Marina 1800

[Naadeslaus]

Does anyone know if a Marina 1800 engine will fit in a Minor?? Just asking

[Alex'n'Ane]

ANY engine will fit in a minor, but simply, such as the 1300 engine NO.

[Naadeslaus]

I know that. But is it much bigger(wider) than the 1300??

[d_harris]

I believe the 1800 is a B series. It can certainly be made to fit but it is not a straightforward and definatly not worth the effort. The 1800 is a big heavy lump of a motor and will no doubt slam the front suspension straight onto the bumpstops.

[IaininTenbury]

Seen a Riley 1.5 engine fitted, which is basically the same thing - the BMC B series. Very tight, lengthways I recall. think he had to do something odd with the rad, like modify the cowl and fit a smaller rad right up behind the grill and loose the cooling fan on the waterpump. May be wrong it was along time back. It was in a van with widened steel wheels so no idea how it handled... Not a popular conversion and theres probably a good reason why. However the donor engines are certainly cheap enough so I can see the appeal.

[plastic_orange]

If you search the forum you will find plenty info on fitting a B series. I had one for years - it went really well.
Here's my last reply on this subject:


Hi,

I have replied to a few threads about this swap - here's the link to the last one: viewtopic.php?f=6&t=28938&hilit=mgb+engine

It's not a difficult conversion - no cutting of bulkheads or anything like that, but you will need to mod the trans tunnel, notch the bellhousing, notch or replace the front crossmember for bottom pulley clearance, fab engine (A60 mounts work)/gearbox mounts and fit preferably a sherpa diesel radiator. I can sell you a purpose made exhaust manifold for the conversion if you wish.
Remember, a B series engine is a good bit heavier, so you need to beef up the front suspension - otherwise you WILL be replacing sumps on a regular basis. Decent brakes are a must. Rear MGB axle may require the B spring platforms altered to fit the springs (I never used a B axle), but this isn't a big job.
I did this mod back in the early 70's, removing the engine in 1987 to go V8. It felt quick at the time (particularly the tuned motor), but in todays terms probably 60 in around 8.5 - 9 seconds with an engine in standard tune.
Hope this helps.



Pete