Ray's MG Midget


The "Spridget Project" - Engine

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Build Log

 

It was 18 months of eager anticipation, but well worth the wait. The new 1275 cc engine from Hap Waldrop (ACME Speed Shop) is now a reality, While I set out with a goal to do every part of the project that I could myself, I lacked the knowledge, skills, and equipment to produce the engine that I wanted to power this car. Hap, on the other hand, has what it takes and as long as you don't have a stringent deadline, can produce the engine of your dreams. He caters to the racer boys and their schedules are much more demanding than mine, so I got in line, waited my turn, and LOOK what I brought home!!!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Build specs:

  • MG 1275cc

  • Bored .040

  • AE21253 hi compression pistons

  • 9.7 to 1 compression ratio

  • Ported and polished cylinder head with new valves, AE valve springs, hardened exhaust seats, three angle valve job

  • Harland sharp roller rocker 1.3 arms with solid spacers

  • APT VP276 nitrited slot drive camshaft

  • APT CF-04 chilled iron lifters

  • Rollmaster vernier timing gear set

  • ARP rod bolts, head stud kit, and flywheel bolts

  • Connecting rods resized and balanced

  • STD/STD EN16T crank balanced

  • King tri metal bearings

  • AE full circle cam bearings

  • Payen gaskets used through out

  • Romac Harmonic balancer

  • APT oversized aluminum water pump pulley

  • Rivergate 5 speed back plate w/ rear engine seal

  • Fidanza aluminum flywheel

  • Alloy valve cover

  • Winner Circle racing oil pan

  • 1-2-3 electronic distributor

  • Acme Speed Shop HS2 carbs

  • Winner's Circle LCB (long center branch) race headers

  • Winner's Circle AN oil line adapter and fittings

  • Gear reduction starter

Throughout the build Hap regularly posted information to the British Car Forum/Spridget Forum online. I have taken those posts, including pictures, and refined them down to a chronological build log. I made no content changes, only edited for spelling, continuity, etc. If you are considering hiring a builder, doing a build yourself, or just want to see how a master builder thinks/works, visit the Build Log, oh...you might want to bookmark it for reference!

 

 

 

 

The crowning glory on any engine is the carburetion. Wanting to go with an option that would do this engine justice, I had Hap rebuild a set of 45 year old SU HS2s...they just don't make 'em like they used to! For additional photos and details, check back right here...I'll have them up soon!

 

E-mail Ray at ray@raysmg.com about MG interests you may share.

Build Log

This site was last updated 04/01/09