13 replies to this topic

[Monkeyzak]

Hi

If I change a wrecked engine on a 1997/8 cooper to a 1380 carb engine. Can I get it through an MOT. The cars too good to scrap and access to a 1380 engine

What other things do I need to worry about?

Also the exhaust is rotten. If I remove the cat when I put on the new system will I have problems?

[Swift_General]

Yes, it will fail the MOT, unless you can prove the age of the engine in which case it will be tested to the older of the car or the engine.

Edited by Swift_General, 25 October 2017 - 05:36 PM.

[minidaves]

no it wont fail as long as you can prove age of the engine, emissions are carried out to age of power plant

[FlyingScot]

Both answers above give the clue to the key point. You will have to be able to demonstrate to the inspector that the age of the engine is earlier than the emissions test that the system will call for. Usually you can do this by showing evidence of the registration of car the engine from.
If you don’t know this or it has no engine number on it, it could be more tricky.

FS

[FlyingScot]

Other things will be around how to adapt the fuel delivery, wiring etc on an MPi to a carb motor.
Might be a heck of a lot easier getting a replacement of the same motor to be honest - whats wrecked with it?

FS

Edited by FlyingScot, 25 October 2017 - 07:13 PM.

[Monkeyzak]

I could probably get it repaired. Cylinder head, pistons ceased. I'm just frustrated that I can't get more power out the MPI. It's a bit gutless

[Midas Mk1]

I've done an 80's bare block A+ conversion to my 99 MPi, using the SC kit dealt with the fuelling and ignition. It's a lot of work, not a straight swap, took a good 6 weeks of evenings head scratching, 

that 1/2 inch further forward makes one hell of a difference..

 

Worth it thought if you have the effort. 

[hunterg30]

i was of the understanding the mot is based on the age of the car or the age of the engine which ever is the oldest,?

[Will16]

i was of the understanding the mot is based on the age of the car or the age of the engine which ever is the oldest,?

 

Thats correct, it is what ever is oldest. I had a hell of a time explaining that to my mot tester who was adamant my k series needed a cat and would fail, until we looked on the gov website 

[FlyingScot]

i was of the understanding the mot is based on the age of the car or the age of the engine which ever is the oldest,?

 
Thats correct, it is what ever is oldest. I had a hell of a time explaining that to my mot tester who was adamant my k series needed a cat and would fail, until we looked on the gov website 

Yes but the OP already has the car, so it’s the engine he has to be able to prove the age of...

FS

[Cooperman]

It will seriously devalue the car to fit a non-original engine type. 

Re-build the MPI will be the best way to ensure it remains a valuable classic car.

[Monkeyzak]

How can you tell the age of an engine. I got it through a 3rd party after they gave upnin minis

[FlyingScot]

Use the engine checker on guess-works as a first off

FS

[AlexMozza]

The MPi can be a good engine.
If you were rebuilding it you could look into things like a better/re worked head, Swiftune do a version of their SW5 cam for MPi minis.
Would make quite a nice motor!