Morris Minor Owners Club

I keep thinking about how easy it would be to slap in an 1800cvh and gearbox from a sierra.

Literally roll up the crane to the front of the sierra, roll back with engine and box - roll in to minor. Fab some mounts in-citu.

Surely I'm totally wrong here and its actually really difficult, else why hasn't it been done?

My reason for this particulr question is the humble 'Ford Sierra'.
A common source of RWD CVHs and you get a gearbox thrown in for good measure.
(rest of the sierra goes in the bin of course)

It seems to make sense to take the lot rather than trying to adapt a sierra box to an A series.
No mucking about with cranks, different clutch combos and the like. Just 'bang and the job was done'!

It sounds easy doesn't it.

The work involved in no particular order.

Adapt engine/gearbox mountings to hold the new engine/gearbox combo.
Fit new rear axle and propshaft
Updrade all brakes
Beef up suspension to take the extra weight
Modify exhaust to fit
Modify electrics
Modify speedometer cable
Fit all the Ford carburation bits and engine sensors.

Then ask yourself, do you really want to replace one of the most reliable engines ever made, with one from a company that has earned the nickname Fix Or Repair Daily and with good reason.

Even that list doesn't look to daunting, but some of the snags you can run into with any custom work, can, and usually are a nightmare.

However, be my guest

Stick with the A series. As said above its one of the best engines ever made, the CVH is not.

Or - just run the Sierra - save yourself lots of work!
The charm of the Minor includes the engine/gearbox it comes with - enjoy.

Think your missing Dunkeths point, he wants a modified Minor, not a standard one. Agreed the A series is an excellent motor but is just a bit lacking when performance is required.

I'm not missing the point - I quite understand - but it's lots of work !!If a different engine is wanted - there's any number of different engines/boxes that can be fitted - but Vauxhall or Honda are very popular with Mini lads - may be the way to go.

No , I mean saying keep it A series, when clearly the point of the question is asking for alternative modification

hows about a 1400 zetec engine??? it is just a bit newer is all than the sierra one?
cheers, michael.

Why go half way. Fit a John Barret big block Hemi Mopar engine. I'm pretty sure you would enjoy 450 BHP at the crank. Might need a bigger fuel tank through.

imho the CVH lump is a bit of a dog anyway, its not great on fuel and its power delivery isn't that fantastic either. Not an option I would consider. Zetec engine maybe......

Good choice Zetecs easy to fit too!!

so whn will we see some more photos of a zetec install???? might be good to see on this thread or a new one!
I am almost at the point of starting up the rotary engine in my moggy and am feeling that if it doesnt work out then it will definately be a zetec or a duratec thingy in the future.
cheers, michael.

This is getting out of hand. My question was posed purely on the basis of perceived 'easyness' on my part.
I know you can fit 'this that and the other'.. I just wanted to guage opinion on the CVH as its basically 'ready to fit' from the off.

Yes the A series is my favourite engine. However, a 1.8cvh will return a good 35mpg - same as my A series.
Now the 1.8 has a rubbish head design and suffers with bad carbs and manifolds as standard... but.. even despite this they still put out nearly 100bhp.
This can't be sneazed at. They're not as bad as their reputation suggests.
There will be folk thinking 'OK then, why not fit the better 1600 unit?' my reason here being they'd need work for RWD fitment.

You have to bare in mind I'm thinking more of 'laziness/cheapness' than whats 'for the best'. I've also had lots of experience with CVHs in the past hence it would suit me personally.

Sorry Jon.
Don't know too much about the CVH, the downside of most engine conversions is the limited depth offered in the engine bay. The bulkhead X member is often in need of modification, in fitting the K series and Zetec so I'd imagine the same to be so with the CVH. Only problem might be is that off the shelf mods, like water pipes etc will not be available as with the K's and Zetecs. Obviously the Type 9 fits easily enough. Try looking for the engine fitment as RWD with Caterham and kit car folk to see if the mods required are available cheaply. If not then , go for the Zetec route.

Believe me I'd love to go for the Zetec, complete with all the work to support it.

Plenty of years left for that though - its just a shame retirement comes at the wrong end of life!
The house, dog and wife take 99.9% of my salary at the moment!

Ive got a Toyota corrolla 1.6 16v 4A-F engine and gearbox hanging around. Its a fantastic, revvy engine and sweet as a nut. Not bad on fuel either. I was always museing with the idea of fitting it to a mog as its the 4wd version with transfer box etc......fancy a 4wd mog??

Please !!!!

Preservation Jonathon?

Hey, if he takes a basket case and revives it, surely that is no real loss.

I have a problem with "if"