BritishV8 Forum

Guys - this helps tremendously!!  Thanks to all of you. Mine officially begins this weekend - pulling the Triumph power plant out and starting the prep work on the frame.  Luckily, I kinda like the hood scoop look - so I don't mind it being a bit too tall.  So, hope you all don't mind the questions- sure I will have more.  🙂👍. Joe.

Oh yeah, noticed you guys were talking about the gauges.  Everyone using the Spitfire gauges? I was thinking I may install the Miata individual gauges into the Spit's physical gauge bodies OR just use the entire Miata instrument panel. Advice?

I used the spitfire gauges....I put in a different water temp gauge-more granular readings, but same size as the original and black face...so looks close to the original style.  the tach is easy to wire in, as is the fuel gauge...the speedo is the biggest challenge and one I have not surmounted at this point....there is just not enough room at the frame to tap off the trans.....without having to notch the frame too much in my opinion.....I use my garmin/phone as a speedo when I need it.  someday when I feel ambitious i'll fully research a speedo that connects directly do one of the wheels.

Just added some more stuff to my site about Turret Modification, Transmission Modifications and Shifter Relocation, and Propshaft.

As for gauges, I quickly had a look at mounting the Miata guts into the Spit housings.  I think it's doable, and would be pretty cool, but will take a fair bit of work.

Like Doug, I found the Miata cable coming out of the Tranny is a nuisance.

Part of my plan was some cool new gauges from SpeedHut http://www.speedhut.com/
20% off sale now until the end of March.
I just ordered them last week so I'll be using a remote pulse generator mounted at the differential.

Something I read alluded to the notion that the later Miata pulse generators (VSS - Speed Sensor) actually fit into the earlier transmissions and will work.  I'm looking into that, including if there is room even for that at the frame, but just in case I ordered the Sender from SpeedHut.

If you want a laugh, have a look at how I dealt with it for my first season .....
https://onedrive.live.com/redir?resid=2C71FA3E28B5FEC3!724&authkey=!AF41tXUIxQ_X954&ithint=video%2cmp4
Oh, and that horrific sound is the fuel pump mounted in the boot and reverberating like crazy; can't wait to fix that!

All the best with the build Joe

Personally I wouldn't really like the entire instrument cluster from the Miata in the Spit, but I've seen a TR 6 with a Corvette panel, so what do I know.

I thought I took some images of the gauge comparisons... here's the Spit temp gauge beside the guts of the Miata gauge.

The PC board is actually very simple, just a few resistors if I recall.  Not unreasonable to modify that, but just not sure it's worth the effort.

All the best.

Steve

Course, the other problem is lighting.  The Miata gauge uses plastic pieces to direct light to specific areas of the gauge.

Again, might work, but likely a challenge to make it happen.

Steve

Just rolled the miata donor car into the garage.  Going to strip it down and determine just how far I want to take this project - all the way? Whole drivetrain and suspension?  Not sure I'm up for the rear end swap - looks daunting - but I figure sooner or later I will end up doing it. So, might as well just do it now. Still plenty of prep work to do on the Spit - and I guess the body will have to come off for the rear end work. Well, here it goes...will add some photos later today. Thanks for the advice re the gauges - IF ever I get to that point, Im probably just gonna buy a universal kit and be done with it - ha!

Good luck with it Joe, we found it quite a lot of fun.  Hopefully my site will be of help.

I've been looking at rear suspension as well.  It would be a much larger task than the engine/tranny swap and you might end up with a poorer than stock set-up.  I'm running a GT6 diff right now (love the 3.27 gears) and just bought a back-up this past winter.  If I ever decide to turbo the 1.6, I'll be looking at a different diff. but until then the Spit handles pretty well, so long as I'm gentle and don't bust open that rear end I'll be smiling.

Just got my Speedhut gauges last week, one minor issue with colouring, but they are really good over there, so it will be quickly resolved.  Their gauges will solve your speedo problem before it even begins!

Have fun,

Steve
http://stevew10.wix.com/spit16#!blank/d4a4m

Yeah, it's a project! Ha. Think sometimes I like working on them better than driving them. Smh.

Okay - progress. I've kinda went in a different direction. I'm going to keep the Miata "everything" and attach/build the Spit body to the subframes. I have a tail section of a Spit body from a parts car and it fits pretty good. Will definitely need some modification and some fender enhancement for the 15in wheels BUT I actually like that!!  So, if I can post sime pics I will but the site keeps saying they are too big.  If there is an insurmountable obstacle going this way please let me know now. The front will just have to be fabricated for the hood and strut supports - tubular frame work. But I really think this is going to work!!  So, what  is the consensus??

Wow, I think that would be something else!

Personally I think it will be 10x the work, and you'll have issues with front shock towers, cutting a lot of the Spit back end to make room for the rear subframe (although it seems to fit pretty nicely in the images, orrrr are you trying to fool us by sitting it closer to the camera!? ), and also with the PPF (Power Plant Frame) maybe reducing the space for seats.  The whole thing may need to be widened to accommodate all that Miata stuff.

In secret, I hope you go for it, I'd love to see how things go.

Either way, I'm following that build.

