Morris Minor Owners Club

Evening,
Probably get asked a lot of questions etc about project ideas but I thought I would ask anyway seeing as this forum seems to be very helpful!
I'm in my second year of my Motorsport Engineering degree and need to do a project on a vehicle.
I was thinking of perhaps rebuilding and Turbo charging a 1275 Marina engine for my Morris Minor? Not thinking about silly amounts of boost or power as I can imagine reliability becoming an issue!

I know putting a larger, more efficient engine would be an easier task and probably more powerful and reliable in the long run but would not be complex enough to do as a project.

Has this been done before and if so how successfully? And to what cost?
Has anyone got any constructive criticism or advise?

Thanks a lot any thoughts or suggestions will be greatly appreciated!

Metro turbo bits are what you need, but don't come cheap. There are a few on here that have actually done it...

I shouldn't be limited to the Metro turbo as I have the facilities to make any custom manifolds especially turbo manifolds. I was thinking maybe renault 5 turbo or similar?

Plus also what work is needed on the block, can the compression be lowered with compression gaskets? can the con rods and crankshaft take the extra power?

Any info or ideas appreciated!

The turbo bits shouldn't be that expensive - ( http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/mini-metro-turbo- ... 7C294%3A50 ) because nowadays it's generally accepted that Supercharging - not Turbo - is the way to go! The ex MINI Cooper S Eaton supercharger - like this - http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/BMW-Mini-Cooper-O ... 294%3A50is used - and works very well on the A series engine. If you are on a msport degree course - you will surely know what's required without us telling you! And to get the very best from it -you will of course fit fully mappable electronic ignition - with no dizzy! ie Megajolt.

Crank would NEED to be tuftrided and used with leaded bronze bearing shells. Rods ok - you won't be using high revs! Intercooler required - and high spec pistons to withstand the heat - and MG Metro Turbo head with the sodium filled valve stems!

I do have a relatively good knowledge of what needs to be undertaken but unfortunately BMC they don't tell us everything and is more of an independent study. Plus it is always good to get the opinions of people who have done it or have also researched it as it is an expensive project to start. But i will have a look at the supercharging route also. Thanks for the info.

Just ask - I was only yanking your chain!

Haha ok, thanks again for the info, can begin pricing it all up and I'm not sure if I am going to like it!

Remember - if upgrading the Minor engine - you need to do something with the brakes/dampers/wheels and tyres!

Don't worry that should be keeping me busy this summer!