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I cannot thank you enough for the needle recommendations for the HIF44 application! Wouldn't happen to have one around for a Cooper "S" state of tune, would you??! :) I agree with you in terms of a 1.75 over a 1.5 yet, there are 1.5 "single" kits being marketed and I wonder whether these might be more "flow efficient" for the stock, untuned Series "A" one finds in the Spridget, with the 1.75 single kits more suitable for "tuned" versions of the same engine incorporating larger valves and ports (or one of the new better flowing aluminum heads, valve... MORE
Hi, I own a MKIV 1976 AH Sprite 1275cc, and someone has converted it to a bigger single SU Carb, 1 1/2 inch I think.Does anyone know anything about this modification and how to tune it. Problem is it is running weak and coughs and spits a bit at 50mph, if you pull the choke out a bit (add more fuel) it goes again like a new lease of life. Also when the car reaches half empty it starves itself of fuel (someone has replaced the tank). Thankyou Jon "oscarsprite" 15281... MORE
Hi, Jon: First of all, you will have to know the size of the carb, Jon. There are two single carb conversions available....the 1.5" and 1.75". Either of these can be HS or HIF series. The HS has an external fuel bowl, the HIF has a bowl intergrated into the bottom of the carb. The HS employs a "fixed" needle, the HIF a "sprung" needle. (This one I am not too sure of but if I am incorrect here, other listers will most likely let us know!) The 1.5" normally carries a .090 jet, the 1.75" a .100 jet.... MORE
It doesn't. According to Horler, the gearlever cowl ('turret') was painted body colour until the introduction of the Mk3 Sprite/ mk2 Midget (1098cc, wind-up windows, semi-elliptic springs) when the cowl was painted black irrespective of body colour. I can find no reference for the cowl being painted trim colour from the factory- perhaps a dealer's modification? HTH Growler "Grant Bowyer" 15276... MORE
Grant Sorry I don't know who Horler is but whilst I agree with the first part of your statement that the cowl or turret was painted body colour up to and including the Mk 2 Sprite/Mk1 Midget (including the ones with the 1098 engines sometimes refered to as the Mk 2.5S / 1.5M) as a result of the use of rubber matting in the earlier vehicles. With the introduction of the Mk3 Sprite / Mk2 Midget, the first with the wind up windows, the turret colour was co-ordinated with the interior trim and carpeting. I have a Mk2 Midget,... MORE
Hi Dermot It would probably be un-economic to have the car professionaly restored to origninal, but could make a good restoration project if the owner is prepared to do the work or has friends that can help. (see Lyndsay Porters book and Practical Classics on Midget and Sprite Restoration.) Manual dexterity is a must as is some form of welding (MiG/MaG as a min.) It might be difficult to get hold of the 'correct' wings now (sidelight height in relation to type of bumper) but this is only really important if originality is your bag. The inner wings are... MORE
Hi Chris Think you picked the wrong end of the stick.it is kind of similar to a bugeye but not as cute.more pointed and spitfire looking.(its not a spitfire front ive checked that) Dermot. fighting "murraysport" 15254... MORE
Yes. You have to pull the entire engine and transmission. That said, if you remove the starter motor you can see the edge of the flywheel- you may be able to feel it moving through there, but chances are it wont be loose enough to feel by hand. HTH Growler "Grant Bowyer" 15230... MORE
I was told to check my fly wheel to see if that is what is making my engine knock. Do I have to take off the transmition to find the fly wheel? Thanks 1975 Midget 1500 David & Kay Maroscher Ohio fire@... David & Kay Maroscher 15229... MORE
Jeremy At the time I was comparing them a few years ago, Paul's kit used a Datsun clutch and the stock Spridget slave cylinder in a special mounting cradle. The Rivergate used the Spridget clutch and a Datsun slave cylinder from a Datsun truck. Everyone I know that used this setup had clutch problems of some sort. Paul's kit also located the starter in the postion matching the bell housing position, not the orginal A-series position. That meant you could use a gear reduction starter without having to drill the bell housing or use the stock starter with only... MORE
Stan Initial thought would have been possibly jammed thermo but you say you've replaced that, other idea is a blockage in the water ways of the block or radiator, you could check by draining and back flushing as a matter of course (I backflush every autumn anyway as mine is a daily driver year round). Failing that I suspect it might be a water pump failure and water is not being pushed round the system. Check by pulling a hose and turn engine over to see if it's pumping out. What may be occurring is "After about 2or3 miles... MORE
