Visual ID of a 1275

[drooartz]

I'm looking at a possible donor car to support my Bugeye redo, and want to make sure the engine I'm looking at is a 1275. I used to have this more in my head, but it's been too many years.

Car does have the smog ports in the side of the head (blocked off), but what else can I look for? Unsure if the engine number plate is still present. Is there anything else I can look for to confirm?

 

[Bayless]

1275 does not have the tappet or side covers that I believe both the 948 and 1098 did have. Latest Moss catalog seems to agree.

 

[AngliaGT]

I think Drew's referring to the 1275/1500 -
the ones that have smog equipment.

 

[Bayless]

Even easier. Carb(s) on the wrong side on a 1500.

 

[drooartz]

Not the 1500, just the 1275. Good call on the tappet/side covers.

 

[EricG]

If you can fit your thumb between the end of the valve cover and the start of the thermostat housing it is a 1275.
Smaller engines have a much smaller gap there.

 

[Boink]

And don't many 1275s have a plaque-thing that says "1275" on them?

 

[drooartz]

And don't many 1275s have a plaque-thing that says "1275" on them?

If it's still there. I don't think the one in my Morris still has it. Good to look for, though.

 

[Scargo]

The heater tap outlet on the cylinder head sits at an angle on a 1275 while it sits perpendicular to the head on the small bore engines.

However, a 1275 block could be hiding under certain small bore cylinder heads.

 

[drooartz]

Thanks for that info. Good to have a few more things to verify.

 

[SaxMan]

If you can get the engine number, I can compare it to the one on my 1275 and see if it is "in the ballpark".

 

[Jerry]

There are two types of 1275 blocks. Go to the minimania.com web site and they have a sections that helps you identify your engine. Even without an engine tag.

 

[drooartz]

Thanks for the Minimania tip, I'll take a look.

Here's the link for those playing along at home:

> VIDEO: How to Identify Various A-Series engines <

 

[rossco]

The 950 and the 1098 blocks have factory numbers.

 

[drooartz]

Thanks all for the tips and advice. The parts car I was considering has sold to someone else, but still good info to know.

I'm not particularly sad, as I wasn't sure I wanted to go that route anyways. So now, back to working with what I've got on hand.