Being the mopar nut that I am I have recently obtained a spitfire. Unsure of the year but for the most part they are the same right? Anyways I am thinking of using a Mopar V8 or V6. Has anyone done one? From what I can tell no I've seen many ford 4,6, and 8 cylinder swaps and gm swaps aswell as british engine swaps. But only one chrysler swap. I have a rainy day 408 stroker set back for a duster but I think that would be way too much engine for a little spitfire. So I'm thinking of either a 3.9l magnum or a carbed beefed up 318. Any suggestions? My main concern is how nose heavy it will be with the 318. Also can anyone tell me where I can get a hardtop to put on my car? I'm a hardtop kinda guy and don't care for convertables. My email is chevykiller30109@yahoo.com I would appreciate any advice you can give! Have a great day
Trebor welcome to the forum!! Take your time on this project and do lots of research as you may change your mind on using a large V8 in this car. You can shoehorn just about anything into any vehicle but will it be sound from an engineering standpoint and will it be nice to drive and will it look good also? The Spitfire frame is a limiting factor if your heart is set on putting in a big V8. You will have to build your own frame.
I don't know enough about the mopar V6 engine but it may prove to be a better candidate. Last night I was poking around looking at some of the Turbo forums and a really good combo for the Spitfire would be a Mazda Miata 4 cylinder engine with a Greddy intercooled turbocharger. This combo would fit the Spitfire without major surgery and would give you great performance. The Spittfire is such a tiny vehicle that an engine that puts out 200 to 250 HP would give you the thrill of a lifetime.
Cheers
Byron
Trebor, Welcome aboard. I also have mopar affliction, but you "might" want to consider a smaller/lighter, mopar engine.They have many 4 and V6 engines that will fit much easier,(including turbo), that will provide adequate power. This way your car can still handle like a sports car, instead of a small barge, lol.
Lol yeah I want it to be quick and nimble. I was affraid of using the "small" 318 in it because of the size. And weight factor. I had thought of putting an old Imperial 392 Hemi in a duster until I really thought of it and even with a 383 400 or 440 the duster would be too nose heavy. A 225 slant six would be too long I am assuming.. so which transmission and rear end would accommodate a chrysler turbo? Is there just a turbo 4 or is there a 6? Thanks for the rapid response guys ill keep you posted. And mods and surgery are things I don't fear lol
How about using a 2.2L Turbo: http://www.turbododge.com/forums/f7/f30/249288-turbododge-powered-triumph-spitfire.html
I think that Rick is right on track in suggesting the Turbo 2.2. The Spitfire chassis doesn't like a lot of torque because of it's design as a backbone type frame and the rear suspension is weak for higher torque applications as well, a turbo four would work much better, be lighter as well, and really get you going very quickly in that light chasses.
Trebor, how about a Plymouth Acclaim that runs a 12.25 second 1/4 mile with a 2.2 turbo at 27 psi + intercooler + 3" exhaust. Lots of info here.................
http://www.gusmahon.org/index_main.htm
The 2.2 sounds like a great plan. What transmission will bolt to it with minimal effort? I'm wanting to have a manual but an auto wouldn't be bad. The only way I would use something else is if I can't find one. What engines were in the chrysler lebaron gts that was turbocharged? A 2.2?
Trebor if you go with an automatic you will have to do some major surgery on the frame to get it to fit. You are better off with a manual transmission as it is narrower.
Cheers
Byron
This guy used a 5 spd from a Dakota: http://www.cardomain.com/ride/803960/1977-triumph-spitfire
Trebor, You "might" consider a new direction, as in a t-axle ? This will skip any clearance issues in the tunnel and many should fit back there, wilthout too much work. Whatever engine you use, make sure it is "clockwise rotation" as veiwed, front of crank. Most Honda 4 cyls and a few others are "counter". A fwd. or mid-engine t-axle will be needed,(clockwise rotation). Porsche Boxter 5 speeds start about $500.(ebay). A t-axle will definately help weight distribution. Your welcome to "pm" me, as I'm using a mopar engine,(Hemi Healey). Good Luck, roverman
Maybe room for a mopar 3.5 or 3.6L ,(4 valve, 282 hp) ?