jeffc Posted December 8, 2008 Share Posted December 8, 2008 Greetings Folks, I have been asking a couple of questions concerning Spitfire suspension and have received some enquiries so I thought that I would share...... First, a little history: I bought the Spitfire in the winter of 1983. Yup. 1983. Drove it for about a year, then KABLOOIE!! Hmmm... Do all LBC engines sound like exploding grenades? Not to worry. Gentlemen, we can rebuild it. We have the technology. Better... Stronger... Faster... 24 years later.... Maybe I should get to work on that thing in the garage (?). Now... THE PLAN! (Kind of gives you the chills up and down your spine).... Engine: Oldsmobile 215 aluminum (aluminium?) block and heads. Check 10.5:1 CR. Check Fuel Injection. Still researching TR8 5 speed. Check Front Suspension: Adjustable upper control arm. Letting Mr. Bestard make it through the holidays before continuing the discussion. Adjustable lower control arms. See above. Pro-Tech shocks. In discussions, waiting until I decide on the rear. Eibach coil springs. See above Upgrade front brakes. Need to decide on which set. Rear Suspension: New frame welded in. Complete Adjustable upper control link. Purchased Adjustable lower control links. Have material, need to weld Radius arm: Jigsaw racing Pro-Tech shocks. In discussions to determine best set. Eibach coil springs. See above Inboard brakes. Researching Differential: Original (until it blows up). Research options Wheels: Minilite 16X7. Need to decide offset. Tires (Tyres). Goodyear Eagle F1 195/50-16 Body: Leave as stock as possible. I will get some pictures linked soon. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mother Teresa Posted December 8, 2008 Share Posted December 8, 2008 Texas Spitfire- or The 6 Million Dollar Man(where's Oscar Goldman?) That's an ambitious spec, I wish you luck! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DaveNotSoSideways Posted December 8, 2008 Share Posted December 8, 2008 24 years later.... Heh! In the right place here for this stuff I think! Look forward to seeing this! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nick B. Posted December 9, 2008 Share Posted December 9, 2008 I like the plan - but do please make an effort with the bonnet and avoid things like this or this danish one (however he got that through MOT????? ) or this AAAAAARRRRRGGHHHHHHHHHHH :o or Well - just my opinion anyway. I have seen bonnets modified nice to accomodate for larger engines, but unfortunately some people starts with having an engine - instead of starting with the car and find out which engine will suit it. IF you really have to cut a hole, try making the bulge along the lines of a GT6 - suit the car better Anyway - your car - your choice ;D ;D This car has managen to get the engine under the bonnet by doing this You can always discuss the other mods to the bonnet..... Cheers Nick Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jonb67 Posted December 9, 2008 Share Posted December 9, 2008 I know nothing about inboard brakes: Seems a tight and enclosed space to me though. Can you get enough air flow to them to cool? On the V8 conversion I helped with a subaru diff was used with excellent results. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DaveNotSoSideways Posted December 10, 2008 Share Posted December 10, 2008 Might want to look at the seals in the outlet flange/shafts if retaining the stock diff ;) Nick, that white one with blue stripes ain't that bad! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jeffc Posted December 10, 2008 Author Share Posted December 10, 2008 I have a place about 10 miles up the road that, 24 years ago, was a Triumph specialty shop. Now they are everything British. I am going to have them go through the diff and the gearbox. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bonsaiisuperstar Posted December 11, 2008 Share Posted December 11, 2008 I think the 3rd pic bonnet is tastfully done. A blown Spitfire seems like a deathwish to me. Looks cool though...very AC Cobra like. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jeffc Posted January 22, 2009 Author Share Posted January 22, 2009 Just an update..... Eibach springs arrived (Just like Tigger ......Bouncy, bouncy, bouncy, bouncy!) Adjustable rear upper control links arrived Adjustable lower control links welded (will be powder coated after the rear suspension mods are complete) Protech shocks ordered (It has been 14 days and Protech has not yet responded. Hmmm... are they still in business?) SD1 transmission being overhauled (should be finished next week). Tune in later to this same Bat channel.... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jeffc Posted May 8, 2009 Author Share Posted May 8, 2009 Well........ The Pro-Tech history... Began communication: Dec. 04, 2008 Multiple e-mails to determine specs. Placed order: Jan. 07 2009 (both online and an e-mail to clarify) NO reply. Sent additional e-mail asking if they accepted the order: Jan. 28, 2009 Received e-mail requesting address and phone number (phone number was included since Jan. 07 e-mail): Jan 29, 2009 Sent address and phone number: Jan 29, 2009 Received e-mail concerning 1/2 inch bushes and length: Jan. 30 2009 Sent confirmation on specs: Jan 31, 2009 NOTHING since Jan 31, 2009!! I am moving on to AVO. I know that Konis are better but, since I am not racing and Konis are 50% more expensive than AVO.......... Now, if everything else is equal, does anybody have opinions concerning the pros and cons of 1.9" vs. 2,25" shock bodies? Is it merely a weight savings or are there other dynamics involved? (maybe this should be in the suspension section?) Thanks in advance, Jeff Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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