The 1275cc engine and original gearbox is now out of the engine bay, making way for a K-series! We had a few little problems on the way which we overcame. The first was that the hoist we bought was too high off the floor and wouldn’t go under the midget’s wishbones without lifting it with a jack which was a bit awkward. The second was taking off the mounting points in the correct order, after a bit of confusion we realised there were 3 bolts on one of the mounts hence why the engine wouldn’t budge!

After cleaning up the 1275 engine and box I advertised on the classifieds and it was sold within a day or two to a nice chap from Bedford who might be using it to race with. He’s promised to let me know what happens to it.

I’ve also been busy stripping the donor car, although its not proving any easier to get the engine out! I’m planning on taking the following from the car before taking it to the scrap yard:

• Engine - Obviously! Keep all ancillaries and mounts
• Engine Wiring Loom - Very important to get as much loom as possible.
• Relays & Fuseboxes - Just in case but may prove to be useful.
• ECU
• 5as unit - the alarm unit needs to be matched to the ecu from the same car otherwise it needs to be recoded. This immobilises the engine and can’t be bypassed except with aftermarket products from companies like Avon.
• Key fobs - I have 1 working and a spare which are matched to the alarm.
• Ultrasonic sensors & wiring - not really needed but I’m keeping this incase I want the alarm features.
• Diagnostic port & wiring - could prove useful in the future with the ECU.
• Header tank - might be useful.

Here’s a shot of the engine showing the ECU next to the battery with 2 connectors coming out of it. The VVC engine has more connectors and sensors on and around the engine which all need removing. Don’t forget the awkward ones underneath the inlet manifold!