Austin A40 Devon engine swap

[rocracer]

Hi everyone,

I'm looking for any information you guys may have about swapping an MGB 1800 B series into an A40 Devon?

I don't have the origenal engine so don't have any reference points from that. I have sourced standard front engine mountings for an A40, however the 1800 front plate appears to be wider as the chassis mounts don't line up.

Before i start modifing mounts or front plates, Is there a bolt on solution to this ie a front plate that will fit the 1800 and take the A40 mounts?

I bought an A40 1200 front plate and that is no where close to fitting.

Any advice appreciated.
Thanks, Jim

[vitesseefi]

It’s close! Sitting here, looking at your pic, I suspect it will actually fit if you assemble it in the right order/with right technique. Though maybe you’ve already had a good go at proving me wrong!

Have you actually measured the hole spacing on the 1200 plate vs. the 1800?

Not sure if it helps but you also have 1500 (Wolseley 1500/ Riley 1.5 / MG Magnette) which might provide an alternative plate.

[homersimpson]

Looking at the picture I would suggest bolting the two metal brackets to the chassis and then leaving the rubber mounts on them, put the one side of the engine into the mount and then put the other side of the engine into the other mount, it will need some leverage but the weight of the engine will help you.

Thats how I fitted the engine into my Austin Healey Sprite which is a very similar arrangement.

Just to add, if that doesn't work then I would cut the mounts up and move them further apart but be careful as you need to make sure the engine stay at the same height (assuming its correct of course) so that the gearbox and propshaft are at the right angle.