1275 MG Midget

[Markh]

I have a very tidy 1974 MG Midget, it has not turned a wheel in 8 years, sat under a cover in a nice heated garage, I bought it for nostagia as I used to run around in Midgets/sprites back in the late 70's early 80's, I now have the urge to do something with it. My last 1275 was a tuned version (1982 I think) and I was thinking of updating this one, but no doubt things have moved on since the 80's, I would like to use the standard block (so no K engines) although an aluminium head or other (did I read that a BMW bike head could be made to fit?) would like to fit a modern 5 speed box (have got used to all sycro gearbox) also is there any better half shafts yet (used to twist the ends of these with 80ish BHP) maybe also look the brakes, dampers (lose teh leaver arms) springs.

the basic idea is something I could enjoy the odd hill climb but still road friendly (no mad 649 cams, are they still around?) would be keen to use modern technology where possible mapped ignition, fuel injection maybe


Thanks

mark

[Miniholic]

Specialist Components are the people to talk to about BMW K head conversions for the A series. They also do their own 7 port crossflow head conversion.

http://www.twinkam.co.uk/

I've seen Morris Minors fitted with Ford type 9 five speed boxes, which run a Midget 1275 engine complete with clutch assembly, so I'm sure someone must have put one in a Midget.

[na]

Lots of info and helps from MG BBS - http://www2.mgcars.org.uk/cgi-bin/gen5?runprog=mgb...

see also on there the Twin cam 16v K ser - Midgets and B's forum

[chormy]

Darren at Damico race engines go see him, 300 hp A series engine sitting there Nice!!!!!

[Markh]

Thanks guys for the info, here is the progress update

I have got the midget started this morning for teh first time in 6 years, brakes siezed on a bit, clutch slipping, managed to nearly get it to the garage but the clutch gave out about two miles from the garage (good job wife followed with Range Rover), have asked teh garage to re-commission it , am thinking the brakes will need doing first, rather tahn just fit standard discs/pads/shoes, what is teh best upgrade, would rather buy once. As for teh clutch same think applies do I go for the 5 speed (or would maybe a caterham 6 speed be worth concidering?) i forgot how noisy the standard gearbox is. Water temp and oil pressure all seem good. would like to get a bespoke engine built at some stage at present thinking of the BMW K or 7 port head, anyone here have either and would care to talk about the benefits

thanks

Mark