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MG Midget and Sprite Technical - Tansverse block interchangeable with inline?

Gents,

Would a 1275 transverse, Mini/Metro block be interchangeable with an inline midget block of similar capacity?

Thanks.
J E G Eastwood 1

The answer is MAYBE.
The maybe is are you willing to spend a lot of money converting the block to inline spec. It is not a straight forward exchange. IMO it is a more easy solution to find a normal inline block.
Bob
Bob (robert) Midget Turbo

James, not directly interchangeable but yes can be modified to fit. I have to say that this question comes up every few months and although there are comments like Bob's above of difficulties I have never actually seen a clear, precise and definitive list of the work required from somebody who has actually done it. The Maestro / Montego 1.3 would be a better basis as that has the 'box hung on the end, but the above remarks are still valid.
David Smith(davidDOTsmithATstonesDOTcom

The only transverse block worthy of spending time and money on to make into an inline is the Cooper S but even that is not really feasable...

Mark.
Mark Boldry

Can be done...here in the Antipodes good 1275 Midget blocks are hard to come by. You will need to do the following:
Drill and tap the block for the extra bolts for the backplate.
Fit 2 backplate/bellhousing locating dowels.
Drill and tap the block for the rear cap upper plate.
Drill and tap the oil pick up inlet to suit oil suction pipe (from memory I think it is 5/8" NPT).
Check the sump bolt holes, you may have to drill and tap an extra couple depending on the block. Also be very carefull drilling close to the rear main stud/bolt holes in the block...it is very easy to break through.

Of course you will also need an inline rear main cap which will probably entail the tunnels to be line bored as well, so it is a big job.

I have recently completed this on a Mini A+ block for my race engine, as A+ inline blocks are thin on the ground out here. Hope this helps.
Greg Hewson

excellent post Greg, many thanks.
David Smith(davidDOTsmithATstonesDOTcom

Dave I only give advice on subjects that I have direct knowledge of and in this example I have done it many years ago. I am sure the poster of the initial enquiry was only interested in whether or not it was a straight forward swap.
As described the hardest problem IMO is to overcome the issue with the rear main. If you do get one from an inline engine then you need to line bore engine block. That in itself is enough to make it unviable unless you have no other choice.
Bob England

I was recently told by someone that he has a metro block in his midget - I'd asked if it had taken much work he said, no it dropped straight in. Now I know he must have meant marina or something.
Nick

Not directly related but....

I have a very low milage 1300 Ital that I would like to find a home for. Whilst being an MOT failure last year, it is most definatly repairable, however if one wanted to rob it for spares, there is a superb A+ engine that would suit a Spridget or race engine project. Plus of course all the othe bits of use like Disc brakes (uprate your Morris Minor), Rear Axle (Caterham), Gearbox (1500 Midget), plus many other useful bits and bobs.

Mark.


Mark Boldry

Mark
You will need that Ital when Heartbeat reaches the 1980's !!

Ian
Ian Webb '73 GAN5

I used a Metro Turbo block in my Sprite (and the turbo, too).

Greg Hewson's has already listed all that needs doing - I was able to avoid the line boring by careful selection of the rear main cap. I had a mis-spent youth pulling Marinas apart, so had a collection of caps to choose from - managed to find one that fitted perfectly with no discernable mismatch.
Neil Sherry

Hi Neil good to make your aquaintance on Saturday. Since returning home I have fitted a 5 ohm resistor to the pump which has slowed it down a lot now. The pump must be drawing about 1 amp as I have now a volt drop across the resistor of about 5 volts, which is alot better. Now I do not appear to be flooding the carb if I leave the car with the just the pump running so I may be making progress
Here is my e mail address
rjwelchmidgetATaol.com
Bob (robert) Midget Turbo

Just found a guy selling an ALLOY 998 block. Alloy block with steel wet liners inside. Lots of money, though, so I won't be buying one. ;o)
rob multi-sheds thomas

It would help if....

http://www.racemotorsport.co.uk/race-online/ViewItem.php?ItemID=2
rob multi-sheds thomas

Ian. I don't think Heartbeat will roll out of 1969. I am working on a production at the moment that hops between 1968 and 1974. The Damned United.

Mark.
Mark Boldry

This thread was discussed between 21/05/2008 and 08/06/2008

MG Midget and Sprite Technical index

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