 |
 | Home | Contact Us | FAQ | Search & Site Map | Link to Us |
 | Sign In | Join | Other 45 Sites in Network |
Car Forum / MINI / September 2004Can I use this motor?
Hello internet, I have a question. Here in NZ A+ blocks are as rare as unicorn poo. I have managed to lay my hands on this. http://webconnect.myob.co.nz/f/p2397/67745/Olympus%20099%20(Medium).jpg http://webconnect.myob.co.nz/f/p2397/67745/Olympus%20100%20(Medium).jpg My question is can this block be used in a mini, once it is coupled to the correct gearbox of course. Having never seen an A+ block, I have no idea what, if any features there are on the outside of the motor that I can use to ID it as an A+ block. This motor is of '84 Sprite origin I believe, and if the only difference between these castings and a mini A+ block is the oil filter, then I will use this as the basis of a 1380 rebuild. If it is not useful, then I would rather not open the motor at all and just flog it on. Also if anyone in NZ has an A+ that they could sell to an enthusiastic amateur, please post. And Elvis was sitting next to Mark in the spaceship, which I thought was kinda weird, but then they turned to me and said: > Hello internet, I have a question. > [quoted text clipped - 11 lines] > basis of a 1380 rebuild. If it is not useful, then I would rather not > open the motor at all and just flog it on. I've usually seen this question the other way round - MG/Sprite owners wondering whether a Mini or Metro engine can be adapted to fit the inline cars. The answer is - not without a whole lot of machining and part swapping. The block and crank are different between the inline and transverse engines. On the plus side, if the motor is sound you should be able to get a good price for it from a Midget/Sprite owner - they're not all that easy to find nowadays. > I've usually seen this question the other way round - MG/Sprite owners > wondering whether a Mini or Metro engine can be adapted to fit the inline [quoted text clipped - 3 lines] > The block and crank are different between the inline and transverse > engines. The crank is certainly different, and the rear main bearing cap etc are different, but I thought the blocks were near enough the same? > On the plus side, if the motor is sound you should be able to get a good > price for it from a Midget/Sprite owner - they're not all that easy to > find nowadays. 8-) Morris Minor owners are keen on 1275s too. And Elvis was sitting next to Graham W in the spaceship, which I thought was kinda weird, but then they turned to me and said: > > I've usually seen this question the other way round - MG/Sprite owners > > wondering whether a Mini or Metro engine can be adapted to fit the inline [quoted text clipped - 6 lines] > The crank is certainly different, and the rear main bearing cap etc are > different, but I thought the blocks were near enough the same? I know that some machining work needs to be done to a transverse block to use it in an inline vehicle, so I guess there are some differences. Don't know precisely what's involved though. >Hello internet, I have a question. > [quoted text clipped - 5 lines] >My question is can this block be used in a mini, once it is coupled to >the correct gearbox of course. yes (I think) >Having never seen an A+ block, I have >no idea what, if any features there are on the outside of the motor >that I can use to ID it as an A+ block. id points: - forked dizzy clamp - strengthening ribs in/on the casting (front and back) > This motor is of '84 Sprite I have no experience whatsoever with sprite's though ;-) >origin I believe, and if the only difference between these castings >and a mini A+ block is the oil filter, then I will use this as the [quoted text clipped - 3 lines] >Also if anyone in NZ has an A+ that they could sell to an enthusiastic >amateur, please post. HTH, Theo van den Bogaard > Hello internet, I have a question. > > Here in NZ A+ blocks are as rare as unicorn poo. I have managed to lay > my hands on this. > http://webconnect.myob.co.nz/f/p2397/67745/Olympus%20099%20(Medium).jpg > http://webconnect.myob.co.nz/f/p2397/67745/Olympus%20100%20(Medium).jpg Links are dead > My question is can this block be used in a mini, once it is coupled to > the correct gearbox of course. Having never seen an A+ block, I have > no idea what, if any features there are on the outside of the motor > that I can use to ID it as an A+ block. This motor is of '84 Sprite Rear drive? My (RWD) Minor has a Morris 1100 front drive motor in it. The rear main bearing arrangement is different. If you do convert it, want to send me the RWD bits left over from the rear main bearing? > Rear drive? > [quoted text clipped - 3 lines] > If you do convert it, want to send me the RWD bits left over from the > rear main bearing? If I do use this in my car then I would be happy to ship the remaining clutch/trans to you, at your expense of course! >>Rear drive? >> [quoted text clipped - 6 lines] > If I do use this in my car then I would be happy to ship the remaining > clutch/trans to you, at your expense of