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MG Midget and Sprite Technical - Random engine swaps

Ok very going to pull the engine and box from my 1500 for the usual do-up, crank head etc. plus an intended gearbox swap. Meantime my son has thrown another project at me, a Suzuki Cappuccino for major rewelding etc. It has a box that looks the right size plus 70-100 HP easily. This got me thinking, what other random off the wall engine and box swaps have people done on midgets that dont require major body cutting? Not looking for huge power, more interested in easy swap good mpg and above all driveability. Also the supply of scrapper front engine rear wheel drive donors is decreasing rapidly!
Alan McKewan

Rover K-series, Toyota 4age, Ford Zetec are the first coming to mind, anyone knows anything else?
A de Best

Saw an image of one with a big Harley twin V!
G Lazarus

There was Bugzuki built by Larry Miller - if I remember the name correctly. A Frogeye with a Suzuki engine. Only when I tried googling for it all I get are links to a VW Beetle with a suzuki engine.

I have also read of a conversion using a Mazda rotary engine - very compact and lightweight installation.

And a beautifully engineered Jaguar 3.8 conversion!
http://www.coupers-cars.com/sprite_restoration.htm

And of course the 3.5 litre Rover V8

Guy W

Kawasaki ZZR


Dave O'Neill2

http://www.ado13.com/dohczuke/dohc.htm
Trevor Jessie

That's the one Trevor. Couldn't find that, but its a well documented conversion story!

Last I heard of it from Larry (I am sure that was the owner's name) It had been involved in a rear-end shunt. About 3 years ago? But damage was minor and repairable.
Guy W

i have just taken my 1500 out, run it with the sierra box for two years including a few lanes rallies,now putting a 1.6 rover in.
gary knowles

Trevor and I both saw the bugzukie...it really was a great car, and I love the emngine set up, but id do a crank trigger ignition and 4 - H1 su carbs

They use a 5 speed sameri tranny

Plus those engines are 5 dollars and a cup of coffee all day long

Larry as i recall was advanced in years ....So i wonder if he is still with us. Its been along time scence there was a status update


Prop
Prop and the Blackhole Midget

That Kawasaki setup looks the dog danglies, I wonder what gearbox arrangement it has?
Gary I would love to have a look at your sierra setup while its out of the car, I am in Bangor can you email me?
I have an ex Paseo Toyota 4efe kicking about but the gearbox looks huge compared to the current one.
I still fancy the little cappo turbo. I hear they are fitting this to the entry level Caterhams. I'm picking up my sons one tomorrow so will have a much better measure up then. I have a feeling its the same box as used in the Bugzuki.
Alan McKewan

Alan email me and I will get back to you, I live in Lisburn the Kawasaki engine would be turned north south using it's own gearbox.

gary knowles

Don't forget the electric one!!

http://www.electricmgmidget.com/
Mick - still wiring!!

Mick

Still wiring?

With the price of copper what it is?
Dave O'Neill2

This thread was discussed between 26/03/2014 and 28/03/2014

MG Midget and Sprite Technical index

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