V6 Mark Posted March 12, 2008 Share Posted March 12, 2008 Hi guys Just bought (the seemingly less popular) non-overdrive MKIV and wondering what I can expect in terms of performance. The engine has 41k miles on the clock backed up with MOT certs and runs nice and smoothly (if a bit tappety). Seems to like to change gear between 2,000 and 2,500 rpm but am not sure if it will ever want to go above 50mph. Would appreciate your thoughts on whether this seems about right (ist gear is a b*tch to engage but other than that no problems so far). Have most 1300 owners installed overdrive? if so what is the budget for this - will other O/d's bolt up? Apologies if this is regularly hgihlighted in other threads - but as a newbie I'm allowed at least one dumb post!! CheersMark Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AJ.Lintern Posted March 12, 2008 Share Posted March 12, 2008 Why can't you change gear above 2500 rpm? ??) Is it unable to rev cleanly above this? Should be able to hit 6k+ rpm with a MKIV 1300. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
neilnaz Posted March 12, 2008 Share Posted March 12, 2008 These are not dumb questions at all.My first car was a Spitfire MkIV without overdrive.Firstly performance. My MkIV would wheeze up to 90+MPH and was no rocket but it would wind itself round to 5500+ in all gears. I don't get what you mean about likes changing up between 2000 and 2500RPM. You should if you want be able to take it to above 5000RPM before changing gear. If it doesn't want to rev then it would suggest that it could do with a tune-up.I drove my MkIV for 3 years without bothering with overdrive. I now have a Spit1500 and have added overdrive which is an excellent addition making country lanes a joy flicking in and out of O/D in 3rd gear. It also makes cruising at 70MPH+ much more bearable if doing longer motorway journeys.I would say, having got overdrive on my car, that it is a great investment for enjoyment, economy and driveability but I would invest in getting the car well sorted first. I toyed with the idea of getting an unknown quantity of an Ebay O/D gearbox and the necessary ancillaries (propshaft, speedo angle drive, O/D gearbox mount) and doing the job myself. I then thought that it would be a lot of work especially as I might have to take the gearbox out after finding it was duff.I considered a kit from the usual supliers (Canleys, Rimmers (etc)) but in the end I phoned around and found a good O/D gearbox that had been looked at by Mike Papworth (well-known gearbox specialist) and passed good supplied and fitted by Max at Totally Triumph with a 3 month warranty. This for my pocket worked out as a good compromise between cost (around £500) fitted and warranted in place of Ebay purchase (around £200 with other parts) not fitted and no guarantees or Canleys kit (undoubtedly the best kit but £1000ish) not fitted but with a year guarantee.I think you need to look at your budget. It is definitely a DIY job. I did change a gearbox on my MkIV years ago in a B&B carpark.I hope this is helpful, Neil Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
npanne Posted March 12, 2008 Share Posted March 12, 2008 Back in the day when my MkIV moved (humph), I manged to achieve 70+ (honest officer), possibly nearer 80 downhill, but to be brutally honest I was terrified. With no wing mirrors, and cloudy rear windows on the hood, I had no idea what was behind me.You should be able to achieve this without problems (mine has never been particularly well tuned), but remember, if you're used to a modern car make sure that you're familiar with the 35 year old brakes ! The difference is quite astounding. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jowettdriver Posted March 12, 2008 Share Posted March 12, 2008 From what you describe I'd defiantly say that something is wrong. I have a 74 non O/D Mk IV which is surprisingly nippy. The 1300 engine is quite rvvy and will happily flick past 5000. As Neil says, 90 is about your lot, and a bit of work to get too, but 80 should come up quite readily.As the car is new to you I'd start with a thourogh service to include a good close look at the ignition system. Make sure that the Ignition timing is set correctly, (I cant remember the figures off the top of my head, but no doubt someone here will be able to advise.) If available I'd set it up with a timing light or if you're not sure then take it somewhere who has the equipment and know how to set up an older points ignition system. If that does not help at all then you need to start looking at the fueling side of things, valve timing etc, but more often than not it’s the ignition system at fault.Personally speaking, I would not fit an overdrive to mine, I drive an automatic acclaim every day so when I get in the spit, I love the challenge and satisfaction of working it up and down the box, along a nice twisty lane. That said at the end of the day it’s a matter of personal taste, but as Neil says its pointless doing anything like that until you have sorted the underlying problems.Hope this helps,CheersTim. