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MG parts spares and accessories are available for MG T Series (TA, MG TB, MG TC, MG TD, MG TF), Magnette, MGA, Twin cam, MGB, MGBGT, MGC, MGC GT, MG Midget, Sprite and other MG models from British car spares company LBCarCo.

MG Midget and Sprite Technical - 1500 headgasket

Quick question really, MGOC and Sussex classics only list 1 head gasket for the 1500 midget. I was under the impression there were two types because of the recessed block version? If so can someone tell me what my '78 will be? I’m trying to get all the parts ready for when i swap the gearbox over and the head.
D Tetley

They list one gasket for the 1500's because the non-recessed block refers to engines before 1296cc. All 1500's were recessed block.
Ron Koenig

Not strictly true.

The MkIV Spitfire engines at 1296cc introduced the recessed bore (bringing them in line with the Mk2 2000cc 6-pot units). The earlier 'small crank' 1296 cc units as fitted to the Spitfire MkIII and Herald 13/60 had non recessed bores.

All 1500's (1493cc) motors have recessed bores.

IMO the recessed bore is a bad thing because it limits how much the block can be safely and reliably overbored (+20 thou) and it can lead to gasket problems as well as act as a point of detonation in tuned motors.

I always deck the block flat and use the earlier 1300cc gasket. This may or may not require some piston decking to be done dependent upon the pistons being used.
Deborah Evans

Thanks Deborah, Thats really interesting info! I knew I had read about recessed blocks somewhere, Its because Ive got a spitfire catalogue aswell for the engine parts.
D Tetley

This thread was discussed between 01/04/2009 and 05/04/2009

MG Midget and Sprite Technical index

This thread is from the archive. The Live MG Midget and Sprite Technical BBS is active now.