1968 Spitfire rear suspension prep for competition - questions?

[rickl750]

Hi Guys,
I hope someone can assist with a few questions. I'm working on a 1968 Triumph Spitfire for vintage racing, the cars in this group are pretty stock, so no real modifications are allowed. Anyway, my questions pertain to the rear suspension.

Spitfire swing axles tend to break so I need to address this issue.
Do the axles break or separate from axle flange? I saw in a forum were the flanges were welded, is this correct? Or are they just too weak and they snap mid shaft etc?

I know that GT6 axles are a good replacement, but I also heard that VW and Corvair also work well. Does anyone know what year VW works and are any modifications required?


To reduce the swing-axle jacking effect.
Adding a pillow block between the leaf spring and rear to straighten the leaf spring, is this correct? And where can I buy one?

A Z-bar should be installed. I've looked everywhere but no luck, does anyone have any ideas were I can buy one or do I have to make it myself?

Shocks installed upside down to reduce unsprung weight

Please see link below, this is an example of a car that uses most of these suggestions.

http://www.britishracecar.com/PatRyan-Triumph-Spitfire.htm

Thank you for your assistance,

Rick

[74ls1tr6]

Hi Rick,

Welcome to BV8.

Here is a link or websites that may help you out with your questions.

http://www.triumphspitfire.com/substitute.html Check out this whole website.

http://www.triumphexperience.com/ Also post your questions on this site.

http://www.britishv8.org/Triumph/JoeCurry.htm  Joe Curry could probably answer most of your questions, I just don't know his ID on this site. Maybe someone else can chim in that information for you.

[rickl750]

Calvin,
thank you for your response.

Regards,

Rick

[Graham B]

Hi Rick,

It might also be worth looking at
http://www.prirace.com/spitfire-rear-suspension.asp
but that may be more mods than you are allowed, still it may give you some other options/ideas

Cheers

Graham

[Wendall Brown III]

I picked up a block for my 70' leaf spring off ebay. Be careful when looking for one though. They changed the bolt pattern for the leaf mount on the diff in 71. In accordance to PRI, don't expect your part to arrive any time soon. It seems like they start making things when you order them.

[rickl750]

Guys,
thanks for the info I found plenty of advice at the triumph experience site.

regards,
rick