Confusion over engine/gearbox upgrade.

[Dark Joker]

Hello Gentlefolk of the MMOC,

I have recently purchased my first Morris Minor, a 1967 2 door 1098 saloon. The wee beasty in question requires a lot of work on it from top to bottom. My first task is to strip her down and then make a start upon structural repairs. Now I have only recently joined the MMOC and the wealth of information is indeed overwhelming and finding an answer to my initial question (I'll get to that in a mo) is becoming slightly frustrating. When I eventually come to rebuild her I would like to improve the engine performance and fit a 5 speed gearbox. The engines I am considering are a 1275 that, if I understand from posts here, would be a straightforward swap from a mg midget or perhaps a 1300 from a marina (unsure if the same animal) coupled to a type 9 ford gearbox.

So now to my first question on here (rest assured it will not be the last), whilst I am grovelling around upon my knackered knees under the car ensuring all is good and solid are there any modification required to the structure to be made for the above engines/gearbox to be fitted? Also, as a side question, do I a require a 'conversion' kit to mate up the type 9 to these engines?

I realise that this topic may have been covered a thousand times here but trying to wheedle out the information from all the posts is a tad of a ball ache for this rotund one fingered typist! Many thanks in advance for any advice offered.

[philthehill]

Firstly no major structural modifications (if any) are required to the body work if fitting a 1275cc engine (Marina/Ital or Midget -Note:- they are not the same engine but can be considered physically similar) mated to a type 9 Ford gearbox when using the conversion kit.
Secondly you will need a conversion kit to fit the type 9 to the 1275cc engine.
http://www.moss-europe.co.uk/shop-by-mo ... sions.html
There are plenty of posts on here regarding the conversion and they can be found by using the search facility.
It should be noted that the five speed conversion is not cheap and it may be better expense wise to fit the MG Midget 1275cc gearbox and 1275cc diff.
Phil

[Dark Joker]

Thank you Phil for the quick reply, that's the problem there are 'plenty of posts on here' feel that my head is about to spin off its bolts trying to filter through them all

I take it that the Midget engine/gearbox combo will drop in relatively easily then? the gearbox and conversion kit from the link you shared does appear a tad expensive to be honest.

Kind regards,

J

[bmcecosse]

I would sort out the brakes/suspension/wheels & tyres before worrying about a 1275 engine ! But as above - a 1275 Midget engine is straightforward - a 1275 Marina slightly more difficult, and the Ford box etc is not inexpensive and requires some modifications to the gearbox floor panel cover.

[simmitc]

Although there is no structural work required to make the change, you should consider uprating brakes and suspension to cope with the additional power. Plenty of posts on those options. You will also have to inform your insurance company of the changes.

[amgrave]

I note that you have only just acquired your first moggy but don't make the same mistake as I did and that is assuming it is a slow old behemoth of a motor from hearing what non owners say. I was surprised at it's performance after what I had heard. Don't get me wrong, the engine has to be in a reasonably good condition and in good service but the car is good for all but fast motorway work. If you don't mind the noise it will keep up with the lower speed of motorway traffic i.e. 60 - 65 mph. So do you really need a bigger engine or just rebuild the one you have got, unless you want to go 70 mph plus of course

[Dark Joker]

I would sort out the brakes/suspension/wheels & tyres before worrying about a 1275 engine ! But as above - a 1275 Midget engine is straightforward - a 1275 Marina slightly more difficult, and the Ford box etc is not inexpensive and requires some modifications to the gearbox floor panel cover.

That be the plan my good man, the engine department is many tears, swearing and probably eons into the future but whilst the little ladies underwear undergoes some repair (knicker elastic and the like) I thought that it would be prudent to see if her garters require adjustment for an engine/transmission change (if any) upgrade.

J

[Dark Joker]

Although there is no structural work required to make the change, you should consider uprating brakes and suspension to cope with the additional power. Plenty of posts on those options. You will also have to inform your insurance company of the changes.

Thank you for the sage advice, plans for stopping her mid action and making sure her ride is .... ermmm ... comfortable are under review, just covering the bases for when I start the under garment repairs.

J