Morris Minor Owners Club

I'm thinking of changing my convertible for a traveller but keep changing my mind about which modifications would be good idea. Any comments or advice would be much appreciated.
I would definitely go for comparatively small changes like electronic ignition,halogen lights,alternator etc etc. The rest, not so sure about.
The car would be used as an everyday vehicle, doing mostly local journeys but also some on the motorway of several hundred miles. Possible inclusions:
1. 1275 engine with larger carb, different manifold and exhaust.
2. Discs and servo.
3. Sierra 5 speed gearbox or just change the differential for a more suitable one. I want the car to be comparatively relaxed [and me] on the motorway at 70/80mph. It's not my intention to try and turn it into a modern car but to gently coax it into the twenty first century.
4.Suspension; telescopic gas dampers, radius arm kit, and adjustable tie bars?
Or don't bother with any of them and insted coax my mind into the twentieth century where the car actually belongs???

Welcome to the Forum! The 1275 engine is a good idea - the Sierra box is very expensive - changing the diff to 3.7 ratio is a much more cost effective solution for relaxed cruising. Discs and serv o -expensive - not the only way to improve the brakes ! There are ways of improving the damping without fitting tele dampers - although they can indeed be added to the existing suspension with great effect. Radius arms not necessary unless v enthusiastic cornering envisaged and adjustable tie bars are rarely fitted - you are thinking of Minis !! Better wheels and more 'modern' tyres should really be high on your priority list if planning decent mileage.

it all depends on what you really want - nobody else can answer that for you.
Better brakes and halogen headlights add to the safety if that's something you're keen on.
Disk brakes + servo - well worth the expense and effort if you want to stop like a modern car. These come much more in their element as you upgrade to 1275 as you can keep up more easily with the modern traffic.
If you want warmer handling then shock and suspension upgrades should be on the shopping list too.

However if you can move your mind back 30+ years then no modifications are mandatory. 70mph isn't a life or death essential item - 55 mph is just as fun (but takes longer). 8" drums in tip top condition will lock the wheels at 40mph (I used to commute daily on the M6 in the Midlands...). Good radial tyres are the only non-50's item I'd class as mandatory for an everyday car.

If you just want less engine noise on the motorway then a standard 1098 with higher diff will give you that (although you'll struggle on hills with a 3.9 and much more with a 3.7)

Alternators and electronic ignition do have advantages, but are likely to reduce your overall reliability...

I'd go for a few choice mods that you could sell on again as you improve further.
Given your choice of high milage I'd invest in a bit of soundproofing for the floor and bulkhead and some modern seats. That will set you back about £200.
Also a large valve head (12G295 or 12G940) and 1.5inch carb and suitable manifold and stainless standard sized exhaust and rolling road tune up. That should loosen up the engine a bit at higher revs, allow you to fit a 3.9 diff without compromising flexibility. That lot will be in the region of £400 if you are lucky.
Suspension improvements will allow steadier cornering and stability at speed but will compromise comfort. If you are happy with that the innitially try some thicker oil in the dampers - but be aware that this might cause problems with older damper seals.

How much time and money do you want to spend?
Use the car for 3 months or so then decide what shortcomings you fell it has.
For long journeys better seats and soundprooofing would be high on my list.
Standard Minors are much happier at 60 mph than 70.
I'll put a vote in for an electric fan.
All modern cars have them and there are many benefits; faster warm up, quieter running and a little more power.

I think coaxing your mind back into the 20th Century would be tha cheapest option, but probably not that satisfying.
I'd go along with both your own list of sympathetic mods plus some of the others mentioned. The traveller specifically will benefit from LED rear light bulbs as they are much brighter and more easily seen.
The adjustable tie bars are available which aid both the adjusting of the kingpin angle and by adding greater ridgity to the lower suspension assembly. Triangulated radius arm are also a great benefit
in axle location and tramp control which you might experience with a more powerfull motor.
I'd also recommend Poly bushes to replace the original rubber ones, they last longer, offer better control and are maintenance free.
If going for more adventurous mods ie susp and brakes, make sure that you do your homework, research the market and always ask to drive a demo car, do not make a 'blind' choice, you may well regret it.

Loved my 1275 minor and have often talked of it virtues and still do.
Not sure if it is a rout i would choose again though. Have a good read of what is available on the market,you might find that spending more money will make you much happier with the outcome.
All the best with it
Rod

I'll put a vote in for an electric fan.
All modern cars have them and there are many benefits; faster warm up, quieter running and a little more power.

A belt driven fan will drag some power at high revs but the only thing that controls your engine warm up is the thermostat.
If you want a good interior heater for frosty mornings, upgrades are available.

jonathon wrote:The traveller specifically will benefit from LED rear light bulbs as they are much brighter and more easily seen.

Unless you are the poor s*d travelling behind the car who gets dazzled by these. Personal choice I guess but I really don't like them.

My ideas on modification are along the lines of the original moggy, i.e. simple and workable. If you want a fast modern set up that can only be repaired by specialists, why not buy a modern car in the first place?

Steps off soapbox

The Led's are replacement bulbs for the originals, and are not blinding ,just much brighter.
Think you are missing the point as to why people want fast reliable modern driving Minors Bill. If it not for you then fine but there are increasing numbers of owners who require these mods so that they can enjoy Minor ownership in a different way.
There is not much on a 'fast modern' Minor that cannot be tinkered with or maintained at home. Infact running a Zetec or K series only requires oil/filter changes along with air filter (clean) and plug change when required, very low maintenance and extremely reliable and economic.

jonathon wrote: There is not much on a 'fast modern' Minor that cannot be tinkered with or maintained at home. Infact running a Zetec or K series only requires oil/filter changes along with air filter (clean) and plug change when required, very low maintenance and extremely reliable and economic.

Vested interest Jonathon?

Anyway it's only my opinion.

However on the point of maintenance, yes this may sound simple to you, but some folk find the Minor difficult, and what about when it comes to more involved work?

No not really, you raised the topic so its simply my defence of what you were opposing
I have no issues with your opinions Bill ( even if they are wrong)
Re maintenance if folk find the A series daunting then there are plenty of enthusiasts ,private or professional who can help out. If the same folk have a 'modern motor then the same applies, but they are more reliable with less involved maintenance. Most of our 'modern engined Minor owners do all of their own maintenance or even the odd head gasket (K Series) should this occur. In the thirteen years of K's or Zetecs the only problems we have had, are two head gasket problems (K series) otherwise faultless trouble free economic motoring

Of course I should have added 'cheap' to ' simple and workable'

'cheap' to ' simple and workable'
excluding the power train, I think that this is what folk have been suggesting as this is what was asked for

jonathon wrote:.....excluding the power train, ....

I rest my case

I only exclude the power train on cost, not ' simple and workable'

Which is why I added it to 'simple and workable'. How many Morris Minor owners do you know that have no money constraints?

Well its not obligatory for owners to buy modifications or indeed any other products that they can not afford. What is the point your making Bill as this 'aside ' is deviating away from the original posts question.

1. Discs and servo.
2.Suspension; telescopic gas dampers, radius arm kit, and adjustable tie bars?
3. decide on what engine
4. then decide between diff or gearbox

have the how you want