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Spitfire TR4 engine in a spitfire

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tomgt6

Jedi Warrior
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Has anyone ever put a TR4 engine in an early spitfire. If so what mods had to be done and could the spitfire handle it?

If you know of a site that talks about it let me know. Tom
 
personally, i think that is a BAD idea. The tr4 engine is HEAVY,HEAVY,HEAVY and TOP HEAVY. You will HATE the handling of the spit after. If you are going to do an engine swap of some kind, use a LIGHT weight engine. Coventry climax, mazda rotary, or something like that. Otherwise, it will only go straight.
IMHO
Rob
 
I've been searching for a swap like this on google for the past half'n hour, and I have come across zero. If you do this, you may be the 1st one. I can't imagine it being as bad as the way Rob here put it, but it may be. I don't see the weight difference being anything more than you can handle, but what I do forsee is the height. I'm pretty sure the TR4 engine is taller, and thus would not fit under the stock bonnet... I don't know how much taller for sure, but it may not even fit under the GT6's as well.

If you have the TR4 engine and a spitty to play with, then go for the gold. And as long as you ask nicely and post pictures then I'm sure everyone of us will be interested and help with input. Besides, all the TR's (2-8) have been faster (in a straight line) than any of the Spitfires ("The Bomb"-1500) so if it comes out well, it could be a blast. Any way ya look at it, the swap should be a fun project!

If ya don't already have this TR4 engine, and your looking for an awesome swap, then I agree with Rob, the Mazda 13A or 13B rotary is the most awesome way to go. Sure, it's still high maintenance but what is out there that is pretty and isn't?
 
I think that the front suspension on a spit cannot handle the extra weight and load of a tr4 engine. I think you will require upper and lower a-arms with much bigger joints and wheel hubs and axles. You will require bigger springs and probably need the front structure reinforced substantially. Basically, you will need the entire front structure of a tr4 including suspension. I believe that a small block v-8 with aluminum heads and intake is lighter than a tr4 engine (i could be wrong).
Rob
 
So what is the weight of spitfire engine. I know the block bare is just under a 100 pounds for a 1147. Also does any one know the height between the 2.

I don't have the engine but I have run across a tr4 on craigs list that maybe would be fun to try. I am also toying with doing the 1500 swap into the mk1. From what I understand this is pretty straight forward swap. The only issues I can also think about is the electrical, radiator and speedo.
 
tomgt6 said:
I am also toying with doing the 1500 swap into the mk1. From what I understand this is pretty straight forward swap. The only issues I can also think about is the electrical, radiator and speedo.
Click to expand...
None of those is a serious issue. The 1500 would've used a ballasted coil originally, but you could use your original. Radiator is not a problem at all, and you could have the original speedometer recalibrated or get a ratio adaptor.
 
Tom, take a look at the spit posted by tdskip. Also on that site are a number of other v8 spitfires, but a couple of interesting 4 cylinder conversions, including a 2.3 Ford and a Toyota. The TR2-4A engine is durable, but an old tractor engine. If you are going to effort to do a conversion, I would think you would want to look at better options. You might even think about a Solstice engine. It is a 4cylinder, but direct injection and makes 195 horsepower.
 
Ecotec 4's are pretty popular for these conversions....

https://www.mantapart.com/home.html

ecotecengine.jpg
 
tdskip said:
Ecotec 4's are pretty popular for these conversions....

https://www.mantapart.com/home.html

ecotecengine.jpg
Click to expand...

That option gets my vote. or maybe an LNF motor from a late model cobalt or SSR. Direct injection, 200+ h.p. I read about them in last months Hot Rod magazine. Can't wait till the junkyards have lots of them and aftermarket support catches up.
 
trfourtune said:
I think that the front suspension on a spit cannot handle the extra weight and load of a tr4 engine. I think you will require upper and lower a-arms with much bigger joints and wheel hubs and axles. You will require bigger springs and probably need the front structure reinforced substantially. Basically, you will need the entire front structure of a tr4 including suspension. I believe that a small block v-8 with aluminum heads and intake is lighter than a tr4 engine (i could be wrong).
Rob
Click to expand...

I doubt the TR4 engine is that different, weight wise, than the GT6 engine. The Spitfire and the GT6 use the same front suspension except for springs and brakes. Same ball joints, same trunnions, same everything really. Just checked that site you posted. It lists the weight of the TR2-4 engine as the same as the GT6 and TR6 engines.


I think Pete was closer with the potential problem in the height of the engine. Especially with the canted intake manifold pushing the carbs higher, unless you went with DCOE's. I can't think of one good reason to do the swap though. Unless you just really want to do it. Then knock yourself out and we'll cheer you on.

Since the Spit is such a light car, a small light high revving engine would be my preferred route. But that could be because I already have a resto-mod TR6 and a TR8. So most of my torque related fun is already taken care of. :wink:
 
Probably not. Can go with KIA engines for more displacement (same family as the Miata engine). The Toyota 4AGE family is also a worthwhile alternative.
 
swift6 said:
...Can go with KIA engines...
Click to expand...

Say it with me: I will not buy generic. Hy-un-dai? Nope, I'd rather low-n-live.
 
Hello,

I haven't done it. But considering you will swap TR4 (engine-gearbox) together. the only modif will be.

-engine support
-trans. crossmember
- driveshaft length
As GT6 and Spit have the same diff., it could support extra HP. Engine weight are similar:

spit. 250 lbs (approx.)
TR4 290 lbs (""""".)
you won't need to improve suspension.
cheers,
 
Still my two cents advice;

If you want to keep the britton sports car feeling, avoid those oversquare asiatic motors. There drawback is a non-torquey engine. i.e.: they rev. high to produce H.P..
Depending to what entend you want to modify things, adding an EFI needs some knowledge and it will need to update TR4 primitive electrical wiring. And finding a good carb. asiatic motor is a rarity now.

Cheers,
 
I am more leaning to either replace with a used 1147, 1300 or a 1500. I just need to find one I think close by or get one shipped. I would like to stay somewhat original.

I just happened to see this TR4 for sale on Craigs list and was thinking, 4 cylinder for 4 cylinder but more horse power and CC's. It would be fun to try but I am not sure I want to be the pioneer. (Pioneers always ended up with arrows in their backs)

It is fun to dream and ask questions. That is why this forum is here isn't it?
 
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