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Convert to Lancia 2L twin cam

Posted by TonyinBexhill

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Convert to Lancia 2L twin cam #1
TonyinBexhill Tony Martin Bexhill, United Kingdom	Posted: June 04, 2012 02:01PM Registered: 11 months ago Posts: 4

Just bought an Austin Healey Sprite MK3 to renovate, with a Lancia 2 litre twin cam engine already in it.
Does anyone have any experience.
In the process of taking apart to work on the bare shell, it is noticeable how complex the bastardised wiring loom is and how full up the engine bay is by including everything associated with the new engine.
All I have been able to find is a video on You Tube of a hill climb by someone calling himself Fidgetman. It sounded an impressive midget conversion and I want to perservere, but wonder if there can be some simplifications or perhaps greater use of midget parts in the engine bay.
Mine has a 4 speed Ford Cortina gearbox and I was wondering if anyone has experience in how much more work I would need to do to convert to the Ford type 9 5 speed box. I am advised it is bigger but by how much

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Re: Convert to Lancia 2L twin cam #2
bills Bill Spohn W. Vancouver, BC, Canada 1956 MG MGA 1958 MG MGA Twin-Cam 1962 MG MGA MkII Coupe 1965 Jensen CV8 1969 Lamborghini Countach → more	Posted: June 07, 2012 12:23PM Registered: 8 years ago Posts: 9,160

If this is a North American spec Lancia smogger engine, they are rather gutless - but should be a big improvement over stock anyway.

You could save work by just using the Cortina box if it is ready to install, as the power on the Corina was similar to the Lancia, but if you want that 5th gear, you'll be out there pioneering on your own - don't know who would have expertise in that specific conversion.

Bill Spohn www.rhodo.citymax.com/carstuff.html
1958 MGA Twincam (race car), 1962 MGA Deluxe Coupe
1969 MGC roadster, 1957 Jamaican MGA
1965 Jensen CV8, 1971 Jensen Interceptor
1969 Lamborghini Islero S, 1988 Fiero GT turbo
2009 Pontiac Solstice GXP Coupe
West Vancouver BC

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Re: Convert to Lancia 2L twin cam #3
11budlite Bruce Wiser Wolcott, Ct, USA 1964 MG MGB 1972 MG MGB GT	Posted: June 08, 2012 09:22AM Registered: 5 years ago Posts: 23

Can't help you as far as the Lancia engine is concerned but I've had some experience with the T9 gearbox. The T9 was based on the Type E Rocket 4-speed gearbox that was fitted to the later Cortinas. The T9 has an aluminum housing sandwiched between the main gearbox housing and the tailshaft housing that contains the 5th speed gearset. That housing is a little over 1" in length - see attached photo of the T9 I have in my Birkin Seven replica. Because of the increased length of the gearbox it moves the shifter and rear gearbox mount location rearward and would necessitate a shorter driveshaft. I'm not sure what other changes would be necessary in your application but starter/clutch/flywheel could be a concern. I know it's been done on Caterhams, Morgans, and I'm sure many English Fords so a search there might turn up some more info. If your car has the Bullet or Type 3 gearbox from the early Cortinas with the smaller input shaft then I'm not sure what's involved.

Here's a link to some info on the different Ford gearboxes: http://www.burtonpower.com/tuning-guides.html

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Re: Convert to Lancia 2L twin cam #4
TonyinBexhill Tony Martin Bexhill, United Kingdom	Posted: June 10, 2012 02:16PM Registered: 11 months ago Posts: 4

Thanks for this. I think I am hankering after going to the type 9.
Can you tell me what the dimensions are. I need to judge what to do to the tunnel and where the gear stick will end up in the healey.

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Re: Convert to Lancia 2L twin cam #5
11budlite Bruce Wiser Wolcott, Ct, USA 1964 MG MGB 1972 MG MGB GT	Posted: June 11, 2012 07:39AM Registered: 5 years ago Posts: 23

In reply to # 2090100 by TonyinBexhill Thanks for this. I think I am hankering after going to the type 9.
Can you tell me what the dimensions are. I need to judge what to do to the tunnel and where the gear stick will end up in the healey.

What specific dimensions are you looking for?

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Re: Convert to Lancia 2L twin cam #6
TonyinBexhill Tony Martin Bexhill, United Kingdom	Posted: June 11, 2012 10:40AM Registered: 11 months ago Posts: 4

1. The length from propshaft to bellhousing.
2. The widest width.
3. The distance from bellhousing to gearstick.

Much appreciated

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Re: Convert to Lancia 2L twin cam #7
11budlite Bruce Wiser Wolcott, Ct, USA 1964 MG MGB 1972 MG MGB GT	Posted: June 11, 2012 07:25PM Registered: 5 years ago Posts: 23

In reply to # 2090859 by TonyinBexhill 1. The length from propshaft to bellhousing.
2. The widest width.
3. The distance from bellhousing to gearstick.

Much appreciated

1: Appr 30-1/4" Front of bellhousing to rear of gearbox.
2: Appr 7" not including bellhousing. Bellhousing width is determined by which engine and starter location you're using.
3: Appr 28-11/16" Front of bellhousing to c/l of gear lever.

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Re: Convert to Lancia 2L twin cam #8
Guido Guido Elsasser Hamburg, Germany	Posted: June 12, 2012 05:17AM Registered: 4 years ago Posts: 3

Hello Tony,

as you are located in the UK, there are a lot of folks using the type9 in their spridgets (mostly with the Rover K-Series engine) and there are conversion sets available from shops like Frontline Development http://www.frontlinedevelopments.com/products/midget/categorytransmission.shtml
Basically you need to cut gearbox crossmember, install a new gearbox mounting plate and cut a hole for the gearstick further back than the original. Take a look at Rob's build thread with some nice photos http://robsmidget.co.uk/k-series-engine/body-modifications
You will find more information and help on the MG Enthusiasts BBS Twin Cam 16V board http://www2.mgcars.org.uk/cgi-bin/gen5?runprog=mgbbs&access=&mode=tlist&subject=76
Hope that helps,
Guido

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Re: Convert to Lancia 2L twin cam #9
TonyinBexhill Tony Martin Bexhill, United Kingdom	Posted: June 16, 2012 04:16AM Registered: 11 months ago Posts: 4

Thank you for doing this for me

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