clshore
Charter Member
734 posts (TTN Power Member - a well respected man)
Jan-30-11, 12:46 PM (PST)
"400 HP Spitfire? What motor?"
OK, thrilled to see that TTN is back. It's winter for many members, time for some bench racing.
Long ago, in a thread whose details I cannot remember, a poster suggested the 2.3L Turbo Ford (from T-Bird) as a way to make a 400 HP Spitfire. I was not very accepting of the idea at the time.
Several such conversions have been done successfully (Max Brewster comes to mind).
There are many examples of other conversions with motors that could reach the 400 HP mark; SB Chevy, Fords, LT-1, etc.
My personal favorite would use an ex-F1 Ford Cosworth V-8, just to keep it British.
But seriously, if one were to set out today to achieve 400 HP in a Spitfire, what's the best route?
Turbocharging, fuel injection, and computerized engine management have made it possible to reach that power level with smaller lightweight powerplants, while maintaining driveability, handling, and even acceptable reliability.
Joe Curry
Member since Oct-20-03
1328 posts (An "official" TTN Senior Wrangler)
Jan-30-11, 08:19 PM (PST)
1. "RE: 400 HP Spitfire? What motor?"
In response to message #0
LAST EDITED ON Jan-30-11 AT 08:25 PM (PST)
My first question would be Why?
I find that the stock S2000 engine in Tiny Tim is more than enough power (240HP) for the car. I can't see how anyone could possibly use another 160HP.
The car's too light and not well enough aerodymically proportioned to use all the horsepower I have now. I could not imagine why anyone would want to add any more, unless it would be just to have done it.
Just my 2 cents worth.
Joe P.S. There is a Supercharger kit available for the S2000 engine that will push it up to 500 HP.
nevergiveup
Charter Member
132 posts (Dedicated enthusiast)
Jan-31-11, 07:39 AM (PST)
2. "RE: 400 HP Spitfire? What motor?"
In response to message #1
But would the supercharger even fit under the bonnet? Isn't it pretty tight in there already? And what could possibly be faster than a "scalded assed ape"?
Joe Curry
Member since Oct-20-03
1328 posts (An "official" TTN Senior Wrangler)
Jan-31-11, 08:55 AM (PST)
3. "RE: 400 HP Spitfire? What motor?"
In response to message #2
That is a good question and one that will apply to any conversion aimed at 400 HP.
The answer is: "In my case, yes since the engine is mounted way back in the chassis for weight distribution purposes." The Superdcharger mounts not on top but on the right side of the engine where there is more room.
clshore
Charter Member
734 posts (TTN Power Member - a well respected man)
Feb-04-11, 10:24 AM (PST)
4. "RE: 400 HP Spitfire? What motor?"
In response to message #1
Why? C'mon Joe, it's 'bench racing', remember? Why did you install the S2000 motor? There are folks who would say "... the stock motor has more than enough horsepower for the car ... I could not imagine why anyone would want to add any more ..." I guarantee that I can drive a stock Spitfire in a manner that will soil the pants of just about any passenger. I can drive a stocker fast enough get a speeding ticket in any state or country.
So back to the bench racing, your vote is a supercharged S2000?
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