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MG Midget and Sprite Technical - Finally got her back... very happy

Well, after what seemed an eternity, I recently collected my '74 1275 from Tipton Garage, and have enjoyed a few decent runs in it since. What started off as a coolant concern morphed into..., well you guessed it, a hell of a lot more!

Anyway, the coolant issue was quickly diagnosed as a head gasket, not the usual split / crack but studs not torqued down sufficiently, causing only very minor damage to the gasket itself. While the head was off, it was gone through properly, with new inlet guides, honing etc, new gasket, and new studs with better flanged nuts giving a greater surface area.

Other bits done included some welding to N/S/R inner arch, and while up on ramp fairly extensive wax oiling in box sections / sills etc. The faulty pick up for the kenlowe fan was replaced with a MGB type fan switch welded on to side of rad, and a manual overide switch fitted in the cabin. Stub stacks were fitted inside the original paper / saucepan filter arrangement, and the carbs were completely stripped and rebuilt. Complete fuel pipe was also replaced, and a new Maniflow single box silencer was also fitted - in for a penny, in for a pound... There were various other bits done, but the above were the main jobs.

It went in running poorly, or so I thought based on the amount of engine work it had done within the last 3-4 years with its previous owner (cam, rockers, head work etc), and of course with the ongoing coolant issue. It recorded 67bhp at the FW, and 75 lb/ft torque when I dropped her off.

When I eventually collected her, it had recorded 83bhp (59 at wheels) at 5960 rpm, and 82 lb/ft at 3720 rpm. More importantly than a small increase in bottom line figures, the car feels significantly more responsive, faster and simply nicer to drive.

So, thanks to everybody who helped guide me through my options, and who offered general advice / experiences etc, it was all very useful and greatly appreciated.


M Weller

good job done then. . . .an 80 odd horsepower midget is a nippy little car, enjoy it !
P Bentley

Well done...thats gojng to be a fun ride

Now you have to do a big brake kit and beef up the suspension to take advanage of all the extra power


Prop
1 Paper

It already had bigger grooved front discs, and Frontline telescopics front and rear, so I'm hoping that apart from some new tyres in the next week or so, this will be an end to any sizeable expenditure for a good while yet!
M Weller

Mike,
well done just keep doing regular reasonable distance journeys and things will get even better.

New tyres will probably improve the braking, road holding and ride.

You might quickly and cheaply reduce the engine to rear wheels difference by checking your rear brakes don't drag (or too much depending on your preference) and perhaps having different, or change of g/box and diff oils (my pet subject of the moment).

I can't remember if you have Rostyle or Minilite copies but the combination with tyres and a change of tyres might change things too.

Keep the paper air filters clean or replaced and that will help with good engine oil and good coolant.

All easy basic stuff to keep the fun going.
Nigel Atkins

This thread was discussed on 22/12/2016

MG Midget and Sprite Technical index

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