Hi Kevin, Lots of opinions out there on this subject. The '69 1296 engine is considered to be a good one. A bit less lower end weight to throw around, higher rpm capability, easier on the thrust and crank bearings. That said, I still prefer the 1500, which is what's in my '72. It's got more low end torque, more hp, and is a bunch easier to drive around town.
If your engine will spend a lot of time above 5000 rpm, go for the 1296. If you're just out to have a good time, the 1500 is the way to go. But, and there is always a 'but', you can't just throw a 1500 into your '69, they are not completely interchangeable. The 1500 normally uses a different clutch/flywheel and will not mate up with the 3-rail transmission, the splines are different. You should be able to use the flywheel and clutch from the 1296, or you could re-drill/tap the 1500 flywheel for a 1296 clutch, but check it out first. I ended up changing out both the engine and transmission, they were purchased together. And in addition to the normal engine rebuild, if you massage the cylinder head a bit (larger intake valves, gas flow), shave off about 1/4" (brings the compression up to about 9.5:1), drop on a couple of HS4's, pop in a 'high-lift' road camshaft, and pump everything out through a less restrictive exhaust system (4-2-1 header, 2 1/2" pipe), you will really enjoy driving it ! Good luck, Ken C > I am looking for some reasoned advice. I need to rebuild one of my Spitfire > engines. I have a 69 1296 or a 74 1500. The 1296 started making nasty > noises with no loss of oil pressure, my mechanic thinks it is a bad little > end bearing. It has been rebuilt at least once in the past. The 1500 has > low compression in one cylinder, probably a rusted bore from standing for 5 > years, but is otherwise original as far as I know. > > So one or the other needs to be rebuilt, but which one? General opinion > seems to be that the 1296 is the better engine overall, but I can't help > but think that the 1500 might be more relaxed to drive - similar HP, but > more torque at lower rpm. In either case it will have a pair of SU HS2's, > and I would bump up the compression of the 1500 a bit. The car has > overdrive, and I only drive it 3k a year or so, so I don't think longevity > will be a real issue. I don't want a racecar, I have a 69 Saab Sonett for > when I want to play hooligan... :-) > > Opinions wanted! > > Kevin Rhodes > Westbrook, Maine > Freddy the wounded Spitfire /// [EMAIL PROTECTED] mailing list /// Send admin requests to [EMAIL PROTECTED] /// or try http://www.team.net/cgi-bin/majorcool /// Archives at http://www.team.net/archive /// Send list postings to [EMAIL PROTECTED] /// Edit your replies! If they include this trailer, they will NOT be sent.
