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 Posted: Oct 20, 2021 05:43AM
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Thanks, Ian. Excellent information. Gle2n has decided against going for the switch, so this engine will become available after it is removed for the electric conversion that is scheduled for early '22. The car will be located at John McGee's shop in Maryland. My primary concern is that it goes to someone who will use it and not try to flip it. I'm less concerned with how much money I can squeeze out of it. 

 Posted: Oct 17, 2021 08:17PM
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"......I'm far from an expert and only have hands on with earlier stuff. I do know that at some point the shifter design was changed along with the clutch slave cylinder. Not sure what your 78 has from the factory but this might be something to look into. Maybe someone will come along and share the answers?...."

Don't really understand your question John....

However, shifter design did change (basically 3 (ish) times if you want to be pedantic) but this is a gearbox issue rather than engine problem. The clutch mechanism change (Verto vs non Verto) is a separate issue that came along later.

The whole point is that the answer to veggivets original question is: "It depends.."

Basically, all Mini engines can be fitted into all Minis.. What you have to look out for is whether the various interfaces match. And if not then none of them are a really big deal.... you just need to right bits.

And, as all these bits are getting on for 30 years old (and all subject to easy changes by POs) you need to compare your actual pieces (rather than what might have been there when the car was originally assembled by the Factory).

The main issues I can think of are:

1. Does the gear shift mechanism match? Original 78 and 87 bits would.

2. Do the output (i.e. drive) shafts match. Ditto

3. Does the exhaust match? Maybe, depending on engine type.

4. Does the cooling system match? Ditto

5. Does the clutch system match? Maybe (don't really know when Verto was introduced).

6. Does the fuel system match? Maybe, depending on engine type.

And...maybe a few other issues that don't come to mind at present....

Good luck, Ian

 Posted: Oct 17, 2021 03:18PM
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I'm the one thinking of buying VeggieVet's 1275cc engine and dropping it into my 1976 Mini 1000 at some point after possibly having it modified a bit. Can anyone recommend a shop in the CT area that could do the engine work and the transplant?

 Posted: Oct 17, 2021 03:13PM
 Edited:  Oct 17, 2021 03:22PM
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 Posted: Oct 15, 2021 07:33AM
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US
I'm far from an expert and only have hands on with earlier stuff. I do know that at some point the shifter design was changed along with the clutch slave cylinder. Not sure what your 78 has from the factory but this might be something to look into. Maybe someone will come along and share the answers?

 Posted: Oct 15, 2021 05:30AM
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LOL, I've never heard the 1275 described as a 'big block', but I guess everything is relative! 

 Posted: Oct 15, 2021 04:18AM
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I have an 1989 "Big block" 1275, in my 1962, also a bolt together install.

 Posted: Oct 14, 2021 03:34PM
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CA
Quote:
Originally Posted by Veggivet
Thanks! That's what I thought. Both are manual, by the way...
Not what you asked, but......I have a 1970's (don't know the exact year) engine in my 1987 Austin Mini !

  ~ 30 minutes in a Mini is more therapeutic than 3 sessions @ the shrink. ~

  Mike  Cool  NB, Canada   

 Posted: Oct 14, 2021 01:53PM
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Thanks! That's what I thought. Both are manual, by the way...

 Posted: Oct 14, 2021 10:43AM
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CA
Unless one in an automatic, it will plop right in there!

Sean Windrum

1996 MGF VVC
1970 1275 GT Racer
66 Austin Countryman
63 997 Cooper (Under Construction)
63 MG 1100

 

 Posted: Oct 14, 2021 06:18AM
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I believe swapping my 1275 '87 engine/transmission into a '78 model would not be incompatible, but would appreciate confirmation from the experts here. THX!