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Finally have one!

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subnet_nd

subnet_nd

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Finally! We now own a Sprite. My brother-in-law has owned this machine since the early 70's, and I have been after him for 16 years to sell it to me. It broke on him (more on this later) and he never repaired it. It has been sitting in his dark, cool garage *SINCE 1975*! Believe it or not, 2 of the tires still hold air (not that I am not junking them anyway)! Not much rust (I know, it hides well), but will need some body work (not too much), paint, interior, new top, etc. Glass is all good.

The plate in the engine compartment states that it's an HAN9, signifying a MKIV... Don't know the exact year, but it seems to be in the middle of the build VIN's for the MKIV, so I am guessing a 67 or 68. The engine and transmission are removed from the car; I have the engine and part of the trans... Guessing that the trans blew, which caused the car to disappear for 33 years. The engine has what looks to be a smog pump on it... Seems wierd to me, but the valve cover states "Austin-Healey".

Anyway, here's my main question to the group:

What are the "best practices" for a situation like this? I'm looking for the "best of the best" advice, tricks, tips, mods, etc. What would you do in this situation? I would like to use the engine that I have, don't really want to go thru the pain of fitting a different one in there, and would like to keep some authenticity, but what about the components? Different carbs (the ones I have are *really weird*, coming from a total newbie to Sprites and Brit cars in general)? Distributor? Transmission (since I don't have one currently, this is totally open)? Fuel pump? Dump the "smog pump" or keep it?

Thanks for any advice and opinions!

Alex
 
First off, welcome!

My recommendation is to go through what you have and take inventory. You should have a 1275 motor, which is a good one. Plenty of parts available, and tunable to good power output. The SU carbs are a bit odd if you're used to American cars, but they do work well once set up. There are a couple folks around who can do full refurbishment on them and make them sing again.

Transmissions are available if yours is totally kaput (I picked one up recently for $200 shipped), though yours is probably rebuildable for not too much. There is a Datsun 5-speed conversion that many folks have done and it seems popular.

Smog stuff may depend on your local laws -- best to hang on to it at least, as it may be necessary for registration depending on where you are.

Mostly, post us some pictures! We can help ID parts you have, and there will be no end of suggestions, that's for sure!
 
Congrats! You've entered the zone of no return now!
The Sprite is an Austin Healey so is cool if that is on the valve cover.
I would start by doing an inventory of what you have versus what you need. Having Moss and VB at your finger tips makes that very easy. After that, a thorough "sorting out", maybe refresh the engine, brakes, clutch, the like. Even though rust may not be readily apparent, get a view (with a mirror) of the inside of your rocker panels and anywhere else you can get to. If you see any at all there are a lot of great products out there now to kill and seal it - save your self a ton of grief that way!
As Drew mentioned, you probably have the 1275 engine with SU carbs and that is a great starting point. The carbs are very easy to tune >>> get a repair manual for your car if your brother didn't already have one. There are so many options now to get info and the more you know before you touch it, the better off you will be. Tranny choices are going with what you have (repaired), buy another (good ribcase) tranny or update to the Datsun 5 speed conversion. The Datsun tranny's seem to be getting pricey but maybe not so much in your neck ot the woods.
Have fun!!!
Roy
:cheers:
 
OK, some pics then...
Austin-Healey013.jpg


Austin-Healey016.jpg


Austin-Healey009.jpg


Still dirty, no cleaning done yet (other than a little vacuuming). More pics later....

My trans is basically gone... Have the tailshaft and some shifter components, but the main body, gears, bell housing are all missing. What trans is best? The ribcage style or smooth-cased style? Looks like the ribcage style is going for lots of $$$ on ebay, but the smooth-cased are fairly inexpensive... Also, do all AH and MG transmissions have the same bellhousing?

Thanks!
 
if you have no tranny at all, then a 5 speed is the logical thing to put in. you could do the ribcase, but in a few years you'll wish you had the datsun. Do it once do it right. The 1275 is the right way to go in the engine bay as well. In ANY state of tune you choose or can afford from stock thru supercharged to full out 1380.

One of the really odd things about these cars that is NOT true of collector cars in general is that modifications done correctly only enhance, not detract from the value. That is nicer seats from a Miata, any mods to the A-series engine, rear gears, double hubs, electronic ignitons, .. it just doesn't matter as the cars are enjoyed ....DRIVEN. Whatever it takes to make it RELIABLE enhances the value ...TO YOU!

DRIVE IT
 
BTW, the odometer says 35721...

Gonna try finding a 210 tranny. I would bet there's some posts on here providing details...
 
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