Harold Goodridge's solution to your lack of a Bantam engine.

Last modified 15 March '00

LOOKING FOR THREE MAIN ENGINE FOR YOUR MOTORLESS BANTAM OR AUSTIN ?

Here is a great picture of the very workmanlike Harold Goodridge conversion with the 948 BMC engine hooked up to a Bantam transmission all mounted and ready to install in a roadster body tub which has not had to be modified to accept the conversion. See Harold's comments below.

Based on experiences from my own engine problems and losses, I suspect other Bantam owners have suffered simular experiences.The supply of rebuildable Bantam engines continues to dwindle, the best of what remains, replaces what has been lost. For the preservation of what remains and for cars without engines there is the option of using a later make engine that can be modified to match Bantam specifications.

No alteration of the car's vintage is required. The installation of this engine in our 1940 Bantam roadster and a friends Bantam convertible, turned out very well. From the event of my first engine problems and for the following 28 years (in between many other projects) I looked at every small engine available, trying to find one that could be made interchangeable with the Bantam engine, the problem was in discovering if any engine would fit inside the narrow stock frame and world's smallest engine compartment. All were eliminated except one, which is a proven engine, in use for years in many different models of British minicars.

For installation of this engine in Bantams, some accessories, -- the oil pan, oil filter and damper pulley were modified to avoid modification of any of the car's original features. I made drawings, showing engine modifications and for construction of the bellhousing. (engine will be used with the Bantam transmission, this will preserve use of existing transmission mounts, drive shaft and clutch link. The only alteration required of a Bantam part is the bellhousing to transmission adapter casting, which requires notching for clearance of the starter Bendix gear. This engine has ample horsepower for good performance, (about 65% more power than the Bantam engine) also the best arrangement of features for producing a factory quality installation.

Here is some detail on fitting up the transmission to the BMC unit.

The engine is a British/Leland "A" Series, 948cc O.H.V. 36 H.P. (identify by "950" located under manifold on cylinder block.) The thread standard is American

SOURCES FOR LOCATING AN ENGINE

The same engines were used in: Morris Minor, Sprite, M./G. Midget, Austin"A" 35 and Austin Healey Sprite, (all cousins to the American Austin/Bantam - related through English patents keeps it in the family)Transverse mounted engines used in Austin Mini, Mini Cooper and some M./G. cars are identical, except, have an extended crankshaft which may be interchanged with the non-extended standard crankshaft.

If the response from Bantam and Austin owners indicates sufficient interest, I will make plan sets or information sheets available. Also under consideration is the devellopment of a conversion kit. Interested, e-mail hgoodridge@uswest.net