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Charlie, Perhaps I should have said that I'm a fan of the original design. I have heard many stories of problems with the roller bearings which likely have been because of an incomplete redesign of the whole system. If one were able to put together a roller bearing with a compatible cover, and have the proper fork and pivot geometry sorted, I would endorse that design. Many newer applications of roller bearings depend on a quill or sleeve over the input shaft as a guide for the bearing. The Spridgets don't have one.So many times a newer, "better" technology... MORE


Dunno' about the release bearing, but judder on starting in 1st gear could be from oil on the clutch disc. Of course it could be from a lot of other things too... "tloutrec" 8847... MORE


Thanks for the replies about the Piston order. Now a query about the clutch. The carbon bearing has been replaced by a much deeper roller bearing- seems a good idea, but in order to fit it the circular boss which is fitted to the centre of the clutch itself to allow the bearing to compress the springs has been removed so that the roller bearing now pushes directly on the spring fingers themselves. Is this normal? Before I took it apart, I noticed that there was some judder in releasing the clutch in first gear unless the engine was... MORE


ok, so from what I gather(sorry if I seem slow), but the 1098 w/ a 5spd datsun tranny, and regearing my rear axle to say...3.0 or 4.2, i should have no problem getiing to & maintaining good hwy. speeds of say 75 at about 400RPM? Am I correct? If so, I'd really love to stay w/ the stock engine. Regards, ~Rob 66' BabyBlu "babyblumg" 8837... MORE


I did mention it was a "Pseudo" Race Car... didn't I? Standard 1500cc engine Crane FireBall electronic Ignition and PS-20 Coil Weber Downdraft Carb w/ K&N filter Pacesetter Headers Monza Free-flow exhaust system Standard Transmission and 3.9:1 rear end Roll bar supposedly came from a midget, but I had to do a major modification of my driver's seat and headrest to get the seat far enough back to allow me to drive. The top has been permanently removed (and will be sold shortly). This is now a fair weather car only... with a tarp in the trunk for emergencies.... MORE


Babyblumg- Take a look at: Pixelsmith@... for the page on ratios and diffs along with tire size for speed equivalents; very educational. I've run a 1098 for almost two years with the 5 speed and 3.7 diff on 175/70's and turn about 3300-3400 for 70-75. So, 4,000 with a 3.9 for this speed sounds about in the ballpark and with the 3.9, you should have decent acceleration through the first 3 gears in any event. Sure, you'd do better with even a stock 1275.....on the other hand, the 1098 is such a "smoothie"!! If my new 1293 runs half... MORE


thanks for all of the information. I have gotton hold of a chevy straight 6, that I am told should fit quite nicely. Not sure of what the torque of that nature will do to the unibody. My main goal is to be able to cruise I-10/I-49 @ 70-80 mph w/o keeping the engine @ high RPM's. Not sure the 1098(which I have confirmed is the "latter issue", would be able to run like tht, even w/ a 5spd tranny and a re-geared differential.???? Its is my toy to ride w/ on wknds,and during the week, my top speed... MORE


Babyblumg- I, too, bought a Sprite with a stock 1098 & transferred the Datsun 5 speed from my wrecked '67 into my Frog, along with the 3.7 diff as well. As the two lower gears of the Datsun box are lower than the English box, no acceleration performance penalty too any great extent. BTW, this 1098 has got to be one of the sweetest running Series A types I have ever run, too the extent I am saving it as a "spare", should I ever have a problem with the 1293 which has replaced it. The 1275 (plus .020)... MORE


Hello folks A friend of mine who also work for British Leyland many years ago has suggested that I use Castrol 20w/40 for my motor oil instead of 10w/30. I have had a hell of a time trying to locate some. Does anyone know if this stuff is still around? and if not what would be a 2nd best option? I live in Maine USA so cold weather is also a thing to keep in mind. Thanks all Jason Gross 1971 MG Midget PS If anyone might know of a way to get a striped drain plug out of... MORE


A problem I had when I first got the car was that a PO had bent the damping rods (or whatever that are called) which screw into the top of the bell. Only slight, but caused that piston to stick occasionally. It was hell to find - not covered in the Haynes manual, which is otherwise pretty good for tuning carbs. I've just had my carbs rebuilt (after only 30 years!) as it refused to star t in -10C after New Year - cost =A3150 ($220) for the Full Monty. When I chec ked them closely, they were badly... MORE


