MG Midget Forum

This adventure starts with me thinking I need to upgrade my BE to a 1275 engine. I was looking for a rebuildable core on EBAY and Craigslist when I came across a gent selling two MGs in Lamoore Ca . One was a 71 and the other a 77. I was pretty sure the '71 had the 1275 I was looking for, both were for sale for $700. I gave the guy a call he said the '71 did indeed have a 1275 and the '77 had a 1500. He said that the 1275 had been rebuilt about eight years ago but never installed in the car. He would not breakup the cars, all or nothing. I took them both, two trips and both cars are now at my house. I picked up the '71 first. The engine was not in the car as he stated on the phone. He also had a box from a carb rebuilder with the two HS2s rebuilt but not on the engine. He did say there was some rust on the external side of the engine. When I got home I put the 1275 block on an engine stand. I removed the valve cover, oil sump and timing cover. There was some light rust on the valve train assembly and on the timing chain and gears. I noticed that there was a double row timing chain. I don't think this is stock. I also notice that lock tabs are not installed on the mains or connecting rods. I have included some pictures. Not sure where to go at this point.
Thanks to any who comment.
Robert

Double row chain was std. No Lock tabs needed.

Double row chain is normal on a 1275
1275 rods and mains do not use lock tabs.

X3