Morris Minor Owners Club

I was just looking at

http://www.austin-rover.co.uk/index.htm?ado28storyf.htm

When I noticed that the 1098 engine and 998 engine share the same Bore.

Now thinking aloud

If so, using a 998 A+block and head but with a 1098 crank and rod/pistons you would have a 1098cc A+

Is this right and if so is there any advantage?

All I know about A+ minis was that they seemed to be quieter and were more economic due to being tuned for 4* rather than 2-3* fuel

What you say is correct - for a Mini! The Mini block is no use in a Minor because there is no raer bearing oil seal. the 998 head has the small inlet valves - so this would restrict the breathing on a 1098. The 998 A+ engines have nice flat-top pistons which give CR of 10:1 with standard head. Rover finally realised (after some 30 years) this was a way to improve the fuel consumption. These pistons and rods can be used with a 948 crank in a Minor 1098 block to give a Minor 998 engine. Fit an MG Metro cam and a 12g940 head from a 1275 engine (need block pockets or sink the ex valves 40 thou) and you would have a 'flyer'.

Cheers BMC I knew it couldn't be that easy

But it is easy! And inexpensive. Best value for money power increase you can ever hope for.

This has given me Ideas.

What sort of Carb would you need?

Are we now talking a seriously Hairy car that needs major suspension/ rear axle upgrades or something that could run a tweaked standard setup but with the obvious brake upgrades?

I think I need to get my grubby mits on a copy of Vizzard and start scrabbling around the local scrappys.

Oh these mods will just turn the wick up nicely - not a competition engine! Bigger single SU is way to go - either HIF 38 or perhaps HIF 44 - on MG Metro inlet manifold (about £5 on ebay) - as are the carbs, maybe £10 for the 44.

Looks like my christmas list is sorted then

That's a long time away - get on ebay now and set up a few searches. There are many bargains out there!