Complete reconditioned engines are available for both the 1275cc A-Series and 1500cc Triumph-powered Midgets in Standard and Performance specifications. All engines are built and assembled to Federation of Engine Remanufacturers (FER) standards and carry a 12-month unlimited mileage warranty. Standard specification engines are normally available ex-stock with delivery in 3 to 5 working days. Performance engines are built to order with a typical build time of 3 to 4 weeks.
A Customer Own Unit service is also available for owners who wish to have their existing engine rebuilt.
Reconditioning Process
The reconditioning process includes a rebored block with new pistons and rings matched to the new bore diameter, a reground crankshaft with new shell bearings throughout, new camshaft bearings, and new thrust washers. The cylinder head is fully reconditioned with recut valve seats, new valve guides reamed to size, refaced or replaced valves, and new stem seals on the inlet valves. The head face is checked for flatness and skimmed if required. All gaskets and seals are replaced, all torque settings applied to specification, and valve clearances set.
Long Engine Supply
The engine is supplied as a long engine, assembled block, head, sump, and timing cover. Ancillaries such as carburettors, manifolds, starter motor, dynamo or alternator, water pump, distributor, and external fittings must be transferred from the outgoing engine, ensuring they match the specific car's configuration.
Exchange and Surcharge
Engines are supplied on an exchange basis with a surcharge applied at the time of ordering. The surcharge is refunded once the old engine has been received and inspected, provided the returned unit is deemed serviceable, cracked, frost-damaged, or previously welded blocks may not qualify for a full surcharge refund. The engine delivery cradle forms part of the surcharge and must be returned with the old unit. A separate collection is arranged for the old engine after the ancillaries have been transferred to the new unit.
The old engine should be drained of all oil and coolant and placed back into the delivery cradle before collection.
Engine Identification
The engine serial number prefix is the most important ordering information. For the 1275cc, it identifies which of the five home-market variants is required (12CC, 12CE, 12V586F, 12V588F, or 12V778F), each with specific differences affecting components fitted during the rebuild. The 12CC has a thin lower block flange and the earlier oil filter arrangement. The 12CE introduced the thicker flange, and the oil filter changed from bowl-type to spin-on during its production run.
The 12V-prefix engines incorporated further emissions and breather changes. Providing the wrong prefix could result in an incorrect oil filter housing, breather connections, or distributor drive arrangement. For the 1500, the engine number confirms the correct front sealing arrangement, oil pump type, and rear seal housing.
Running-In and Coolant
A newly reconditioned engine requires a running-in period of approximately 500 miles with varied engine speed, avoiding sustained high revs or heavy loads. The oil and filter should be changed at 500 miles to remove the bedding-in particles generated as the new components seat against the freshly machined surfaces. The cooling system must be filled with a conventional antifreeze mix or recommended coolant, waterless coolant must not be used, as it may lead to premature engine failure and will void the engine warranty.
Performance Specification
For owners seeking more power, a Performance specification is available with a typical build time of 3 to 4 weeks once the order is confirmed. Full details of the Performance engine specifications are covered in the dedicated Performance Engines section.