You need to plastigauge the bearing clearances. 7000 17.73 20.42 7500 19.00 21.88 Hap, Great article but I must disagree with method for finding TDC. If you are using a copper gasket then use a copper gasket spray coating. Another way to look at it is to work out how much the piston weighs in use. If you find excessive wear your machine shop can reface them. Powered by Invision Community, http://tr6.danielsonfamily.org/OilPump.htm, https://www.canleyclassics.com/triumph-spitfire-mki/ii-crankshaft-and-camshaft. WHAT YOU CAN CLEAN YOURSELF It takes a trained eye to do this procedure. The OEM guides are cast iron. Planning for Rebuilding the Engine on the Spitfire | Triumph Spitfire Mk3 Restoration Project: Bruce's Triumph Therapy, [] http://mossmotorsltd.wpengine.com/restoring-british-engine/ [], January 13, 2018 @ 5:01 pm Quantum Mechanics, Ltd. The MG Midget and Austin Healey Sprite High Performance Manual - Daniel Stapleton 2008 Covers all aspects of modifying the MG Midget and Austin Healey Sprite for high performance. And it's easier/cheaper than replacing the crank and rebuilding the engine! This may seem like a lot of clearance to your machinist who is not used to working with our engines. Well we offer that as well. Quantum Mechanics offers these as used sets with manifold pulled from old Spits in England. Click to reveal Carburetor Rebuild Kit, Weber DGV Downdraft . Scott Sewell. It will smooth out an engine and pull locked up hp to the fore. Totally computer controlled, and programable, this specialized equipment eliminates inaccuraties and errors that can be introduced with manual equipment. I really like the improved proformance. I've seen talk of 100HP from some out there, but I have to admit that the 3 main bearing crank arrangement scares me pretty badly. Sometimes honing is necessary to get the proper fit. Our initial zero-to-60 testing was just as depressing. Bare A-type OD base rebuild pricing is $1650. Personally, I'd just check the originals for signs of stretch and reuse them. I highly recommend Moss uprated valve seals. Rpm 5000 12.67 14.58 I replaced the original exhaust header with a Pacesetter which increased the pipe diameter to about 2"but have learned there are better ones available. 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. Please comment on anything from main studs to cams to roller rockers to engine machining procedures, to compression ratios, to carbs, etc..Please post any good links on this topic as well. Bearings shouldn't touch surfaces! Lube should be used any place one part makes contact with another that could cause frictionthe exception being the piston and cylinder walls. Initial start up I'm more than happy with 5000rpm - my currently daily is diesel so tends to live at less than 3000 - actually a lot less unless booting it (its a 3tr BMW so has lots of power and torque!). 9.99 Download now. I thought for 30-40 I'd just change the bolts - more for piece of mind rather than anything else - not going ARP as the engine will be pretty much standard. I dont like refacing valves. 3 times until he put the Vandervells in and were find after 6 events. 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. Once you have finished the plastigauge procedure, and cleaned it all up, make sure to use assembly lube on your rod bearings and install your rod caps. 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. None of these points will do you any good though, in reality youll have either turned to alcoholism or been committed to a lunatic asylum long before the task is completed. Thanks Pete - as it happens I picked up a "new" engine today - has been largely rebuilt - needs a new oil pump as it wasn't changed, but does seem to be well done overall. 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) US Supplier of 123Ignitions, Pre-programmed\switched models, Programable USB PC models and "NEW" Wireless Bluetooth models for Apple or Android. Triumph Spitfire Restoration Parts and Accessories | Moss Motors 2023 Events New & Featured Moss Motors 75th Anniversary Coin 010-915 $6.00 Products You Might Like Air Filter Element Midget, Spitfire 1975-80 950-805 BACK ORDER - We are temporarily out of stock on this item. Cylinder Head Yes I know it was built from parts in the 50s and the design never changed. What have you done to upgrade your 1500's? Really?). I'm guessing not particularly. Have your timing light ready to set the timing. swaintech.com, Driving the short-lived MGA Twin Cam is magical, Classic Roadster Showdown: Alfa Romeo Spider vs. the Triumph TR6, An MGC Coupe that recalls the glory days of motorsport. You will need some headwork, and a skim o achieve a higher compression ratio (depends on the cam). Hap Waldrop. New rocker arms are not expensive and in many cases less than the cost of having your originals rebushed and refaced. Purchase a good quality assembly lube. Check the wiper section of the rocker arm where it makes contact with the valve stem. Make sure all stud and bolt threads are oiled. Never, ever fire up an engine without confirming you have oil pressure. Crankshaft grinding is a very skilled part of the machine shop phase. Vandervell do come up on eBay from time to time, but most are showing their age from long term storage. With the degree wheel and pointer installed, put the magnetic base on the top of the engine block surface or deck. I would like to strengthen the bottom end - if that is actually possible? Both BC (B series engines) and Triumph (the Vanguard/TR wet liner engine) also used the engines in all sorts of different applications - main vans, boats and tractors, but they weren't designed for agricultural use in the first place. Carefully remove the main cap and use the graph on the paper slip the plastigauge comes with to determine the clearance. Check your camshaft end float The mean piston speed will be 26.5m/sec. Silodrome was founded by Ben back in 2010, in the years since the site has grown to become a world leader in the alternative and vintage motoring sector, with well over a million monthly readers from around the world and many hundreds of thousands of followers on social media. Use rubber gloves, even water-based chemicals can be harsh on skin. Very nice condition 50 year old car. I suggest you guys go read the same thread over on the