Series 2 upgrade

[beager007]

Hi all,
New to this.
Have just bought a very nice series 2 803.
Not too bothered about lack of power, my first car was a Citroen Dyane 4 (435cc!!) Quelle horreur!
Gearbox is definitely worn, jumps out of 2nd, but only changing down, and you have to be very patient, or double clutch changing up.
The carb is a little 'damp' with petrol, so needs some gaskets etc.
Engine is fine, though.Smooth and not rattly.
I have choices from here, keep original or change.
Definitely need a gearbox, but what if I fitted a 1098 engine and box?
Reading on here, I would need to change the diff, exhaust maybe?
The floor is different from a later model, flatter, and the gearlever would obviously leave it unoriginal, although I am not too bothered about that.
Diff change I think means new speedo, can you get a gold one for 1098?
Are the engine/ gearbox mountings the same, or close, so that a swap is straightforward?
exactly what would I need to do?
What of the possibility of a 948 too?
any help, comments much appreciated.
Absolutely having fun driving, and have found this forum extremely interesting and helpful.

[mike.perry]

Replace the 803 box with a 948 and swap the tail sections over. Better ratios and still looks original.

[David53]

Regulars here know my views - keep it original!! There are so few original Series II's left. They are underpowered, even contemporary road tests said that. But there is something about that brave little 803cc chugging away gallantly up a steep hill that always makes me smile

[kennatt]

if you are not bothered about originality stick a 948 engine and box in, vast improvement in performance without the need for brake upgrades that I think you need with the larger engines, except change fronts to 8inch drums.The 948 is regarded as the stronger engine of the whole range I believe.

[Neil MG]

If you are not so bothered about performance then I am with David. Sort the gearbox out first, 948 has much better ratios - but I manage just fine with a standard box. Then make sure the engine is set up correctly regarding tuning and timing. When I got mine it was horribly slow and under powered, but once I had it tuned and timed properly it's a joy. I live in the Lake District and needless to say it's pretty hilly! The car is quite happy buzzing along at 50-60mph and (once up to speed) it takes a significant uphill slope to cause it to drop below 50.

[beager007]

Great, thanks for all this.
I think I'll go for the 948 box and back end, just in case at a later date I decide to change to a 948.
Are there any modifications required, or is it a completely straight swap?
Now I just have to find one.
Parts wanted, I guess, or has anyone reading this got one to sell?
Another thing that swung my decision is it would be such a waste, as the engine runs so well!

[bmcecosse]

It would maybe help if you told us where you are.......

[beager007]

Sorry, forgetting myself.
I'm in Hastings, Sussex

[bmcecosse]

Put it in your 'Profile' !

[Neil MG]

Stick in the 948 box, you can keep the original gear selector so no need to change floor or gear lever, but the 948 rear end will be too much for the 803. I would keep that with the 948 engine and do together if and when (hopefully never ).