New build

[Steve Kerswell]

Been squirreling away a few idea's and parts the last few weeks. Even bought a rusty MX5. So thinking now about a small engine. Like a fiesta 1400 or these 1.25. The easy way is the MX5 engine and box, plus maybe a narrowed MX5 back axle assembly. The mixer is 1800 5speed and a slip diff. Been welded poorly in all the places they rust, but goes really well. Almost a shame to break it up. So back to small engines, any input?

It is going in a B type, which will be small and light, I hope 

[Big Vern]

MX5 engine and box (1.6 is better than 1.8 IMHO) Narrowing the rear could be fraught with problems as it changes the geometry and can make it 'interesting' to say the least. Also you will need to properly constrain the diff nose from moving or the diff case (the ally arms) snap like a carrot. Why not just make the B type wider?

[rob saul]

View "dangerturtle" ,s listing on ebay he has a brand new 1.25 fiesta motor still in the crate £50
Came from lotus cars,know the guy as well an he is 100% genuine
Less than a mile from me

[Big Vern]

The case for the MX5 engine/box is: Engineered by Recardo for Mazda to be a sports car engine.

[Scott Grimson]

I'm sure i read somewhere that the ford prop has the same splines as the MX5 so it's easy to install MX5 engine and box keeping the Ford prop and axle.  Having said all that i could be completely wrong of course!!  Haha.

[Steve Kerswell]

I have a Ford prop, a Morris Minor prop and an MX5 prop, half a land rover sliding prop. SO, should be able to cobble something up, sticky back plastic and ty-wraps, even the odd jubilee clip for balance :-)

[Steve Kerswell]

Had a bad couple of days, but started to reinforce the chassis, built a panhard rod and fitted all the bushes, steering rack cleaned and painted (of course). So time to start putting it all together properly, nuts, bolts, washers, Chesterton paste the whole ten bobs worth :-) 

[Steve Kerswell]

wrong pigging picture :-)

[Adrian Southgate]

Right piggin' picture, right on many many levels steve :)

[Steve Kerswell]

I'm pleased with it, sort of a warm smug feeling :-)

[James Doulton]

That looks like it is getting closer. Are you keeping it symmetrical or offsetting the engine?

[Steve Kerswell]

@ James, still hoping to keep it symmetrical, the next few days will reveal if possible. Pedal box and gearbox bell housing interfere at first attempt, Looking at remaking (again) the clutch pedal and brake pedal offset.

[Steve Kerswell]

never mind the kit car, I've dropped the Saab sump and cleaned out the pick up, fitted new breather hoses, new filters plus a decent glugg of oil and its ready for winter,

           Aah! I see I need some new rubber bits on the wheels and the front disc look a bit ruff too. How can I spend money on the B type when the tin top needs fettling ? Stupid cars, these modern cars are a pain to maintain, need eyes on your finger tips just to see where it all is. Good job its not raining.............YET :-)