16 replies to this topic

[stroutsy]

Hi there recently been given a rebuilt maestro engine that hasnt been ran since 2003. im currently running a 998 whats different on the maestro engine and what problems might i come across if i was to attempt to fit it? help much appreciated, lewis :)

 

 

[adam_93rio]

They run a gearbox from a vw golf and I'm pretty sure they spin the other direction to what they do on a mini

[Vipernoir]

It's an inline engine rather than transverse afaik - think Morris Minor or Marina instead of Allegro.

Still run the same way though.

[DannyTip]

Theres a good topic here: http://www.theminifo...maestro-engine/

[Ivor Badger]

All A series run the same way.

That's why they have an intermediate gear on the drop gears. The prototypes had the engine the other way round and the engine was not stressed to run backwards and was considered. The fact the crank doesn't fit in a mini is the biggest problem.

[Vipernoir]

I think the prototype engines still ran the usual way, they just didn't need a drop gear as the engine was facing the other way.

Excessive carb icing amongst other issue caused the block to be turned 180° on the gearbox, and the introduction of the drop gear.

 

I'm also not 100% sure it is as simple as just changing the crank - I have a feeling that there is at least one machining operation required, as the crank oil seal and rear main bearing cap is different on an inline block.

[tiger99]

That is the usually accepted story for reversing the engine, but the carb icing was just a convenient cover story for the real problem, the weak syncromesh in the original A35 gear cluster could not handle the extra inertia of a pair of large diameter drop gears. The inertia of the set of 3 gears is very much less.

 

The Maestro is a transverse installation, but as stated it probably is really an in-line type engine, not compatible without lots of machining, because it uses an end-on gearbox.

 

I hope that helps the confusion, it confuses me too.....

[jeo022]

I just swapped the crank and gearbox from a metro engine i had and job done! Been running fine in my mini since!

[Ethel]

As above the crank is the big difference (inline engine with a 6 bolt hub instead of a tail), also the oil filter is on the block, like the MPI Mini.

 

It does spin the other way - relative to the wheels. Achieved by simply turning the whole engine round so the clutch is on the left. Hence why the thermostat housing is pointing in the wrong direction.

[Vipernoir]

Maybe the block isn't a traditional longditudinal one then ?
Would explain why the Moggie people still look for Marina 1275s instead of a Maestro one.

[Ethel]

Perhaps they don't like the A+ ribs, or maybe there are differences on the fly hub, metric pcd??? 

[albo]

past information i found out was that the latest montego meistroes had 68 bhp,as the later ones were pept up with mg haeds and mg camshaft,,also an improved ballanced engine,many have been fitted in the mini by using mini cranks,think the main machining is to have your main caps line bored,the end cap is not like the inline spridget with the worm oil seal,maistro seal is near end of crank on a alloy end breather plate which is easily removed,

supposed to be so much more easier to fit in a mini rather then a moggy mg ect,,

[Vipernoir]

With this additional information, it sounds very much like a re-engineered transverse block rather than an inline one.
 

[albo]

 correct as above.. the maestro has a sump where a mini would have a gear box,,the maestro .montego have a gearbox on end which is a volks wagon unit,,grab as many as you can while you can as you often hear of them going cheaper then the heads are worth ,,bin the box flywheel and crank,and defo save adapter plate and crank seal for the moggy men,quite basic from then on provideing you have a good replacement mini crank,, dont forget tho its not that commonly known that they where fitted with mg heads and cams ,,

[62S]

Southam Mini Centre had some new Maestro engines at one time and converted them for Minis so it could be worth asking them the ins and outs of the conversion. They might even have some left.