I see upper and lower A arms so the shocks should be able to be modified to work.
Lot of Locost builders use Miata front suspension parts.

Interesting approach. I'm sure you recognize that the rigidity of the connection between front and rear suspensions is very dependent on the structure between the two, and the more you can spread out that structure the stiffer it is for any given weight.

Jim

Joe
Try using the PIXresizer it allows you to size the pictures so they will be accepted.
Lots of great projects and ideas hear.
Cheers
Dan

Thanks Dan - will try it. But although I have made progress -  The photos wouldn't show much - but will still take them when I return home in a couple of days. Progress I have made includes the shortened driveshaft and the PPF being shortened and reinstalled - with a small amount modification - but it works!  Next step is merging of the miata body (cut out trunk section which includes the strut supports) to the Spit body.  Will explain my plans with photos on the next post - and hope to hear more ideas from you guys as I am flying blind on this project. And I really appreciate the support you all have already expressed.

Hey everyone,

Been a while since I have posted but there is some news to catch up for those interested.  Have been delayed due to personal matters and home projects, etc. - y'all know how it is; however, I have made some progress.  The rear end with the Miata shock towers installed is done, the PPF is done, and the exhaust has been shortened and re-installed.  The measurements are turning out very well so far - although until the body is actually on the chassis nothing is certain.  The photos from the previous posts show the wheels/tires fitting very well under the rear fenders - well, with the shock towers in place the measurements look like the tires are actually going to protrude from the fenders by about 1.5-2.0".

I believe someone has already pointed out that a portion of the trunk area will need to be removed to fit the subframe - this IS true and is my next task - but from the looks of it - I am hopeful it will be less than I initially expected. I would post some photos, but there is really nothing new to see at this point - it basically looks like a Miata without it's body (which is what it is, just a bit shorter).  I'm hoping to get the trunk cut this week/wkend and have the body placed on it again - those photos will definitely be posted.  Just wanted to let you guys know I haven't given up.  Thanks.

Also, noticed several posts regarding Spit conversions and even another whole drivetrain conversion (Jag)  - anyone know how to search for these to get them into a group together ( and EASIER to find)? That would be great! Need all the advice I can get.

Well, just got home and did a quick measurement. A LOT of the area behind the seat and wheel wells is going to have to come out - but too far to turn back now. Hahaha! Remain calm and carry on, right?!

Hey guys I know this is old...but I absolutely love what is going on...I do have a question, I have planned to use a mx-5 drivetrain on my mk1 spitfire... any advice? I noticed everybody else uses the slightly newer spitfire. I have a mx-5 parts car at my disposal and an already gutted spitfire. Thanks in advance

it should work fine.....the dimensions are essentially the same-it all depends on how you want to mount the drivetrain and how you handle the wiring.  I recommend you read all the articles you can find on this type of swap-I used an article in the Spitfire & GT6 magazine as my starting point for the engine mounting....but decided on a few changes based on the depth of engineering(and frame cutting) I was willing to do.

That's the same article that inspired me Doug!

With Dan's permission I posted it on my site as well.
http://stevew10.wixsite.com/spit16/blank-uya6d

I think he was pretty ground-breaking back then and am indebted to him for sharing.  (he's a very nice guy, we've discussed a few issues through email)

Steve

that article was my inspiration also.....just as an FYI...I sold the Spitfire several months ago...but, I bought a TR7 droptop and dropped a Buick V6 in it....it was a much easier swap as there are several kits out there that make it easy.  I must admit, the amount of extra room in the TR7 compared to the Spit is like night and day....no more rubbing shoulders with someone in the passenger seat.  i'll have to start a new thread on my adventures with this new project.  It is QUITE fast with the V6..hehehe.

Joe! You still out there?

Any progress on this?

Steve

Hey guys. Finally made it back with some news on my project. Although I have been keeping up with you all's projects and they look great!   If you recall, I started with a 78 - and actually came pretty close to getting it on the road but I went TOO FAR with some body modifications and needless to say - it went completely sideways! And ended up beyond salvation. However, during my trials with the 78, I came across a 63 which was actually FREE (if that tells you anything - and it should lol). Anyway, I decided to just go with a straight swap of the drivetrain and be done - BUT I did end up fitting the Miata differential into the Spit frame.  It required pieces from both frames and a set of custom made axles - but it's in.  It uses coil over shocks instead of the leaf spring. All that required some cutting which I wasn't extremely happy about - but I wanted that rear end. Im using the miata hubs, the miata wiring harness, and clutch and brake systems. Only thing is no power steering and no power brakes - I learned to drive in a 1970 Chevy Longbed so I know what to expect.  Anyway, frame is basically done, engine is in, and it's time to start on the body.  The true test will obviously be when I get it on the road and try it all out - hopefully, it (and me) will all come back in one piece. Lol!

Apparently, my photos are too big to attach - not sure how to fix that - but will see what I can do when I return home.

And was just looking back at some of the previous posts regarding advice I received on my failed attempt - you guys were dead on. It was WAY TOO MUCH work and modifications with front towers, etc just could not be worked out and keep any kind of integrity in the body. With the 63, Im am very happy with the results to date.  Again, will see what I can do on the pics.