While driving my midget[1500]noticed some water spray on windsheild. Then noticed temp gauge climbing. Had to keep going about 2 miles befor pulling off to check.after letting her set a few minutes removed cap still had water. Replaced cap, continued home. Replaced thermostat tppped off with coolant, test out. After about 2or3 miles temp gauge goes up comes down goes 3/4ths up etc. but ends up staying all the way up.Stop cut engine off,hear it pecolating.But dosnt actually boil over. What gives?? Could it be the cap?? "stanley hill" 15204... MORE
I have a 1975 Midget 1500 it is red and very nice. My wife and I went on an evening stroll to enjoy the whether .We decided to take the Interstate home (at 65 MPH ) The first time I have had my new car that fast. I noticed the engine temp went up to around 220. When we exited the highway my car was making an awful knocking noise. I have since taken off the valve cover and that looks and sounds fine. The knocking noise is coming from the back half of the engine. Just spending LOTS... MORE
My 67 Sprite has a frozen transmission which needs a rebuild anyway and was considering getting the conversion kit from Rivergate and hopefully find a used tranny locally to rebuild. I'm willing to rebuild it myself since I would have to rebuild one anyway to get my Sprite rolling. What engine RPM can I expect on 5th at around 70 MPH? Any conversion users around that can share their experience? Thanks in advance. "Yuchol Kim" 15187... MORE
I am autocrossing a sprite, and I am looking to get some wider wheels. other than minilite wheels does anyone have any suggestions, I need to stay with stock hubs, bolt pattern, Etc... thanks for your help, Christopher "redfisher001" 15153... MORE
First, when did they start putting the 1500cc engine into Midgets? Second, in todays world, all the "sports cars" are advertised with their 0-60 times. For those who have modified their cars for performance, what would you guess your cars would do? I know that's not really what they are about, but still, how quick can you get one of these little buggers to go? "coachbad" 15151... MORE
To the first part anyway... the '75 rubber bumper was the first year for the Triumph 1500 engine in the Midget. Triumph ser# prefix was FM and FP was used in the MG's. Paul Tegler ptegler@... www.teglerizer.com "ptegler@cablespeed" 15152... MORE
David, A little easier to do in a 1975+ because the front crossmember redesign leaves more room for the engine at the crankshaft pulley. Gerard the Datsun B-210 engine and tranny will go in with a little "gerardchateau" 15137... MORE
So despite some advices on taking the transmission, I decided to jack up the car to take a look to see if it was possible without taking the engine out. First of all, this is my first ever experience with these small cars. Man, it took some imagination jacking up the car both front and back. If I got the front lifted, the back got too low to get the jack underneath. So I had to go back and forth. Anyway, the transmission well looks too tight to drop it down without taking the engine out. My Sprite/Midget book... MORE
Check the archives, there are a number of options. Also check the archives on the bbs at mgcars.org.uk. Options are Toyota twink, Mazda Rotary. Chevy V6 and Rover K among others. That said either of the original engines a-series of Triumph 1500 (what you had) should be reliable if well maintained jeremy.cogman@... 15123... MORE
Has any installed a catalytic converter on a 1973 Midget with the 1275 engine? DSutteiii@... 15127... MORE
I have a 1975 Midget 1500. I have just finished restoring the body and love the way it looks Last week I was on the highway and I think I blew the engine. What I wandered about is there another engine like a brand new one from another style of car that would fit into a midget so I would have a reliable car? And if there is it hard to do? Thanks from Ohio Dave David & Kay Maroscher 15122... MORE
Peter, I assume you were holding the 'shift' key down while pressing '5' and also that the last character is actually a 'G' not a 9 (not the first time this has been transposed when copying from chassis plates or other documents) This being so, I reckon your car would have been built around May/June 1972 (The last 1972 model was GAN5-123644 built in June '72); though that would suggest it was hanging around more than a year before being registered which is a bit odd. There may be other clues to it's age, for example, are the quarter... MORE
nahhh, I've done it by myself several times; when putting it back, you just need to prop the hinges open at a suitable angle, screw studs (not setscrews) into a couple of the hinge-to-bonnet threaded holes to act as locators, drop the bonnet in place on the hinges, prop the front with a length of broom handle, then put the securing screws in, simple! To paraphrase Mr Haynes, removal is a reversal of refitting. David "David Jacobs" 15113... MORE
If you achieve it you'' be the first in history (as far as we know!). Engine/trans in out in a day with one man and an engine hoist is very achievable. That said it's much easier with the bonnet off and that is a two man job! jeremy.cogman@... 15110... MORE
