Morris Minor Owners Club

Hi Guys,

I've just picked up a 1956 Series II 2 door saloon, which I hope to finish as an "Old School" style Hot Rod.

My question is this:-

Would the original 803cc transmission (gearbox and rear axle) be able to take the extra power of a 1275cc engine, or would I be be better using a 1098cc transmission?

Cheers

John

I certainly wouldn't use the 803 gearbox it's a really weak box

Minimum is the 1098 box or you could go Ford T9 and Escort back axle..

Ah, yes. But Escort axles aren't that easy to come by.

Axle will cope with 80 ish bhp OK (maybe more depending on how you drive). After that hardened half shafts are available but then you are relying on the diff itself holding on

I didn't intend to go "bonkers", I'm after an old school 'rod that can compete in the "traffic light Grand Prix" better than my '69 4 door!!

The 803 box and axle are very weak. Don't rely on them for anything!

bmcecosse wrote:The 803 box and axle are very weak. Don't rely on them for anything!

Surely you can rely on them for something?

To breakdown

is the 1000 axle a straight bolt on replacement?

Yes. But still the weakest link!

What mods does the Escort axle require for fitting to a Minor?

Removal of all Ford brackets. Welding on correct axle perches set at the correct angle and spacing for the Minor springs.
Upper and lower axle plates hybrid design to suit both springs and axle. A set of U bolts and possibly axle pads.
Bespoke handbrake cables, new rigid brake pipe and a modified or bespoke propshaft. Ford wheels or alloys. Choice of diff, 3.9 upto 4.4 are suitable for the 1275 motor.

wow that sounds like a fun job

Eazipeezi

Jonathon, would it be economically viable for you to modify an axle if I supplied one?

It certainly would not be economical. If you want 70-80bhp the drop me an email and I'll give you details of our 80 thou oversized engines. use this with a std Minor box and axle, but upgrade the suspension and brakes to cope.
I would go for a 3.9 or 3.7 diff as BM mentions, this route would be you're most effective and economical upgrade to the power you describe.
One exception to the above is to go for the Escort axle if you're budget allows (£1000) due purely to the improved brakes which would balance the fronts if you went to a Ford based kit.

I'm considering going down the Ford running gear route, as it will give me the options of a 5 speed gearbox and a greater selection of wheels. I would have to source a new gearbox and axle anyway, as I'm sure the ones in the car are still 803cc items.