A series engine types

[olderisbetter]

This question is about A series engine types and models they ended up in, After reading about midget engines and the 10CC versions i was wondering what engines went into the later midgets as in the 1275 versions are they 10CC types or more like the marina set up, I know marina engines are fitted to minors using adaptions, the reason i am looking into this is that i am a boy racer at heart and will always crave more power, I have a late minto 2 door shell in mind to build as a faster road car, nothing extreme just a sporty version of the minor. Any information will be usefull even if its just links to sites but i will be just as happy if you type a history lesson, thanks Rob.

[philthehill]

The final version of the Midget had the Triumph 1500cc engine.
The MG Midget/Sprite 1275cc engine was a distinct type of 'A' Series in that it had the cam followers enclosed with no access covers.
The Marina/Ital 1275cc engine is another distinct 'A' Series in that it had the oil filter mount cast into the block.
The mini 1275cc engine is again distinct in that there is no oil return scroll on the rear main bearing cap but it has a lip seal on its rear end. The oil pick up is different to the fore and aft 'A' Series.
Here is a link to a list of publication that may be of help to you.

http://www.mmoc.org.uk/viewtopic.php?f=4&t=61780

Many come up for sale on 'e' bay from time to time.
Phil

[olderisbetter]

Thanks Phil, thats a wealth of information and as i have a mini project on the go it covers that aswell, Hopefully my mini engine should be ok for a bit more power as its a 1989 12A2AG01 cooper carb engine and it seems as standard they are quite flat compared to a old school cooper.

[bmcecosse]

For ultimate A series Minor power the Ital A+ block is used - with Spridget crank and rods. Not inexpensive. Similarly for Mini engines - the later A+ block with a genuine EN40B Cooper S crankshaft and S rods are used where regulations allow in competition use anyway. Again - not inexpensive. Of course on both, 7 port or 8 port heads can be fitted - and indeed there is a BMW bike engine head that can be made to fit......for those with very deep pockets.

[olderisbetter]

bmcecosse, i think the alternative heads would not be for me but all the other stuff seems worth looking into, and thanks for mentioning the ital block as it has just reminded me i have a friend with an ital sat under a cover that is a a wreck, i will see if i can obtain it.

[bmcecosse]

Be sure to grab the bumpers if it's being 'broken' - they appear to be worth a small fortune !!

[philthehill]

Just grab everything you can because most of the running gear and brakes as well as the Ital 1275cc 'A' Plus engine can be transposed over to the Minor.
The later Itals had telescopic dampers on the front and they can be utilised, the bottom mounting bracket just bolts onto the top of the thick/thin suspension arms which are the same as the minor. The upper mount can be easily fabricated.
Here is a link to some details especially the front tele damper mounting brackets.

http://www.marinacoupe.co.uk/

Look at left hand side of link page and you will see listed 'front shocker brackets' - 2 pages for details.
Phil

[olderisbetter]

Just read the link phil, yes that explains alot about the shocks and as its a bank holiday i shall go and see the guy to see if he wants to part with the car thats near me.