Well, I decided to ditch the MPi 1275 due to time constraints. I found whats advertised as a 1098 engine. Interested in identification marks to look for? Any thoughts going from a 850 to the 1100?

 

If the 1098 is the engine that was originally in the MG 1100, I used one to replace the 850 engine in my 1962 Mini in 1968. I got it from a junkyard for next to nothing, and it dropped right in. Only problem was that I used the 1100 transmission and final drive, which, with the 10" wheels, gave me a relatively slow top end (but amazing acceleration (relatively speaking)). After driving it from VA to San Diego, I paid to have a more realistic final drive installed. Along the way I also added twin SU's from an AH Sprite and an oil cooler from something British. It did well until about 1974 when I sold it to a buddy as a parts car.

 

Its a few years since I used an 1100 but I seem to remember if you put it on an early 850 gearbox sometimes the longer crankshaft throw mean't grinding a bit off some of the alloy gearbox casting inside to gain clearance but later gearboxes were ok.

 

1098s are great little motors. Much better for US roads than 998s. Better acceleration and passing ability. They fit on any regular trans, you must have had some very early gearbox on your 850? They came in many Clubmans. I have one in my Estate. It is a satisfactory replacement for a 1275. Internal engine parts are getting rarer but should be no prob in the UK.

 

All four speed synchro boxes and onwards are ok with any size engine but 3 synchro 850 boxes used to need grinding to clear the 1100 crank and 998/1100 boxes needed grinding for 1275 cranks but could break through.....see Dave Vizards old 1977 book for details. There were even different size gaskets for the gearbox flanges in those days!

 

Last of the 3 synchro boxes was, what?, mid 60's? Not many around or in use except for those wanting an "original" car. Parts for the Cone type synchro & A are very scarce to non-existent. I have a B box that I re-doing for my 64 S and its hard to find those parts..