Morris Minor Owners Club

Hi there,

Im writing on behalfof a freind. He has a series 2 803 engine, and is needing to replace the engine. I love my 803 but he wants to use the minor on the motorways.

Just wondering if a newish engine, ford or something can be used, and how much this would cost, and the implications, such as suspension upgrades etc?

I have no idea on engines or anything like that, so itll be great to hear from your reccomendations

Keep to the A Series engines. Any other type of engine will require structural alterations and will cost a fortune. Any change of engine will require an upgrade of gearbox, diff and brakes. A 1098 or 1275 would be most suitable for motorway driving.

It all depends on cash available and whether the work can be done without professional help. If cash not a problem, then the world is your oyster - cash limited, stick to an A series. 1275 with appropriate gearing will keep up with modern traffic - unfortunately the brakes will be better upgraded to discs and servo - try stopping a minor more than once from 70 (in succession) and you'll see why
There is plenty advice available if you have a search through the forums.

Pete

plastic_orange wrote:It all depends on cash available and whether the work can be done without professional help. If cash not a problem, then the world is your oyster - cash limited, stick to an A series. 1275 with appropriate gearing will keep up with modern traffic - unfortunately the brakes will be better upgraded to discs and servo - try stopping a minor more than once from 70 (in succession) and you'll see why
There is plenty advice available if you have a search through the forums.

Pete

In succession? Be at least a minute before I got up to 70 again....

A decent 948 or 1098 will get to 70 in a reasonable time - at least in enough time that the drums haven't cooled down

Pete

I had a 803cc split screen fitted with a 950cc bored out to 998cc (otherwise standard) with a 1098cc gearbox and that was used to commute from the west coast of Cumbria to south Hampshire every Monday morning and back on Friday evening approx 375 miles each way. It was fitted with a Marina rear axle and wheels and Marina disc brakes and wheels up front. It would sit in the fast lane at 70mph very easily and would go faster if required. It was more reliable than the 4 year old diesel car that it replaced and could be easily fixed if required. It only let me down once and that was on the way home to Cumbria after purchasing it from a Hampshire garage. Headlights went out on the M6 and that was cured by bypassing the light switch. It used to put a smile on the face of other drivers as I passed them. The disc brakes and rear axle are for sale and advertised in the For Sale section if you are interested. It was one of the most reliable cars I ever owned.

If as proffered, the engine, gearbox,differential and in order to stop effectively, the brakes need uprating,not forgetting the time, expertise, tools and garage required, maybe the best option is to trade it in against a mid-sixties 1098?
That way the existing car remains original too.