I have a 1976 spitfire 1500, I’ve gotten it to the point where I can start it consistently with some manipulation of the choke. After idling for a bit the motor will sputter out regardless of how many different choke positions I try.

The only thing that prevents it from sputtering out is if I keep my foot on the gas pedal. I can rev the car at will as long as I never completely let off the gas. I’ve had it idling for minutes at a time while maintaining 1500/2000 rpm’s. If I hold the rpm’s and let off the pedal, the motor will start to sputter, but upon pressing and holding the gas pedal the motor will stabilize and be fine.

I’ve replaced the spark plugs, coil, battery, air filter and ensured fuel is getting past the fuel pump into the carb.

I’ve not messed with or cleaned the carb.

So I have a 76 tr6. I use it to get groceries and go on summer drives and just do basic normal driving only on nice days. I won't be racing it ever, rarely will have it on the hwy. But I have heard these cars roll "easily", but I actually doubt it. I think they have a low center. I have read countless forums and have heard they are basically mouse traps and actually increases the risk of a tbi if I'm not wearing a helmet. I have read that the ones used for racing are special and made in conjunction with special seats, belts, helmets etc. I used to race Subarus and know this to be true.

I was wanting to get all your opinions! Thanks in advance.

I can make out some text like: spitfire/midget (kinda rude ngl), BRITISH LEYLAND, and England.

Car is a 78' spitfire would be appreciated if someone had a picture or print out!

Given how infamously unreliable the Triumph Stag's 3-litre V8 was, wouldn't it have been better if British Leyland had not axed the Daimler V8, which was last produced in 1969, and kept it in production for the Triumph Stag? Why was it not considered?

The 2.5 litre Daimler V8 had 140bhp - only 5 less than the Stag V8 - and was definitely more reliable. The 4.5 litre Daimler V8 with 220bhp could also have been refined and retuned and made a luxury option for the Stag, since it did well for the Daimler Majestic Major.

I have a new wooden gear knob for my spitfire.

The old one I can just unscrew and it comes off, but the hole in the new one is much too small. I am assuming I just drill out some of the plastic bit around the hole of the new knob to make the hole a bit bigger and screw it on.

But best to double check in case there is some weird tool or something not obvious that I should do instead.

Recently got both a new set of door handles and a new throttle cable both have caused nothing but problems and the door handles broke after the first day. Is this common for there spitfire parts or am I just unlucky?

Ok so i randomly parked up and left the car for a bit, i come back to it and absolutely nothing happens when i turn the key, the ignition lights come on but thats basically it, the first time i tried to restart it there was a small click from the starter but since then it hasnt made a noise whenever ive tried, ive tested the battery and its got a full charge (12.7 volts) but the starter just isnt working, idk if they can just randomly die or what but im curious if anyone else has had this issue or knows how to sort it

As as an apprentice motor mechanic working for the Standard Vanguard/Triumph/Rover distributors in Wellington NZ in the mid sixties, I remember we serviced a couple of these. I think one of them was a 2 litre six cylinder and I clearly remember what it was like to drive ... and it also had a quite unique exhaust note.

Locked up gt6 engine and they wanted 550 without the transmission. Both carbs are even locked up and I'm already dealing with issues with my 1500.

I have 1k to spare but I wont have enough to build the engine after I buy it.

Anyone in touch with Peter H in Ireland? He does fantastic wood dashes and door toppers.

I was organizing some stuff from him, he seemed to vanish for a bit, then was back but told me he had been ill. Now he’s gone silent again.

Hope he’s ok…

Edit: I'm looking at doing your body conversion and my understanding is the GT6 has the best handling suspension between all of these cars if you get the later one. My hope is to find one with a good rolling chassis but a completely dead and beat up body. So for everybody talking about how one looks better than the other one, it's not relevant, it was never relevant to the question in the first place. We don't have to worry about swapping body panels. It's for a body conversion. And I won't be molesting a good car.

Hey everyone, I know it's a weird question, I was just wondering how similar the chassis were between the cars. In terms of body attachment points, are they largely similar?

Currently talking with a shop about engine work, and I met a guy who gave me a free 1jz single turbo. I plan on just running NA for a while but will over build the engine.

The 2 questions I had for anyone who has sent their engine to a machine shop.

1 has anyone sleeved the 1.5l to 1.6?

2 can I run a draw through setup with an intercooler?

While the engine is in the shop I can work on the floor, differential and transmission.

Going to look at this 1979 spitfire 1500 in a week or so, last time I visited this sub I was told just how bad all of these little cars were, however for some reason I am inexplicably drawn to them.

Would be my third car so it doesn't need to be particularly reliable, I have a garage to work on it in(although It will probably not live in there full time, depends on if I decide I want to keep my Volvo in there over this or not), I'm pretty mechanically inclined and learning more on a regular basis, I have a steady stream of disposable income, and the patience to endure a lot of BS.

Downsides are that I've heard this engine isn't particularly reliable and it's not running well according to the listing, there's probably some sneaky rust not shown in pics(Wisconsin car), and idk if I fit in them. I'm 6'4, more torso than leg, I fit in a stock ND Miata but only barely.

Seller is asking 2500, some advice on if this is a reasonable price and any particular issues to watch out for would be much appreciated!

Thank you

I brought home my blue TR 7 yesterday and have a couple questions:

Best place to buy an air filter, none of the major stores had one.

Does my dual carb TR7 have a fuel filter? I can’t seem to locate it.

What would cause a rough idle? Runs fine at highway speeds.

Best place for a new top, this one leaks a lot.

Thanks and sorry for all the questions.