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This is probably a terrible idea with plenty of reasons not to do it, but that's why I am asking it here, to save finding out the hard way. I have a Morris Minor which is undergoing extensive but semi period modifications. I have a soft spot for the 1725cc alloy head engine in my Hillman Minx and a very sad looking Gazelle with the same engine and a manual gearbox has shown up for sale. I haven't done a comparison in engine weight and size yet, but it occurred to me that the dimensions between the cars look similar, it would seem to make sense for me to use the Gazelle back axle, in which case could I use the Gazelle front subframe too, since it has matched brakes, PCD etc and is set up for the engine weight?
I know the Minor doesn't have a subframe as such, but I wonder what the benefits/drawbacks of grafting the Gazelle one in would be... Thoughts?
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Remade In Australia
thereimaginarium.com.au
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The key thing to check will be bottom of the chassis leg height from the ground, I suspect the minor is much lower which means the subframe won't fit under it and you will therefore need to re-design the whole front structure.
The steering is likely to be a problem too, the minor has a rack high up on the bulkhead like many modern cars, the singer I believe uses a old fasioned steering box etc.
Should be entirely possible to use the singer engine and axle though, plenty of simularly sized engines have been fitted to minors.
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Yep, those were about my thoughts too, waiting to hear if anyone else has attempted similar. I'll have to take a look and see if the Hillman has the steering on the subframe.
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Remade In Australia
thereimaginarium.com.au
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The main temptation other than matched brakes and springs is to be able to raiit up high enough to ride nice and low without compromising suspension geometry
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Remade In Australia
thereimaginarium.com.au
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The key thing to check will be bottom of the chassis leg height from the ground, I suspect the minor is much lower which means the subframe won't fit under it and you will therefore need to re-design the whole front structure. The steering is likely to be a problem too, the minor has a rack high up on the bulkhead like many modern cars, the singer I believe uses a old fasioned steering box etc. Should be entirely possible to use the singer engine and axle though, plenty of simularly sized engines have been fitted to minors. Just had a quick look. Steering box on the Hillman. The Morris rails are notably lower, but also junk condition, so some welding to be done there anyway. Behind the firewall the frame steps up to hold the steering rack, then steps back down. If I was to continue the rail out from the additional height location for the steering rack it would actually come close to the right height for the Hillman subframe. Motor is definitely an OK length, would be interested to get a weight comparison with the original.   |
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Remade In Australia
thereimaginarium.com.au
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