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MG MGA - Swaping Backplates

I recently purchased a 1600 engine and am installing it into a 57 1500. My problem is with the high starter location, and the need for a 1600 driveshaft. I am considering removing the backplate from the 1600 engine and using my 1500's backplate so that i can use the 1500 transmission. I have read that the two backplates are interchangable. Does the backplate serve any mechanical function for the engine, besides a simple interface for the tranny to hook up to? Such as any seals, bearings or guides or anything that i could possibly mess up when removing/replacing it? I do see from the moss parts catalogue that there is a gasket between the backplate and the engine. Mainly I dont want risk compromising the rebuilt engine.
As an option this seems like it would be easier than cutting floorboards, modifing the tunnel case, and finding a new propshaft to fit the 1600 engine and tranny into my 1500.

Also, how interchangeable are the 1600 gearbox parts with the 1500. The guy i purchased the engine from is including a 1600 gearbox and a 1500 gearbox. I'm going to rebuild one of these depending on which route i take above. Thanks again. -Ryan
RSK Ryan

Ryan- Changing the back plate is as easy as you are describing it, nothing to worry about.It does nothing but connect the trans to the engine. I think the trans internals are the same until you get to the gear box extension areas. Gary
gary starr

Swapping the backplates is straightforward, just use a new gasket and some sealent to make sure it is only leaking around the crank.

The gearbox internals are identical, except that the output shaft has a different end, otherwise all gears, bearings, balls, springs etc are the same.

I would at this stage consider a B flywheel, B clutch, and B front gearbox cover and actuator lever, release bearing. These are cheaper and stronger than those for the A.

dominic clancy

Thanks for the advice Dominic, as for the flywheel, the engine is coming with the 1600 flywheel. Which if i'm correct is 8lbs lighter than my original 1500 flywheel. Will this one still work with the B clutch parts?
RSK Ryan

Engine rear plates are interchangeable. Use the one to match the gearbox.

The only part of the engine rear plate gasket which needs to seal is the circle around the camshaft and the circle around the crankshaft (but leave unsealed at the bottom drain slot). You should not need any sealant for the paper gasket if the rear machined surface of the block is still flat.

Original 1600 flywheel is same as 1500. The lighter flywhgeel was introduced during 1600 MK II production. Early MGB flywheel is identical except for three alignment pins for the clutch cover.
Barney Gaylord

This thread was discussed between 13/08/2005 and 15/08/2005

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