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A Series Locost?
Mike Wood - 3/11/13 at 09:30 AM

Hi

Anyone built a Locost with an MG Midget/Austin Healey Sprite 1275cc engine and gearbox, or similar from Morris Marina/Ital?

If so, any chassis clearance or other issues? (I know there are some external differences between Marina and Midget engines, which make conversions into the latter not a straight swap). Also anyone used a Midget rear axle?

I fancy building a basic 7, akin to a Lotus Seven Series 2, which used 948cc/1098cc Austin Healey Sprite engines and gearboxes, and have various A Series and Sprite spares and experience. Not wanting to build a BEC speed warp machine, more a BMC powered time warp machine!

Cheers
Mike

[Edited on 3/11/13 by Mike Wood]

[Edited on 3/11/13 by Mike Wood]

snapper - 3/11/13 at 09:58 AM

The engine is tiny, it'll fit sideways if you wanted

panichat - 3/11/13 at 12:42 PM

I considered this when I was starting my build - if my memory is correct there are some issues with the width of the transmission tunnel and the triangulation piece at the top of the engine bay.
I have seen people joining a-series engines with escort box in hot A35s and midgets - I don't know how hard that would be to do or what advantage it gives.
Again if my memory is right the rear axles for midgets, marinas, a35s and minors were all too narrow for a regular locost build.
Good luck with your plans.
Dave

MikeRJ - 3/11/13 at 12:45 PM

Caterham used the Marina/Ital rear axle for a very long time. Is the locost significantly wider than the older live axle Caterhams?

inkafone - 3/11/13 at 01:27 PM

Marlin roadster used Marina bits. An early Fury used an A series and fitted without any bonnet bulges as does a X-flow on twin webers. The Marina gearbox can be fitted with an overdrive or use a Triumph one. Honda B16 VTEC is rarely used in RWD - would be brilliant in a lightweight car - 160BHP in standard form revving to 9K.

MikeRJ - 3/11/13 at 03:03 PM

quote:
Originally posted by inkafone
Honda B16 VTEC is rarely used in RWD - would be brilliant in a lightweight car - 160BHP in standard form revving to 9K.


That's because gearboxes and back axles designed to run in the opposite direction to normal are pretty rare!

It has been done using custom cams and dry sumping the engine to allow it to run 'backwards' though, like this rally escort.

Canada EH! - 3/11/13 at 05:51 PM

Having just restored a 1958 Sprite with a 1275 and having a Locost parked next to it all summer, I believe the Sprite rear axle is too narrow for a book Locost.

My Locost has a 1600 Toyota Twincam, next to it the A Series is tiny, the gearboxes are about he same size, and the BMC engine and transmission could be mounted more forward than the Toyota as it is lighter.

I thought about sticking the spare 948 engine and trans in the Locost for vintage Canada Class races (1000cc max engine).

Peteff - 3/11/13 at 06:40 PM

I'd looked at a Reliant engine and box to put in a car for something to just run about but they are not exactly common round here.

Dingz - 3/11/13 at 07:10 PM







If this works they are pictures of a lovely Lotus 11 replicar with A series power.

Edit got it wrong somewhere sorry

[Edited on 3/11/13 by Dingz]

britishtrident - 3/11/13 at 08:03 PM

The original early pre-lit Westy used a Sprdget as a single donor.

[Edited on 3/11/13 by britishtrident]

Paul Turner - 4/11/13 at 09:23 AM

quote:
Originally posted by MikeRJ
Caterham used the Marina/Ital rear axle for a very long time. Is the locost significantly wider than the older live axle Caterhams?


Used a Marina/Ital axle in my first Caterham. They are actually slightly wider than the Escort axle.

But they are not terribly strong and even with moderate power the CWP's wear out quite fast. For example with 135 bhp in 4 years I had 3 CWP's in the car (all were rebuilt and in good condition), in the current car with a Sierra diff and 170+ bhp I have had 2 CWP's and I only changed that because I changed the type of slipper I was using, the CWP was perfect and I still have it as a spare.

With regards to fitting an A series engine there is nothing wrong with the idea but ask yourself one question, will you always be happy with a low powered car. Building a car with a Zetec will cost no more and will have more power than a highly tuned A series without it being touched plus it will probably be far more reliable.

RichardSIA - 19/11/13 at 11:07 AM

Waaaay back when I was young I came across a very small car sitting in front of a neighbors house.

I knew it was English by the RHD, and I had heard of "Lotus".
I was working at a shop restoring T series MG's at the time.

I rang the doorbell and asked about the car.
Owner was happy to discuss it, asked if I knew how to handle RHD?

I confirmed that I did, I drove MG TC's regularly.
OK, he says, take it around the block.
Ah, wait, the tach does not work, keep the revs down to about here, ZOOOOOM!

And off I went, alone, driving a genuine very early Seven, skinny little 13" wheels, 948 Sprite engine and all.
I already had a Bugeye at home.
But that little Seven was incredible.
When I returned I related my amazement at the cars ability to make square corners.

The owner said he was glad I enjoyed my drive but that I had taken too long.
So he had to show me a proper drive.

I've always considered the little Austin Sprite powered Seven the purest form ever since.

I've had XKE's, a Noble P4 with Rover engine and many V8 American cars since.
But the little low power Seven with it's crazy cornering and generous owner will always have a warm place in my heart.