39 replies to this topic

[DeadSquare]

Looking back I believe I misread about the roof jump.

It was the 1200 b series used to have the torque to climb up the stairs.

But, it's interesting to see the debate going on none the less!

 

 

I don't wish to be unkind, so please come back and have a go at me, but the " 1200 b series" that you mention, was a 'Norwegian Blue Parrot' by the time the film was made.

 

To my 'Mini' shame, I have only seen the film a couple of times, but I only recall the cars bumping down steps, not "climbing up the stairs".

 

"But it is interesting to see the debate going on", "none the less!"

[MatthewsDad]

So that begs the question, what and where is the C series? :)

I know MG produced the MGC, in effect an MGB with a straight six engine, was this the C engine, or did the C series never make it past the drawing board?

The MGC is a different beast from the MGB in almost every respect. A mistake made at the time it replaced the Austin Healey 3000, among many, was to unimaginatively place it in an MGB shell. The C engine is not an evolution of the A or B series, it has its own unique, convoluted history within BMC dating back to the mid 50s. The engine is pretty different from the A and B series. It was used in different configurations for various models, although the MGC was one of the final models in which it was used. By the early 70s it was consigned to the history books while the A and B series engines continued for many years.

But that all said the MGC is an absolute joy to drive despite what you might read - it's a true GT rather than the more nimble, sporty MGB - and the unique sound of the lazy under-stressed straight six is magic.

[EasterBern]

The C-series was, as already mentioned, used in the Austin Healey 3000, and others like the Austin A90 and A95 Westminster.

 

The engine was heavily revised under the instruction of Issigonis for use in the Austin 3-litre (rear wheel drive lengthened version of the 1800), it gained a 7 bearing crank and much weight! This updated version also found it's way into the MGC (again already mentioned) where, due to it's size, the front suspension had to be changed to torsion bars.

[mab01uk]

The full story of the C-Series engine in link below:-

 

"The C-Series engine was the shortest lived out of the triumvirate of BMC engines, and has since gained infamy for being the motive power behind of the MGC and Austin 3-Litre.

Sadly, it’s been underrated ever since – unless you’re a Healey owner."

https://www.aronline...gines-c-series/

[Kemo]

My old man used to have an MGC Roadster on triple webers I was very young when he sold it so can barely remember it, but I am reliably informed that it is literally nothing like the MGB besides its silhouette.  We now own 2 MGB GTs, one with a tweaked 1800 B-series the other has the traditional/rather common SD1 3.5 Rover V8 conversion) and he says neither drive and cruise as well as his C did.

 

I always thought the engine used in the MGC was different to the Healey 3000 engine....... but perhaps I have be wrongly informed after reading this. 

 

Also worth noting he sold it in the early 90s and now gets sickened when he sees how much they sell for now haha! poor guy!

 

and the poor driving characteristics the C was slated for by the critics was due to incorrect tyre pressures (well according the dad haha! maybe he was just being bias to his beloved Bertie......)

[AlexMozza]

I find my MGA, it has the later 1622cc B type. Not very revy but the torque is hugely impressive, has around 95bhp. Very easy to drive and responsive.
On the other hand my mini with a 1330 stage 4 with 92bhp is a rev happy motor.
To be honest you cant really compare the two!

[Mite]

It is likely the later Morris designed C-Series was more or less an Overhead Valve development of the engines used in the Wolseley 4/50 and 6/80 along with their Morris badged siblings.

 

Not sure how accurate the link below is, though it seems the C-Series designation was originally intended for an 1200cc A40 based 6-cylinder likely making it an ancestor of sorts to the later Blue Streak 6-cylinder.  

 

At the same time a larger displacement (1200cc) four-cylinder unit was projected, and a six cylinder of around two litres. These were intended to use as many common parts as possible to keep manufacturing costs as low as was consistent with reliability and servicing costs of the units. The units were referred to as A, B and C-series respectively. In the event, the six-cylinder engine was not proceeded with, as there was already a two-and-a-half litre four which was put into production just before the war, coded BS1.

 

https://www.mgcc.co....-series-engine/

 

[Ethel]

 

Looking back I believe I misread about the roof jump.

It was the 1200 b series used to have the torque to climb up the stairs.

But, it's interesting to see the debate going on none the less!

 

 

I don't wish to be unkind, so please come back and have a go at me, but the " 1200 b series" that you mention, was a 'Norwegian Blue Parrot' by the time the film was made.

 

To my 'Mini' shame, I have only seen the film a couple of times, but I only recall the cars bumping down steps, not "climbing up the stairs".

 

"But it is interesting to see the debate going on", "none the less!"

 

Surely easier to change the final drive  than a whole different engine anyway. Reversing downstairs and running the film backwards wouldn't be beyond the wit of an experienced camera crew, if that's what they wanted.

[steeringwheelsparts]

Any can recommend MINI used engines supplier? I still found here https://orbimotors.c...r-engines/mini/ any heard about this supplier? 

[nicklouse]

Any can recommend MINI used engines supplier? I still found here https://orbimotors.c...r-engines/mini/ any heard about this supplier? 

Wrong type of Minis for us.