Can anyone help with the transplant of a L18 into a 1200 coupe. I have heard that a 180b front crossmember will bolt up but any other advice would be much appreciated. Also at a
later date we are looking at putting a CA18 or an SR20 in, any ideas?

The L engines were too long to make that a practical swap.

thats not what I want to hear

Heathbruce, I put a NAPS-Z engine (which is a similar bottom end to an L-series)in a 1200 once. You can see it in the photo section. I had to remove the "ring" of metal in the radiator
support that extends back and holds the stock radiator. I then used a single core cross flow radiator for further clearance. The engine will physically fit into the bay but you will need
to massage things to make it work. If you have an automatic unibody you are better off too since the trans tunnel is larger. Good luck, I know it can be done and it will be stupid fast
with the larger engine. Don't forget to upgrade the brakes too! Let me say that again, UPGRADE THE BRAKES TOO!!! Have a day. Tim
p.s. Glad to see that Mareo is back in action and not in traction.

Thanks Dimlights. I am motivating slowly but surely. I set around the computer like the days of old now and giving my two cents worth to anyone that will listen. I always thought the best
swap to put in the 1200 was the Oldsmobile 215 CI aluminum V8, same V8 in the MGC and the Triumph TR8. The Truimph STAG DOCH V8 would be an even better swap. I helped a friend put the 215
into his Spitfire that was a pretty mean machine. The L series vs the A series. I would put money into the A series motor before putting the overweight L series motor in the 1200. The HP
gains aren't that much with stock engines and the weight makes the 1200 awkward. The RPM is not increased making for gear ratio changes. I would prefer keeping the A series motor and
building the HP up and getting the higher RPMs and not messing up the handling but to each his own. The L motor is a reliable and proven workhorse but performance parts are cheaper for the
A series or at least they used to be. The debate is endless, it just up to your purpose for the 1200. High revs and handling are just hard to beat. The CA18 is a lot amaller than the L
series therefore not giving up as much in handling.

Mareo

I agree with you completely on the A vs L debate. I did the NAPS engine for two reasons. One I had a NAPS engine and two I was younger, more motivated and dumber then. I'm going to stay with
A-12 and A-14 engines for the rest of my 1200 projects. Which isn't to say that I have that many projects but; oh you know what I mean. I hadn't thought about the aluminum (aluminium for
those of you on other continents) Rover engine. How tough are they to find? No, don't tell me or I would try it. How would the weight compare to an L/Z series? No, don't tell me that either
or I'll really want to do it. Hmmm, I need to make some phone calls. Tim

What kind of brakes upgrade have yo done?

The alloy Buick/ Rover swap has been done and its a good one. My first coupe had a major identity crisis and it had a hot A14 followed by a 1800cc L series and then finally a Rover V8
bored to 3.9 litres using Chev pistons. I still have the V8 but it's now in a 74 MGBGT. It makes for a great sleeper!!! The 4.4 Litre P76 has a longer stroke to achieve the capacity so it
is taller and the measurement across the heads is wider than the Rover. The Rover is a strong motor and is very light, in fact it is lighter than the 1800cc 4 cylinder MGB motor until it
is filled with water!!!which is why that conversion is so popular and easy.

Quijoteus, the brake upgrade I did is better than stock but still has a bad fade problem after repeated stops from 100+mph (160+kph). I have the front struts and brakes from a 1980 510 and
the rear axle and brakes from a 1978 B-210. I also have steel braided lines on the front. I'm using Autozone lifetime warrantee pads so they could be part of the fade problem. I suspect
that a set of ducts to direct cooling air would help a lot. A2dubnut is a fan of 280Z vented rotors. I would suggest that as an option but check the spindle angle before using 280Z struts
or you might not get enough camber.