Hi,
I purchased the 45 hour kit from Corby in 1988, on the road by June 1989.
1275cc bog standard not MG engine lasted about 25000 miles then an oil seal went on the A1 and no more engine.
Another used engine from a Rover dealer and another 1000 miles later it was in need of another engine. Should have gone for a factory recon but did I learn, no!
Some recommended cowboys reconned the engine and within 6 months, yes I needed another engine. The AA loved me that year (twice off the A1 and once on the Peterborough ring road plus hire cars!)
Then I went to a local garage who helped me with the original build (they came and fitted the original engine that came with the kit as I couldn`t lift it myself) and the had a 998cc engine (used but only about 30000 miles use) and that lasted 10 years and had wonderful fuel economy.
In 2001 Charlie Dodd fitted an unleaded 1275cc engine (again had done around 30000 miles) which has been a good engine.
The car has been maintained and repaired over the years.
5 years ago it developed an electrical fault and the wiring burnt out one evening while in Norwich (Green Flag came to the rescue that time).
My local garage fixed the wiring and I bought a Peugeot 306 as a cheap run-a-round. So the Midas wasn`t used as much the last few years, then the gearbox went a day after I had it MOT`d (passed first time too) and had just taxed it for 12 months. I kept it taxed as an incentive to get it on the road but 18 months later it is still in need of a gearbox. It didn`t help with me having a cycling accident last July and fracturing my skull, in the last few months I haven`t been able to do so much.
I don`t have the Peugeot now, passed on to brother-in-law but have the use of my dad`s nice comfy Citroen Xantia.
I`m hoping this year sooner rather than later I`ll get the gearbox sorted, I may even change the engine and gearbox together (with petrol so high I may go back to 998cc)
Talking of comfort, I had my Midas converted back to rear hydragas by the Redditch factory after many replacement Spax units (they didn`t last 5 minutes at least not on Norfolk roads). The Hydragas gives a much better ride, more comfort and better handling than I had with the Spax units. I replaced the original brackets for the coil springs with ones from the GTM factory (much better) but the Hydragas I think is much more robust and fine for everyday road use.
Also I have replace the seats with ones from a Peugeot 205 (not GTI - pity), I think the model down from the GTI as they look a bit sporty. They are very comfy and match the interior nicely. The seats are on the Peugeot runners and frames so they tilt forwards and slide properly too. They just squeeze in nicely and the seat belt is OK too. The one problem I have with them is they are so comfy I had a guest make a little nest in the passenger seat this winter and it has shredded a bit of the seat.
Once the gearbox is sorted I`ll get the seats sorted.
Hope to be on the road soon.
Andrew.