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MG MGB GT V8 Factory Originals Technical - hello, and oils

Hi,
I've just taken the plunge, and bought a BGT V8. It's a factory car, in Aconite, 1974 with chrome bumpers. I'm pretty pleased with it: it needs some tidying, but overall, it's very straight. The mileage of 52,000 would appear to be quite genuine.

It's actually my 4 BGT, but my first V8.

First job: new tyres. From what I've read in the archive, 185/60 14s should fit OK.

Next job: brake hoses, pads and new fluids all round. I've read in the archive that 20w50 is OK for the engine. Should I also use this in the gearbox, as is used in the standard B? And is EP90 correct for the rear axle?

Also, has anyone fitted 'performance' brake hoses? I'm not after the ultimate in braking, I'd just like to improve pedal feel, whilst at the same time leaving the car as original as possible. Is there a noticeable difference between new, stock brake hoses and the more rigid ones I've seen advertised?
Darren Ainsworth

Darren - the oil grade depends on the age of the engine - the later rovers run well on 10-40 but the older ones prefer 20 - 50. If she is burning any, go for a cheap 20 - 50 and change it often.
You have quite a choice of tyre size 185 X 70 is commonly used on the OE wheels.
The gearbox oil should be a 90 grade according to the manual - you might change the filter at the same time.
The braded hoses look quite tiddly - the most important one to change is the one in the middle of the car which you don't often get to see - they last a little longer and help protect against debris but you shouldn't pay a huge premium.

As with all these cars - top her up with waxoil and change all the hoses.

Safety Fast !
RMW

Darren

Welcome - I am sure you will enjoy your V8.

One critical thing; the Rover engine is prone to corrosion.

I suggest you flush out the cooling system and refill - keeping the anti-freeze at the correct concentration is essential.

I use Aeroquip hoses, and have found they improve pedal feel.

NJSS
Nigel J S Steward

Thanks for all the advice.

Nigel, one of my first jobs was to change the coolant! It was running really hot, but using a decent anti-freeze/coolant at a 50% ratio seems to have improved matters no end.

I'm suprised that a 90 grade is used in the gearbox. If I remember correctly, the use of gear oil in a standard B gearbox disintegrates the phosphur bronze bearings. I assumed that as the V8 gearbox is based on a B one, it would contain these? Or am I missing something?

The engine seems to be sweet as a nut: there's no smoke, no rattles (other than from the lobster claws!) and it even idles nicely.

I'll look for some Aeroquip hoses, I think. As to the tyres, I was persuaded to stick with the standard 175 14s by a knowledgeable chap at the tyre centre I went to.
Darren Ainsworth

Darren,

Whether 90 weight ger oil attacks the yellow metal bushes depends on the grade - APL 4 is considered safe whereas APL 5 is not.

The original spec for the box (and TR boxes) was an APL 4 oil - just be careful when buying it to get the right one - 80W90 oils are OK too IF they are APL 4.

I run my V8 on Avon ZV1 185/70 14 tyres and they suit the car very well and have loads of grip in wet and dry.
Chris at Octarine Services

Ah, thanks for the explanation about the gearbox oil! I'm much happier now!

I've now hit another snag. I've got a set of GB minilite replicas, that I want to use on this car (I guess there's no sense in risking damage to the original wheels if I've got a spare set). However, I don't have any wheel nuts for them: the V8 wheelnuts appear to be unique.

Does anyone know if standard B wheelnuts fit GB minilite replicas?
Darren Ainsworth

Yes they do - but there is not much clearance for the socket - use a spark plug socket to do them up.
Chris at Octarine Services

Fantastic Chris, thanks very much for all the help.

Now to get all these things done, so I can catch at least a bit of this Summer!
Darren Ainsworth

Check the clearance on the alloys very carefully before you run them. You may have problems with track rod ends fouling the rims.

Regards,

Dave
Dave Brooke

This thread was discussed between 27/07/2004 and 30/07/2004

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