by several cars, and I was told I could not drive them unless I was ready to buy one right then and there. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/frown.gif While both were overpriced for their condition, IMHO, it would have been nice to drive one or both.

Anyone in the Columbia/Baltimore area willing to let me take their TRs or Spits for a spin, though, I'd be much obliged! I suppose it would help if I shot an email asking my local club for that as well.

As far as my size, height isnt an issue. I am only 5'6. In fact, I could have stood with less space between me and the sweet spot on the clutch on both cars I drove! /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif

Money wise, my budget is around 12K. Might be able to convince the wife to go higher. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif So I can easily do a well restored Spit or a TR6 in good shape. I am not so worried about a deperciating car as much as I am about having fun with it! But I am going to try and get the best car for the buck, rather then a cheaper car and restore it myself.

Re: Miata. No thanks. I have had a modern little two seater ragtops before… And I haven’t been dreaming about a Mazda since I was 12 like I have a Triumph (I am 38 now). I wont mind getting my hands dirty on a LBC…

Thanks again, guys. Your opinions on these two cars are appreciated!
 
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...I like the power and the raw guts of the TR, but I also like how low to the ground the Spit is, and how "spirited" it can be, and doesn’t seem as fickle in the clutch...

[/ QUOTE ]

Years ago I almost bought a TR6 but was put off it by the clutch action which I found touchy and awkward. I now know that was just a poorly adjusted clutch, possibly a broken clutch fork pin. You should try to drive several before you conclude what a typical one is like.
 
I on=wn a Spit(77) and a 63B.

The Spit is easier to work on. It reminds one of a high performance go kart. The B is more sedate and powerful.

A spit goes for about 50% the price of a tr6. Restorative services cost about the same. Drive both and then decide. I have one of each sort of cause well, I just do.
 
12k should get you a nice one of either.

If I might make a suggestion though - try to find a nicely done spit-6. You'll get the go-kart spit handling that you like and a bit more oomph.

You can get a goodly amount of go from the 2.0 if its done right.

Just don't get impatient and buy a dog or you'll spend and spend and spend...
 
Impatient? That's a tough one. With the top down season quickly fading away, and my inner child going crazy when I look at these cars (let alone drive one!), it's not easy! /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif

But I am certinly going to do my best to find the best one I can get for the money.
 
Hey Aldwyn... Had a Mk3 Spit, and TR6 at the same time. I really had good intentions...economical Spitfire during the week for work, and 1 day a week the "big car". After a couple of weeks, I started coming up with excuses to use the "6" more often. Within month, the Spitfire was hardly being used at all, wound up letting my future wife (Hey, she married me anyway) use it. Power is addictive, and, my goodness, the SOUND the TR6 makes!
Take care Bob
 
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