Morris Minor Owners Club

Been looking at peoples projects and upgrades past few weeks and one thing ive noticed is a lot of people are pull out their old 948cc blocks in favour of the larger 1098cc units.

Ive run a variety of engines in Minors over the years from standard, crossflows, fiats through to a V8!

But I have to say for ease of cruising, reliability and performance on STANDARD car my choice would have to be the 948cc over the 1098 any day. Its a revy little engine, nippy when you need to and a comfortable top end cruising speed for the Minor I found.

Whats your choice and why....

1098 because it is long stroke, and so gutsy at lowish revs. With a big valve head it gives all the power necessary for sane road use. However i suspect best fuel economy could probably be 'wrung' out of the 948 with the correct parts fitted, although the 848 (or even possibly the 803) may be even better for economy with obviously restricted performance.

I have yet to try the 1098cc engine -- but out of solidarity for my own car I voted for the 948cc! Hope that's not cheating. In any event, while the 948 doesn't have a lot of power, I contend that it's one of the best engines ever made -- if only because mine turned 50 last year and is still running beautifully, and I believe with relatively little maintenance in its life! Try that on a Blazer or a Camry in a half-century.

I will try out the 1098 as soon as I get my hands on one that runs. My hometown friend Foghorn has probably got a 1098 in his Traveller, but I don't believe it's road-capable yet.

948 is one of the smoothest engines
i had one in an early pick up and run sweet as a nut so for that alone thats my choice