John,
>Will a Triumph Spitfire motor swap in without a major problem? If
>so, what years will work and what modifications need to be
>done? JW
Spitfire motors from 1963 to 1966 (spitfire mk1 & 2) will bolt
right in with no changes necessary to any amphi parts, other than
possibly the distributor. The spits use a delco distributor while
the herald/amphi used a lucas unit. Also, with twin carbs there
might be some minor clearance problems with the exhaust, but
should be doable.
The spitfire mk3 thru 1500 engines will work but the intake and
exhaust ports are somewhat different and you won't be able to just
bolt the original exhaust unit up to the engine. The original
spit/herald/amphi motor is 1147 where the mk3 and early mk4
engines were 1300 and the 1500 cars had 1500 engines.
I have heard there are people who have put the later engines in an
amphi but I don't know the specifics. I'm not sure if the oil
drain plug lines up properly (I bet it does) with the bilge plug.
I'm also not sure what carb arrangement was used on the spitfire
to amphi conversions. If you were to install a spit motor, using
the twin SU carbs supplied on many spitfires you'll see a lot more
power. From what I could determine, looking at our amphi engine
and the exhaust pipe arrangement it sure looks like twin carbs
will fit although the exhaust pipe mounting might have to be
changed slightly. Hope this helps.
Good luck!
Brad (Hensley, Arkansas 501-261-7228)
Our Triumph Web Site
Http://www.141.com/triumphs (updated 6/1/2001)
Our Dodge Web Site
Http://www.141.com/dodge (updated 6/10/2001)
Our Amphi Web Site
Http://www.141.com/amphi
1968 TR250 CD8096 -- Susan's project
1967 TR4A -- aka Freddie (Freddy Fender's old car)
1965 Herald GB32939LCV -- running this year?!
1964 Amphicar 101232 -- swimming in 2002 ?
1964 Spitfire4 BFC25720L -- camber compensated
1962 TR4 CT288L -- lots & lots of teeny pieces
1962 TR3B TCF1564L -- (in dire need of restoration)
1957 TR3 Race Car TS15222L -- (built to Kastner specs)
1956 Devin TS12566LO -- (TR3 based)
1953 Mayflower TT29490LDL
1951 1/2 ton Dodge Truck B-3-B-108 (ready to be reassembled)
