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Swapping 948 for 1275 engine

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I was told in the distant past that a 1275 engine would easily bolt into a 1959 Bugeye Sprite with a smooth case trans. Has anyone done this? My 948 died and I'm having a 1275 (from a 1972 Midget) rebuilt. Any info would be appreciated. Thanks!
 
Piece of cake. It will drop in no problem. everything lines up just like the old one!
 
you should have no more of a problem than taking out & re-installing the 948. It's basically the same block! /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif
 
Charlie, just go easy on that smooth case trans. You would be better off to change over to a later rib case tranny, as it gives you better ratios, and parts are vastly easier to get.
What are you going to run for an exhaust with the 1275? If you use the 1275 exhaust manifold you will have to install the 1275 exhaust. Don't try using the 948 stuff, as it is way too restrictive for a 1275.
You will also have to have an early 1275 thermostat housing to make the hoses for the downflow radiator work.
What went out on the 948?
Jeff
 
Yes - Go easy on the smoothcase and you need an elec F.P.
Get a tube bender and do it neatly.
 
Thanks, Willy. I completely forgot about the fuel pump. I'm just so used to running an electric on everything, I forgot the 948's / 1098's were mechanical.
DUH!!! /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/crazyeyes.gif
Jeff
 
If you're still running the original brake drums you should seriously think about putting later Sprite/Midget discs on the front. If memory serves you are upping the bhp from 43 to 75, quite a jump for the small frog drums to handle!
 
Thanks for the encouraging words! Appreciated hearing from you.
 
Jeff,
As far as the trans, the smooth case was working well, so I'll use it gently for the time being. I'll keep my eye out for a rib case trans for the future. Thanks for the tips on exhaust and thermostat housing, that saved me some scrambling later. The elec fuel pump was already on my list of needs.

The 948 had lots of problems, it appeared strong when I first got the Sprite, after a couple of years started overheating, leaking oil out of all openings and making suspicious sounds. After I pulled the engine, I found the pistons, rings, bearings and crankshaft were in bad shape. My brother gave me the 1275, so I decided to have it rebuilt. I plan on using the 948 generator w/tach on the 1275 - do you think that poses a problem? I'll hang on to the original 948, it could be rebuilt in the future.
Thanks for the info.
Charlie
 
Thanks, appreciate the info. The smooth case was working well before the 948 engine died, I plan to treat it with gentle shifts. The elec fuel pump is on my list of necessary items, it sounds like a good idea no matter what.
 
Steve,
Thanks for the thought on the brakes, I'll keep that on my list for the future - when I get it running again I plan on gentle cruising on country roads for awhile.
Charlie
 
Charlie, the generator and tach drive will work just fine with the 1275, just use the 948 bracketry and you should be all set.
Jeff
 
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