by "way2blu does a rev update" (way2blu)
Published 10/07/2017 at 17:21
by "way2blu does a rev update" (way2blu)
Published 10/07/2017 at 17:21
Tags: MG Midget
STARS: 6
BritishLeyland’s post got me looking at MG Midgets on Craigslist and this one showed up. ‘79 with aftermarket upgrades (tasteful ones) and it’s the right color too. What engine do I swap in to boost reliability?
https://sandiego.craigslist.org/ssd/cto/d/1979-mg-midget-price-reduced/6330673575.html
Alright, now for the confession. I used to drive an MG Midget. Never have posted about it here, but it was my daily for about 2 years before University. It was my first car. It now lives in Las Vegas where it’s driven on weekends and given routine maintenance. The collector who bought it was very happy to be able to drive it, and apparently it made it all the way to Vegas trouble-free after the sale.
I know the car is happy in its new home, but I miss the driving experience. It was the smallest car ever and it was amazingly extroverted as cars go. The 1.1-liter 4-cylinder made all kinds of cool noises, and the shifting action of the 4-speed manual gearbox was far more involved and realistic than that of any modern car.
The problem was, for University the car just didn’t seem like a good fit. The 50-mph top speed just wasn’t sufficient.
This is the car:
I must get another one. They’re simple enough to wrench on and the later ‘70s model years are extremely cheap, also more reliable. Maybe I could swap in a Miata drivetrain?
"Out, but with a W - has found the answer" (belg)
10/07/2017 at 17:27, STARS: 7
Normally aspirated 13B? Easy to work on, relatively reliable, makes fun noises, and the lack of torque isn’t an issue in a car that weighs as much as a well-stocked fridge.
"BritishLeyland™" (leylandcars)
10/07/2017 at 17:28, STARS: 0
I’m thinking a well tuned 1275 A-series with electronic ignition and an aluminium radiator. I’m not sure if there is room for a modern OHC engine in there.
"InFierority Complex" (lanciere)
10/07/2017 at 17:30, STARS: 0
Perfect opportunity to experience the joys of an Iron Duke.
"way2blu does a rev update" (way2blu)
10/07/2017 at 17:31, STARS: 1
A rotary British sports car...
You know actually that’s perfect. I always would rev the snot out of the 1.1-liter and that behaviour would actually help a 13B reliability-wise.
"way2blu does a rev update" (way2blu)
10/07/2017 at 17:33, STARS: 0
The engine bay on my ‘65 was pretty big, but that might just be because the engine was pretty small. Keeping the engine in the MG family is probably a good idea for simplicity.
"way2blu does a rev update" (way2blu)
10/07/2017 at 17:34, STARS: 0
Hah. I guess it’d be reliable.
"V8soundRIOT- Now Has a V8" (xv10xsoundxriotx)
10/07/2017 at 17:41, STARS: 0
It would be cool to see an ecoboost swap (either the four cylinder in the new Mustang or the i-3 from a fiesta) into one of these.
"AestheticsInMotion" (aestheticsinmotion)
10/07/2017 at 17:57, STARS: 4
I second the 13B idea. Everything said above, plus tons of potential for pumping it up a bit if the power bug ever bites you.
Now you just need a way to get some Italian in there. The breakdown stories would be legendary
"AestheticsInMotion" (aestheticsinmotion)
10/07/2017 at 17:58, STARS: 0
Hayabusa? If it works in a smart...
"Junkrat aka Rick Sanchez: Fury Road Edition" (realasabass)
10/07/2017 at 17:59, STARS: 0
4AGE? I know they will fit in a Starlet and that engine bay is tiny.
"Svend" (svend)
10/07/2017 at 19:35, STARS: 1
All the goodness,
Red, tick
Convertible, tick
Chrome bumpers, tick
Wire wheels, tick.
"MM54" (mm54mk2)
10/08/2017 at 15:08, STARS: 0
This is one of my some-day projects
"way2blu does a rev update" (way2blu)
10/08/2017 at 16:15, STARS: 1
Fender-mounted mirrors, tick.