1275 midget conversion worth it or not?

[Two tone tommy]

ive got a moggy pick up and the diff has gone but we were contemplating with the idea of changing to the midget 1275 engine its still a 4 speed engine but a bit more powerful is it worth upgrading? had anybody done the change how difficult was it and frustrating? is there anything to watch out for?
thanks tommy

[PSL184]

If you have the engine and box it's a straightforward swap mechanically. The only bit you'll need to work out is the hydraulic clutch or use Minor 1098 parts to convert to mechanical.

[Two tone tommy]

its already the 1098 so have the bits for the clutch weve found a guy whos got everything engine back axle diff prop shafdt the whole lot and he wants £1250 cash so were really tempted but wondering is it worth doing will we gain enough to warrant it?

[PSL184]

What ratio diff?
Prop is the same so not needed.
What state is engine in?
What exactly are you getting for the money?

[bmcecosse]

The 'back axle' is no use (narrower) - but the final drive is worth having. The conversion is of course worth doing - slightly more power, and of course the 1275 can then be further developed for a lot more power - while the 1098 has it's limitations !

[IslipMinor]

Tommy,

£1250 seems very high for what you need. The engine and gearbox (is it a genuine 1275 one?), the 3.9 diff assembly and rear hubs are all that will fit into a Minor. The propshaft, rear axle casing, halfshafts, brakes etc. are all different.

What condition is everything in? Can you see the engine running?

To identify the gearbox, read the part number on the input/primary shaft - the applications are:
[frame][/frame]

Where is the rear axle oil filler on your car? On the back of the axle casing, or in the diff housing? If it is in the diff housing, fitting a 3.9 will mean that you have no filler, as they were only fitted into axle casings with the oil filler on the back of the casing. Filling can be done via the vent, but knowing the exact level is a bit difficult!

We had to make and weld on a casing filler when we fitted the 3.9 into the original 1958 casing.

Other than using the 1098 clutch release arm and maybe the oil filler location, the rest is all a straight swap for the 1098 parts. You will need to turn the engine steady bracket upside down where it fits on to the cylinder head, as the 1275 block is taller than the 948/1098.

What inlet and exhaust are you planning to fit? The 1275 could run with the standard 1098 inlet/exhaust as a temporary measure, but it will be very restrictive.

[mike.perry]

If you keep the Midget diaphram clutch you will need to modify the clutch relay shaft by welding an extra inch on the lever which links to the pedal and re drill the hole one inch further accordingly. This will restore the correct pedal travel and load.
You will also need to cut a V out of the end of the engine stabiliser bar to clear the heater tap and if you use the Minor 1098 tap you will need to adapt the base to turn the tap to clear the battery

[ManyMinors]

Don't assume that the Midget differential will be an improvement. The early 1275cc MG Midget was fitted with the 4.22 diff, the same as a 1098cc Minor.

A genuine 1275 Midget engine and gearbox is certainly a worthwhile improvement however but DO make sure that IS what you're getting. Our car has A "1275 Midget reconditioned gearbox" supplied by a well known MG specialist and it is just a 1098 Minor gearbox .

[philthehill]

See http://www.scribd.com/doc/23809120/Spec ... g-for-1275 for details of rear axle diffs and change over points.

[Two tone tommy]

thanks for all the replys you guys have been great help this is the list of parts from the seller

The engine is from a 1973 MG Midget, it's the original 1275cc engine, it's is full working order, mileage unknown.
Complete engine inc distributor, starter motor, Dynamo, coil, twin SU carbs, Inlet manifold, exhaust manifold. Gearbox, prop shaft, differential, axle complete with brakes, hubs and half shafts. £1250 cash
is that worth the money?
the guy has just removed the engine and everything from the midget but has video on you tube of it working
not sure what the diff ratio is messaged and waiting for reply
think the diff filler is in the back on the truck at the minute

[bmcecosse]

The SU carbs/manifolds/prop shaft and rear axle are not much use. Seems v expensive to me for what's left......

[philthehill]

Go on 'e' bay and check out the prices for yourself.
If the engine is working and it comes with a good 1275cc gearbox, 1275cc diff and SU carbs/manifolds ect ect. the asking price is reasonable.
Use what you want and flog the rest on 'e' bay.

[les]

Too rich for me, I must be out of touch, over a grand for those bits?

[bmcecosse]

The carbs and manifolds are hopeless - and the final drive may not be anything special....

[philthehill]

These are the usual/average prices for 1275cc MG stuff on 'e' bay these days

Engine..................http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/MG-Midget-AH- ... 4d38ddc198 - and yes it is seized and that is why it is cheap.
..........................http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/MG-MIDGET-127 ... 33a9983fcd

Gearbox................http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/MG-Midget-Gea ... 35f2eeffd7

Diff.....................http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/MG-MIDGET-DIF ... 35ea22ac7e

SU carbs...............http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Austin-A40-MG ... 2ee6c22945

Exhaust manifold....http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/MG-MIDGET-109 ... 5d5d58fc42

Rear axle.............http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/MG-MIDGET-SPR ... 1668179509

I can go on but you can see from the links above that the value of the items are mounting up.

[aupickup]

well its good to see someone is up to date with prices

[faversham999]

I have a 1275 engine the MG flywheel and clutch was to stiff and gear 1 and 4 were difficult so it was finished with a modified marina flywheel and 1098 clutch . The only other changes were the 948 to 1098 diff and a refurbished 1098 carb goes well

[mike.perry]

I have explained the clutch modification which cures the heavy clutch

[philthehill]

I have a 1275 engine the MG flywheel and clutch was to stiff and gear 1 and 4 were difficult so it was finished with a modified marina flywheel and 1098 clutch . The only other changes were the 948 to 1098 diff and a refurbished 1098 carb goes well

I am surprised that you managed to fit a Marina flywheel inside the 1098cc gearbox bell housing as the Marina flywheel is quite a bit bigger or do you mean that you fitted a 1275cc modified flywheel from ESM which enables the 1098cc clutch assy to be used.
The 1275cc Marina and 1275cc Midget flywheels are located differently on the rear end of the crankshaft and are not interchangeable. The 1098cc/948cc engines are different again. 1098cc engines prefixed by 10cc are also different in flywheel locating bolt PCD from a normal 1098cc/948cc PCD.

http://morrisminorspares.co.uk/shop/pro ... fea3ba8cef

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Morris-Marina ... 1a072bd072

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/MORRIS-MARINA ... 2350b06d37

More info on the fitting of your modified flywheel would be appreciated.
Phil

[bmcecosse]

The Marina fly could be turned down - and then fitted with a Minor ring gear. Perhaps more satisfactory than re-drilling a Minor fly - and of course a suitable clutch would need to be selected/fitted.