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MG Midget and Sprite Technical - Death to all A+ engines!!!!

It's an A+1275 Ital engine that I had put in my old (deceased) Spridget after removing the twin-cam engine and box. I transferred the entire Ital running gear under the bonnet but then converted it to MG Metro spec, right down to the camshaft. Went reeeeeealy well.
So, after my lightweight A-series 1275 lubricated the entire length of the M5 motorway, I decided to reuse the A+.
Big mistake. Ital crankshaft has 6 bolts, like the 1275 midget engine but the flywheel flange needs a flat flywheel so I had 4 extra holes drilled into the Morris Minor flywheel and ordered a new 1098 Minor clutch. Fine (except the Borg & Beck clutch was incorrectly assembled!) and I used a spare late 1098 Midget backplate. Then the trouble started.
65DM4 dissy won't fit alongside the starter since it is in a different location on an A+. Can't use a 43D4 since I haven't a spare side-entry cap. Have to use the 65 but make a wiring loom to remote-wire the electronics module. Have to make a remote connection for the oil pressure and warning system since it is almost impossible to reach otherwise. Dowel at the top of the gearbox mating face is a different size but I have a lathe, so, prob solved after removing the engine once more to do the job!
At least it has the timing marks at the top so that I can re-time it. Sahme I can't remember where I put the ignition coil. Anyone know what resistance goes on an MG Metro.
Carbs. Arrrrrrrrrgh. Weber has to come off and I can maaaaaaaybe fit the MG Metro carb and manifold (You've all heard that story before, Eh?) or I'll have to go twin SU. Now, what is the story on vac advance? Is the MG Metro carb taking vac from a similar position as the twin SUs?




I've got a headache coming on.
rob multi-sheds thomas

You need a 59DM4 electronic or a 59D4 point and contact breaker (and convert to aftermarket electronic).

The 43D4 won't fit as it's not A+

I think the 59DM4 will have the correct vaccuum can for a single HIF44 or run without one - you don't drive for economy do you?
Daniel Thirteen-Twelve

There is a 43D4 here with the A+ drive dog on it,so, I guess they must've made some of them. This one has a 10 degree baseplate. Quite a lot of advance at idle.

I guess I could use a Ford clamp, lathe off the flange on a Cooper S dissy and use that with the appropriate drive dog? Running out of ideas almost as fast as I am running out of interest in the car!
rob multi-sheds thomas

So, for us NC country boys, what the heck is an
A+ engine (mini maybe??) and how is it different
from my 1275 A Series engine???

On Google it's a software upgrade??

chuck
c c

A+
an upgrade on the A-series.
made for the new austin metro (the supposed replacement of the mini)an also put in the mini.

different casting to reduce flexing the block
different ignition mounting (one that holds it in place for a change)
and some mounting holes are shifted
internal's mostly the same, head the same.

better suited for big bore's because of the added stifening
o Könemann

Google "Morris Marina". Morris Minor 1275cc with an ugly set of new clothes.

Morris Ital was the upgraded Marina and had the same basic engine block as the later Minis. It used a crank with larger main journals to cope with a slightly lower spec material. The larger journals meant they could be offset-ground to Midget size to give either a longer throw or a shorter one. Better timing cover (I used to sell lots to the USA) with the timing marks at the top in the 11 o'clock position.
It also has a timing chain tensioner so it never ever rattles.
As Standard, the A+ engine bolted up to the triumph Spitfire gearbox via a cast iron bellhousing and a huge clutch. The A+ can therefore take the overdrive Spitfire box. It is also easy to put an entire Marina or Ital drive into a 1500 Midget with very little work, mostly to lengthen the engine mount towers by about 2 inches and to rewire the ignition stsyem to the other side of the engine bay.
rob multi-sheds thomas

Chuck. Just remembered. My sister live in NC, too. Place called Cary. Works at the university in genetics and molecular biology.
rob multi-sheds thomas

My brother lives in An-ger, just outside of raighle

prop
Prop

Thanks guyz.

Cary is just down the road from us; I'm told
it means Containment Area for Relocated Yankees.

Angier is further below Raleigh. That's
where my 5-speed box came from.
c c

This thread was discussed between 12/06/2008 and 13/06/2008

MG Midget and Sprite Technical index

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