MG Midget engine choices

IIRC there's a thread on here of a Micra-engined Midget? Engine only, std gearbox, I think

In these PC days, are we still allowed to call it a Midget?

i don't think the Sigma engines (1.4 to 1.7) will fit onto a Type 9 without an adaptor being made up. Retro Ford made do something off-the-shelf, unless you have the patience to make an adaptor to fit the engine in.

That or a Mazda 'box may fit on.

The biggest problem with the Sigma engine would be an ECU. From the factory, they come with the immobiliser. Obviously, you can sort this out by getting the key with the chip inside it taped to the key's receiver and bury it somewhere in the car, but that is a risk.

EFI ECUs can add a cost element to things, albeit the inlet manifold, injectors, coil pack etc. would all be there to go, so as to work with an ECU.

Another way would be to get a Zetec 1.8 or 2.0, with a Type 9 and chuck a Weber downdraft onto it with a Nodiz dizzy, albeit those costs may not work out much cheaper than just going with an standalone ECU.

One thing to bear in mind is Type 9 'boxes are not as cheap as they used to be. After all, they're used on a number of 5 speed conversions.

I wouldn't base anything around a Type 9 gearbox, they're a bit curse word really and I often wonder why people use them, the BGH versions are good but IIRC you're into nearly 2 grand for one.

I'd go with a Duratec and MX5 gearbox. The MX5 engines are worth good money but you can spin a FWD one round dead easy and they're cheap as chips, and the 5 speed MX5 gearboxes are cheap. They're ridiculously light (I can easily pick one up off the floor and carry it about). The only downside is the factory piston rings are curse word, but they're cheap to buy and easy enough to rebuild.

I am sure I read somewhere that the Duratec is quite a tall engine so actually fitting it in with some ground clearance might be an issue. An MX-5 lump and box would be first choice for me as there's no need to mess around with adaptor plates - everything is already together and parts are readily available. It's a no brainer for me.

If you were to keep the a-series, there is also the BMW bike-engine head conversion? And a type-9 gearbox conversion IIRC?

Yes the KAD heads are still available but you only get a pocket full of change from £5000 plus you have to sort out the carbs or injection after..
I agree the MX5 engine complete with box is probably the best bet plus reliable and cheaper..

How about a Suzuki G13b with a Jimny or Supercarry box. It's all alloy and knocks out 100bhp straight out of the box.
Have a look here......
www.ado13.com/dohczuke/dohc.htm

Some years ago I put a Lotus Eclat engine and 5 speed box in a Sprite. Lots of surgery to fit, but it didn't half go well.

K-series is the most popular choice for spridgets