Spitfire 6 (2.5 L)
(or more appropriately: GT6 Convertible)
1968 Triumph Spitfire/1969 GT6+ conversion
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Last modified 07/04/2007
were added on this date.
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My attraction to the Spitfire began in 1969 when I was a senior in hight school.  I worked at an airport in Ohio and bougfht this Mk2 Spitfire from an airplane mechanic.  I had to sell it to have money for college, and I've missed it ever since.  Now I'm restoring a '68 Spitfire to look much like my high school wheels and go like the one of my dreams....before I'm 90 years old.
Photos of and links for other Sptifire 6 and 8 conversions
Discussion of possible engine swaps
LIST OF MODIFICATIONS PLANNED
FOR THE SPIT6 / GT6 CONVERTIBLE PROJECT
(
=completed)
Chemically strip,  restore, prime and paint the  '69 GT6+ frame.
Install TR6 engine with modifications:
New head with hardened stainless steel exhaust valves, ported and polished .
Engine block has been hot dipped and magnifluxed.
New forged JE pistons modified for turbocharging.
add a Turbonetics T4/T3 hybrid turbo and Electronic Fuel Injection with the help of Corky Bell of Bell Engineering.
Install 5 speed transmission:
-either a Datsun 5 spd.. with modified bell housing or adapter to fit the TR6 engine,
-or a Toyota Supra 5 spd.. from Conversions Components Ltd. ( www.conversioncomp.co.nz.com ) which comes with  a custom built bell housing:      Specs.             It's arrived!
Modify frame for Toyota Supra Transmission:
Adapt  a limited slip differential:
Possibly modify a Datsun 510 differential and adapt a TR6 type coupling,
or install a Quaife (ATB) torque biasing differential into my GT6 carrier.
replace Rotoflex couplings with CV joints for durabiliy.
Custom build the drive (propeller) shaft with correct flanges for transmission and differentials used.
Install the '68 Spitfire Mk3 body to modified GT6 chassis with TR6 engine (lowered and moved back 9 in.),LSD rear end and aluminum trailing arm and lower wishbone.
Trial fit of body to chassis.
Body panel modifications.
design and fabricate functional dual sidepipes.
design a functional rollbar similar to the AC Cobra rollbar.
Use a GT6 Mk1 fiberglass bonnet providing a weight savings of 20 lbs.  As of 11/02, I've aquired a LeMans style GT6 bonnet that I'll be using
Replace Spitfire wiring harness with GT6 harness.
New carpet (using GT6 carpet set to fit transmission tunnel and to cover the rear wheel wells).
Replace seats with Mazda Miata seats (see Geof Bush's website: go to tech tips/Miata seats)
with built in headrest speakers; custom "Midnight Blue" leather, and Triumph logo.
Custom burled walnut dash modified from GT6 Mk1 dash.
Sand blast and repaint body Silver/blue similar to my highschool spitfire.
Design a custom burled walnut dash modified from GT6 Mk1 dash.
Install GT6 doors with window vent wings.
Srip and repaint body Silver/blue similar to my highschool spitfire.
Replace stock wheels with NOS 16"x7" GR8 Alloy wheels ( a minilight style wheel, no longer available).
Aluminum wheel hubs in front, aluminum body gas-charged adjustable shocks (front and rear) and powder coated coil springs up front with Wilwood rotors and calipers. Aluminum hub adapters in the rear; both front and rear hub bolt pattern changed to 4x100 to accommodate the GR8 wheels. These were supplied by Performance Research Industries.
* *
CHRONOLOGY  OF EVENTS AND WORK COMPLETED ON THE SPIT 6 AND MY OTHER SPITS AND GT6s.
LINK TO VENDORS WHO WERE HELPFUL IN MY RESTORATION PROJECTS
My Spitfires: then, now and in the future
'68 Mk3 Spitfire purchased Nov. '98.  Comm #FD11675L
(This is is the body donor for my Spit6)
Photo taken in 1969 of my Mk2 Spitfire
'69 GT6+ purchased Feb. '99
Comm #KC51281L
(This is the Chassis donor for my Spit6)
'70 GT6+ purchased Dec. '99
Comm #KC80074L
Sold: Summer 2005
'63 Mk1 Spitfire puchased April '01
Comm #FC8272L
(Currently: undergoing restoration for my son)
'66 Mk2 Spitfire purchased April, '00
Comm #FC67123L
(Currently: partially disassembled; awaiting restoration)
'70 GT6+ purchased Aug. '01
Comm #DC79098L
'68 Spitfire purchased July 14, 2005
Comm #FD29452L
(I currently drive these two cars to club events, shows and for recreation.)
My garage
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