2 replies to this topic

[martinmini1963]

Currently own a 1995 Automatic Rover 1.3 SPI.

I am just about to pick up a working MG Metro with the A+ Engine, gearbox etc.... basically a working car I want to strip.

Would like to put it into a MK1 body... yet to be purchased.

Long term project with my son.

From looking at forum I understand the tunel and position of gear stick would have to be changed for a mk1.

What can be done... and what do I need to consider?

I am trying to make a Mk1 lookalike with the get up and go of the Metro.

Any help would be great.

Realize some people will not like idea of messing with a mk1 (especially UK people) but these are not so rare here in NZ.

Thanks

Martin

[phil hill]

Fundamentally yes you can fit an MG Metro engine into a Mk1 Mini body.

 

There are some detail differences in the engine mountings, but they are all swappable from one to the other.

 

The gearshift mechanism will be different, necessitating some modifications to the front floor of the mini and you would need a Mini Rod-Change setup to mate to the Metro gearbox, or if you are really keen you could mount the Metro engine on the Mk1 Mini gearbox to keep the original gearshift mechanism and not have to modify the floor.

 

Depending on how late the Metro is you may have to change the clutch actuating system.  Early Metro's had a "traditional" Mini Hydraulic clutch, later Metro's had the Verto hydraulic clutch, and very late Metro's had a cable operated clutch.  They can all be changed "like for like" but not cross-bred.  The only bit which stayed constant was the Clutch master cylinder, the actuating arms, slave cylinders and hoses all need to match the type of clutch you have.  If you swap the gearbox over retain the Mk1 Clutch and the actuation problems go away too.

 

I recommend a good uprated radiator to look after the cooling.

 

Phil.

[surfblue]

This is a project I would love to see.

I have often considered the same sort of project which would make a very useable mini with timeless classic looks.

I have a '63 Mk1 which is totally standard (850, magic wand, single leading shoe drums etc) but it is just too standard and too nice to "spoil" by modifying it. (would probably devalue it too!)

If I was starting with just a shell though, a 1275 and S disc brake set up would definatley be the way to go.