The pistons must be able to move up and completely down freely, or the carbs will never work. Hmmm. Corrosion? Take off the covers and look. Bent needles? Someone work on them with a large hammer? If you can get them fixed, AUD 136 should work fine on a 1275, I think. On the other hand, if you shop around, you can probably buy a shiny new pair for just over $300. Considering the cost of two good rebuild kits, (and maybe shafts and bodies rebushed)all of which may not solve the problem...Or a Webber downdraft conversion kit for... MORE


babyblumg- Try the 5 speed with the diff you have in the normal driving you do on a weekly or monthly basis. It will soon become apparent to you whether the diff ratio you have, along with the 5 speed ratios, is suitable and compatible with YOUR "application", or needs changing in your personal opinion, which is the only one that truly counts in such personal matters. For an idea of what to expect with different ratios and tires (size) combos, you might want to take a look at the great info that is available at: pixelsmith@... This site... MORE


well, one person has given me a starting point.but I need a few specifics.. My engine needs a re-ring(overhaul?) and my clutch is BAD, and I agree w/ the others on the MUST HAVE a 5 speed. I am not worried about the "value" of the car, as I never intend to sell it. I do however want a reliable daily driver (I just really love the body and styling) VERY reliable. This is myquestion: I am considering another engine, and tranny, and what rear axle would work best... Ive heard the chevy is a good engine..what about a... MORE


If you are after more relaxed cruising then changing the final drive ratio is the best way to achieve this with out - over stressing engine, over stressing your fuel bill and ending up deaf !! Consider swapping to a five speed conversion using a different make gearbox (loads of specialists out there), changing diff ratio or trying to find an overdrive box from a Triumph. 1st option is pricey but strong and refined, 2nd option is the most simple and cheap but limited in options, 3rd is not so pricey, is periodically correct but not so refined. If... MORE


I assume you've done away with the smog gear, and if, in addition to what you've already done, you increase the compression a little, and install a slightly hotter cam, you should have a car capable of 95- 100 mph, and with plenty of zip, able to cruise at Interstate speeds. Still it probably won't be as crisp or smooth as a modern electronic, fuel injected, twin cam Japanese car, but then it's old and it's British. A straight thru muffler and a dollop of castor oil added to the sump will only add to the character missing in... MORE


Depends on the year of your Midget. The earliest cars had 4.22 diff, and later 3.9, while the rubber bumper cars were 3.7 If you have a pre rubber bumper car, you could get a good used rubber bump diff cheap, and it's a simple swap. I've got a 3.7 in my 1275 Sprite, and 70-75 mph cruising is comfortable. "tloutrec" 8688... MORE


Hi Guys, Is it possible, within reason, to pull a rear hub without a puller - or do I have to buy one? I have been given almost new rear brake backplates, so want have to remove hubs to fit them (old ones are very rusty). Any ideas? Thanks in advance Chris Howes '58 Frogeye - in slightly fewer bits than last we spoke. "howes" 8679... MORE


cam change would give you gains in one area , losses in other. 3.7 dif would reduce your revs across the gears, 1st should still be low enough for 99% of time. otherwise a five speed box conversion would be best. There is not a lot you can with the engine. Regards Alan "alan.east-jones" 8675... MORE


I love my midget except for one thing, It dosnt like cruesing at highway speeds. Needs another gear or a higher rear end gear.I know some people have changed the trans mission but has any one changed the ring and pinion? If so was the change a happy one. Thanks "stanley hill" 8674... MORE


I have a midget with 1500 engine. It runs great however with the 3.90rear it is short winded. My problem is do i increase horse power or change transmission?It really feels like it needs another gear for cruising .Or would a cam etc, give it more zip at the higher rpm range on the highway? "stanley hill" 8673... MORE


I mean the differential casing "Jason Gross" 8654... MORE


No apologies what-so-ever to Irishmen, as I am (half) Irish, and still find it amusing. I've had it for over 30 years, and still haven't managed to complete it!! OXFORD AND CAMBRIDGE 'O' LEVEL EXAMINATION FOR IRISHMEN 1. What language is spoken by French Canadians? 2. Give the important characteristics of the Ancient Babylonian Empire with particular reference to architecture, literature OR give the first names of the Beatles. 3. What religion is the Pope? Jewish/Catholic/Hindu or Anglican. (underline one only) 4. Would you ask William Shakespeare to build a bridge/sail the ocean/lead an army or WRITE A PLAY?... MORE


Count me in - as soon as I get my half shafts and diff fixed (hopefully within the next couple of weeks...) ST Sprite '71 Orpington, Kent (UK) "Stuart Toller" 8613... MORE


Rust Free '79 Midget CHEAP ! complete car except motor , spindles and ring & pinion - very nice . $50.00 includes title Here's your chance to get a perfect rust free So.California car for super cheap ! it will be _crushed_ for scrap if _you_ don't save it . Call after 4:00 P.M. PST please . THANK YOU Contact: Nate Email: vwnate1@... Tel: (626) 791~5398 Location: Sunny Southern California USA Dated: 11/03/2002 "Ian & Cathy" 8610... MORE


OK Mike you got me... Anyone fancy a ride in a Midget that out-handles out-brakes and out- accelerates a Subaru Impreza Turbo P1 (based on the evidence of a track day at Bruntingthorpe last Saturday)? On a couple of laps I was showing 8300rpm in top on the straight (3.9 diff - 134mph...) Trouble is though, if I drive to London I will have to rebuild the engine before I go home... J "jamesbilsland" 8603... MORE