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MG MGB GT V8 Factory Originals Technical - conversion choices...


could anyone possibly give me a few good North American engine choices for a conversion on my 73 roadster?
Also, if you could include an approximate price and time needed for any of the conversions it would be greatly appreciated.

Thanx, Alan
Alan Raddatz

Scan through the archives on this site and you will have more than enough to give you food for thought.

Rog
Roger Parker

Alan, the most popular choice is the Rover V8 as this is a factory choice. Also the 302 Ford is an easy swap. There are any number of other choices ranging from a Chevy V8 to either a 2.8 litre GM V6 or a 3.8 litre GM V6. Check this thread or the archives for details.
Bill Young

Scan through the links on this page and I think you will get a good idea on what engines are being used.

http://members.aol.com/danmas4/mgv8.htm


This link has a section somewhere that reviews the pros and cons of different engines.

http://members.aol.com/danmas/examples.htm#mg
Jim Miller

To get a rough idea of how much I have in my V8 conversion (in USD), you can see a list of everything that I have purchased, and an estimate of the remaining to be purchased items at:

http://members.aol.com/wake074/costs.htm

Hope this helps,

Glenn
Who never thought it would possibly cost this much.
Glenn Wakefield

Alan, there are several choices for engines, they all have pluses and minuses.
The must common is the rover V8, Toyota 2.2 w/Webers
carbs,2.0 Cossworth (expensive), Ford 2.8 V6, GM 2.8,3.1and 3.4 V6 60 degree. Those are the engines that I have install on a B, the latter I am working on a kit, almost done.

Other engines to consider are: Chev. 90 degree V6 4.3
Ford 3.0, 4.0 V6,(Tall engine), 289, 302, later engine is lighter, Nissan Alum. V6 FI, and a favorite Chev. V8 with alum. heads etc... weights 455 lbs lots of work to stiffen the chassis. the choice is there.
If you want balance and handling then choose the V6 60 degree, less mods, cheaper, and a good performer.
There is also a 2.3 ford with 5 speed which is economical, the weight is close to the V6 line.

What to consider on a engine swap, Modifications needed for the job, and your ability.
next how much are you willing to spend, what is the car purpose (maybe the 1800 B is sufficient)
Engine avialbility and spares, torque vs weight, and handiling vs weight, trans type and rear axle. i.e. A 5 speed with the stock axle works great 3:90, a 5 speed with a V8 axle needs to be change to a lower # 3:0 2.78, so that is an added cost to the swap.

I hope this helps you.
r/Bill

Bill Guzman

Bill, you mentioned a 2.3 ford in the last thread. Are you referring to the OHC inline 4. I have a chance at a '87 thunderbird turbo coupe with the 2.3T, T-5, and an 8.8 posi rear. Have you seen or heard of anyone installing this engine in a B. I've heard of phenominal power outputs from these little things. Thanks in advance.

Rob Rich, Tucson AZ
Rob Rich

I have had the Ford 2 litre OHC and 4 speed in my MGA for the last 20 years(its going to get a Rover V8). Stock engine with Ford box and MGB 3.9:1 diff gives mindblowing acceleration!!! In fact it will wheel spin (even fitted with 245:60:14 Goodrich) facing downhill with ease. If your good with the clutch & steering you can even do good part of a doughnut!! Was a simple swap too!!
regards
mark
mark mathiesen

Rob, the 2.3 comes on T-Birds, Ford Ranger, Masda Trucks, and industrial machinery. This engine is very srong and can go the distance. The 2.0 is the earlier version and in overseas this engine was made to put out power 180 + stock. Here in the USA only puts about 95/120 It comes equioed with FI.
The engine you have from the T-Bird would be a great sawp, (someone else in Florida did a very nice blue B with a 2.3) This engine with a T5 and 3:9 rear would be a great runner as Mark M suggests. My had Webbers higher compression and a Cam from Snyder in San Diego 278 duration and 450 lift. With the 3:9 it worked great, at 75 it ran 2800 rpm right on the cams bootton so accelaration was great in fith gear. Remember that this engine weights as much as the V6 and torque is not the same as a V6/V8 But for a driver and Hwy cruiser it fits the bill. Also this engine is plentiful.
FI is good for normal driving and good for 4000/5000 rpm, so for spirited driving go with the webbers and
1 1/2" headers with 1 1/2" pipes or 2" With the avobe equipment.
For pleasure driving stick with the FI. Also choose the engine with the cast alum oil pan this is the HD version. Ford 2.3 weights 335 lbs V6 350 Ford V8 289ci 460 Chev 350 V8 with alum parts 460/480 this weights may not be exact.

Headers will have to be made or mod a set from a truck or.... I found that modifiying takes as much work as fabricating a set. Is not as hard you may think it's just slow work.

I hope I was of some help.
r/Bill G.
Bill Guzman

Mark, Bill,

Thanks for your responses. I went ahead and bought everything off of the car. May have been in haste though! Actually it's the 190hp/240ft lbs. EFI/turbocharged/intercooled SVO engine. I've been corresponding with the ford guys on the web, and it sounds like 300hp should be within fairly easy reach. I've said all of this, now here lies my problem. I'm pretty ignorant when it comes to computerized cars, so I've got a whole lot of homework to do.

Here's where I also need some help. Can either of you put me in touch with someone who have fabricated motor mounts for a 2.3 to MGB? Second, I'm considering keeping the standard tube axle for weight purposes. How much power has this been known to handle? And finally, kind of off the subject, what is the dimensional difference between the stnd and wire wheel axles that everyone refers to (tire clearance question)? Sorry to run on, thanks.

Rob
Rob Rich

Rob, the wire wheel axle is 51" Vs the disc 52"The rear axle is good for the engine of your choice. My racing 2.8 V6 did not brake it, other MG enthusiat are using it with V6's putting lots of torque.
You need streetable hp and torque in the right range, don't get cut on the game of numbers. Plan your sawp and engine build-up to the driving you are planning to do. The electrical is not complicated but rather cumbersome, do one step at the time. Start with the computer location then sensor one etc... Engine mounts are not hard, try to use the Ford mounts. I install my 2.3 using the original B mount towers and made adapters for the B mount to the Ford block. The choices are many. My advice would be for you to check the alignment of the trans to the rear axle this is critical. then make your mounts.http://lincmsrtek.homestead.com/my1965mgb.html
Check this web page. he did a very nice job with the hole car, he claims 200 hp
Can you please give me contacts you may have with the Ford guys, Thanks.

R/Bill
Bill Guzman

Bill,

Thanks for the info. That page helps a lot. As far as contacts with the ford guys:
turboford.org
turbotbird.com

There are several others once you get into the links. turboford.org has a techboard similar to this. Very useful. Thanks again. Sorry for the delay.

Rob



Rob Rich

This thread was discussed between 09/04/2000 and 04/05/2000

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