This may be a dumb question, but humor me...

Will a 1275 engine from a 68 Sprite fit into a 75 austin mini 1000? If so, anyone have any idea as to what Mods/extras I would need to make to make it happen? Thanks for your help.

Matt

 

NO, an AH Sprite engine will not work. Although the block and top end are similar, the crankshaft and several other parts are different between the in-line (Austin Healy) and transverse (Mini) engines. The only non-Mini powerplants that will work on a Mini are those from the AD016 range (MG1100, MG1300, Austin America, etc.), and even they will need slight modifications (radiator, motor mounts). An in-line block can be modified but the machining is expensive and the most expensive parts have to be replaced - the crankshaft, bell housing & cover, oil pump, and flywheel. You will also have to modify your gearbox to work.

 

Thanks for the quck reply. I didn't think it would work, but was hoping since i found a good sprite engine for a good price. Back to the search!

 

I believe the block can be made to work but several mods need to be madeDo a search on Minimania.com for this topic, it been covered.

The cylinder head is interchangeable. small bore to small bore, & large bore to large bore. The 12G295 Cooper 998 head is the same as the 1098 Spridget head.

You can do large bore head to small bore block but need to pocket the block for valve diameter/spacing.

 

even if you get a good transverse crank, the one part that may kill the deal is the rear main bearing cap; if you find one, the rest of the transverse block may be attached, so you may just as well start there.
BTW, rick - the oilpumps are the same, n/s or e/w

 

Or with just a bit more modification you could get it to work!



Joe Huffaker's rear wheel drive GT-5 race Mini.

 

actually, you can't just swap rear main caps but you can cut off the oil seal flange from the sprite to make it work on a mini gearbox (comparing them side-by-side it's very obvious). as stated earlier the crank, flywheel & etc are different. except for the crankshaft I think the other parts interchange from the engine in the car already... assuming you have one and are only upgrading to the 1275..