Miata 1.6 into a 78 Spitfire

Mañana · June 05, 2018, 02:42:35 PM

Joe / Barry, I don't know which it is?

Anyway, fabulous to see you back. And although maybe not the most successful project, I for one, appreciate the effort you expended; still really good to know.

Congrats on the '63, I hope it's more mechanical than rust that brought the value down.

I considered the Miata diff, but really don't like the gearing. Australia got stuff closer to what I'd like, but still too low. I know it does work pretty well in the Miata, but with a few hundred pounds less on the Spit, I really like the idea of about 3.54.

Regardless, I'm excited to see how you did that diff and all of the rear end; sounds great! Especially the Coilover set-up, but I'm guessing you had to go into the boot for mounting locations?

Anyway, great to see you back, look forward to seeing more on the project.

Steve

joebarry10 · June 06, 2018, 06:23:03 AM

Here it is. Maybe hard to see - but basically, I used a second shock tower from the second frame. I will add more pics as I can get them resized. Joe.

joebarry10 · June 06, 2018, 06:27:20 AM

joebarry10 · June 06, 2018, 06:30:01 AM

joebarry10 · June 06, 2018, 06:33:36 AM

And unfortunately Steve, it's rusty. 😩

Mañana · June 06, 2018, 01:33:48 PM

Joe, this looks really cool.

Sorry to hear about the rust, but really like the way you're thinking with the suspension.

That's similar to my train of thought, and of course there have been many before us with the same starting point.

At first I thought that the plates you mount the diff to might not be enough, however, they're really not bearing any vehicle weight, just the diff, so should be good.

Wishbones look like good geometry, I'm thinking to somehow get the coilover mount inside the lower A-arm. I know lots of cars have them outside, but it's a goofy hang-up of mine.

Did you have to cut up the tub at all to fit in the second row of rear lateral framing?

Really nice to see this. (thumbs up emoticon!)

joebarry10 · June 06, 2018, 02:49:10 PM

Thanks Steve. Means a lot coming from you considering I have been studying your website and copying as best I could - your site made the transition to the 63 much easier - that's absolutely true. Yes, unfortunately it did require cutting into the cabin area but not as much as I first thought - but still hated doing it. Due to the placement of the springs, I had to cut just into the base of the rear deck by about an half inch. Springs could have probably fit on the inside of the lateral framework with professionally designed A arms. Honestly, I just went with what I thought I could do safely and with least cost.

Mañana · June 06, 2018, 03:41:00 PM

I figured you may have had to, but it definitely looks close.

I've been thinking about cutting a swath out of that area, specifically the vertical part and moving it forward; of course I think that that part contributes much to strength so hopefully I could recreate that strength further forward. That would reduce the area available behind the seat, but make more room for the suspension. Could even cut a bit more out front and then weld that in below the gas tank, or just fab something similar. Just thinking out loud.

But if you just cut a bit off the corners and managed to sneak that new frame assembly in, that is simpler and likely stronger than I could do.

Keep it up Joe, looking forward to whatever you're willing to share.

joebarry10 · March 15, 2019, 06:01:59 PM

Need some wiring help!! PLEASE!! Running, moving, stops @ but this wiring!! GEEZ!!! How can I identify which wires I can delete AND fan wiring. Trying to attach photos if I can get them smaller.

joebarry10 · March 15, 2019, 06:13:19 PM

joebarry10 · March 15, 2019, 06:17:04 PM

.

joebarry10 · March 15, 2019, 06:18:26 PM

joebarry10 · March 15, 2019, 06:19:54 PM

joebarry10 · March 15, 2019, 06:24:08 PM

Mañana · March 21, 2019, 05:34:11 PM

Hey Joe,

This is what I put together for mine...

Can be found here as well....
https://stevew10.wixsite.com/spit16/electrical
Schematic - Mark VII - R.jpg

mbyrne · March 28, 2019, 10:18:16 AM

Hey all. Does anyone know how to get in touch with Doug? I'm actually thinking about picking up the miata spitfire he built, and I wanted to speak to him about it and other pitfalls he happened to come across, and possibly purchase his notes and diagrams from him incase something went wrong, so I'd have a place to start. If anyone has his contact information, I'd greatly appreciate it. It seems like he hasn't been active here in a long time.

Thanks!

cablefixer2000 · November 11, 2019, 01:08:15 AM

Is there a full schematic of the 1.6 Miata wiring harness that is needed to install the a 93 Miata engine to a spit that any laymen can read and understand, PLS

Doogie · March 19, 2020, 12:25:13 PM

i see my beast is up for sale again on NJ Craigslist. Funny to see it up for sale every so often. it seems to be a bit worse for wear then when i sold it.....This is Doug under a new login.

bsa_m21 · March 20, 2020, 12:08:15 PM

This one?
https://newjersey.craigslist.org/cto/d/paterson-1978-triumph-spitfire-classic/7092239722.html

$4500 seems a good price.

Doogie · March 25, 2020, 01:30:57 PM

i sold it several years ago for $3,000.....if they did what they said, particularly rebuilding the exhaust it might be a good deal. It could use a paint job at some point. glad to see it's still alive and kicking. That Miata engine and tranny in it really transformed the car. i hope all my wiring diagrams are still with it-or someone will be in for fun if something goes out!