Low milage Morris Marina

Post by **recycledwood** » Fri Oct 15, 2004 8:23 pm

Hi all,
I have just purchased a genuine low milage Morris Marina 1300.
It has done 45,000 miles.
I intend having my neighbour ( who is a Hillman Imp expert) to do some mods for me.
The gearbox in Poppy (my moggi) is not well and the engine is old and weak.
My idea is to put in the Marrina engine and box and the other bits that bolt onto the engine straight in to my moggi. As I'm sure you can see I am no expert, I just love driving.

Is there anyone out there who can give me advice to pass on to my neighbour.
Are there any other bits on the Marrina that may be useful for my moggi.
I'm sure I have read in one of the magazines about disc brakes.
If anyone can help I would be ever so gratefull.
Rowland

Post by **les** » Fri Oct 15, 2004 9:12 pm

I think you will find that using the marina box is not a popular move, I think there may be some bodywork mods needed also. The 1275 midget box is considered strong enough for a marina engine, unless you go over the top with the tuning, people also fit seirra gearboxes but then it gets expensive. If someone does the hard work be tactful if you then tell them how to do it!

Post by **Kevin** » Sat Oct 16, 2004 9:21 am

You should get a copy of Owen Butons book Marina to Minor most of its explained in there, the Bath centre sell it.

Post by **recycledwood** » Mon Oct 18, 2004 7:54 pm

Thank you Kevin.
Got the book on order.
Thank you Les.
Did you mean that I would have to modify the body work if I put in the Marina engine and box as one unit.
I am already looking for a Sierra box, but no success on the weekend.
As you said Midget boxes are like gold.
Someone mentioned a Toyota box would go with a Marina engine.
Has anyone got details of what model / age of Toyota would be the bet fit?
Thaks everyone for helping,
Rowland.

Post by **les** » Mon Oct 18, 2004 9:26 pm

Hi Rowland, I'm only going by hearsay regarding the marina box and the need to do some cutting, it is rather heavy apparently and there is a need to use shorter engine mounts, I think the reason is to clear the steering rack. I can't help with the toyoto box, but other poster may. Most of this info is in the booklet you've ordered.

Post by **Kevin** » Tue Oct 19, 2004 6:29 am

Someone mentioned a Toyota box would go with a Marina engine.

Cant remember the exact one but it involves making one bellhousing from tow by careful cutting and then re-welding so its not quite a straightforward job.

Post by **northerntony** » Wed Oct 20, 2004 2:38 pm

Id scrap the idea! Along with the car! Come along & try out my perkins diesel conversion!!

Post by **Cam** » Wed Oct 20, 2004 2:48 pm

northerntony wrote:Id scrap the idea! Along with the car! Come along & try out my perkins diesel conversion!!

Why?

Post by **doobry** » Wed Oct 20, 2004 3:20 pm

Id scrap the idea! Along with the car! Come along & try out my perkins diesel conversion!!

just a shame nobody in admin has scrapped yr login

Post by **northerntony** » Wed Oct 20, 2004 3:20 pm

As marinas are a tad -------

Diesel is the way foward

Post by **pskipper** » Wed Oct 20, 2004 3:26 pm

Diesel is the way foward

Unless you've selected reverse!

Post by **Cam** » Wed Oct 20, 2004 3:35 pm

northerntony wrote:Diesel is the way foward

Why? Not exactly a 'drivers choice' of an engine are they? Good for eating up motorway miles or mauling stuff around the country, but I don't like them because they sound awful, have less power (compared to an equivalent petrol), don't rev and are dirtier than a petrol.

Post by **Kevin** » Wed Oct 20, 2004 3:47 pm

Its already been done
http://www.geocities.com/moggydieseluk/

Post by **Cam** » Wed Oct 20, 2004 3:55 pm

I saw that webiste ages ago when I was contemplating a V8 conversion. I don't think it would sound quite right though, a Moggy with a Diesel!

Post by **les** » Wed Oct 20, 2004 9:25 pm

Diesel is the way foward

I thought it was the fuel cell.