Looking for a 1275 parts car?

[jlaird]

Austin-Healey Sprite and MG Midget production details
Key to parts pages Midget model Sprite model Midget
production Sprite
production Engine
size Major changes
1 - AN5(Mk1)
Mar 58-Feb 61 - 48,987 948cc Frogeye body
2 G.AN1(Mk1)
Jun 61-Oct 62 H.AN6(Mk2)
May 61-Oct 62 16,080 20,450 948cc New body style
3 G.AN2
Oct 62-Mar 64 H.AN7
Oct 62-Mar 64 9,601 11,215 1098cc Larger engine
Disc brakes
4 G.AN3(Mk2)
Mar 64-Oct 66 H.AN8(Mk3)
Mar 64-Oct 66 26,601 25,905 1098cc Wind-up windows
Semi-eliptical rear springs
5 G.AN4(Mk4)
Oct 66-Aug 69 H.AN9(Mk4)
Oct 66-Aug 69 22,415 20,357 1275cc Larger engine
Hood changes
6 G.AN5
Aug 69-Aug 71 H.AN10
Aug 69-Dec 70 29,544 1,411 1275cc Matt black grille and sills
7 - H.AN10
Jan 71-Jul 71 - 1,022 1275cc Last of Sprites badged Austin
8 G.AN5
Aug 71-Sep 74 - 48,287 - 1275cc Round wheel arch
9 G.AN6
Oct 74-Nov 70 - 72,289 - 1493cc Rubber bumper
Total production 224,817 129,347

 

[RobSelina]

so it looks like October of '66 through September of '74 offer the best a-series block?

 

[jlaird]

yep and only about 90K built, best get yours quick.

 

[Trevor Jessie]

Seems like the early '68 cars would be a good choice because of lack of emmisions equipment, but still late enough in the 1275 history to be refined. Just a wild guess though.

 

[Biff]

As with all things there are some good and some bad features. Very early 12CC blocks had the coveted EN40B cranks but with the thin flange (read flexible) blocks, while the later 12V series blocks had the thick flange but with the cheaper/weaker EN16T cranks.

 

[jlaird]

Yep lots of choices Biff but for a driver not a racer I'm not sure it really makes much of a difference. A heck of a HP boost even in stock trim will still be available.

 

[kcbugeye1275]

Biff knows what he's talking about! The early block are fine for street use, but if you want to do the serious race thing, they aren't the same as the later block. I found a late midget block that has no oil pasage above the center main. This is the racer's motor. To explain what Biff is talking about, the flange of the oil pan is noticeably thinner on the thin flange motors and they would break in high rpm racing usage due to flexing. This is why I love this forum, so much info only a a spridget nut(NNNUUUTTT) would love.

 

[jlaird]

Oh, I am not questioning Biff. Maybe that did not come out quite right.

For a street driver the early engine should be fine. For a racer it is a whole new ball game and he needs the best available of course.

The early engine should be fine for upgradeing an early street car.

Thin flange vs thick flange, nice to know.

 

[zimmy]

ive got a 12V ....guess it stands for VVVRRRROOOOM! /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif

 

[GB1]

Jack:

shoot for a pre emmis car.

Patrick

 

[regularman]

[ QUOTE ]
ive got a 12V ....guess it stands for VVVRRRROOOOM! /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif

[/ QUOTE ] mine is a CD, gues it stands for can't drive /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif

 

[jlaird]

Now just a min, emmissions equip only effects the head and the carbs and can be pluged and such when removed.

Is Cam different, how about distributor?

I'm not convenced it makes any difference but I am sure that to race a stiffer block would be advantages.

Now one of you racer guys jump right in and step all over me pls if I am wrong again. Seems a 1275 block would be a 1275 block.

 

[Trevor Jessie]

My thinking, was that it would just make a "cleaner" install.

 

[jlaird]

Oh. Guess I was thing about a ground up rebuild of a warm 1275 for street use. Woops, my bad. Think you are correct, a straight replacement would be much easer with out the smog gear.

 

[kcbugeye1275]

Just another thought. Having gotten bit by this spridget bug, the purchace af the Vizard book on the a series motor is another step on down this path. It will provide you with all this info and more. You will read and reread, it is quite a source of info.

 

[jlaird]

yep yep, have the Vizard book, good stuff.

 

[GB1]

Jack,

I personally prefer the pre emission casting appearance over the plugged look. The PE heads can also be expensive if purchased seperately, since they were made for approx. 2 years.

I honestly do not know why shoe horning in a PE would be easier then a smog to put in. There are just a few extra engine vents that need to be taken care of and it really isn't a major issue.

I only suggested the PE because IMHO it looks alot cleaner.

Patrick

 

[drooartz]

I've got the Vizard book, though I haven't done more than just leaf through it a bit. Gathering the bits is going to take a while, so I've got plenty of time to digest it all.

 

[jlaird]

yea me too, lots of time. I'll never find one down here. Will have to go to Ala or Miss or Ga I'm sure when I am ready. Maybe next year late.