Ep.14 | Restoring my '73 Triumph Spitfire 1500 

Dynamic Duo!

Great video Saige! I love how you edited it! It was a long day for you and I am sure you were exhausted considering the drive in both directions too, but you learn fast and your dad is also very good thinker! I hope that now that you have an idea what needs to happen your car will be on the road soon! Someone commented about the flat face pistons which confirms our theory that the UK spec pistons will fit in your block too and will increase the compression ratio. Again, great video, it felt like I was watching my own video, but without having to do all the hard work editing out my own mess ups LOL

Bonjour Saige & Elin & Dad! :) Thank you for another great video. Yes flat top pistons + skimming the head is the way for a bit more power. If you measure your head from top to bottom, you should find about 78,9mm for a 7.5 compression ratio, which is std for usa cars. The head of the spare engine should measure a little less at 78,4mm. Fitting flat top pistons with these heads stock, you'll obtain respectively 8.4 & 8.5 compression ratio. The european engine has 9.0 compression ration, and its head measures 77,5mm. If premium gas (mini 98 ron) is available in your country, you can use this ratio. This ratio was also used shortly in America, only on 1976 models (part stamped TKC2748) (european head part number = TKC1155). If you decide to skim the cylinder head face to the european spec above, perhaps you will need to use shorter pushrods as well in order to keep rocker geometry right (part n°157508 uk spec, usa spec?). As said previously, for a little more power you can fit the Spitfire MK3 inlet manifold with twin 1.1/4" SU carburettors on your head (as a basis try AAQ needles without the top collar). Std european 1500 carbs (HS4) are bigger but I believe they are scarce in America and frankly there is no real benefits using them instead of twin HS2, unless you want to trash the car at high revs for the very last bhp!😧 HS2s are more responsive mid-range. You can add a 4-2-1 stainless steel tubular exhaust manifold (eg by Bell) to replicate the iron one fitted stock to the european version. The 1500 camshaft is fine if in good condition (you will find its part number on the casting = 312188 or RKC3305), if you find 213028 it is an emission camshaft, not desirable at all for better performance. If the cam lobes are reduced by wear, you can opt for the Newman PH1 (with its special tappets) which is mild and very good for the road. Regarding the crankshaft, yes the spare engine one can be fitted straight to your 1500 block in case you decide to build a 1300.. and yes I confirm it to you Elin, the rods are actually the same (MK4 vs1500) but they changed the pistons (pin position+skirt height) to enable the stroking mod. Triumph used these rods on TR6 & GT6 too!😀 Good luck for the next stage!

As you currently have dished top pistons the easiest way to raise the compression ratio is to get flat topped pistons like the U.K. spec 1500 engines! Given you need new pistons after the rebore it’s also no extra work. The dished pistons were used to lower the compression ratio on North American spec cars as an emission reduction method. 9:38

Okay.... so you got an interesting project, and Mr. Yakov and Mr. Cheftush recommended you... so I wanted to be along for the ride. You got quite a learning curve to travel, it seems... but you got great teachers - so this is going to be fun.

Great video Saige, Elin and your dad.

Great energy!

Lots to learn and spend your money on. Having his knowledge will help you get this done as economically as possible.

Great video 🚗🤍

Pretty cool that your so eager to get your hands dirty. I know many guys that would let someone else do it 😊 I need to dig into my spare block for my gt6 some day. Hopefully I do it before I need to do the one I'm using. 😂 Good luck and carry on!

Another enjoyable episode.

great vid.... elin seems to be a great teacher.

So cool what a great job you are doing.

Great video! So glad for the colab. Cool to see Nick too!

That was great and he is so knowledgeable it’s amazing. Just that math class got me confused and turned around. Lol Keep them coming

You couldn’t be in better hands! 👍