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MG MGB GT V8 Factory Originals Technical - 5.0 liter engine on eBay

Did anyone bid on this long block on eBay?

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1,1&item=180024222498&ih=008&sspagename=STRK%3AMEWA%3AIT

I was wondering what the experts on here thought. I have a 3.5l in my MGB, but to gain another 1.5 liters and the power is tempting.

Richard
Richard Morris

I know more is better (usually) but, I have a 4.6L block sitting on the floor and am having reservations putting it in instead of my 3.9L. I'm running a Rover 3.5L now. The MGB is a light car for that much power and other than LSD and a few things to tie the rear end down what can we do to stop the car from being too tail happy? I'm sure I'll start a wave of reaction from the bigger engine guys...
Jordan

Richard,

More is not always better. Be real sure of what you want your LBC to be. Much more torque will completely change the character of your car. Do you want it to stay a sports car or do want to turn it into a muscle car? An overpowered MGB can be lethal. Be very careful who you let drive it.

Personally, I think that a 3.5-3.9L with 175-220HP makes for a very balanced MGB that is a blast to drive with out being a scary beast.
Carl Floyd

"Personally, I think that a 3.5-3.9L with 175-220HP makes for a very balanced MGB that is a blast to drive with out being a scary beast."

But what fun is that!?!?
Larry Embrey

LOL!

Larry, you have GOT to come to Cleveland in August to enjoy British V8 2007!

There will be several "unbalanced" MG conversions there....Pete Mantell, Steve Carrick...both high horsepower Fords...awesome cars!
rick ingram

"But what fun is that!?!?"

Larry,

When I take you around a corner with the tach standing on 6 grand. You won't be doing that in those over-horsepowered cars. Yeah, those cars are hoot to drive. The most fun I had at the V8 Meet this year besides slaying the Dragon in my car was passing cars on a double yellow with a curve in view while driving Kelly Stevenson's Ford 302 MGB. Bang, bang. YEEHAAAWW!

I guarantee you that my 162HP MGB turned faster laps at Putnam Park last year than all those horsepower cars. Nelson Ledges for the 2007 Meet looks to favor the horsepower cars more for those with the ..... to stand on it. We'l see.
Carl Floyd

I agree with Larry.

My 3.9 pushes out 220 - 230 bhp, delending on whose dyno. you believe, and it handles superbly; all in all it's a very drivable fun car.

Nigel Steward

Nigel,

Your comment leads me to believe that you agree with me. :)
Carl Floyd

Carl, I was yankin yer chain!! Rememeber I was one of those unbalanced few!!

Just figured I had to stir your pots once in a while and this seemed an opportune time!

I am also a corner carver and tell you my super mild 20+mpg 200hp 5L ford powerd MG was amazing to drive and mellow as could be. It is the torque that really sets them apart from the rover more than just the raw HP. My motor was right at 300lb/ft in stock trim.

I am glad to see the Ford is still gaining popularity.
Larry Embrey

I remember, Larry. Good to see you back.

"I am glad to see the Ford is still gaining popularity."

It is rapidly becoming THE engine of choice.
Carl Floyd

That's a stroked rover 5.0 Not a ford 302.

Very different 5.0L motors!

Justin

I guess that the original question has gotten lost somehow. What I was trying to ask is "is this a good engine?, what is a reasonable price for it? what are opinions on the engine and its construction". This is the 1st 5 liter Rover that I have ever seen for sale.

I have no doubt that at some point any car can become overpowered and dangerous. But, give me a brake, I already have a 200+ hp engine in my car. 10.25 cr, a Holley 390 Nascar carb, a 9 pound flywheel. I have been able to drive this car without losing control (all I have to do is floor it in 2nd and 3rd without dumping the clutch and the tires will smoke). So yes, perhaps I want more horsepower, but I don't think that it's fair for anyone to tell me that I shouldn't have more horsepower if I want it. Having an overpowered English sportscar is an American tradition. And besides, I still have some self control. (We are only talking aout maybe another 100 horsepower if that).

Richard
Richard Morris

Sorry for thew hijack Richard. I don't personally know of that engine. I thought I heard rover was pushing the block out to 5.0L, but I never saw confirmation. I am with your thinking 100%!! There is no such thing as too much power of the driver knows what they are doing.
Larry Embrey

Richard,

"Having an overpowered English sportscar is an American tradition."

Absolutely!

Now, that we know that you are already acquainted with 'em. Have at it. Had to stick in a word of caution for those that are building these overpowered LBCs and their sole driving experience is autocrossing a Honda Accord.

That said, sounds like your car already has more HP than traction.

As for the TVR Rover engine, I would have jumped all over it for that price. Although, I'm not into the longer stroked Rovers, that one is probably worth 4-5 times what the bid was. Check with Rimmer Brothers. They build big Rover engines.

Self-control?! What's zat!
Carl Floyd

This thread was discussed between 27/09/2006 and 29/09/2006

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