What do you think?

Post by **minor_hickup** » Sat Mar 25, 2006 10:02 pm

I have a (now redundant) A-series 1275cc motor that used to be in my special....it originated from a Marina van, so has a lower compression ratio...and pulled like a train to boot....it was connected to a Sprite gearbox...much like yours, I suspect....and I swapped the front and rear engine plates, for those of its predecessor, a 1098 sprite unit,......the flywheel off that was also redrilled to fit the Marina crankshaft end.....the only bugbrear being the location of the Marina spin-off oil filter...but that was easily overcome.....with a 1 3/4 SU with the integral fuel chamber...it would have been an ideal engine for something like, say, a minor?

it only needs cleaning and checking over...I ought to get myself shifted on that one.....

I have been offered this...I've never even had an engine out but it sounds appealing, what do you lot think?

Post by **rayofleamington** » Sat Mar 25, 2006 10:57 pm

I have been offered this...I've never even had an engine out but it sounds appealing, what do you lot think?

sounds just like a late Marina van engine that has had the backplates and flywheel changed to 1098 spec - vey useful for a Minor.
I don't know if the 1098 sprite has the same frontplate as the Minor but the backplateplate should fit a Minor/Midget gearbox.

Depending on condition and price it is worth having (or not)

Post by **aupickup** » Sun Mar 26, 2006 10:44 am

sounds ok
although the marina was subject to a lot of smoking at high mileages
but could still be ok, they are in fairly short supply as more of us put 1275`s in our moggies

Post by **bmcecosse** » Sun Mar 26, 2006 11:35 am

Wish i could get one ! Rare as hen's teeth up here.

Post by **Multiphonikks** » Sun Mar 26, 2006 3:05 pm

Ah well you see, BMC, we should even it out. Perhaps someone down here could send UP 1275s and you could send down all those Wolsey brakes

Post by **bigginger** » Sun Mar 26, 2006 3:19 pm

I'd grab it with both hands, if I were you, as long as the money isn't stupid. They're not as common as they once were.

Post by **aupickup** » Sun Mar 26, 2006 5:18 pm

go for it

Post by **bmcecosse** » Sun Mar 26, 2006 7:18 pm

Aye - unfortunately there is an engine re-conditioner up here who grabs all the in-line 1275 stuff (and MGB units) that come up on ebay - pays above the odds to get it - and then sells the re-con engines at HUGE prices !! ie £ 650 !! Seems to work for him.
There are Wolseley brakes in the parts section right now!

Post by **minor_hickup** » Sun Mar 26, 2006 7:20 pm

Hmm, think i may be able to get it for a good price. Is it a straight swap or would i have to faff about?

Post by **aupickup** » Sun Mar 26, 2006 7:26 pm

yes pretty much a straight swop
make sure you plug the engine mount bolt holes on the engine as the moggie has them forward and the marina midway.
you would need a different flywheel if mating to a moggie gearbox and mind the fan blades on the front breather
thats about it really

Post by **bmcecosse** » Sun Mar 26, 2006 7:29 pm

The 1275 flywheel is 6 bolt fitting - although 4 bolt 1098 flywheel can be drilled to suit.

Post by **minor_hickup** » Sun Mar 26, 2006 7:31 pm

Ill try and get it, if i decide i dont want it ill let you guys(and gals) know!

Post by **Kevin** » Sun Mar 26, 2006 9:46 pm

Remember that costs will still mount up a bit with a new clutch, heater valve and other bits, and then the brakes will really need upgrading as well, as insurance companys dont like engine upgrades without brake improvements, so if money is a bit tight its not always a cheap upgrade.