course! Oh, just the bits for the rear main bearing - the rest is readily availbel in Australia! I'm not sure what an '84 Sprite is. The Austin-Healy Sprite stopped production in the early '70s. I've heard that there was a Mini Sprite but being in the US I've never seen one or at least I can't remember seeing one. The block in the pictures is very similar to the Mini MPI A+ block. This style of block, with the direct mount filter was also used in South Africa but I don't know if it was available as a 1275. In inline form this block was used in the 1300 Marina. I have seen one of these converted and used in a Mini here in Seattle so it is possible. I would like to get on of these 1275 blocks here in the U.S. The filter mount could have some distinct advantages. Cheers, Kelley >Hello internet, I have a question. > [quoted text clipped - 14 lines] >Also if anyone in NZ has an A+ that they could sell to an enthusiastic >amateur, please post. Hi Mark where in NZ are you? There is not that big a shortage of A+ Mini set ups in NZ. I wouldn't waste my time converting the inline engine to fit. Phil Deane in Porirua has 2 x MG Metro units sitting in his work shop as we speak. Look in T & E for a second-hand MG Metro or indeed most Metro's avaliable in NZ. Failing that try Laurie Axcell in Palmerston North 06 357 9111, he may have one avaliable. Sorry I dont have a number for Phil Deane, another couple to try is Richard Gillies at the Chequered Flag in Wellington, Lynne Rodgers Enginering in Auckland or Larry Mulholland at Swift Automotive in Christchurch. Sell the motor you have to a MG or Morrie Minor owner. They will pay good money for an Inline 1275 engine. Tim Minis Manawatu > Hello internet, I have a question. > [quoted text clipped - 14 lines] > Also if anyone in NZ has an A+ that they could sell to an enthusiastic > amateur, please post. Just because I like to hear myself speak: > There is not that big a shortage of A+ Mini set ups in NZ. I wouldn't > waste my time converting the inline engine to fit. Absolutely - we had alot of Metro's and Allegro's they're quite common - just look for one of Leyland's later and crazier creations. > Phil Deane in Porirua has 2 x MG Metro units sitting in his work shop > as we speak. Look in T & E for a second-hand MG Metro or indeed most > Metro's avaliable in NZ. They're not exactly in perfect order if I remember rightly i.e. they could do with a rebuild and are probably reserved for race-cars as they have nice big cranks and the like - that and I bought the MG Metro inlet manifold & carb off him last week. :) Oh and he's in Upper Hutt - not Porirua. But like Tim says - you'd be best to look for a rusted out 1300 Metro. I saw one just under a year or so ago going for 500$ and it even had a WOF/REG :) > another couple to try is Richard Gillies at the Chequered Flag in > Wellington, Or don't - out of all the prople I've spoken to, no one really likes him or his work, kinda sad when he runs what may be the only local carb-friendly dyno. > Lynne Rodgers Enginering in Auckland or Larry Mulholland at Swift > Automotive in Christchurch. They won't be cheap - but will probably have something - or may even be able to sell you something rebuild - brmmmmmmm. Did Lyn buy most of Laurie Axcell's A+ bits recently? > Sell the motor you have to a MG or Morrie Minor owner. They will pay > good money for an Inline 1275 engine. Definately! S. > Just because I like to hear myself speak: > [quoted text clipped - 3 lines] > Absolutely - we had alot of Metro's and Allegro's they're quite common > - just look for one of Leyland's later and crazier creations. Actually, just looking at your photos - that engine looks like an a+ which would fit with the 1984 bit - but afaik Midget and Sprite production ended before the 80's. So what the hell is it out of?? :) Care to share the Engine No? S And Elvis was sitting next to splam in the spaceship, which I thought was kinda weird, but then they turned to me and said: > Actually, just looking at your photos - that engine looks like an a+ which > would fit with the 1984 bit - but afaik Midget and Sprite production ended > before the 80's. So what the hell is it out of?? :) If it was in the UK, I'd have taken a stab that it came out of a Marina or an Ital. Were you ever cursed with either of those things Down Under? It is a 1300 Marina Engine..sh.t cars LOL > And Elvis was sitting next to splam in the spaceship, which I thought was > kinda weird, but then they turned to me and said: [quoted text clipped - 7 lines] > > Were you ever cursed with either of those things Down Under? >> Were you ever cursed with either of those things Down Under? Indeed we were - infact the recurved 45D dizzy ( to the CooperS curve ) in my 1275+30 is from a Marina!! The only Marinas I've seen have been rust and an oil leak held together with some carpet and seats. :) > Actually, just looking at your photos - that engine looks like an a+ which > would fit with the 1984 bit - but afaik Midget and Sprite production ended > before the 80's. So what the hell is it out