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sparky_spit Posted March 12, 2008 Share Posted March 12, 2008 Adding overdrive is a good option, but I'd suggest getting the engine tune sorted first otherwise you will not really be solving the initial problem. Your Mk4 should certainly perform better than you describe.I was lucky to find a good secondhand J type overdrive complete with a single rail gearbox out of a Triumph Dolomite 1500, at a local specialists. I paid £85 a couple of years back, which was a bargain - I reckon you would need to budget about £150 - £180 normally. The ratios are not as good as the Spit, but I find them okay.You'll need a shorter propshaft, so get yours shortened locally at an engineering place - mine was £35 including balancing. Speedo angle drive was £20 secondhand; overdrive switch came with the 'box but you may need to source one elswhere, and a new overdrive rear gearbox mount is about £15.Go for it! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Clive Posted March 12, 2008 Share Posted March 12, 2008 The prices on overdrives seems to have shot up recently. At stoneleigh conversions were selling for over £300, as good but no guarentee.However OD does not improve performance, if anything a small reduction BUT it is more relaxing on longer journeys. For a fun weekend car try without, decide later if you want to invest the serious cash. But do get it tuned.And welcome to the madness of TriumphsClive Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
madjonat Posted March 12, 2008 Share Posted March 12, 2008 :)ditch the overdrive!! i have a 1500 attached to a 4speed box.. whenever i go anywhere i avoid the motorways (more fun ;D) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
V6 Mark Posted March 12, 2008 Author Share Posted March 12, 2008 Thanks guys and thanks for the welcome! I have only driven it once and my 2,00-2,500 rpm gear change comment is perhaps more a reflection of my comfort zone that the cars potential (I have a 3.0 Scimitar and Sunbeam Alpine - neither of which are `revvy`) so perhaps I am doing the little engine an injustice and just need to get used to the higher revs! Good suggestions regarding the tune up though - I'll service it this weekend in between rebuilding the Scimitar suspension (TR) and hopefully getting the new DD hood fitted which came with the car (I'm not doing this myself though! - CarHoodsDirect or Quiller I hope will fit it in and charge about £90 inc. which I think is not bad and should make quite a difference to the car) other than that more t-cutting to make the paint look presentableThanks again for comments - we'll see how she goes this weekend - floods/storms permitting !CheersMark Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Deleted User Posted March 12, 2008 Share Posted March 12, 2008 Mark, Welcome .Where in the UK are you? and in regard to T-Cutting the paint, there are less harsh abrasives out there that work well. T-cut removes paint.Rob Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
V6 Mark Posted March 20, 2008 Author Share Posted March 20, 2008 Well, tappets done and leaky fuel pump fixed and it certainly makes a difference. Happy with the higher revving and braved it to 70 on the M25 to Tonbridge where I got the new hood fitted. Ordering a service kit from Rimmers today and new engine mounts Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Richard B Posted March 20, 2008 Share Posted March 20, 2008 Well years ago I had a tired MkIV 1300 O/D. On a down hill stretch of motorway I managed to wind the speedo up to 90 - 95mph. Took a bloody long time to get there! ;) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
thealligator Posted March 20, 2008 Share Posted March 20, 2008 Needs a good trashing. It is probable coked up. It could have belonged to my wife! She thinks the world will come an end if she goes over 40 mph.As for my 1300 (Toledo powered) Spitfire none overdrive. Pulls 70+ in third no probs and quickly As for top, well in excess of the national speed limit. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Camo Posted March 22, 2008 Share Posted March 22, 2008 Welcome Mark,I have had a few Spitfires in my time and even fitted overdrive to a few cars on my own. If you intend doing anything more than just driving around town at 30 then I would suggest a long term plan to fit the overdrive, it really takes the strain out of motorways / A3 driving.I see you're in Cheam, I am in Tolworth and am more than happy to help out with any problems, advise or just another pair of hands... message meStuart Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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