Engines & Gearboxes for 803 Series 2

Post by **Kevin** » Wed Nov 12, 2003 1:08 am

Would a 1275 midget engine and box fit?

Yes but disc brakes and suspension upgrades would be needed.
If going for a 1098cc which is much more common and cheaper, and you can then upgrade the brakes to the later 8" ones.

Post by **Chris Morley** » Wed Nov 12, 2003 1:19 am

I agree with Kevin - Bolt on the drive train and front brakes from a scrapper 1098. However this requires an unreversable cut of the floorpan to fit the ribbed gearbox.

Post by **Scott** » Wed Nov 12, 2003 2:01 am

However this requires an unreversable cut of the floorpan to fit the ribbed gearbox.

To avoid cutting the floor, you should be able to fit the SII gearbox extension housing to the later gearbox. I've done this with 1000 gearboxes & it should be the same with the later ribbed gearbox also.
The gearchanges won't be quite as good due to the long lever travel but it saves cutting the floor if it is a concern.

Post by **brixtonmorris** » Wed Nov 12, 2003 5:45 pm

hey scott, did you fit the long gearstick to a 1098 box?

Post by **Scott** » Wed Nov 12, 2003 11:00 pm

Brixton,
I've fitted the long gearstick change to the 948cc gearboxes, it's simply a case of swapping the rear housing over. Can also be done vice-versa (fitting remote gear change to 803cc gearbox with a slight mod). I would assume it would be the case with the 1098cc gearbox also. From memory, the selector rods are the same.

Post by **brixtonmorris** » Wed Nov 12, 2003 11:24 pm

to fit the long stick to a 1098 you need a lathe and 4 jaw chuck. i ve done it before there is a bearing problem

Post by **Scott** » Wed Nov 12, 2003 11:27 pm

Brixton,
Is the problem with the rear bush or the mainshaft roller bearing?
We don't have too many 1098 cars out here so I haven't been too involved in them (yet).

Post by **brixtonmorris** » Wed Nov 12, 2003 11:42 pm

the rear bearing on the mainshaft. you will need a large lathe like a colchester with a 4 jaw large enough to take the output side of the casing. you will also need a large milling machine like a bridgport to do some milling on the casing. selector shaft problem. its a full on enginering job, but it can be done and it works. its nice to keep the floor uncut.

Post by **brixtonmorris** » Thu Nov 13, 2003 8:16 pm

chrisd is your minor a split screen if its not the 1098 engine gearbox will go straight in

Post by **turbominor** » Fri Nov 14, 2003 3:54 pm

i cut the floor on mine to fit a 1098 box, and there are 1 poss 2 people adversising 803 to 948/1098 conversions with the awfull long gearstick grafted onto the later box

But if you have made the car unoriginal with new front brakes and the later engine and box why spend time and money converting back to the nasty long stick gear shift.

Post by **brixtonmorris** » Fri Nov 14, 2003 6:10 pm

its somthing about cuttin the floor, that dosent feel good.

Post by **turbominor** » Fri Nov 14, 2003 9:23 pm

go on!!!! its only a small 'adjustment' and well worth it for the improved gearchange

remember you need the gearbox/floor cover from the 1098 as well

Post by **brixtonmorris** » Fri Nov 14, 2003 9:35 pm

Post by **turbominor** » Sun Nov 16, 2003 6:17 pm

you just draw aroung the 1098 gearbox cover and then trim the floor back to match -2or3cm with a jigsaw or nibler