Mike Stefanakis's Journal - My 1979 Spitfire Conversion. AKA Hot Spit : The Autoshrine Network

My 1979 Spitfire Conversion. AKA Hot Spit

Mike Stefanakis — Posted on The Triumph Experience
Thursday February 1, 2018 7:44 AM

Here are some overall views of my Spitfire conversion. This was a ten plus year, on and off, effort and my first attempt at creating a custom car. If you see an area that is of interest to you I will try to explain the process that I went through to accomplish it and post any photos that I have. This is also my first attempt to post a journal so I hope you will bear with my amateurish effort.

Check out YouTube walk around.
Thanks,

Mike

IMG 3212

IMG 3214

IMG 3216

IMG 3225

Member Comments on Journal Entry: My 1979 Spitfire Conversion. AKA Hot Spit ↵

2018-02-01 11:02:45 # 48202

Comment by Phil K

Engine details please, I'm intrigued!

2018-02-01 12:48:53 # 48205

Comment by Mike Stefanakis

The engine is a 1993 Toyota 22RE out of a pick up truck along with the 5 speed transmission. It is a stock re-build except that it was switched over from factory intake to Borla side draft throttle bodies. It fit with minor alterations to the frame and firewall. The hood was altered to accommodate the original intake which was removed. A result of a change to a change to a change along the way, if you get my drift.

2018-02-03 17:48:00 # 48242

Comment by Rick Z

What is the source of your fender vents?Thanks

2018-02-03 18:46:03 # 48245

Comment by Mike Stefanakis

Toyota Celica hood vents. 1973-1975 toyota celica hood vents ra21, ta22 | eBay The hood scoops were cut out of a donor hood's fenders.

2019-03-24 06:17:44 # 55475

Comment by Kurt Hollenbeck

More Details on the Toyota side hood vents please. Any additional structural support added to carry the load around the cutout?

2019-03-24 08:39:22 # 55479

Comment by Mike Stefanakis

Kurt,The factory vents come with an underside baffle that retained them to the hood. I discarded them because of interference and made my own "U" shaped brackets that attached to the vent and pulled it tight against the hood.Mike

Want to leave a comment or ask the owner a question?
Sign in or register a new account — it's free

The Engine

Mike Stefanakis — Posted on The Triumph Experience
Thursday February 1, 2018 12:53 PM

The engine is a 1993 Toyota 22RE out of a pick up truck along with the 5 speed transmission. It is a stock re-build except that it was switched over from factory intake to Borla side draft throttle bodies. It fit with minor alterations to the frame and firewall. The hood was altered to accommodate the original intake which was removed. A result of a change to a change to a change along the way, if you get my drift.

IMG 3221

IMG 3223

IMG 3224

IMG 3225

Member Comments on Journal Entry: The Engine ↵

No comments have been posted yet...

Want to leave a comment or ask the owner a question?
Sign in or register a new account — it's free

Engine Mounts

Mike Stefanakis — Posted on The Triumph Experience
Thursday February 1, 2018 1:34 PM

With the body off and the engine hanging from a chain hoist, the frame was altered for clearance. The Spitfire motor mounts were used and transition piece was mocked up out of wood to mate up with the engine mounting points. The weight was held up by the hoist during the mock up. When I was satisfied the mounts were made out of metal. Also mocked up at this time was the alternator mount.

image002MA12332757-0005

image003MA12332757-0006

image005MA12332757-0008

image001MA12332757-0004

Member Comments on Journal Entry: Engine Mounts ↵

No comments have been posted yet...

Want to leave a comment or ask the owner a question?
Sign in or register a new account — it's free

Hot Spit Walk Around

Mike Stefanakis — Posted on The Triumph Experience
Saturday February 3, 2018 6:54 PM

Video walk around of my Spitfire.

Member Comments on Journal Entry: Hot Spit Walk Around ↵

No comments have been posted yet...

Want to leave a comment or ask the owner a question?
Sign in or register a new account — it's free

Big Brakes

Mike Stefanakis — Posted on The Triumph Experience
Tuesday May 1, 2018 5:27 PM

After I converted to a Toyota 22RE engine I decided to up grade the brakes. I also went from 13" wheel to 15" wheels and 195-50-15 Yokohama tires. I decided on 11.75" Wilwood rotors and 4 pot calipers. Here are some photos showing the progression.

The layout process.