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Spitfire Miata Suspended, Rotary Powered Spitfire Project

Dana_Duncan

Freshman Member
Offline
Greetings Everyone,

Back around April or so I started some posts about a Spitfire I had aquired for the Grassroots Motorsports $200X Challenge. I've posted a few written updates and promised some pictures. I tried to search and reference my old threads by I can't seem to find them.

To fill you in, the previous owner had started the project but to be honest his plan was not going to work, at least not well. He had completely chopped off the rear frame just in front of the dif and was going to attach an RX-7 stick axle. He gave up on the task and sold me the car. Another fellow I found had started a rotary powered Opel project but changed directions. I picked up the motor and all the Miata suspension bits from him, including boxes of all types of assorted pieces parts.

I built a table to set the chassis on that was level. I then bolted the frame to the table so it would be square and not move during welding.

DSC00330.jpg


The string is the vehicle center line.

I then placed the Miata rear sub-frame where I wanted it and used blocks to fix it so the hubs were at the same level as the front hubs. The guy I bought the Opel project from had already narrowed the sub-frame and Miata diff.

DSC00327.jpg


After that I used 1.5x3 box tube to connect the dots.

DSC00328.jpg


If you can see the bar clamped to the table, that's my reference for the center line of the rear axle.

Once I had the rear in place I used basically the same method to set the front uprights. I clamped them at the evelvation and width I wanted and extended the lower control arms and addapted them to the miata ball joints. The paper is so I can transfer lines and measurements, if I mess up I tear up the paper and start again.

DSC00325.jpg


I still need to complete the uppers but I plan to use the ends to connect to the uppers and some round stock and heim joint ends I got from the 4-link the first owner planned to make new UCA's. I have no idea where these came from but they're getting cut up now.

DSC00331.jpg


I hope this anwers some of the questions several of you had asked when I made my original posts.

Wish me luck, and buy some of my left over Spit parts, I need to knock the $$ off my Challenge budget!!

Thanks, Dana
 

Brosky

Great Pumpkin
Offline
Now that is a very interesting project. Good luck and keep us posted.

Literally!
 

rlandrum

Jedi Trainee
Offline
Most of those stamped steel pieces don't hold up well to modifications, at least in racing conditions. You might consider cutting off the stamped portions and using tubular supports between the mounts rather cutting and extending.

Neat project. Looks like fun... Good luck.
 

aeronca65t

Great Pumpkin
Offline
Neat!

And very ambitious! :thumbsup:

Since you live fairly near GRM, this should work out well for you.

I built my ~Escort GT~ as a $2007 Challenge car (I actually built it for way under $1000), but towing from NJ to Fla and back over three days (and running in the event) proved impossible.

So I've used the car for lots of other fun stuff. :laugh:

Five of my engineering students built a $2003 Challenge car and got 5th place overall.

Keep up the good work!
 

bluemiata90

Jedi Trainee
Offline
VERY VERY IMPRESIVE. Gives me motivation to get back to my TR3 and Volvo 1800 and do something with them, as both projects have stalled over the last year. I wish you luck and keep us posted.
 
OP
Dana_Duncan

Dana_Duncan

Freshman Member
Offline
Thanks everyone, I appreciate the kind words and encouragement.

rlandrum; yeah I plan to keep my eye on the stamped parts but I am confined by the $2000 budget. I boxed the bottoms pretty well and I plan to use tubing to connect to where I've cut the uppers.

I used to have plenty of garage space but I've filled it up quick with all this. My poor Factory Five is feeling neglected. Right now we're keeping an eye in Ike. The goods news is when the weather is bad I have plenty of time at home to work on the car, the bad news is I've had a lot of that lately.

My space issues would sure be helped if I could get rid of some extra parts, Hint, Hint!!

I feel like a guy from a Montey Python movie "Spare a dime for a Spitfire part gov'nr?"

I plan to have the uppers finished and mounted soon, I'll post more pics then. Thanks again everyone.

Dana
 

1974jh5

Freshman Member
Offline
Hey Dana, I'm the guy you got the rotary Opel stuff from. I know this is an old thread but I have to ask if you ever completed this car.
 
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