Kevin,
I believe British Leyland put the 1500 in Midgets because it was easier to
meet US emission controls with the larger engine capacity over the 1275.
The Triumph engine is fine for "normal duty" on the street, despite a
weakness in the bottom end (crankshaft bearings).
There is no doubt in my mind that the 1275 "A" engine is a much better bet
for tuning, and that it is the better engine of the two. The only weak point
I can think of for the 1275 is the head gasket blowing between cylinders 2
and 3.
I would personally prefer the Triumph transmission in the 1500- at least it
has syncromesh in first - too bad it does not have the overdrive in the
Midget.
Jacques Le Clainche,
1959 AH "Bugeye" Sprite #4, VARA FP.
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