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Aug 22, 2019 11:42:07 GMT
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Sounds like you already have a good basis, assuming the 1275 is in good condition. I have a 1275 Midget engine in my Traveller, and find it goes pretty well.
Fiat twin cams can be made to fit without any bulkhead cutting - see my signature thread for more info.
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Aug 22, 2019 16:00:56 GMT
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an alfa v4 looks like it would fit but as with the fiat twin cam finding one will be the problem. There's always bike engines, ducati do a 1100cc 210hp V4!
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Aug 22, 2019 16:20:22 GMT
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Indeed, I saw an Alfa Romeo flat four in a Minor van at a show.
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Indeed, I saw an Alfa Romeo flat four in a Minor van at a show. I read a magazine article on that van. While the bulkhead wasn't cut, the chassis rails were in the way of the exhaust ports, so other cutting was needed. As for the FIAT twincam, I've never seen one fitted without cutting the front crossmember, though I'd love to be proved wrong on that. You can gain a few inches of extra length(!) buy cutting away the inner front panel (non structural) an shifting the radiator forward. I wonder if the Mazda MX3 V6 is short enough, though they're not very common.
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1953 Minor (Long term project) PT Cruiser
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bazzateer
Posted a lot
Imping along sans Vogue
Posts: 3,653
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Aug 23, 2019 14:24:32 GMT
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FIAT Twincam was a popular mod back in the day.
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1968 Singer Chamois Sport 1972 Sunbeam Imp Sport 1976 Datsun 260Z 2+2 1998 Peugeot Boxer Pilote motorhome 2003 Rover 75 1.8 Club SE (daily) 2006 MG ZT 190+ (another daily) 2007 BMW 530d Touring M Sport (tow car)
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madmog
Club Retro Rides Member
Posts: 1,155
Club RR Member Number: 46
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Morris minor advice madmog
@madmog
Club Retro Rides Member 46
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Aug 25, 2019 20:27:25 GMT
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A 1275 or 1300 A series is physically easiest. Owners have turbo-charged and supercharged these engines and the usual tuning routes are tried and tested in the Spridget and Mini community.
Fiat T/C is a short engine so fits with just cutting or replacing the front lower member. Back in the day you could get a removable front member (I think from Unique Automotive) that was shorter to allow a bit more room. But with a Fiat you're going to need better brakes and suspension. Even with tuned A series also come to think of it.
If you can get a Fiat RWD 131 or 132 gearbox (maybe some Lada gearboxes) quite recent Fiat 16V engines would still fit as would Fiat and Alfa turbo diesels. Before my T/C engined Minor was nicked I was looking at fitting an Alfa JTD engine.
Some people have also fitted a Mazda rotary.
Best bit though is that people have already worked out how to upgrade the brakes and suspension and how to notch & reinforce the bulkhead crossmember. Plus parts availability is second to none.
FWIW When I had my Minor at about 140bhp I didn't realise how light it was compared to moderns . I had VX220 some years later and didn't think it accelerated any faster so investigated. Looking up the weights, Minor 775kg, VX220 800+kg, Elise, 750kg. And the Lotus products are using hi-tech aluminium, glue and a pokey cabin. It's quite easy to lower the weight of a Minor with fibreglass wings, boot, bonnet and removing the rear seat. There's not much left in an Elise to remove.
Don't get me wrong, A Minor is not going to out handle an Elise but you do start out with a light vehicle that can become very light.
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Aug 25, 2019 22:34:14 GMT
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Thanks for the advice, looked at said car and totally put off them. Not how I remember them at all. The one I looked at was rough but doable but just not for me. I don’t know about you guys but when you first see a car it’s a straight like it or hate it and I hated it. Thank you for the advice but onto the next one.
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Next Minor, or are you looking at something else? I know what you mean about the loving or hating cars thing. I've felt that way about a Triumph Herald. First time I'd ever been in one, got out a minute later hating it, but I'm not sure why, I just did. Never been in one since.
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Aug 26, 2019 15:01:50 GMT
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Next Minor, or are you looking at something else? I know what you mean about the loving or hating cars thing. I've felt that way about a Triumph Herald. First time I'd ever been in one, got out a minute later hating it, but I'm not sure why, I just did. Never been in one since. Next type of car, trouble is cars pop up on eBay and Facebook but tend to be miles away and normally miss out on them. Going to try to look for an old ford again but if not I’ll buy a modern car.
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