BritishV8 Forum

I have a Triumph Spitfire Mk3 from 1968 and I want to do a engine swap.
In the beginning I was thinking of a V8 3,9 L from Range Rover with auto or 5 gears manual. But now I am considering going for a much lighter solution, and I am looking at a motorcycle engine (1000 cc +).
Has anyone done this here? If so I would appreciate any help, pictures, name (contact) etc. in how is the best way of doing this. I.e. how to connect the cardan shaft from the motorcycle engine? How to fix the reverse gear? Etc...
Thanks!

Not the best choice.  Motorcycle engines do not produce the torque to move cars around.  I think having to rev the engine to 10000 rpm to get any acceleration would soon get quite tiring.  I am sure that the choices and availiblity of decent engines in Iceland is quite limited.  If you cannot find any suitable engine to replace the Spitfire engine then your other option is to rebuild the engine with a few modifications to increase the power.  I am sure that you can get parts quite easily from England to do this, in the end this may be the best route to go.
I hope you come up with something that will work.

Cheers
Byron

I'd think it would be a better fit in an extremely light car like a Locost.  Some of the issues are adding a reverse gear and electric starter.  Probably be a lot of fun as a track car, but not so much on the street.  Here's a good forum section for BECs (bike engined cars) on the Locost forum:  http://www.locostusa.com/forums/viewforum.php?f=10&sid=56c947cb89f997713018d5304c500f7f

Yes it would be extremely light, but you could also through in a modern 4-cylider that will probably weigh almost half of what the cast iron stock engine weighs; raising your bhp/ton ratio. It's a lot easier and less expensive conversion.

Well my friends, I have just bought a low mileage Hayabusa engine and it is going in to my small Spitfire very soon
The weight will be reduced considerable and with all new bushes and new shocks, I hope to get great handling.
I know this engine as I had a Hayabusa motorcycle 2 years ago, and this is truly a great piece of engineering.
I plan to finish this project before next summer.

Markus  I have heard that here in Canada on the west coast that a company is using these engines in Lotus Super 7 clones.  I did not realize the size of these engines until my friend told me about this company.  I am looking forward to seeing how this works out.  Make sure to post some photos.
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Cheers
Byron

Here is the link for this company check out the work these guys do.

http://www.super7cars.ca/Super7_Hayabusa_Caterham.html

Cheers

Byron

if there is any way you could lighten the car at all it will definately help alot.

Hey Markus,
You are going to really like that engine!
I have seen the green 7 run a few times and it is OMG fast.
Even if it wasn't the sound is insane! I would pay money just to hear it run.
Don't forget to rig up some sort of reverse mechanism.
Have fun
Cheers
Fred

Thanks guys.
I will keep you updated when I start.

Cheers,
Markus

Sorry for asking here, but I hope you will find time to help me on this:
- As I am not going to use the std motor 1300 (complete) and 4-gear gearbox, I want to sell it. What is the best website to sell it and what can I expect to sell it for? Both are rebuild in very good condition.
- Where can I find steering wheel in wood (12" or 13") for a fair price?
Thanks