They're a great lookin' little fun car. I guess that just about any 4 cyl will fit - I know it's not traditional, but what about something like a 90's Ranger or S-10 motor and O/D trans? Make sure you start that build thread. Cheers.
They were built in England by Austin, so the small Austin twin Su carb setup will bolt on, and they're not that hard to find. Might even fit one of the later Mini Cooper hotrod 1275cc engines into it and bolt right up.
That is a very cool looking car. Looks to be in pretty darn nice original shape. If it were mine, I'd probably be thinking a bit more of a sleeper with just a little heated up stock motor with maybe a vintage blower on it. Have fun with it and hope she enjoys the heck out it.
If its got a 1500, the MGA/B dual SU manifold will work fine. Check for steering clearance first, though. If you're so inclined, a tube header from an MGA will work, too. You might consider changing out the differential from the stock 4.22 to a 3.90 or 3.72. Top end with the stocker is only about 65 mph. Find a later model MG Midget for a pumpkin, backing plates, and newer wheel cylinders. Front discs from the Midget are an easy bolt-in, too. Mike
Saw this car running at the California Hot Rod Reunion. It didn't do so well. Actually, it was a dog!
Here's a thought for you. Find a mail Jeep that has the little Chev. four banger with a two speed powerglide in it. I think it would fit nicely and not be a strain on the rest of the car.
i would be lookin for a 2300 pinto engine, the roundy round guys ran them for a very long time and there are gobs of race parts for them dirt cheap. overhead cam screamers. i think a 4 spd could be had for it too.
After heating about the success that several people have had with the Datsun engine swap, I'm gonna go ahead and build up the 85 cube Datsun banger the PO had in the car....but make it look like an American 4 cylinder I'm removing all the weird emissions ****, adapting a Weber carb to the intake, and having some lettering done on the valve cover so it says "Nash" instead of "Nissan" Pictures to follow Posted from the TJJ App for iPhone & iPad
There was no Metro wagon and minis don't have a ch***is. Could be an early Rambler on a late Mini floor pan. That would at least stand a chance of fitting but would take a lot of careful hand work to be right.