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[vacaloca]

So here's my story...

My dad was the original owner back in the 70's. After going through two engines it has sat in his garage, not running, since '82... 

Now it's my turn, in my garage...

I have the second engine, and I'm not sure exactly what's wrong with it.  Other than that the floor pans need replaced, and the interior could use an overhaul.  The rear right wheel will not spin, and I would like to have the exterior repainted.  There are no real signs of rust, so my main initial focus will be the engine, followed by the interior.

I want more than stock power, and I'm not concerned with staying true to the internals, as long as it still looks like a Spit.

So my question is, having never dealt with the mechanics of vehicles, where would everyone start?  Should I try and rebuild the engine I have with modifications, buy a rebuilt and modify, or transplant a different engine entirely?

Obviously the goal is bang for buck, and either way I'm open to all kinds of advice, and direction...

Thanks!!!

-Jon

[Jody]

I would go with a rebuilt engine from a reputable shop. It may cost more than doing it yourself, but it will avoid a lot of surprises (and headaches). My opinion is that transplanting a different engine would cause the car to lose some of it character and appeal.

[RedSpit_RVA]

A spit engine isn't that hard to rebuild yourself if you feel up to it. I've heard of people not even removing the block and just pulling the pistons out of the bottom of the block. I however have not attempted this method. Some relatively simple mods that would get you more power:

- Do a cam swap with a racier cam ~ $300-500

- Bigger, badder, carb(s) ~ $600+

- Higher compression pistons ~ $200

- Exhaust ~ $400

- Aluminum Flywheel ~ $500

Jody is right, rebuilding the engine yourself will cause you to have surprises and headaches, but thats kind of the point of owning a Triumph... Man up and rebuild the engine yourself. You'll always feel better when people ask you about that car if you're able to say I rebuilt the engine, not just I paid somebody to rebuild the engine.

[Jody]

I must disagree, a Lotus is full of headaches and surprises, having owned a Spit they are a piece of cake.