Upgrade 948cc to 1275cc from Morris Marina

Post by **moshest** » Tue Apr 25, 2006 8:43 pm

Hi ,
Please advise what changes should be done to 1275 cc A type engine to fit into Morris Minor 1000 saloon .

Thanks,
Moshe

Post by **bmcecosse** » Tue Apr 25, 2006 9:41 pm

Nothing really major - depends what car it came from. If from a Marina I suspect the backplate needs changing. Will need to go on a 1098 type gearbox - the 'rib case' box. If you have the original 948 'smoothcase' gearbox there won't be enough room for the clutch - and the power will destroy the box anyway.
Rear heater valve fouls on the battery box - need to fit simple early tap brass tap, or 'modify' the battery tray. You will also need to use a different top radiator hose - the thermostat cover sits at a different angle on the 1275 head.
Last - but not least - your brakes will be totally inadequate for the power of this engine. At least upgrade to the later bigger 8" front drums.

Post by **rayofleamington** » Tue Apr 25, 2006 11:06 pm

Front brakes: 8" drums are not really good enough for a 1275, and your insurance could well be invalid

There are some 9" brakes on ebay - you'll find them on ebay every few months and these will be the cheapesat option, but the best option will be disk brakes.

Post by **bmcecosse** » Wed Apr 26, 2006 9:10 pm

Depends what you mean by 'best'. The 9" drums are excellent - perfectly satisfactory for a road car - even in extremis. A track car would probably want discs - but then brakes just slow the car down - and the idea on the track is to go as quickly as possible - so best not to have good brakes anyway!

Post by **246gts** » Mon May 01, 2006 5:32 pm

Have stripped down 1275 to inspect and started mods to engine breather. Inside the canister there was a mass of shrapnel which presumably acts as a strainer, what have others used to replace this, would wire wool be too fine?

Dave

Post by **jonathon** » Mon May 01, 2006 5:36 pm

BM , you certainly have a strange logic sometimes.!

Post by **bmcecosse** » Mon May 01, 2006 8:42 pm

No its true- just carry the speed through the corners instead of braking!!

Post by **bmcecosse** » Mon May 01, 2006 8:45 pm

246 - the breather is a real pest (more so on a Mini than a Minor - but still a pest) - I use the old cover from the normal engine. Of course then you can't use the tensioner thingy - but it's best to go duplex chain anyway. When you are in there - you should seriously consider a better camshaft - the MG Metro item is ideal, and be sure to fit a new oil pump.

Post by **jonathon** » Mon May 01, 2006 9:16 pm

What happens when you come to a hairpin bend or need to decelerate quickly, or avoid an accident. In most motorsport the ability to brake better than your opposition is what makes you quick. Obviously you need to be able to carry speed where appropriate. On the road this is even more important. I agree the larger drums from the Wolsley will give better braking, but no where near the ability of a good set of discs.
I'd suggest that the reason people fit larger engines ,is to go faster or make higher speed travelling more effortless. You certainly don't do it to drive as you would a standard motor. As I have mentioned before on this topic, if drums were so good ( yes the uprated ones are better) why do all motor companies fit discs?.