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MG MGA - Engine Number identity

Hi there, I'm sure this subject has come up numerous times but I couldn't find a link. I have looked at various sites with regards to identifying an engine I have but could really do with your input to confirm the identity of my engine.

The engine number is as follows - 16GC-U-H-3297

From what I have worked out it may have come from an MG, 1622 with high compression?

I would really appreciate any help from those in the know out there.

Many thanks,
Martin
Martin Stowe

Martin, you do have an MGA MKII high-comp engine there (16GC-U-H). Engines ranged from #101-8851; your number (3297) clearly falls in line. These MKII 1622 cc engines are desirable; not many floating around. There should also be a "16" cast onto the top of the head, just behind the rear of valve cover and a "1622" cast onto the engine block, left side just above the engine mount. 1622 Engines were installed in MKII MGA's from March 1961-May 1962.
Nick Kopernik

Hi Nick, thanks for your reply. Yes, the engine is in a MKII & every number marked dictates the engine is as you say but..... 1600 is cast in the block not 1622 which is why it's confusing. I don't know it's complete history from the past 57 years but there is nothing to indicate that the engine number tag has been changed. Is it possible 1600 blocks were used up on early MKII's?
Martin Stowe

I think anything is possible as it relates to MGA numbering systems, but probably not in this case. I would expect that you have a 1600 block with a MKII engine tag; not unusual that over time a tag may have been replaced and I've not seen any information that 1600 engines were originally installed in the early MKII's. (It could also be that the engine was rebuilt to increase its displacement.) Some of the early MKII's did have a head marked with a "15" as originally supplied to 1500 & 1600 cars, but this early MKII head was actually manufactured to MKII 1622 specs. So if your head has a "16" cast onto it then you have a MKII head, and if its a "15" casting, then you either have a 1500, 1600 or 1622 head (just to add to the confusion). Only way to tell for sure is to pull the cover and find the head casting number. Here's a link with casting numbers to help i.d. what you may have.

http://mgaguru.com/mgtech/engine/ch100.htm
Nick Kopernik

it's very easy to move an engine tag from one engine to another without leaving any signs of this having been done.

the 1600 block has big internal differences to a 1622, eg. the cranks are not interchangeable.

If you want a 1622 block, just find an engine from a Morris Oxford or Austin Cambridge or some Sherpa vans. They don't have the tacho take-off machined out, but the boss is there and it is easy for a machine shop to drill this out, after which the block is identical to an MGA 1622.
Dominic Clancy

I have always felt that the engine number 'tag' was a system easily tampered with and maybe that is why MGA's in Australia have the number firmly stamped onto the block where otherwise the 'tag' is mounted.
Our lot didn't trust anyone!

Barry.
Barry Gannon

This thread was discussed between 19/08/2018 and 20/08/2018

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