engine sizes

[jim.quackenbush]

Hi all---finally found out how to work this forum thingy---bit complicated innit---anyway i have a 67 2 door in black---doing bare metal up resto---there's the intro and good to see loads of topics i'm gonna need
first question is on engine size---originally 1098 with std gearbox---i have the chance to buy a 1275 recon and deposit paid---ford t9 box and hydraulic clutch---so where's the problem ?---well i have the choice of this engine or a 1500 spitfire recon using t9 box
when i've found out how to put pics on here i'll do it---lots of welding to do---any help gratefully received

[ManyMinors]

It'll be a heck of a lot of work to fit the Triumph engine. Not worthwhile in my opinion - not a great engine in any case....

[philthehill]

I agree with Many Minors - whilst the Triumph 1500cc engine can be fitted it does involve a lot more work than fitting the 1275cc engine.
The 1275cc 'A' Series engine is more tuneable with a lot more spares available at reasonable prices.
I also agree that the Triumph 1500cc engine is not such a good engine as the 1275cc 'A' Series.
Phil

[jim.quackenbush]

Thanks guys answers a nagging question---many thanks

[callyspoy]

Having had a Triumph 1300,1500 (both in Heralds) and a 1275 Minor, i would say the 1300 Triumph was the better engine. If i had the inclination i would be tempted to do the conversion, but i kind of prefer messing about with small bore engines these days, and my budgets are much reduced!!

If on a budget, i would say a Triumph 1300 with suitable box would be a good upgrade, just a bit of work with mounting. The box is stronger and comes with a reverse light!

My dad and I often discussed the merits of the B series. When we both had Minors, we often heard on here that they were too heavy to fit comfortably etc. Then i picked up a Fiat Twin Cam and was amazed at the weight (very heavy!)
I can't say i ever had a problem with the Fiat engine causing any issues with the weight of it, so i see limited reasons why the B series really would be too heavy (we had both engines at the time and no real weight difference was noted).

Always depends on what you're after of course. I just know the cost of a Midget 1275 and matching gearbox is phenomenal these days, which is fair enough due to rarity. Whereas the Triumph set up was used in so many cars, there are lots of them available.

[philthehill]

I would agree that the Triumph 1300cc engine is a better & smoother engine than the Triumph 1500cc but I would still maintain that the 1275cc 'A' Series is the better engine after owning a Triumph Herald estate car and a Mk3 1296cc Triumph Spitfire over several years.

The problem with all Minors is that the engine in front of the front axle. (I know it does not have a front axle but for the purpose) any increase in weight in front of the axle reduces the weight loading on the rear axle (turning moment).
Weights extracted from the web link below - the weight of a 1098cc 'A' Series engine = 253lb, the weight of a 'B' Series engine =335lb, the weight of a Fiat twin cam = 272lb
Having removed and fitted the 'B' Series (several times) to my then owned Wolseley it is a lump and the gearbox is a lump too.
Whilst it has been done it is not a conversion I would recommend.
Moving the engine rearwards does help reduce the turning moment with a heavier engine.

http://www.gomog.com/allmorgan/engineweights.html

Phil

[callyspoy]

As ever you have blown me out of the water with hard facts

As an aside, i had a Herald estate too, wonderful thing. I'd have another in a heartbeat, but rare and expensive now. I'm saying that as if i had it years and years ago, it was only 7 years ago!