Name that Motor!

[MiniDave]

No really, I have no idea what motor this is......the picture is on FB Marketplace advertised as a 74 Midget but this is not like any A series or Triumph motor I've seen......I enlarged the pic as much as I could but didn't see any markings on it to indicate the maker. Looks kinda like a Fiat 128 motor, but those were all front drive......and after looking that's not what it is.

Here's the ad.... https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/1302504436763414

[Willie_B]

Looks like a frankencar. Homemade special, not special in a good way.

[jeff10049]

That's a  Chevy Cheveete engine 1.4 - 1.6 liter 50-60 hp made by isuzu.

Note that it still has a gm side terminal battery cable attached.

[MiniDave]

I knew someone would know! Thanks, Jeff! You get 10,000 internet points to spend anyway you like!  77.gif

I also knew it was not a Triumph or A series BMC motor, but it was rear drive so that really limited the choices. Is that an odd choice for a motor swap? I guess they actually made more HP than a BMC or Triumph motor - but not by much.

google says all cast iron Isuzu design made under license by GM, 62 hp in the 1.6L version

[jeff10049]

It seems an odd choice for sure.
I think the engine got a bad rap but they were actually not too bad. I bought a chevette and drove it home pulled the engine while it was still warm. Made it into a drag car with a v8.
Gave the engine to a guy and he put into a Chevette with bad engine that had close to 200k miles and drove it for many more years I have no idea the miles on the one I bought odo didn't work.
Mine also had a little saginaw 4 speed attached to it the smallest transmission I think iv'e seen.