1500cc midget swap, advice???

[SGHarris]

Hey all, I'm starting to plan my winter engine conversion and I've been looking at a Mg midget 1500 complete engine on ebay and was wondering if the engine conversion is a straight swap like the 1275 in a morris minor? If not what work is involved in the transplant? Modified trans tunnel, exhaust manifold??
And yes, I will probably buy a 1275, but just keen to find out more about the 1500 conversion, thanks in advance

[graham1957]

exhaust and carbs on opposite sides, midget 1275 would be best in my opinion, graham

[jagnut66]

Hi,
I believe that the 1500 is a Triumph unit and therefore not a straightforward swap. As has been said, the carbs and exhaust are on the opposite sides, plus the transmission will require adapting, so you'll probably end up having to source a suitable prop-shaft, then there's the question of the diff................
How far do you want to go and how deep are your pockets???...............
The 1275 Midget engine provides an ample power upgrade for a Moggy and, as said, is a straight swap.
Pretty much the same size (slightly longer I think) and then engine mounts are the same / in the same place. Have the Moggy 1098 flywheel re-drilled to suit and you can even bolt on the 1098 box, so no modifications / body butchery required!!
4.22 diff the same as the Midget.
That said the choice is yours.........................
Best wishes,
Mike.

[philthehill]

As I said in my other post regarding your Minor especially if you want to do any motor sport events read the MSA Motor Sport Regulation (Blue Book) construction and use section before doing anything.
The 1275cc Midget/Sprite engine block falls into the 'A' Series classification and is acceptable for a Minor in the Modified Production Car Class up to 1400cc. The Marina/Ital 1275cc engine block is also acceptable in that class and a Marina/Ital 'A' Plus block is fitted into my comp Minor.
Fit the Triumph 1500cc engine block and you will most likely find yourself in the Formula Libra class where anything goes.
Phil

[bmcecosse]

The Triumph 1500 engine is a poor weak thing anyway...don't do it.

[SGHarris]

Philthehill, thanks, but I'm not looking at getting competitive in the car once I've decided what engine to use, we do a lot of drag racing so I want more power for the straight line, into hill climbs as well so will make the car handle also

[philthehill]

On the 17th July you stated in one of your other posts that you are intending to do a couple of hill climbs and if you do you will need as I have stated to take note of the MSA regulations.
And here is my hill climb and sprint Minor which has complied with MSA regulations since about 1969.[frame][/frame]

[SGHarris]

Very nice, anymore photos?