Morris Minor Owners Club

Hi every one.
My purple '57 2dr 948 leaks oil out of the rear oil seal quite badly so has got to come out anyway. the problem is i've been offered a good running 1098 at a good price a 1275 midget engine that will need a rebuild at a very good price and a 1600 ford xflow and box reasonable price. choices choices. i know the 1098 and 1275 will go straight in but have been told that its not much more difficult to put in the 1600, all advice hints & tips eagerly awaited.(i've already overhauled the brakes(marina discs fr) all round)
Also which engine swaps are acceptable by insurance companys
Regards Rich

Insurance companies won't really bat an eyelid at the 1098 conversion although you ought to make sure you have the matching 8" brakes. With the 1275 you should also go for disk brakes, which are nice to have anyway (so I'm told)
With the 1600 engine - no idea.

The 1600 crossflow is not a common conversion and I think I've only seen one done.

The car already has Marina discs ! It all depends what you want from the car - if it's just for plodding around then if the 1098 is a good runner just stick it in - but don't destroy the old 948 - there is a market for these ! And the 1098 gives a very worthwhile upgrade from the 948 anyway. If you want a bit more power then by all means re-condition the 1275 unit - but that will cost around £500 to do properly (rebore/pistons/crank grind/bearings/oil pump/cam followers etc ) but you will then have a NEW engine ! The Ford conversion is not going to be easy - and really you would need to upgrade the suspension/rear axle to cope - if you want a 'flyer' then go for it - but it's by no means a drop-in conversion.