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MG Midget and Sprite Technical - Morris Ital 1.3 engine to ribcase gearbox?

Hi

What are the key differences between a Morris Ital 1.3 A Plus engine and gear box compared to a 1275cc midget set up please?

I understand the Ital had a different gearbox and clutch as well as the A Plus rwd block had the oil filter in a different place.

What would you need to do to mate an Ital 1.3 A Plus engine to a 1275cc Midget ribcase gearbox?

Cheers
Mike
M Wood

Assuming that the engine is as it came out of the Ital, you would need to change the front plate, back plate and flywheel for the Midget versions.

The flywheel is not a direct fit. Either the flywheel or the crank will need some machining in order to fit.
Dave O'Neill 2

Thanks Dave, thought it might be quite involved.

Cheers
Mike
M Wood

Hi Mike

Not much use since we live in Scotland but if you were to visit the Heritage Centre at Gaydon there is a cut away version of an Ital engine and gear box on display. I think the box is a Triumph one as in Spitfires. If anyone is visiting the centre it may be worth posting a photo. You will find it in the Jaguar building, top floor by the wall.

Jan
J Targosz

The gearbox is essentially the same as the 1500 Midget.

The bellhousing is different and the first motion shaft might be a different length.
Dave O'Neill 2

Can't be that hard as I did it on mine about 30 years ago - I agree with Dave about changing front and backplate but flywheel must have fitted somehow as I had no machining facilities available.

That said my car is a mechanical bitsa (1275 originally but came with a knackered 948 installed) so no idea which flywheel it was/is. Block was rebored so now 1293 with MG Metro pistons and cam; oil filter ends up on top but fits without hitting anything else, if you have an oil cooler (I don't) you will need a take-off plate and perhaps new hoses.
AdrianR

This thread was discussed between 31/03/2024 and 02/04/2024

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