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Maximum Midget

aeronca65t

Great Pumpkin
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If I were to consider going that route (which I don't think I would, mind you), I think I would consider a Buick V6 Turbo Grand Am unit instead. THAT would make a mini-Cobra-type package!!!
 
What would a reasonable engine conversion be if you don't want or have the tools/skills to cut your Midget in peices and weld it back together?
 
If I had the money... 1.8 L K-series rover.
Otherwise... I'd try a toyota 4AGE
 
Is really the Rover K-Series engine ok to use in the US?

... And how easy/hard is it to fit the Toyota engine in a midget?
 
Oh... well, If the car is subject to emissions testing... then no. But where I live, nobody would care.

I think the 4AGE engine can fit with only minor alterations. I've seen a couple of examples. But it is certainly not a bolt in and go proposition.
 
Yes I am restricted by the all oh so wonderful CA emissions rules. On top of that my Midget is a daily driver so I can't put it up for a couple of months (yeah I don't have much time to spare either) for a real fix. /bcforum/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/frown.gif

Anyone know if there is a "bolt in and go" version that could get through emission testing?
 
There is no bolt and go setup.

I have a retired friend who is really good at Spridgets, Raced them for 30 years. He just put a Toyota 4AG in his car. He's a skilled fabricator. By the time he had it all worked out (and kept up with all the other things in "life"), it had taken him a year to complete this project. If you were good, and worked at it almost every night to the exclusion of everything else,you might get it done in half that time.
For most of us mortals, it's much better to buy a spare, normal Spridget engine, build it up, and drop it in . You'll have more fun in the long run.
 
If you had an A-series Midget, the Datsun 210 engine and gearbox should come as close to "bolting in" as you get. The Datsun 210 uses an engine that evolved from the BMC A-series. Rick B has one in his 1500. He did not put it in, but maybe he can comment on what it looks like it took to put it in... /bcforum/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/smile.gif

There is also a fellow on the forum with an A14 (210 motor) in his Bugeye. Maybe he can comment.

I think if you want to get it inspected, and you don't want to deal with lots and lots of red tape with CARB, Nial's suggestion is your best bet... or you may consider selling it and finding an older car that does not have to pass emissions.

I have had one 1500 engine given to me, and I have had others offered to me. So getting a spare should not be too difficult. Keep an eye on your local craigslist and club newsletters.
 
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