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MG Midget and Sprite Technical - 1098 or 1275

Hi
I have a 1966 midget with the standard 1098 engine and was thinking of converting it to a 1275. I got a 210 5-speed and since the engine and tranny have to be pulled it would be a good time to do it. All midgets I've owned have been 948 or 1098 and never had one with a 1275. are these much faster or better?
this is the newest MG I've had. I have a 1965 MGB also but have mostly owned midgets or MGA's when nobody wanted them and where they were not very expensive.
thanks Mike
Mike

Mike,

I had a 1098 for a short time, and they are fine, but the 1275 does have a bit more power. I think maybe about 15 hp more, but someone else proably knows the real figure. I pulled the 1098, but since I replaced it with a hopped up 1275, I don't have a direct comparison.

I think that there are a lot more 1275 out there, so parts, either new or used, are probably more readily available.

I've not driven with the Datsun box, but the people I know of who have think they are great. The stock gearing was too low in my opinion.

Yes, I remember those days too, when a rough but running big Healey was $200 and TR3s were free.

Charley
C R Huff

My '60 Frogeye came with a stock 9.0-1 1098 CG
motor. First time experience with 1098 motor.

Smoothest Series A type I've ever driven. silky-smooth exhaust note as well using glass pack muffler. Good low end torque. Teamed it with a Datsun 5-speed, 3.7 diff. This worked very well for town and highway, considering
first 3 gears of Datsun 5 speed slightly lower than contemporary Sprite ribcase.

Sold the 1098 to a buddy who had a '65 Sprite and wanted a stock motor, replacing same with
current Cooper S tuned 1293.

The stock 1275 gives you more torque throughout the range, but most especially the high end above 3k rpm and greater. Otherwise, really not much difference in the lower range.

Bob Shlafer

Bob

thanks for the info. the 1098 in the midget now doesn't leak oil and is very smooth and I think I will keep it rather than hassle with 1275 change. Sometimes more power isn't everything.
Mike
Mike

This thread was discussed between 27/06/2008 and 30/06/2008

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