MG midget project

[stedale]

Hi MG folk,

for a while now I have been considering a project car and have settled (I think) on the idea of a modernised Midget. Roughly speaking a repaired body with a modern engine transplant and appropriate running gear and improved creature comforts. However, I am wondering what the best approach is. I'd quite like a tax exempt vehicle but does a modern engine etc invalidate the finished car? I have heard of people installing k-series engines (e.g a 1.8 from a mgf or perhaps something smaller) but I am not interested in replacing Head gaskets on a 6-month basis, is this an issue that has been solved? Would a ford engine be a possibility? Does anyone know of good websites, etc that cover this as well as general midget restoration/improvement.

Sorry lots of questions!

Cheers,
Steve.

[Huntsman]

stedale said:

Hi MG folk,

for a while now I have been considering a project car and have settled (I think) on the idea of a modernised Midget. Roughly speaking a repaired body with a modern engine transplant and appropriate running gear and improved creature comforts. However, I am wondering what the best approach is. I'd quite like a tax exempt vehicle but does a modern engine etc invalidate the finished car? I have heard of people installing k-series engines (e.g a 1.8 from a mgf or perhaps something smaller) but I am not interested in replacing Head gaskets on a 6-month basis, is this an issue that has been solved? Would a ford engine be a possibility? Does anyone know of good websites, etc that cover this as well as general midget restoration/improvement.

Sorry lots of questions!

Cheers,
Steve.

Frontline engineering do a line of K series conversions with 5 speed boxes and other upgrades as do many others.

The midget body shell is complex and can hide nasties, the rear suspension spring hangers at the back of the floor pans is a favourite, subject ot budget then I would reccommend buying a shit car and a heritage shell.

Could end up with a v nice car.

I have seen a pic of a nidget with a Jag XK lump in....

[stedale]

Huntsman said:

stedale said:

Hi MG folk,

for a while now I have been considering a project car and have settled (I think) on the idea of a modernised Midget. Roughly speaking a repaired body with a modern engine transplant and appropriate running gear and improved creature comforts. However, I am wondering what the best approach is. I'd quite like a tax exempt vehicle but does a modern engine etc invalidate the finished car? I have heard of people installing k-series engines (e.g a 1.8 from a mgf or perhaps something smaller) but I am not interested in replacing Head gaskets on a 6-month basis, is this an issue that has been solved? Would a ford engine be a possibility? Does anyone know of good websites, etc that cover this as well as general midget restoration/improvement.

Sorry lots of questions!

Cheers,
Steve.

Frontline engineering do a line of K series conversions with 5 speed boxes and other upgrades as do many others.

The midget body shell is complex and can hide nasties, the rear suspension spring hangers at the back of the floor pans is a favourite, subject ot budget then I would reccommend buying a shit car and a heritage shell.

Could end up with a v nice car.

I have seen a pic of a nidget with a Jag XK lump in....

The heritage shell is something of a dream at the mo, I fancy spreading the financial load and learning welding while I am at it. I found this web site an eye opener link The guy's clearly a demon with a mig and a hammer. Still you have to learn somewhere. Thanks for the pointer to frontline there are some useful ideas there.

[MGwob]

Hi, if you register with this forum (its free), you will have access to friendly advice and about 7 years worth of archived info. I've found it very handy many times.

http://www2.mgcars.org.uk/cgi-bin/gen5?runprog=mgb...

The K Series is a popular conversion, but the ford X Flow and Zetec engines have also been done usually mated to a Ford type 9 5 speed (although other options are available), there are a couple of Rover V8 Midgets floating around as well! Proves if you put your mind (and wallet) to it anything is possible.

Mark

[stedale]

MGwob said:

Hi, if you register with this forum (its free), you will have access to friendly advice and about 7 years worth of archived info. I've found it very handy many times.

http://www2.mgcars.org.uk/cgi-bin/gen5?runprog=mgb...

The K Series is a popular conversion, but the ford X Flow and Zetec engines have also been done usually mated to a Ford type 9 5 speed (although other options are available), there are a couple of Rover V8 Midgets floating around as well! Proves if you put your mind (and wallet) to it anything is possible.

Mark

Sounds great, I was concerned that it would be considered sacrilegeous by MG clubs to do this but apparently not.

[Coco H]

Duratec cosworth that the put into the Caterham should fit - would need some sump work and canting over and such as it's a bit tall