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What engine actually fits?
Posted: Thu Mar 12, 2015 6:05 pm
by thebmw1200gsa
Being new here, but having owned a couple of Moggys 20 odd years ago.
I am looking for a project car but need help with what fits the engine bay. Looking around a 1959 onwards 2 door or van.
I have read that an MG Midget 1275 bolts straight in but does a 1500?
On eBay there are several engines advertised as Midget / Marina A series engines. I didn't think Marinas had A series engines and that the bay needed fettling for them to fit?
Can someone clarify what/ which fits with as minimal work as possible, in other words just bolts on to what's there already.
Thanks in advance
Re: What engine actually fits?
Posted: Thu Mar 12, 2015 6:09 pm
by chesney
The MG Midget is the most straightforward swap. The Marina 1300 (aka 1275, A series) is also very straight forward.
I'm sure the 1500 can fit, but the general concensus as I understand is that it isn't worth fitting, particularly when looking at the alternatives available.
For instance, for a similar amount of work, the MGB (and others) 1800 B series will fit just as well, which makes a nice conversion.
That's assuming you don't want to follow the Zetec etc route.
Re: What engine actually fits?
Posted: Thu Mar 12, 2015 6:43 pm
by SteveClem
My traveller has a 1275 A series from a marina and is very capable, sticking to national speed limits. On a 200 mile plus trip to Holy Island last year my wife's new Golf was 35 minutes ahead. It looks pretty original too but probably wouldn't win any concours points! Main problem is 'modern' drivers pulling out in front of me, assuming that I'm slow...

Re: What engine actually fits?
Posted: Thu Mar 12, 2015 7:46 pm
by bmcecosse
How on earth did the Golf get away ??
Re: What engine actually fits?
Posted: Thu Mar 12, 2015 8:57 pm
by philthehill
All the parts you need for fitting the 1275cc 'A' Series MG Midget/or 1275cc 'A' or 'A' Plus Marina engine to a Minor are available from ESM or Bull Motif.
It is a reasonably easy conversion.
Re: What engine actually fits?
Posted: Thu Mar 12, 2015 9:06 pm
by thebmw1200gsa
Thanks for info so far.
So as I understand the Marina or Midget will just bolt straight in.
Marinas seem quite rare now, so possible the Midget with the 1098 gearbox.
Re: What engine actually fits?
Posted: Thu Mar 12, 2015 9:13 pm
by philthehill
Here you go and at a low starting price as well.
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/1-3cc-1275cc- ... 27fb118819. Note: This may be a 1275cc Maestro conversion.
Here is another:-
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/1-3cc-1275cc- ... 27fb119ba0