A40 1200 vs B-Series

[Tagus]

I know, this isn't an A40 site!
I'm looking for information for a friend and thought this site is full of knowledgeable people. We're here in Canada and my friend bought a early A40 with a pooched engine, the original 1200. He found a 1500 MGA engine and is wondering if it will fit without too many modifications.
Can anyone answer this here or steer us to where we can get information?

[Desmodromic]

Which A40? Do you mean the A Series engined Farina model? or the earlier A40 Cambridge one?

If the Farina one, then your best bet would be an inline engine out of a Sprite, or a Midget, or even a Morris Minor, Austin A30 or A35.

[Old English White]

It'll be an Austin Somerset or Devon/Dorset I imagine. Built from about 1947 -1954. These were all fitted with a "pre "B"Series" 1200cc engine which was developed into the "B" Series later with the introduction of the A40 Cambridge in about 1954 or 1955? I am not sure exactly what is involved in swapping to a later "B" series engine but certainly it can be done and various owners have done so. The Austin Counties Club will have some information if you cannot find out what you need to here.

[Tagus]

Yes, it's the original 1200 pre B-Series.
Thank you for the Austin Counties recommendation. I'm checking this out now...

[Tagus]

Found a complete write up on the swap on Austin Counties!
Thank you so much for your help!

[Old English White]

Excellent news!
I know a little bit about them because my first car was an A40 Somerset fitted with that engine. It wasn't a great engine but I never got around to swapping it because the bodywork was even worse . Mind you, I had only paid £7.10shillings for it