Err…. WTAF?

[lesapandre]

The engine bay/ bonnet on these is not very long - they are pretty cramped inside too. All ash framed - including the doors - and the fabric roof is just that over a metal meshing.

So it's going to need to be something short. If an auto box is needed - you'd want something with not too complicated fuel delivery - and not too much weight. An XK engine won't fit I think too. It's also going to need brake and possible suspension work to deal with 150 bhp +. These are about 60bhp on the original unit.

I don't know them - but an MX5 engine or equivalent sounds right - it would not look too out of place either - the Riley was DOHC. 

Looks very sound.

Watch out for insurance if modifying - it's got very funny these days.

Owners club is very active. Maybe ask them.

[lesapandre]

One of the big Austin/BMC 'B' Type Series would be a period modification - there was a 2.6x4 that went in various cars. No auto tho. A bog standard B Series might struggle with the weight but something MGB-ish would work maybe.

Or just source an original engine? The owners club wd help I'm sure.

[Stinkwheel]

10 hours ago, Rocket88 said:

If I could find one……

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/126117296190?mkcid=16&mkevt=1&mkrid=711-127632-2357-0&ssspo=eEob4XUsRHG&sssrc=2047675&ssuid=yt8LC5osTgW&widget_ver=artemis&media=COPY

 

This guy has an engine with a torque converter hanging off it, he migh have the gearbox as well?

[Stinkwheel]

10 hours ago, Rocket88 said:

If I could find one……

found a brand new one 🤣

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/223518480340?mkcid=16&mkevt=1&mkrid=711-127632-2357-0&ssspo=H5DiwuWOQCS&sssrc=2047675&ssuid=yt8LC5osTgW&widget_ver=artemis&media=COPY

 

[Rocket88]

Looks like someone has already done an MX5 conversion!

[lesapandre]

Looks very nicely done. The 1.5 is slow in it's original form - 0-60 about 20 seconds top speed 75 - you'd not want to run much over 65 tho.

So no harm in modifications if the car has lost its engine.

[Rocket88]

I don’t want to have to start modifying brakes and suspension. Standard set up should cope fine with engine upgrade, which is smaller and lighter than the original.

Think I’ve found someone local to me who’ll take on the conversion 

[Rocket88]

Best thing about the MX5 lump

is that number of times it’s been used in kit cars, there’s a wealth of knowledge and experience out there with stand alone ECU s etc

[alf892]

Got to be the mx5 unit……..I’ve got an RMA and there is not a lot of room in the bay but the Mazda engine would go in a treat and look similar. Original was twin cam…….cams in block and quite tall. Not sure about gearbox as rear axle part torque tube but then the Mazda engine is maybe a little shorter. Being live the rear axle mounting methods is very simple though…..just a matter of welding a couple of spring perches on the axle case

[Rocket88]

12 hours ago, alf892 said:

Got to be the mx5 unit……..I’ve got an RMA and there is not a lot of room in the bay but the Mazda engine would go in a treat and look similar. Original was twin cam…….cams in block and quite tall. Not sure about gearbox as rear axle part torque tube but then the Mazda engine is maybe a little shorter. Being live the rear axle mounting methods is very simple though…..just a matter of welding a couple of spring perches on the axle case

Might possibly change the rear axle…….

[Rocket88]

Actually clapped eyes on this for the first time today….. it’s really nice! No bubbles on the fabric covered roof ( bad news on these)  no rust anywhere, really good chrome and interior. Traded my Scimitar and XM for it, and got £2.5 k in my pocket.

Have sourced a Mazda MX 5 engine and auto box to fit

[Rocket88]

Also hasn’t been plate raped…..

[Rocket88]

On 16/12/2023 at 20:02, alf892 said:

Got to be the mx5 unit……..I’ve got an RMA and there is not a lot of room in the bay but the Mazda engine would go in a treat and look similar. Original was twin cam…….cams in block and quite tall. Not sure about gearbox as rear axle part torque tube but then the Mazda engine is maybe a little shorter. Being live the rear axle mounting methods is very simple though…..just a matter of welding a couple of spring perches on the axle case

These are the dimensions of the Mazda lump….

[alf892]

Might be tight on length…….although the bellhousing to front pulley is ok the quoted overall length (with coils and water fitting) at 26” is a bit much. Presumably these can be moved?

At top of block height (ie no head) total you’ve got about 22” between bulkhead and front suspension cross tube…….but below this bulkhead slopes off backwards. Looks like the complete Mazda engine height is about same a riley block height. Can’t see width being a problem…….the o/s footwell does go into the engine bay a bit but could easily be trimmed

[Rocket88]

2 hours ago, alf892 said:

Might be tight on length…….although the bellhousing to front pulley is ok the quoted overall length (with coils and water fitting) at 26” is a bit much. Presumably these can be moved?

At top of block height (ie no head) total you’ve got about 22” between bulkhead and front suspension cross tube…….but below this bulkhead slopes off backwards. Looks like the complete Mazda engine height is about same a riley block height. Can’t see width being a problem…….the o/s footwell does go into the engine bay a bit but could easily be trimmed

Might have to be some bulkhead trimming. I’d prefer to fit the engine as far back as possible .

 I would think Mazda engine is probably lighter as well.

Transmission tunnel is already unbolted, which helps. 

[sheffcortinacentre]

Why same as a ford xflow ( as std springs work fine in MK1/2 escort when I've done them).

Coil pack unbolts of back of head.

[Rocket88]

5 hours ago, sheffcortinacentre said:

Why same as a ford xflow ( as std springs work fine in MK1/2 escort when I've done them).

Coil pack unbolts of back of head.

Riley has torsion bar front suspension, so is adjustable 

[sheffcortinacentre]

Bloody spellcheck was supposed to say weight not why.