of?? :) > > Care to share the Engine No? I will grab the full numbers when I am in my lockup next. I took some shots of the back, not sure what one says but the other has WFM with 1025 under it. http://webconnect.myob.co.nz/f/p2397/67745/Olympus%20097%20(Medium).jpg http://webconnect.myob.co.nz/f/p2397/67745/Olympus%20098%20(Medium).jpg Richards an alright bloke Splam. just got to know how to talk to him. As to expensive...you want a $10 dollar engine then buy just any old wreck, if you want somthing that will hold together then talk to someone who knows there stuff, quality always pays off in the long run. When did Phil move to the Hutt? Last time I heard he was Porrirua based? or is that just where he lives? And no second hand engine will ever be in perfect order, I'd never do just a straight bolt out bolt in job, unless you have some jolly good reasons to, such as known quality of the engine IE just had a full rebuild 100km prior to the car being written off LOL As to Laurie, no lynne uses the trade me account...Lauire has shut the doors on the garage anyway, had enough of dealing with cheapskates/dick heads/ backyard mechanics ...who is un registered, working out of his shed and doing dodgy work which craps out ofter 10 minutes....funny that a Sth African working in the "black" economy....I feel an aparthide joke there somewhere LOL > Just because I like to hear myself speak: > [quoted text clipped - 36 lines] > > S. > Richards an alright bloke Splam. just got to know how to talk to him. Ah like a commanding mother perhaps? :) If I had spent $400 with him to tune a Mini up and gotten back a rough running hunk of junk I'd be upset. > As to expensive...you want a $10 dollar engine then buy just any old > wreck, if you want somthing that will hold together then talk to > someone who knows there stuff, quality always pays off in the long > run. Yup I agree with that - spending moneys on getting an engine built properly will make things cheaper in the long run liek you say. > When did Phil move to the Hutt? Last time I heard he was Porrirua > based? or is that just where he lives? Might be where he lives - dunno and stuff :) > had enough of dealing with cheapskates/dick heads/ backyard mechanics > ...who is un registered, working out of his shed and doing dodgy work > which craps out ofter 10 minutes....funny that a Sth African working in Yeah, that guy - some people think he's great, but after spending time with a real engine builder ( and seeing "that guy's" hunk of crap car at Taupo that didn't even start ) it makes you shudder when you see what he's selling. Eek. that seems to be consistent theme with him, every event I've ever seen him at ends the day with him under the hood fixing somthing else LOL, always of course with his little gang of pre-20 somthings hanging onto his every word...well I guess they will wise up once he's fleeced them of their hard earned.Lets hope its not before they become pissed off and swear off Minis.....the damage he's doing to the local scene is unforgiveable.... Just realised what you meant re Laurie-Lyyne, his partners name is Lynne, and you meant Lynne Rodgers??? Yes Lynne and Phil bought most of the engines of Laurie 1275's collection. > > Richards an alright bloke Splam. just got to know how to talk to him. > [quoted text clipped - 24 lines] > > Eek. > Hi Mark > where in NZ are you? I am in Christchurch. Swift Autoland... > There is not that big a shortage of A+ Mini set ups in NZ. I wouldn't waste > my time converting the inline engine to fit. I keep an eye on the buysell, trademe and the papers. I have seen one post-82 metro come up for sale in Hamilton, that's it. My impression was that NZ stopped importing significant numbers of British cars about the start of the eighties... Certainly minis and the like are common enough, but they are mostly pre 79, around here anyway. > Phil Deane in Porirua has 2 x MG Metro units sitting in his work shop as we > speak. Look in T & E for a second-hand MG Metro or indeed most Metro's [quoted text clipped - 6 lines] > Gillies at the Chequered Flag in Wellington, Lynne Rodgers Enginering in > Auckland or Larry Mulholland at Swift Automotive in Christchurch. Cheers, thanks for Lauries details, I want to talk to him about a sc gearbox as well. Larry from SwiftAuto doesn't have anything, is Phil Deane an enthusiast or does he have a car related business? > Sell the motor you have to a MG or Morrie Minor owner. They will pay good > money for an Inline 1275 engine. Thanks Tim. > is Phil Deane an enthusiast or does he have a > car related business? Phil builds engines and cars for the Miniracing scene - www.miniracing.co.nz A really nice guy, but has little patience for idiots :) |
Reply to this Message |
 Sign In
 Join
 My Latest Posts My Monitored Threads My Blog My Photo Gallery My Profile My Homepage Start New Thread Enable EMail Alerts Rate this Thread
|
©2008 Advenet LLC Privacy Policy - Terms of Use
This website includes both content owned or controlled by Advenet as well as content owned or controlled by third parties.