It's Engine Time! | Triumph Spitfire Restoration - Part 95 

On the fuel pump, you found the “Screwnut” as i like to call it. It’s a correct part and makes installing the fuel pump with the engine in the car much, much easier. Not sure i’d run hardlines to the pump either, on both of my cars the hardline ends just in front of the firewall and goes to rubber hoses to the engine. Lots of engine shake on these cars

I used a gm alternator of my 1982 GMC truck. Pretty straightforward Needed a “J hook” bracket that every auto parts store used to carry. Had to order my last one off eBay. The fiesta one is supposed to be plug and play.

My headers had the same problem with sealing. Someone told me they sometimes warp when theyre getting welded up. I had someone else finally help me get mine to seal. If i were to do it again id use a machined flat bar with adhesive sandpaper to level it.

I’ve been waiting on this portion of your build. Also been wondering about Chris and his v-dub. Maybe give a little update on his progress.

The steel pipe that runs alongside the engine tends to rot out from the inside, but you can get them in kunifer or stainless steel

Getting the intake and exhaust to seal is a real pain. Make sure you use a Payen Gasket. Others do a poor job of sealing. I had to resort to a brush on copper gasket also to completely seal

Two Studs nut and washer on Fuel Pump. A Chevy fuel pump block off plate fits perfectly if you want to change to electric. No good reason to if staying with “stock” carbs

Only one carb, I suggest you find yourself a twin carb setup - oh you aleady did, thanks KD!

I've got a Delco alt on my gt6. It has clearance issues and I'll l eventually find a Kubota or Fiesta but due now it works, with some modifications. You may not have the same issues as the spitfire engine is shorter.

I had the original fuel lines on my Mk3, they were steel from the tank to about 6-8” past the outrigger, then rubber to the pump, then a steel line that runs from the pump over the front of the engine to feed the front carb. You can route round the back of the engine but may need to change one float chamber lid so you can still route the line that feeds the other carb. Your fan looks to be a rarer aluminium one! For the engine number nerds. The Spit 4 mk1 and 2 had FC engines, the Mk3 had FD, then the later US spec Mk3 cars had FE. So it doesn’t actually stand for Federal, but it was the spec fitted to the US market Federal model cars. I’d suggest doing plenty of research before starting to change engine parts though. You do need the head, carbs, manifolds/headers, cam etc etc all to work together rather than any individual bit really being a bolt on upgrade. The easiest thing to do would be to build to stock U.K. market spec as that’s a nice engine and you can take advantage of Triumph’s engineering expertise!

The timing chain is worth inspecting as it may be slack

Electronic Ignition - use Pertronix, in my experience they are the best. I have the part numbers for both the Kubota and the Fiesta HD alternators if you want them?

'Freeze Plugs' as they are known here in the USA will likely need replacing after 50 years! (mine lasted 16 years from new, specifically the one hidden behind the engine front plate!)...

I hope you are going to check crank play and change the thrust washer. But I can see why do more than really needed. I also would be interested in the card since I am not going to be going duel Su's any time soon and that carb is the same as mine.

Renew the thermostat and check condition of alloy thermostat cover

Fram oil filter, nasty things!

Don't wrap mild steel exhaust headers, they will rust under the wrap

Why didn't you remove the fan and thermostat housing. clear the water pump housing for action. The water pump itself separates from the housing with only three nuts and you'd get a better idea about the condition of the water jacket. Somebody didn't change their antifreeze yearly so the anti-corrosion additives couldn't do their jobs. Even in warm weather climates like florida you should always use antifreeze. My Spitfire came from Florida and it was obvious that the DPO often run the water jacket with plain old water. I found many of the water jacket holes rusted nearly closed I was happy I pulled my head. Copper gaskets are impossible to get, you should hunt around for a gasket set with a Payen head gasket.