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MG MGA - 1622 Modifications

I have a 1622 engine I'd like to use in my '60 Roadster rather than incure the cost of purchasing a "B" 1800. Are there modifications that aren't too complicated that will keep the 1622 dependable for the long haul but bring it closer to the performance level of the 1800?
Al
A.T. Tirella

Al,
I know that there must be someone out there that is restoring a MK II that came with an 1800, and wants to replace it with the proper engine. I will bet there is an easy exchange that could be found.
Jim Ferguson

A 1622 is not too far off the performance of an 1800 anyway. The 1622 was a big improvement on the 1600 and an major improvement on the 1500. Keep it as it is for power.

As far as reliability goes, there is nothing to choose between 1800 and 1622 - I maintain a cars with each of these engines.
dominic clancy


Al,

Go for the 18v pushrods and mini cam followers.

Get some extractors, that makes a big difference.

Either get 1 3/4 carbs or get yours profiled/flowed and go for richer needles.

You could fit a bigger inlet valve head (later MGB) or upgrade the inlets on your head, but check the clearance with the block.

Other than that, your into changing cams, etc

Oh, the pan cake air filters don't do much for performance, get some ram tubes.

Basically follow the staged tubing from the factory, check this out for MGB, which are pretty much the same.

Most of the stuff above is easy and if you still want an 1800, you can still utilise the parts.

http://www.1978mgmidget.com/Special_Tuning_for_the_MGB.pdf

Barney has loads of info also
http://www.mgaguru.com/mgtech/power/pp1.htm

Cheers <MARK>
Mark Hester

Jim, I'm leaning towards keeping the 'A" as original as possible so that's why I like the idea of using the 1622, but your point is well taken.

Dominic, That info is very encouraging and since I already have some new engine internal parts,(Stellite valves, new stock cam, pushrods and lifters) it makes sense practically and economically too. Doesn't sound like Id be missing much performance-wise without the 1800.

Mark, I have a set of SUs from an early '60s Volvo 122. If they mearure 1 3/4, I may be in business. A tweak here and a tweak there and I may not be far off the mark.

Thanks all and any other input is appreciated.

Al
A.T. Tirella

AL,

There's an adapter plate kit from H4 to HS6 you may need. Hard to find these days though.


Cheers <MARK>
Mark Hester

With a stock cam and valves/ports, bigger carbs will give doodley-squat, and without a good bit of fiddling about, you're not even likely to get them working as well as the standard carbs. The only difference will be that the carb pistons won't be all the way up, the engine just won't flow enough to utilize the bigger carbs. Even with a hotter street cam and moderately improved valves/ports, any improvement would be slight and mostly at the very top end - not where you're likely to drive your toy. Don't bother.
FRM
FR Millmore

This thread was discussed between 03/06/2006 and 05/06/2006

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