A + ENGINE

[Liz]

MY PROBLEM IS I AM A COMPLETE NOVICE, AND WENT TO BUY AN A+ ENGINE
When I looked for the engine number the only number I could find was stamped
on top of the cylinder head at the side, left hand side front of engine, looking
in from the bonnet. I cannot remember the full number but it definitely started
with K but I cannot remember the numbers. Could you please advise if it still
an A+ engine as it starts with a K, not an A which I was expecting.
If it transpires it is an A+ engine, would it be an SU and what size?
I WOULD APPRECIATE ANY EARLY REPLIES.
THANK YOU.

[bmcecosse]

Why an A+ engine ?? The give away is that they have no cam follower covers - and a filter canister screwed on the block at the rear -driver side. It's not a straight swap - the flywheel/backplate etc is different. Better stick to a normal A engine unless you are up for the changes and modifications required. Your 'k' marking means nothing to me... Any pictures of what you are considering??

[Liz]

THANKS FOR YOUR REPLY, WHICH I APPRECIATE VERY MUCH.
However, whilst I am aware of the extra work involved, I would
like to put an A+ engine into it as I have been told they are a lot
stronger.
On your suggestion of a photo, if I do make my mind up to have
another look, I will send you a photo.
Kind regards
LIZ

[philthehill]

Liz
The engine number of a 1275cc 'A' Plus engine number starts with the prefix 12V which is located on the top left front of the block just below No: 1 spark plug.
If there is no engine number there it in all probability had a re-bore or top of block skim which when undertakes usually results in the original number tag being lost.
The SU carb will be a 1.5" choke unit. HS4 (CAPSTAT) Carburettor.
The 1275cc Ital 'A' Plus block is stronger than the 1275cc Marina or Midget/Sprite because of the extra ribbing added to the block.
The 1275cc Ital 'A' Plus internals are no stronger than the 1275cc Non 'A' Plus Ital engine.
The 1275cc Ital 'A' Plus internals can be upgraded by fitting 1275cc Midget/Sprite crankshaft, con rods and pistons etc.
Here are pictures of a 1275cc Ital 'A' Plus engine.[frame][/frame][frame][/frame]

Note the extra ribbing on the block and which makes the block a lot stronger.

The 1275cc Midget engine with the thick sump flange is a good substitute for the 1275cc Marina/Ital engine.

Making use of the parts that are readily available from ESM the conversion is an easy one.

Phil

[Liz]

thanks so much for your indepth reply which is invaluable to me.
Could you please tell me the engine that I am looking at that
I am told is an ital 1300 A+ has the numbers etched in the block
under the number one plug start with a letter K then numbers
which I cant remember what they are. Could you please tell me,
if you know, what engine it would be as it starts with a K then
numbers.
Once again, I really appreciate your help and knowledge.
Kind regards
LIZ

[philthehill]

Liz
What you have describes appears to be a 1275cc 'A' Plus Maestro engine.
If it is a Maestro engine - right at the front of the block (oil filter side) there are two extra threaded holes which are used for the Maestro front engine mounting. The Maestro engine was suspended from this mounting.
There should be a set of numbers on the side and just below the top of the block under the spark plugs.
The Maestro engine has a lip seal not a scroll on its rear end.
Whilst the engine can be adapted to fit the minor it is not an easy conversion.
Southam Mini Centre used to support the conversion and offer ready modified parts but having recently spoken with them they have now ceased doing so as their supply of NOS Maestro engines has dried up.
I would advise that unless you are prepared for additional machining costs/work I would try and obtain a 1275cc Ital 'A' Plus engine and avoid the 1275cc Maestro 'A' Plus engine.
If you use the search facility there is quite a bit on the use of the 1275cc Maestro engine in a Minor.
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Southam- ... 0772386228

Phil

[bmcecosse]

The 'K' mark etc is just a casting number. Means very little. Unless you are planning on modifying the engine to get great power (90 bhp plus) - you don't need to worry about which 1275 engine you get - except of course for the Maestro engine that Phil mentions which is just not worth the effort to modify for use in a Minor. What engine do you have in the car right now ??

[Liz]

a special thanks to Phil and BMCcosse for your invaluable advice, which I will be acting
on and steer clear of the maestro engine.
In the very near future I will let you know what configuration I have finally decided on
at the end of the day; now I have all the information I require I can move forward with
this project.
I will drop you a line out of courtesy when it is all up and running, and thanks for your
time in helping me with my queries. Maybe then you can let me know if you agree with
my choices.
LIZ

[bmcecosse]

You still don't say what engine you have at present? And why the query about the SU carb? The Maestro had a very different carb arrangement - is that why you query the carb? The good thing about a Maestro engine is that it has the big valve head - and the MG Metro camshaft! So if you can get one very cheaply - it's well worth salvaging these parts for use in a more suitable engine.

[philthehill]

Here is a Maestro engine fitted to a Minor owned by a member of HMMOC - My local club branch.
It is a neat conversion but the owner had to undertake some engineering work to make it all come together.
Note the additional spacer/seal carrier between the rear of the block and gearbox bell housing and the special carb/manifold arrangement for when fitted to the Maestro..[frame][/frame][frame][/frame]

[RussLCV]

Like to know more about the Maestro conversion I have one............converted 1 ital and 1 Marina pretty straightforward but picked up Maestro engine for unleaded cylinder head!

[philthehill]

Lots of info on this MMOC web site - just use the search facility and or speak with Southam Mini Centre - link above.

[RussLCV]

Can you put me in touch the member who installed this one I can PM you my contact details