1974 marina pickup "updates"

[da55ter]

So after many months of waiting, my British Leyland marina pickup has arrived from South Africa. As expected. There is much to do. So hopefully, there might be a few of you, who have done one or two of the things I want to do, and offer some advice.

My immediate plans are to just make the vehicle run properly. It's been fitted with a carb that looks like it was serviced by blind lemurs. It over fuels (plugs are soot black) and the seals are all shot. I had to replace all the plug leads too.

So. I wanted to fit coil packs instead. Has anyone done this?
And I want to replace the carb. Preferably something with a bit more oompfabilty. If that's a word.

Next upgrade, would be brakes. I'd love to go discs all round. I've seen a few kits. But not sure which to settle for.

And lastly. Suspension. Rear leaf springs..... Need I say more. This modification would obviously involve a bit more fabrication. But that's ok. I'd like something a bit stiffer. As I'll be widening the wheels and fitting lower profile rubber.

Any ideas or advice would be amazing.

[trunnions ftw]

Wasted spark or literally coil on plugs? , wasted spark imo would be easiest with a Ford ESC module as its a self contained crank read system that just needs fed with 12v.
Carb wise if its got a weber on some sort of fabricated manifold then that wants removed in favour of some MGB carbs maybe?
No idea re the rear suspension but avoid chopping into the chassis rails as that's pretty much IVA test and a Q plate territory annoyingly.

[da55ter]

To be honest, this is the first project of this kind I'm doing. So I'm not sure what can be done to be honest. I thought coil packs, because I had them fitted to a 4age powered 87 Toyota Corolla.

The carb is definitely being chucked. So I'll look at the mgb side of things.

[locost_bryan]

Can you post an engine bay photo? Assuming it's got the original 1275cc engine with the original manifold and SU carb, then replace the carb with a new or rebuilt SU, that will get it running properly. Just fitting an electronic distributor, such as a Powerspark or similar, will be the simplest ignition upgrade. Will bolt straight in, will have the correct advance curve for a standard engine, and you'll get better starting and improved economy and performance without any tinkering.

MGB carbs will only suit the 1800, but any Mini/Sprite tuning gear will suit the 1275.

[da55ter]

It has the original engine and manifold, but the carb is unidentifiable. So I'm looking to get it to as original as possible, but I'd also like to update anything that would benefit the reliability.

[trunnions ftw]

Let's see this mad carb,,I'm intrigued!!

[ClaytonSpeed]

Just look at that earth lead!

Are you planning full out custom or just update it to be reliable?