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MG MGA - 1500 vs1600 Crankshaft

What if any are the differences between a 1500 and 1600 crankshafts? I have one of each and I want to build up a 1600 engine. I'm about to take them in to a machine shop to have them crack tested....Tom
Thomas Koch

They are the same. 1622 crank is completely different and won't fit a 1500 or 1600 block at all.
dominic clancy

Tom,

1500 and 1600 cranks are the same in all the important dimensions, but visually there is a difference. On a 1500 crank, the counterweights are slightly bell-shaped (when viewed from the end of the crank). On the 1600 crank, the counterweights have straight sides -- angled, but straight line, not concave/curved like a 1500.

The 1600 crank is oh-so-slightly stronger as a result, but the difference is pretty insignificant. I would use whichever crank was in the best condition. Obviously, only use it if it passes the crack test. Beyond that, whichever one requires the least amount of grinding. Also check stuff like the key seats in the crank nose, if they are buggered then don't use that crank.

I always remove the brass restrictors in oil passages for cleaning, and then install new ones afterwards. You really can't get it clean without doing that.

Also look out for cranks from saloon cars or other applications, which don't ahve the cross-drilled rod journals (all genuine MGA cranks did AFAIK).

Mark Palmer
S.M. Palmer

Yup - Mark and Dominic are right, the 1500 and 1600 are functionally interchangeable, while the stronger 1622 won't fit the early blocks without machining.
Bill Spohn

Learn something new every day? This is the first time I've heard there was a difference between 1500 and 1600 cranks. I have literally gone through lots of 1500 and 1600 crankshafts and never noticed a difference, but maybe only because I wasn't looking for it. Does anyone have pictures of these different cranks? I'd like to post it on my web site.
Barney Gaylord

This thread was discussed between 15/10/2007 and 20/10/2007

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