Morris Minor Owners Club

... but I can't find any reference to it elsewhere, unless I'm blind.

I know the Marina/Ital 1275 engine has to have a new backplate and a different flywheel to fit a Minor, but does an MG Midget 1275 just go straight in without modification at all, or does it need new stuff as well?

Direct replacement if you can find one....

Yes, a very straighforward and satisfying conversion. Midget engines are still about, there are usually a few in the classifieds of the MG owners club mag if you can get hold of a copy.

does an MG Midget 1275 just go straight in without modification at all, or does it need new stuff as well?

It's been a while since i looked but the midget has a smaller flywheel than the 1098 - and smaller dimaeter clutch. You can use that as it is, using a thrust bearing from 948 (IIRC) or convert it to Minor 1098 flywheel and clutch.

The flywheel must be the same diameter - so the ring gear teeth will mesh with the starter! It's the Marina /Ital that has the oversize flywheel - which can't be used with a Minor gearbox.

There are a few easy mods required for the Midget engine.
The fan blades need small spacing washers between the blades and the pulley to clear the breather filter on the crankcase
There is a 1275/1098 conversion thermostat housing available to line up the top hose at the correct angle
You will need to use the 1275 heater tap on the back of the head as the Minor tap will catch the battery
The engine steady bar bracket will need a V cut out of it to clear the base of the heater tap
The Midget clutch is hydraulic but can be converted to manual use by welding one inch onto the relay arm lever which connects to the clutch pedal and re drilling the hole. This restores the original pedal weight and movement.
The 1098 thrust bearing should be used or there is a roller bearing conversion available.
Upgrade the brakes

One little thing to take into account if using the Moggie clutch is that the midget backplate does not have a hole for the clutch return spring, so you will have to make up a suitable small bracket that will be held in place by one of the starter motor bolts.

Mine has a hole, unless it was modded before I got the engine

Well Mike you haven't got a Midget backplate then as there isn't the metal there to make one as it fits flush with the gearbox without the Minor bulge, any chance you can get a photo of yours so I could see just in case I have missed out on something (nothing new there)

I bought my engine more or less ready to drop straight in but with the Midget clutch, history unknown, so it may have been previously fitted to a Minor. I will try to grovel underneath and have a look if I can avoid the oil drips off the back of the engine.

I have just had a grovel under the car to look at the backplate. It has a shallow corner on it with a small hole for the clutch return spring which I assume is the same as the 1098.
I fitted a 1275 rear oil seal kit when I fitted the engine and had no problems with clearances with the backplate.