What motor will fit my 1969 Austin Healey Mark IV

[wergold]

I am just wondering if anybody knows of a new or used motor and transmission i can put in my 1969 Austin Healey Mark IV just wondering what motors and tranys will fit the vehicle I just bought this car and I just don't know much about it

 

[Editor_Reid]

wergold,

Welcome to Healey ownership. This forum is focused on Big Healeys, while the Spridget forum is focused on Sprites and Midgets. You're welcome here any time, but you'll probably find more knowledge about engine options for your Sprite in the Spridget forum.

Good luck.

 

[BigGreen]

Could is be you have one of the HMC MkIV's

https://www.historics.co.uk/buying/auctions/2013-08-31/car/1997-austin-healey-mk-iv-by-hmc.aspx

 

[Legal Bill]

wergold, I've seen a lot of different engines under the hood of Sprites, up to and including a small V-8. The easiest install with fewest modifications is the Datsun 1500. A Ford 1500 or 1600 will also fit in there, but be aware of the cross flow head and location of the exhaust and length of the motor/tranny unit. Years ago people started putting the Mazda rotary engines in them as well. I have seen pictures of Bugeyes with Miata motors and S2000 motors but I have no idea what the owner went through to make them fit.

 

[Billm]

Actually the easiest motor to put in a '69 Sprite is the 1275 out of a '67 thru '74 MG Midget- it is exactly the same engine (same car too).
BillM

 

[glemon]

The 1275 fitted to these cars originally is the British equivalent of the small block chevy here, there are plentiful stock and hop up parts available, and they are very nice engines in stock form, but also very tunable. If you want to swap several options have been mentioned, most involve a little cutting or metal work, another one worth mentioning is an early RX7 rotary, which is nice because it is light and doesn't upset the handling.