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Author: Subject: Rear suspension - Coil overs for Spitfire Mk3?
Northpole

posted on 21/12/14 at 12:27 PM Reply With Quote
Rear suspension - Coil overs for Spitfire Mk3?

I hope someone here can help me out on my Triumph Spitfire Mk3 1968 powered by Hayabusa engine. Weight is 690 kg and distribution is 51% in front and 49% for the rear.

Upgrade of the rear suspension:

I have decided it was time to upgrade the rear suspension with a full CV jointed axle setup along with another diff with LSD and better ratio (3,55:1). The Leafspring, diff and the swing axles will be removed and my goal is to go the full independent rear suspension route.
These modifications will be custom made.

But, I have not found the right suspension yet, i.e. I am looking for Coil Overs or a good solution for the rear suspension.

Any good advice's greatly appreciated.





Sigurjon Johannsson
Triumph Spitfire Mk3 1968 Hayabusa powered
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ln2Km9mVXYI

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gremlin1234

posted on 21/12/14 at 04:08 PM Reply With Quote
the simplest significant upgrade to spitfire mk3 suspension is to change the rear spring to 'swing spring' and associated front anti roll bar: all as per mk iv and 1500.

after that longer drive shafts may help (as per the late mk iv and 1500)

for a different arrangement, the gt6 'rotoflex' is also an option.

all of these can be done without substantial body or chassis changes.

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snakebelly

posted on 21/12/14 at 04:46 PM Reply With Quote
wouldn't fancy putting Hyabusa power through a rotoflex joint :-)
As already said, unless you are looking to alter the chassis a swing spring plus a 78" front ARB si probably your only option. Spax do adjustable rear shocks.

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softfeet

posted on 21/12/14 at 05:23 PM Reply With Quote
This link shows someone putting coilovers and CV joints on a GT6.

He kept the Triumph diff, though. He also kept the transverse leaf spring to act as the upper wishbone.

http://myweb.tiscali.co.uk/tlweb/gt6/repmod/mod_sus_rr_shocks.html

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Northpole

posted on 24/12/14 at 03:50 PM Reply With Quote
quote:
Originally posted by softfeet
This link shows someone putting coilovers and CV joints on a GT6.

He kept the Triumph diff, though. He also kept the transverse leaf spring to act as the upper wishbone.

http://myweb.tiscali.co.uk/tlweb/gt6/repmod/mod_sus_rr_shocks.html


Thank you very much, this seems to be what I have been looking for

[Edited on 24/12/14 by Northpole]





Sigurjon Johannsson
Triumph Spitfire Mk3 1968 Hayabusa powered
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ln2Km9mVXYI

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Northpole

posted on 24/12/14 at 03:51 PM Reply With Quote
quote:
Originally posted by snakebelly
wouldn't fancy putting Hyabusa power through a rotoflex joint :-)
As already said, unless you are looking to alter the chassis a swing spring plus a 78" front ARB si probably your only option. Spax do adjustable rear shocks.


I will not use rotoflex solution, I have strong CV joint on both sides.





Sigurjon Johannsson
Triumph Spitfire Mk3 1968 Hayabusa powered
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ln2Km9mVXYI

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Northpole

posted on 24/12/14 at 03:52 PM Reply With Quote
quote:
Originally posted by gremlin1234
the simplest significant upgrade to spitfire mk3 suspension is to change the rear spring to 'swing spring' and associated front anti roll bar: all as per mk iv and 1500.

after that longer drive shafts may help (as per the late mk iv and 1500)

for a different arrangement, the gt6 'rotoflex' is also an option.

all of these can be done without substantial body or chassis changes.


Thank you for your reply.
What is "Swing spring"?





Sigurjon Johannsson
Triumph Spitfire Mk3 1968 Hayabusa powered
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ln2Km9mVXYI

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Northpole

posted on 24/12/14 at 04:50 PM Reply With Quote
Does anyone have the length of the lower wish bones, i.e. from the frame to the hub? I am going to fabricate them, but it would help if I have appr. length for them. i don't need bended/curved ones, as i am not using Rotoflex, I am using CV joints.





Sigurjon Johannsson
Triumph Spitfire Mk3 1968 Hayabusa powered
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ln2Km9mVXYI

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iank

posted on 24/12/14 at 05:59 PM Reply With Quote
Grassroots motorsports (US magazine) did this a to an RX7 powered beast
http://grassrootsmotorsports.com/project-cars/1974-triumph-spitifre-ro-spit/

Few pictures on their website.





--
Never argue with an idiot. They drag you down to their level, then beat you with experience.
Anonymous

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woodster

posted on 25/12/14 at 08:22 PM Reply With Quote
quote:
Originally posted by Northpole
I hope someone here can help me out on my Triumph Spitfire Mk3 1968 powered by Hayabusa engine. Weight is 690 kg and distribution is 51% in front and 49% for the rear.

Upgrade of the rear suspension:

I have decided it was time to upgrade the rear suspension with a full CV jointed axle setup along with another diff with LSD and better ratio (3,55:1). The Leafspring, diff and the swing axles will be removed and my goal is to go the full independent rear suspension route.
These modifications will be custom made.

But, I have not found the right suspension yet, i.e. I am looking for Coil Overs or a good solution for the rear suspension.

Any good advice's greatly appreciated.


Pictures please

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Northpole

posted on 25/12/14 at 11:36 PM Reply With Quote
quote:
Originally posted by woodster
quote:
Originally posted by Northpole
I hope someone here can help me out on my Triumph Spitfire Mk3 1968 powered by Hayabusa engine. Weight is 690 kg and distribution is 51% in front and 49% for the rear.

Upgrade of the rear suspension:

I have decided it was time to upgrade the rear suspension with a full CV jointed axle setup along with another diff with LSD and better ratio (3,55:1). The Leafspring, diff and the swing axles will be removed and my goal is to go the full independent rear suspension route.
These modifications will be custom made.

But, I have not found the right suspension yet, i.e. I am looking for Coil Overs or a good solution for the rear suspension.

Any good advice's greatly appreciated.


Pictures please



I have not started the conversion yet, first I want to plan and prepare the parts i need.





Sigurjon Johannsson
Triumph Spitfire Mk3 1968 Hayabusa powered
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ln2Km9mVXYI

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gremlin1234

posted on 26/12/14 at 12:18 AM Reply With Quote
quote:
Originally posted by Northpole
What is "Swing spring"?

the original spitfire used the herald rear suspension arrangement, (fixed rigidly to top of diff), the mk iv and 1500 used the updated layout where the spring could pivot above the diff, - making it less independent, but much better.
a typical kit
http://www.canleyclassics.com/swing-spring-conversion-kits/

faults in original configuration:
http://herald-tips-tricks.wikidot.com/rear-suspension:jacking-and-tuck-under

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Northpole

posted on 11/12/15 at 12:15 PM Reply With Quote
Update:
I have now replaced the rear diff and suspension in my Spitfire. Using Subaro STI R160 diff, axles and hub. Bought Coilovers with 250 lbs and 330 lbs springs. will start with the 330 lbs as I have in front lower the car 3.5 inch from standard, using now shorter and stiffer springs (330 lbs)
I had to do some modifications obviously.
Like building a plate for diff, shorter axles, custom made, smaller brake, liquid handbrake etc.
Custom made fully adjustable wishbones. Toyo R888 tires.
I hope with Limited slips diff, ratio 3,54:1, I will get better handling and hopefully will be faster from the line.





Sigurjon Johannsson
Triumph Spitfire Mk3 1968 Hayabusa powered
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ln2Km9mVXYI

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