Morris Minor Owners Club

Hi,
I know someone or several people probably will be able to answer these questions for me.

I've recently bought and rebuilt a 2 door, A Reg, Morris Minor, but it is pretty standard this time (just disc brakes (these were on it when I got it) and an alternator conversion).

However it is a little slow, even slower than I remember. It's got a ribbed gearbox so its the 1098cc box. However I'm wondering if the engine is only the 948cc and thus the combination makes it seem rather slower than I would have expected.

Both engine and gearbox came with the car. But the engine was a rebuilt one so not sure not sure that it is the original.

Thus couple of questions:
1) are the ratios different in the 1098cc vs the 948cc gearbox?
2) whats the easy identifier for the 948cc engine?

All help much appreciated?

Regards,
Wal

PS I might be selling it soon if anyone is interested - paintworks crap but all the underside welding is done.

948 engine will say '948' on the side off the block (manifold side)
1098 engine should have an ally plate saying '1098' in roughly the same place.

Ratios are not a lot different between 1098 and 948 box, but the 948 is a little slower (and much more smooth) than the 1098.

948 is a LOT slower! Engine number (if original) will tell all. Also - does the cylinder head have a screwed connection near the front just under the thermostat for a water temperature gauge ? It won't be connected - just plugged off - but it indicates a later (much better) 12g202 head which would normally be on a 1098 engine. Not fool proof - someone could have upgraded to the 202 head.