Morris Minor Owners Club

Hi all,

I know this is sort of tech/mech, but quite a general question really.

To get straight to the point, my van needs a new engine. Since I won't be doing it myself, the question is; is it really backwards to get a new engine put in without doing any bodywork (grille etc needs repairing, plus who knows what else in/around engine bay), only to then take it at some point to have said bodywork done and having to haul the (new) engine etc out?

Of course it would be lovely to be able to do it all now, but one thing is money, and the other is that I was hoping to have the van for the National (engine before, bodywork after?)

If it is REALLY stupid to do it this way, then I will have to consider paying for a full resto (it was inevitable at some point).
If it seems vaguely sensible given time/money constraints then I will get new engine put in asap. Thanks for any advice.

Tobias

I suppose it depends how bad the engine actually is..

Of course as you have identified taking the engine out twice will cost more but it is such a quick job it would not add that much to the cost. The first time you take the engine out the person doing it might snap some studs or have to drill out a few nuts and bolts, provided the restoration work is done in the next year or two the bolts etc should come out easily so it will not take as long

If the engine can "limp" on until you go for the full restoration leave it there.

On the other hand if it really is dead I would change it now and not worry about the extra cost it really will be minimal in the grand scheme of a full restoration.

Crack on with the engine! You need to keep the thing going. Worry about the 'bodywork' when (if!!) you can afford it. But do shop around for another engine - there are often some cheap/perfectly usable engines on ebay. Swap one into your van and then rebuild your own at your leisure. It's not difficult!