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Triumph Spitfire - 1300cc vs 1500cc

Hi Folks
I may get shot for posting this as its not in direct relation to a Triumph.
Hear Goes.

I own a 1979 MG Midget rebuilt by me over the last 2 years, its now in conc. class 2.
During my engine rebuild I discovered that the engine was in fact out of a Triumph 1300 spitfire.
It is fitted with the 1500cc head (large valves) & runs very well with bages of torque.
From all my readings about the 1500 been over stressed I am lookig for Tech. info regarding the 1300.

Basic facts - the block, crank & cam shaft are late 1300 spec. so the only diff I can see is the pistins & actual swept volume.

Can anyone please give me the performance details of the late 1300 vs the 1500?
- BHP.
- Torque @ spcific rpm
- Any history ? is the 1300 bottom end stronger than the 1500?

Anything would be of great interest.

Thanks in advance
Vaughan

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Vaughan Rich

Hi Vaughan

I probably can't help you on all these points, but I'll let you know what I do.

First up, the bottom end. The 1300 runs a 3 bearing crank. As such, it is probably weaker than that found on the 1500. Some actually prefer this bottom end, as the mechanical/frictional losses are less than the 1500.

Regarding power and torque. The 1300 from the Mk3 Spitfire is said to generate more power than the later 1500, which is a more torquey engine. However, comparisons of power and torque from manufacturer's data is difficult: there were different standards in place between the time of the rating of the 1300 and 1500... it is said that the claims for the 1300 may have been a little, er, optimistic! Perhaps if someone has rolling road tested their standard car could comment?

Sorry, not too much help. My Mk3 has a 1300 in it, and I love it and its ability to rev sweetly and quickly up to the red line. Much better than any modern engine I can think of.

Rob
Rob Bell

Vaughan go the VTR site(www.vtr.org/) they have all the specs for the Spitfire from the first model up and including the 1500.
Steve.
Steve

This thread was discussed between 26/07/2000 and 09/08/2000

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