Talk Morgan Forums Community Vehicle Talk (non-Morgan) MGA 1600 Twin Cam

I was a bit unsure whether or not to put this in the For Sale & Wanted section but because it is not Morgan I thought it might be best here.

We have a neighbour who has a lovely black 1958 MGA 1600 Twin Cam. It is in near perfect condition but he is a bit worried about the motor and asked me if I had any idea where he could buy another motor for it. I did not think to ask him at the time but I assume he would want a motor in perfect condition, probably restored.

If anyone has any ideas who may be able to help him please let me know either here for discussion or via a PM.

Probably his best bet is to join whatever is the MG equivalent of Talk Morgan, but I don't know how good his English is.

I think, if it was me, I would be asking someone like Frontline to work a little magic in it, however I think he wants to keep it original. It also has to be said that one has to be careful about changes to running gear or engines in Italy, even tyre sizes that are not listed on the documents for the car are not really permitted (even though never checked).

These people maybe worth an email/call Peter.

I would have thought unless he had a lot of worry about the motor due to something like a rod sticking out of the side then a rebuild of the original over winter (or whatever passes for winter in his part of Italy ) ...would be the way to go ... setting aside any issues with the authorities, there still seems to be a premium on 'matching numbers' originality that would be lost with a replacement.

K

He'd have to have a couple of UK holidays then K to keep original numbers

I'm a member of the MGOC and would be happy to put an ad up in the classified section using his details?

Oselli are the boys.

I would have thought Peter given the rareity, sticking with the original engine would be the way to go if it was at all possible. Certainly more interesting than the plain B series engine and the reputation for weakness and high oil consumption can be resolved with modern materials I understand. Depends on nature of worry the owner has though. Some info on the engine here which you may be able to translate for him.

Does your neighbour say what worries him? Is it a malfunction or just the worry that something like this could happen? Some faults should be rectified very quickly, while other engine symptoms can keep you driving for a long time.

The Twin cam is a fragile temperamental expensive to rebuild engine. Your neighbour is unlikely to source a replacement and would probably want to keep the original engine number, personally I would put a MGB 1800 engine in it and keep the original TC if he ever comes to sell the car.

Fully agree with Taffmog