I am just starting a Haynes project and am looking to build with a small engine say 1100/1200 cc. The reason for this is my 16 year old daughter is my co-builder and I was thinking a small engine would be more appropriate for her first couple of years of driving and would be cheaper on insurance.

I have been offered an old MG midget for next to nothing so would have an engine and gearbox for very little money. Can anyone offer any advice as to the pro's and con's of going down this route ??

Please no suggestions of restoring the Midget, that was two projects ago - don't want to do another.

no reason at all why you can't use that engine and gearbox.

You'll probably have to make your own engine and gearbox mounts and exhaust, but if you have access to welding it should be no problem.

Welcome to the forum by the way

[Edited on 25/8/09 by mookaloid]

Great minds think alike, I was going to do the same for my son, either MG Midget or Spitfire.

I would try for a 1300 Escort, then you can use the whole thing.

What about 1.25 Zetec from a Fiesta? I don't know if it plugs straight in to Type 9 gearbox but a good fun engine.

I would also use a 1100/1300 X-flow. Plenty of cheap engines and fit a Type9 'box and easier to upgrade when the time is right.
The Midget engine and box would be fine if there wasn't any other option!

The older fiesta engine would be good. I dont think the new ones will bolt up.

The Endura engines are bassed on the old crossflows. I also want to build one with my son and thought the 1.3 with the standard fuel injection would make a nice buzzy little car and still do 50 to the gallon.

Bike engines are quite small...

Nick

It is a nice idea but I think you will have problems on insuring any kit car for a young driver.
I enquired, 4 years ago for my daughter and the only car they would consider was an 1100cc GTM libra. I would have had to PX and arm and both legs to do it.
Good luck as I cannot think of a nicer time than working with a son or daughter on something like this.

you might want to get some insurance advice first regarding cost.I was thinking the engine size might not make the difference you would like to see.Hopefully I am wrong...good luck

Hi everyone

Thanks for such quick responses - lots to think about !!

Sounds good - gearbox has a quick action and is light. A series engines always sound great and can be tuned up cheaply when the time arises. Surprisingly economical as well.

My preference everytime would be for a BMC engine over a Ford of equal capacity.

I thought the gearboxes from the midget were crap and expensive to rebuild? and some of the parts difficult to locate.

Ive a contact who deals with this item,so not from personel experience.