Foggers

Hi All, I'm rebuilding a 1500 Dolly (prefix YC) engine to go in a Spitfire. I want to replace the water pump, but I don't know the year of the engine, and I see there are different pumps fitted to the 1500 engine. Anyone able to tell me how to identify which pump is correct? It hasn't got a fan on it, so I don't know whether it HAS to be a viscous fan drive type, if that is what was originally fitted. (Are all the pump bodies the same & interchangeable?) Thanks in advance Brendan.

Hi All, Getting towards re-assembling refurb engine, and looking for advice/experience/opinion on finishing. I'm painting with red VHT paint. Here's the list of questions: 1) Paint in parts or assembled (or 'empty' assembled)? 2) OK to paint some gasket faces (e.g. front plate-timing cover face). There appear to be traces of paint on here already. 3) Is it OK to blast the frontplate/backplate before painting? 4) Any tips on curing the VHT paint. It will be a while before the engine gets run, and I've heard that it really needs to be cured at a higher temperature than the engine would normally reach anyway. I'm not sure I'll be allowed to put it in the kitchen oven, even if it would fit. 5) Mechanical question. The front plate on this engine is slightly bent backwards on one side. I can't tell with the engine that is currently in the car. Is it meant to be like this, or should it be flat all the way? Thanks in advance for your input. Brendan

Greetings all, Getting ready for major parts replacement to make a 1500 Spit more of a joy to drive, and look at. This question regards paint finish on front & rear springs. Is there any reason why either front coils or rear leaf shouldn't be powder coated? I just got a new rear spring, which is fine but the paint finish on it is pretty awful, and I am contemplating stripping, blasting and powder coating. The fronts are looking rough, so, along with wishbones etc, I'm looking to powder coat them at the same time. Experience an opinion gratefully received. There are some similar questions posted in other headings. Thanks Brendan

Thanks very much, Newman "road" cam ordered. As I said, this is a standard motor build to replace the current unit which is about to die. The sick one may get rebuilt as something a bit fancier Back with more questions later. Cheers Brendan

Thanks very much. Newman road cam ordered. When I get the about-to-die unit out, that may get a little bit of hot work done to it, in the knowledge that the one I am currently rebuilding will be a reliable backup. Cheers Brendan

Hi All, I'm just rebuilding a standard 1500 engine for Spitfire, and am going to fit a new cam. I'm not looking at doing any tuning work on it, so upgrades are not of primary importance. Just after a solid reliable motor. If, for around the same sort of money, I can get something a little better without porting etc, then that would be good. It appears that TH5 and TR5 do not do much without the extra work. The vast array of cams of different grinds and manufacturers is giving me a headache, so would someone please make the decision for me? I've read about the concerns of hardening on regrinds, so don't want to go for an exchange, unless someone knows of a source that is known to have a good re-hardening process. I am interested in the price!! When the existing (dying) motor comes out, that may get treated quite differently!! Any other pointers for supply of the other internal gratefully received. Who supplies high quality mains/ends at a good price? What are all these complete rebuild kits like? Many thanks for your offerings. Brendan Again spending my money on her spitfire!!

Thanks Darren/Pete. That's useful info There'll be lots more questions from me. I haven't worked on a Spitfire since the 70's, and those braincells are long gone!! Cheers Foggers

Hello All. An empty forum!! Excellent, that means I can ask dumb questions without being pointed to he archive. Though I might well be pointed to other places. Anyway, excuse the ignorance. We have late 1500 Spitfire (79) with very worn waxstat HS4 carbs. I want to rebuild these, and at the same time convert to standard jets. Can anyone identify the most economical source and part numbers for doing this? Rimmers do a rebuild kit and a conversion kit, but that works out V expensive. I think what I need is: Standard jet rebuild kit Standard jet bearings New needles (What is standard?) Choke-jet lifter link Choke-jet lifter crank Is anything else needed to do this conversion/rebuild? Should I aim to re-bush for the new throttle spindles? As I understand it, the HS4 spindles run straight in the body, but bushes can be fitted. Where can these bushes be obtained? I've seen an American source, but cannot find the size referenced from a UK supplier. Any other hints and tips? I know there is plenty of documentation available on SU carbs, but I have had difficulty identifying what applies generally, and what is specific to particular carb variants. e.g. the link arms and levers for the choke. Likewise, there appear to be 3 different jet bearings, but I haven't been able to identify the differences between them. Many thanks in anticipation. I hope that this form becomes a tight source for information. It appears that this is a good opportunity to collate the mountains of wisdom and experience. Cheers Foggers