MGExperience board. The rubber insulator can crack and wear out over time. Triumph removed the lock tabs quite early on in production and never reinstated them despite loads increasing considerably (e.g. 5500 13.93 16.04 Cutting the valve seats: The most common is a three angle seat for better performance and sealing. Engine gasket sets I prefer Payen brand gasket sets when I can get them. Cylinders are bored to the next oversize Crankshaft is turned to the next undersize I use .005 before and after maximum camshaft lift. You dont want anything to be bent or stuck, as this will affect your cars operation. By item 3 Triumph Spitfire 1500, MG Midget 1500 Rebuilt 4-Speed Transmission, Original, !! Dealer 12,500 Triumph spitfire Triumph spitfire SOLD 1973 not sure of mileage last owner se. This may take several minutes. DO NOT be tempted by an external oil line to the cylinder head. This guy does a good job of outliningthe issues with the 1500: http://triumphspitfire.rickbaines.com/weaknesses-of-triumphs-1500-engine/. Because these parts are designed by Triumph to fit the cars, the swap is a snap and the results are nothing shortofremarkable. Almost 100,000 of these engines were used in the 1973-80 Spitfires, and nearly as many were used inMGMidgets sold from 1975andlater. Mainly as we now run unleaded fuel, not old 4 star! Get Started WishboneClassics is able to perform certain machining operations on your engine that you cannot have done elsewhere. To read Haps previous article on engine disassembly and inspection, visit www.mossmotoring.com/disassembling-british-engine, October 16, 2013 @ 2:20 pm 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. Bottom end Does the backfire come from timing, or carb? Ray Ciccarelli, Hello I tried the Weber DGV for a while but the SU's are more responsive plus I get better gas mileage ( the 5 speed helps). Maybe because its the one I raced back in the day, but it always just seemed better balanced than the 1500 for some reason. Then rotate the crank til it stops, note the reading on your wheel then rotate it backwards. Has anyone done anything to deck the block to remove the recesses between the cylinders and run a diff head gasket, i.e. Purpose manufactured components designed to replace faulty original designs - for increased reliability and durability. Ideally, youd also get carburetors that arent worn out. You need to be a member in order to leave a comment. No problem. Rocker arm bushings, if needed, Gaskets and the final touches I have a lot of experience in building engines, I even put together a current class record holding engine at Bonneville. With your choice of advance curves or a tunable unit. Your IP: They could save you a big hassle later. Keep advancing the timing until you do, then retard just enough so you don't get any pinking. | From the March 2013 issue Measured engine output had improved nicely: We posted 65 horsepower and 78 lb.-ft. of torque during our next visit to the dyno. Mathew Members 4.2k Posted March 30, 2021 The 1300 Spitfire and MG motors shared quite a lot; iron block, 3 main bearing crankshaft, similar bore & stroke, similar cylinder heads, similar carbs, similar power. Lifters (tappets) are always replaced with a new camshaft. Paddocks) sell. 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. No problem. But this is for high revving engines, not road use. A better solution is to use this as an excuse to use larger intake valves and enjoy improved performance. If you build a 1500 properly and respect it then this much maligned engine can be as dependable as any other Spitfire engine. Install and torque the main caps one at time. One day. As much as I would like to say you can leave it all in their hands, you cant. , Thrust bearing in the proper size. The engine number is FM91xxxHE - which I know is Spitfire and High compression - E for engine? (To replace my old engine, which had suffered catastrophic failure). Installing new piston pins and pistons require a rod heater, where the rod is heated to about 1200 degrees and then the piston and pin is installed on that rod quickly before it cools. 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. Surfacing them smooth will result in more material being removed than needed. Shop Work I don't want to build a racing engine, but would like to do some sensible upgrades to improve reliability and drivability. By Tim Suddard from a 1300? Line boring insures that all crank journals are in perfect alignment and properly sized. , If you are using a performance camshaft you may have to advance the cam timing per the cam manufacturers instructions. The action you just performed triggered the security solution. At the end of the day if it needs a rebuild every 40/50k its notthe end of the world as that is plenty of years use! My engine is very user friendly around town and on the highway. And here's the reason why. Use new gaskets and properly clean all mating surfaces. Rocker shaft Set your dial indicator on the top side of that push rod. AVAILABLE IN STANDARD OR ALL REGULAR OVERSIZES [ E-MAIL OR TEL. Valve springs, Rocker arms assembly Make sure to lube all points of contact. Engines & Engine Component Rebuilding Services. Every time we use this miraculous product, were impressed with how it knocks down exhaust temperature and holds up for years, looking like new for a long, long time. MATCHING RED FACTORY HARDTOP. Custom options available from electronic fuel injection. If you are reusing your existing camshaft your lifters can be reused if they are in good condition. Pay close attention to your workshop manual for tips like this. Triumph Spitfire Engine Rebuild #8 - Distributor Fitting - YouTube After a long hiatus in production, I'm back on my engine rebuild videos, though there aren't many left. At some point in the nearish future, I will be stripping and rebuilding my Spitfire's engine. 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. (585) 889-2786 Dont let any steps get overlooked. Given that MG and Triumph were both owned and built by BLMC, choosing the Spitfire motor for both was a no brainer. Ray, July 19, 2015 @ 6:14 am Useful article on the oil pump too. A complete rebuild includes the following: EVALUATION As an engine is torn down, each part is checked for excessive wear, damage and failure.