The Triumph Dolomite Club - Discussion Forum

I've recently bought a 1971 Spitfire fitted with a Toledo engine. Is it possible to date the engine? Its a 1300, number is DG44462

It's not possible to date the engine with any accuracy, Engine numbers don't tally closely, even with commission numbers as 2 and 4 door cars had different commission number codes but the same engine code. But if I had to guess, i'd say early to mid 72.

Steve

Thanks for the info. Gives me something to go off when ordering parts.

Is it a MKIV Spitfire?

Yes, its a MK4, Some engine parts changed in the 1st couple of years. As I don't know the origins of the engine I'll have to check before I order

As far as differences between the Toledo and MkIV Spitfire engine go, there aren't that many. The Spitfire has twin carbs where the Toledo only has one and a different Delco distributor with take off for the rev counter drive. I believe the Spit has a more agressive camshaft profile as well, but that's about it! If you look at valve sizes and compression ratios (which i've done for both the Toledo and various 1500 engines) they are all much of a muchness with miniscule and not always beneficial variations with age and type. The 1500 doesn't have significantly bigger valves even than the 1300. Pretty much, one head gasket fits all and crank, rods, pistons and bearings are all interchangeable.

HTH, Steve

isn't the head gasket different? I believe some have a recess in the block.

Malcolm

Carledo wrote: ↑Thu Dec 02, 2021 11:24 pm As far as differences between the Toledo and MkIV Spitfire engine go, there aren't that many. The Spitfire has twin carbs where the Toledo only has one and a different Delco distributor with take off for the rev counter drive. I believe the Spit has a more agressive camshaft profile as well, but that's about it! If you look at valve sizes and compression ratios (which i've done for both the Toledo and various 1500 engines) they are all much of a muchness with miniscule and not always beneficial variations with age and type. The 1500 doesn't have significantly bigger valves even than the 1300. Pretty much, one head gasket fits all and crank, rods, pistons and bearings are all interchangeable.

HTH, Steve

Pretty sure the toledo 1300 has a significantly lower CR than the spitfire, so mucAh so, it can be used on a 1500 to give about 9.75CR (may need to check, memory is not what it used to be) However, the toledo has the big valves, a good thing. The Toledo cam is very mild too.
However, as many suppliers have historically supplied "1300" engnes, it could be a toledo block, with spitfire head. So checks need to be done!
Head gasket same as mkIV spit, recessed gasket. Earlier spits have non-recessed bores.

But unless you are after a quick spitfire, the differences are not huge. Always makes me smile when somebody reckons a change to K+Ns and exhaust (or whatever) has made their car so much quicker... it is 99% down to the fact they are using their right foot more, not the 1bhp they may have gained (or often a few they have lost)

A useful reference w.r.t. head+block combinations, valve sizes and CRs:



Stolen from: http://auskellian.com/paul/links_files/ ... sion_Ratio

Thanks for all the information