Doug Joksch's 1965 Spitfire

Here is Doug checking performance on the dyno. The original 1100cc engine dyno test showed 25hp at the rear wheels. Doug figured that he really only needs a little boost in the hills of Grass Valley so the logging trucks don't have to tailgate up the hills so much.

Updated Engine

So to add a little UMPH he constructed a turbo 1500cc engine for his 1965 Spitfire. Of course the only thing stock is the block and there is a little concern about the thin separation of the cylinders. The motor is complete and ready for installation. Doug did not want to modify the car itself in anyway so he test fitted everything under the hood checking for clearance. A replacement radiator and electric fan will be installed to eliminate Interference problems and to aid cooling.
As Doug says: "I suppose I could have just installed a modern engine and avoided the effort, but anyone could to that. There is a group of followers waiting for the test run and Thunderhill race way. I plan to pit for my wife." We will keep you posted

Intake Manifold & Turbo

The manifold took Doug a while to fabricate. It is made from TIG cut and welded U shaped sections and attaches to a 1/2" flange plate that Doug created on a Bridgeport mill. Doug ported and polished the head and lastly took a final cut on the mill through the header plate into the head so it would have a nice smooth transition. The hardened valve seats were turned down to fit the original holes. The engine also uses a stainless racing values turned down to match the inserts. Stock sizing was maintained to avoid potential cracking issues.

Turbo Plumbing

This shot shows the turbo plumbing; air, oil and water cooling. The turbo taps oil from the block just up from the oil pump and returns through a port installed on the block itself.

Engine Top View

This is the engine top view. The massive blow off valve is located on the top of the intake manifold The rods and pistons were custom made and are rated to allow the use of nitrous alcohol. The cam was cut at American Cam who said they had a turbo profile for the engine. Doug wanted the cam to be a little hot but he did not want people to notice.