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Getting a little more HP.

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dbshubin

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Hi everyone, I'm new to BCF.
I have a '79 MG Midget that is for the most part stock. I was wanting to know where would I start first to get a bit more skip in my step.
1) better intake
2) headers
3) carbs and which one ( down draft / side draft / two barrel )
4) nice paint job ( that would make it go faster 0-60 )
I would very much love any input you might give me. I just don't have a clue where to start.
Thanks in advance
David
 
Well dbshubin, welcome to the world of British cars and welcome to the BCF! Hang in there, as there will be guys getting back to you. I don't own a midget, so for the most part, I wouldn't be much help on some issues. You will get all the info and advice you will need on this forum from other owners of the same car as yours. Hang in there and don't be afraid to ask all the questions you have. Were a friendly and hopefully a helpful community of British car owners. Good luck on your project. PJ
 
David,
Welcome to the Forum. Best place for a little extra is a small compression increase and getting a good carb on it. Everything comes with a trade off. Regular to premium fuel, low end torque v/s a bit more power on the top end , rougher idle with a cam change. Etc. When someone gives advise ask what the trade off is. About the only thing I can think of without a trade off is removing pollution equipment and installing a user friendly carb versus the original. I mess with the bigger MGs so not much help with specifics on the Midget. Bob
 
Going to a set of side draught SU's and a header would be the 'path of least resistance'. Cleaning and "matching" the ports when you do.

And WELCOME to the BCF!!

If you post in the "Spridgets" forum, the guys there will fill your noggin with enuff info to make ya dizzy. :wink:
 
Remember guys that he is in California and wonderful as that may be he still has to deal with pollution inspection every couple of years. I assume that the entire state is stuck with that problem and not just the "Pollution Control Areas" like it used to be? Is that correct?
BillM
 
The 79 Midget has a Spitfirw 1500 motor, British leyland consolidated and offered the same motor in both for the last few years of Midget production, you might also try to post your question to the Spridget (Sprite Midget) or even the Triumph list as well.

I don't know much about the Spiitfire 1500 motor, but I think it was stroked up from the Spitfire 1296 cc, and the cronk won't like it if you modify too far, but I am sure som general go faster goodies relating to intake and exhaust, or maybe a skim of the head to raise compression would help with power, the late Triumph and MG motors will really strangled to meet emissions, so it is pretty easyy to get som extra power out of them.

As noted prior, don't know about Cali emmission stuff, out here in the boonies (Nebraska) we don't need to worry ahout such things.

Good Lcuk, Greg
 
You are correct, smog testing is state-wide. It does not vary from county to county. All 1979 passenger vehicles must pass emissions tests.
 
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