Ruairidh, OK, looks as though he managed to reposition the front mountings, but all my other comments apply, including my query re needing to employ an A8 gearbox (possibly because the clutch release parts are different - it was a long time ago!). Not my idea of going straight in. It would be interesting to check just what he did so there are no surprises for Jacob. Much better to go looking for a Big Seven mono-block.
Ron

Location: Thornbury

I'm sure your recollections are correct Ron.

He tells me that he used an A8 engine and gearbox, went straight in, no moving of mounts. He and car are well known up here and I have no reason to doubt him either. I wonder if there is any variance in Austin 8 or Big 7 engines that could explain the varying experiences?

Interesting! I'm confident that during the production run there was no variation in the Big Seven mounting plates which bolt on to each end of the block. Maybe the pre-war A8 matches the Big Seven as regards mounting, and I had a post war one that was different. I'm pretty sure the holes to take the bell housing bolts for the Big Seven gearbox had different centres from those on the A8 box - hence the transfer of gearbox - as well as the need to also transfer the clutch and driven plate. The front end definitely needed the old plate to be transferred in order to mate with the rubber mountings.
So............ anyone know more about Austin Eights???? I suggest Jacob gets some pictures before buying any (otherwise unseen) A8 engine - and he needs to buy the clutch and gearbox as well.
Ron

Location: Thornbury