18 replies to this topic

[adam_93rio]

not really sure if this is in the correct section, but I have a mate who has acquired an Austin A30 which today we have realised the engine is more than likely seized on.

 

now, we're going to work at getting it unseized but as ive got 998 mini engines sat in the garage, I was wondering how much work it is to actually just fit the mini engineto the a30 gearbox. (also allowing fitment of an alternator and making it easier to use a late style distributor)

 

I cant see any way externally that it would be a problem, its just if the internals work in the same direction, if the end of the crank is the same etc

[mab01uk]

There are differences to the rear main bearing cap, oil pick up, etc and the tail of the inline crankshaft is completely different, with no flywheel taper or long section for a primary gear.

 

I have known people convert from inline block to transverse but some machining is required to rear mains cap and a Mini crankshaft.

Edited by mab01uk, 21 November 2015 - 07:26 PM.

[Cooperman]

It would be a major and very expensive engineering job. Cheaper to buy a used Morris Minor 1000, A40, A35, block & crank which would go straight in without a lot of work.

[eean]

Even better would be to buy a 1275 midget engine and box and it should go straight in

[gazza82]

Even better would be to buy a 1275 midget engine and box and it should go straight in

They're not cheap though ... And you would need to upgrades brakes then too ...

948 is easiest swap out and some go on fleabay and via owners club as people rebuilf for academy racing ...

Edited by gazza82, 22 November 2015 - 10:01 AM.

[CityEPete]

My minor has a 1098,electronic ignition, Lucas sports coil and alternator conversion, she goes well and still on 7 inch drums all round!

[ChopperHarris]

Stick a Fiat twin cam in

[Cooperman]

Stick a Fiat twin cam in

I test drove a 'Minor 1000' which had the Fiat Twin-Cam engine fitted. It looked virtually standard except for the slightly wider 4.5" wheels and bigger diameter end to the exhaust pipe. A real 'hot-rod'.

[Dusky]

Stick a Fiat twin cam in

I test drove a 'Minor 1000' which had the Fiat Twin-Cam engine fitted. It looked virtually standard except for the slightly wider 4.5" wheels and bigger diameter end to the exhaust pipe. A real 'hot-rod'.

Now this intrests me.. Got a 2 litre fiat strada /lancia integrale engine in the shed and still very tempted to put it in a mini, only the transmission part of it seems to worry me :/

[ChopperHarris]

 myoldcars1.jpg   59.28K   10 downloads

 

Stick a Fiat twin cam in

I test drove a 'Minor 1000' which had the Fiat Twin-Cam engine fitted. It looked virtually standard except for the slightly wider 4.5" wheels and bigger diameter end to the exhaust pipe. A real 'hot-rod'.

 

Ive twice put Fiat/Alfa twin cams in Moggy thous, Celica back axle was the choice in those days. Marina pedal box with servo and a Marina disk brake conversion. Top left in this montage, taken on Holiday here in France

[peter-b]

A Datsun/Nissan 1200/120y engine almost bolts straight in. We have heaps of Morrie's and Austin A30/35 with Nissan engines in them.

[Spider]

If ya gota do it, do it with style

 

[adam_93rio]

So the easy and cheap way to get it going is to rebuild this block, I thought it would be different, gonna pour a bit of Coke down the bores to see if it frees it up

[gazza82]

So the easy and cheap way to get it going is to rebuild this block, I thought it would be different, gonna pour a bit of Coke down the bores to see if it frees it up

 

Any 40+ year old engine is likely to need some sort of machining and new parts .. depends also on your definition of cheap ..  if it is the original 803cc engine, it isn't the strongest of the bunch. But if he wants to keep it original then that might be his only option.

 

But don't forget it won't stop with the engine; shocks, brakes, hoses, pipes, anything rubber, fuel lines, carb, ... everything is going to need looking at. And then there is the bodywork ..

 

You might want to suggest the Austin A30 & A35 Owners Club to your mate ... they have a spare parts scheme for members ... and lots of experience and advice for £25 a year! http://www.austina30...nersclub.co.uk/

Edited by gazza82, 23 November 2015 - 10:55 AM.

[adam_93rio]

Originality isn't a priority. Just to get it running and driving is the key. By no means will it be a show car, anything that works is staying. Been looking at Morris minor lumps, they're fairly cheap so it'll be a case of drop it in and see what we're working with