Alternative engines in an Austin Seven

[andrew34ruby]

I remember seeing, but cannot remember where, a clip of an Austin 7  bare running chassis, drivers seat ,being driven on a sort of trials Event. The Austin was powered by a Hillman Imp engine coupled to standard A7 transmission and wheels. I have often wondered why the Imp engine was not more widely used.

Why the Imp engine is not used?.....  well they had a really bad name for head gasket reliability, and they were a long time ago. And there was no easy gearbox to use.

[Colin Morgan]

For those tempted to go in this direction and stray beyond polishing your ports, look where it might all end?

   

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/285658127020

[ettore]

This is quite a time appropriate thread.

I have accidentally just acquired a flathead Ford V8 engine from 1936 - its UK built, so is the smaller 2.2 litre displacement (and its actually quite a compact thing).

In an idle moment I was thinking whether it would, or could be made, to fit an Austin 7 chassis. Does anyone know of this being done before?

[andrew34ruby]

So, what about gearboxes, and brakes? Were the different engines mated to the original (rather short) seven gearboxes? Or, for example, was the A-series engine using an A-series (rather long) gearbox? And if so did that mean doing away with the brake cross-shaft?

[Nick Lettington]

I have seen a few of the ford sidevalve engines described that look to have been coupled to a standard A7 gearbox via a second short propshaft infront... not sure where the box was mounted.

[Mike Wood]

Hi

Any tips for putting a 948cc A Series engine and gearbox in a Seven special please? I know of one currently racing in hillclimbs in Scotland - Paul-Neil McLachlan’s beautiful creation (now pale blue) with an Austin A40 948cc engine and what looks like a 1098cc Spridget rib-case gearbox: https://www.flickr.com/photos/125284417@N04/43997292745

Thanks
Mike

[Colin McLachlan]

Interestingly, Paul is now converting this lovely machine back to Austin 750 power, in order to compete in the Bert Hadley Memorial Championship.

No Relation to Paul!

[Colin McLachlan]

I've just had a message from Paul, who is on holiday in Sri Lanka just now, and can't remember his password to post a reply.  He tells me he will be able to give lots of information once he gets back after the 18th.  He says "I have the engine mounts and cross member required.  Also a nicely prepared 998 which Mr. Wood may be interested in."