Coming soon, a series of photos detailing the removal of my bone-stock transmission from the blue Spitfire (Yes, the one in the header) and the installation of the freshly rebuilt overdrive transmission into same. Also, some light engine work, replacement of freeze-plugs, check the thrust washers, etc
Spitfires, especially the earliest model, were more torque than speed. The fast feel of the car is likely generated by the fact that your arse is not more than 6 inches from the ground, so 50 miles per hour feels like 70. Top speed for a stock ‘64 Spitfire is around 90mph. I’ve had a Spitfire that fast, ONE time. Felt like the car was going to fly apart.
Don’t let that statement make you think I dislike the Spitfire. I have 2. I wouldn’t trade them for anything.
Well…maybe trade the 2nd car for a Jaguar E-Type. Yes, I know the XKE is worth more. I don’t care. 1 XKE for my 2nd Spitfire, and that’s final.
The overdrive that Triumph/BL selected is a Laycock De Normanville unit; The D (I believe) and the J-type (For sure) are the models used, the D in earlier cars, and the J in later. We’ve had a later-model Spitfire transmission with a J-type unit laying about in California for years, it’s a holdover from a previous car I had in a past life.
However, the transmission had seen better days in it’s life. My friend Michael tore down the unit, thinking that some gaskets and o-rings in the overdrive were all I needed. Well, it needed a lot more. Bearings, the front caged bearing for the pilot shaft was *gone* and others were similar. Syncros, a gear replaced, some gaskets, o-rings, etc. and there is now a freshly rebuilt transmission in a crate in a UPS truck heading from California to Florida with my name on it.
More to come, Soon.
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