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MG MGA - What engine do I have?

Hello everyone,
I have enjoyed this site for years. I am in the middle of the restoration of a 1958 MGA. The frame, suspension, and body work is almost complete. Next will be the engine, electrical, and interior. Unfortunately, I am not sure what engine is in the car. The gentleman I purchased the car from stated that the engine was from an early MGB. After much research I am not convinced this is true. I would appreciate any help identifying the engine I have. The tag: 15GB-U-H-31291, casting numbers on the right side of engine block: 12H1665, 12H1442, 12H1777, on the left side of the block is 1500, and MOWOG 2. The cylinder head has a 18 stamp and Pat 565394. All the external components appear to be that of an MGB (carburetors, starter, distributor (41288D), even the timing chain cover and tapping covers. Also, the tachometer drive flange on engine block is not machined open for the tach gears. Sorry for the long message, but any help would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks,
Mark
J Baumann

The engine block is 1500. If the engine tag is correct, then the tag itself may be original to the car, that engine being produced about November 1957. However, The engine block is not from MGA, because it does not have the tach drive. The 1500 block with no tach drive could be from a lot of things from a MG ZB Magnette to a Nash Metropolitan. As 1500 blocks and cranks go, they're all "in the ballpark" except for the tach drive. You could have the tach drive mount machined on the block. The 1500 lower engine will have a 3-main bearing crankshaft.

The "18" head is most likely from an MGB (although there were other applications). I don't have reference to the patent number, but casting numbers are well documented. You will find the casting number under the valve cover. See here:
http://mgaguru.com/mgtech/engine/ch100.htm

Considering that a variety of covers and the carbs appear to be MGB parts, they might have all come from a common MGB engine (maybe). Check to see if there is a model number tag on the carburetor(s).

Bottom line is, maybe little or none of it is even MGA parts, let alone original to the car. The lower engine with 1500 block is definitely not MGB, as they were all 1800.
Barney Gaylord

Thanks for your response Barney.
I really appreciate the information on your web-site, it is extremely valuable to all MGA owners. I refer to it on a regular basis.
As I take my MGA apart I have come to the conclusion that it was kluged together from many cars. Now, it appears the engine is no different. The frame was modified to accept what I think is an MGB transmission, all the hardware (nuts and bolts) are mostly incorrect, and the seat frames are from an MGB (I think). I plan to modify the seat frames to make MGA deluxe seats per the information on your web-site.
Thanks again,
Mark
J Baumann

Given the availability of complete 1500 engines (they come up on eBay and Craigslist fairly often), I would junk everything but maybe the ID tag. Of course, you can always have a new tag made. There are quite a few folks who upgrade their cars to MGB 1800 engines and sell their 1500 or 1600 engine. Often the old engine is quite serviceable, or at least rebuildable.

My car came with a Nash Metropolitan engine which had enough differences that I chose not to use it (info graciously provided by Barney Gaylord) and purchased a complete 1500 engine instead.

If you are going for originality or concours, go for a replacement 1500 engine. If you want driveability, people swear by the MGB 1800 engine.

Good luck, keep us updated (and we like pictures).

Larry

MGA Larry

This thread was discussed on 26/02/2009

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