1275 sprite gearbox/ ital engine

Post by **246gts** » Fri Jul 14, 2006 3:54 pm

The questions regarding proposed fitting of a 1275 ital engine dont stop so please help me decide the way to go!
I have a complete 1275 sprite engine / box, but I have partly restored a 1275 Ital engine (new rings, bearings, unleaded head etc etc) I understand that the Sprite engine and box would fit straight into the Minor 1000 without modification but now I am into mix and match trying to make the best of what I have available.
will the gearbox from a 1275 sprite fit directly onto a 1300 Ital engine?
If it does is there a problem with the position of the starter motor catching the chassis rail in Minor 1000?
Is sprite flywheel 6 bolt fixing?
Would I have to use the sprite flywheel / clutch and then how do I go about fitting a hydraulic clutch actuation?
does existing prop shaft fit onto 1275 sprite gearbox?
Any help much appreciated
Thanks
Dave

Post by **Kevin** » Mon Jul 17, 2006 10:54 am

Is sprite flywheel 6 bolt fixing?
Would I have to use the sprite flywheel / clutch and then how do I go about fitting a hydraulic clutch actuation?

Yes but its smaller.
Personally I wouldnt bother as the Midget clutch plate is smaller and can be quite snatchy in use, so change it for a Minor one which will need drilling to fit onto the Midget engine.
Yes the sprite gearbox will fit the Ital engine but if I remember you will still need to change the flywheel.
Get a copy of Owen Burtons Marina to Minor book and most of the difference are explained in it.

Post by **michel** » Mon Jul 17, 2006 3:02 pm

I have just completed a conversion. Drilling the flywheel is ferry straight forward. Just bold the orginal 1275 to the 1098 minor flywheel and use it as a pattern. The material is quite soft so no special tools are required. (a bench drill is handy

) When you keep the original 1098 gearbox use also the original back plate. This is not just a bold on thing. The oil pump is about ¼ inch higher in the engine block. So you have to grind it outa bit. There is also a slightly bigger crankshaft tab. You must saw about ¾ inch from there. The say that you also have to change the front mounting, but I’m not sure about that, it fits perfect.