Midget engine conversions?

IntegraB18LS · 03-11-2003, 07:40 PM

What has been done, i need a engine for a 73 midget..... i want this thing to be very fast in the 1/4 mile.... space is limited in them so im unsure..... i really want a 350 but that steering linkage looks like it would need to be moves over like a foot.... what big/fast engine have been put in? feel free to post any websites

Thanks
Kyle

Hudson · 03-12-2003, 06:36 AM

Although I'm a fan of keeping an MG an MG. I have a 1972 Midget that is being restored to factory specs. I would, however, work up another Midget if the opportunity arose and possibly put in another powerplant.

I have seen Ford 2.3L engines in Midgets and I've been told they run great. The gear shift lever needs to be repositioned rearward in this case, which gives the car an interesting look and feel (the lever needs to angle forward from about the driver's elbow). With the proper tuning on the 2.3L engine (which is widely available), the car will move.

A GM 60-degree V6 may fit, although it might interfere with the steering shaft. The Ford 60-degree V6 (2.8/2.9/4.0) may work as well...but similar problems will probably pop up.

Here's an idea that I've tossed around: Suzuki 1.3L four. The DOHC 16-valve Suzuki engine is small and light and quick. In stock form, the engine produces 100hp. I've seen versions tuned to as much as 400hp (granted, this is an extreme case). Turbocharging the 1.3 Suzuki engine should be easy and give 150hp or more, which would be plenty for a Midget.

Another idea is the Mazda rotary engine. Keep the engine light (four cylinder or rotary), avoid V8s (too much work unless you're going to build a tube framed car), and keep the MG's balance.

dimmawidearch · 03-12-2003, 06:57 AM

one of my favourite web sites is :

http://britishv8.org/swaps/examples.htm

where you can find

http://www.mgcars.org.uk/midgetsprit...htymidget.html

as an example of what can be done.

IntegraB18LS · 03-14-2003, 10:33 AM

Seems like Rotary engine would be the best.... unless i can find i used 1275 engine; anyone know of any cheap?

Kyle

eddybrown · 12-23-2003, 09:17 AM

Frontline Spridgets do a conversion that uses a K-series engine. Stock 180bhp but can be pushed up to 220 with not much trouble. They quote 0-60 times of 4.8s with 180bhp!

http://www.mgcars.org.uk/frontline/

And if a kseries fits, then a honda vtec engine would surely fit too

CougarSVT · 12-23-2003, 10:37 AM

Check out the MGA forum out. That same design could be used.....and it comes with a strong 5-speed and imported motor.

dejoux · 01-05-2004, 06:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by eddybrown

Frontline Spridgets do a conversion that uses a K-series engine. Stock 180bhp but can be pushed up to 220 with not much trouble. They quote 0-60 times of 4.8s with 180bhp!

http://www.mgcars.org.uk/frontline/

And if a kseries fits, then a honda vtec engine would surely fit too

Most Kseries arnt 180hp. There are several models, 1.4 1.6 and 1.8 litres. The base model 1.8 out of the base lotus elise and non-vvc MGF and a few others are only 120 hp and they go up from there.

The only car with a stock 180hp is the Elise sport 190 and the Exige.

Any 1.8 K series can be taken out that far though although its abit of an exageration to sake it can be pushed to 220 with not much trouble as it wont be easy (or cheap).

K-series is probably the best bet though plus its been done lots before so most of the problems have been ironed out. You can find several owners at www.mgcars.org.uk

Honda VTEC's would be a good conversion except they havnt been used in RWD configurations and they spin the opposite direction so its hard to find a gearbox for them. F20C out of the S2000 could have potential but I havnt heard of this conversion. Also the gearbox is rather large so would probably require hacking the car around alot.

eddybrown · 01-07-2004, 09:29 AM

Actually you can get the k-series in the xpower form, in a caterham 7 which has 230bhp. I don't know how hard it is to get this sort of power but its definately possible.

Your right about the vtec's though. The s2000 unit is impressive, but i've never heard of a conversion either.

IntegraB18LS · 01-12-2004, 11:45 PM

I been trying to figure out what a K series motor is? only K series i can think of is a honda K series or like a mopar K car but they aare both FWD so thats probably not it. I think the RX-7 looks like a great motor for it, Id probably go with the 13B Does anyone know a few good sites, also has anyone did a Turbo wankle engine in a midget?

Kyle

eddybrown · 01-13-2004, 10:35 AM

The k-series is a rover engine. Here's a link for tuning it http://members.aol.com/dvandrews/kengine.htm . I don't know about any of the wankel engines though. Have fun!

dejoux · 01-13-2004, 10:30 PM

Yeah we're talking about the Rover K-Series
From the factory theyre transverse engined FWD or MR but they can be turned around and used with a variety of gearboxes such as Ford Sierra or Toyota Supra

rlstrand · 04-27-2004, 12:58 PM

I am working on swapping a 220HP Taurus SHO DOHC V6 into a 1972 MG Midget. You can see the progress at:

http://members.tcq.net/rlstrand/index.html

Maybe not the most practical swap, but it should be a fun ride.

eddybrown · 04-27-2004, 04:21 PM

Nice can you drop me a line when you update your page? I'd be interested in how your getting on. I'm sticking with the 1275cc for now, but when I get a bit of cash together who knows

63mgracer · 06-17-2004, 11:42 PM

rear end not made for alot of horse power....i have a race ported 12a rotary(220 horse power)...i road race the car...lots of fun and fast

sureshot-! · 03-16-2005, 07:37 AM

Check out this article:
http://www.rxtuner.com/farticles/RotaryMGMidget.pdf

Also notice how well is does in autocross.

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