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MG MGB GT V8 Factory Originals Technical - Quick 302 install opinion.....

Just imagine, you were thinking about installing a Ford 302 in your MGB, which type of kit would you prefer?

a) Bolt in using custom motor mounts, leaving you to modify the crossmember and other areas yourself?

or

b) Bolt in using a modified MGB crossmember which included motor mounts?

Thanks for any input/suggestions.

Pete Mantell
Pete Mantell

I would choose B.

Steve
Steve

B.

All the other stuff that goes with this install is still gonna take up time.... This could get some of that time back.



Rick Stevens

Pete, option B is preferred just because it would eliminate structural welding from the job. An alternative to reduce shipping costs for a kit might be a prefabricated crossmember "patch" which would weld in using plug welding that most MG home restorers are used to making and a good template for the crossmember cuts. That at least would give me assurance that the crossmember mods were well engineered and would be structurally sound.
Bill Young

How about a custom oil pan/pick-up combination that eliminates the need for the cross member mod and the bolt in motor mounts? That would make it about as simple as it can get.
Rob Ficalora

"How about a custom oil pan/pick-up combination that eliminates the need for the cross member mod"

Can't be done using the factory oil pump. The oil pump is driven off the distributor drive shaft, and with the distributor in front, relocating the pickup won't help - the oil pump is still in the way. It would take a complete redsign of the Ford engine to do that, or the use of a dry sump system (very expensive).

Dan Masters

Pete,

I can use an angle grinder and take stuff off with the best of them; what I have trouble with is putting stuff back on. Anything you could do to make the installation more of a "bolt-in" affair would be a big help to most of us.

My preference would be to have bolt-in motor mounts AND a fully modified crossmember.
Dan Masters

The simplicity of the Buick/Rover swap is that only bolt in motor mounts are required, and that no welding is necessary.

Optiion B puts the Ford swap in the same catagory, if at a higher cost.

Most converters are not comfortable with structural welding. Tacking in radiator supports or other brackets may not be a problem for me, but I am hesitant to weld suspension items or motor mounts where failure could be catastropic.
jim stuart

How about a core system. We send in a cross member and recieve a modified one back. Might be less expensive for the buyer.
J. Barilaro

I agree with Dan.
I would prefer the experts to do the mods and would be happy to pay for a bolt-and-go system.
An exchange deal would help though!!
Dave
D M Tetlow

Pete, am I mistaken or doesn't the Ford swap require firewall mods as well as the crossmember notch? That takes it out of the strictly bolt on catagory. I find that making up the various patch panels for the firewall and getting them fitted closely is a real challange because of all the angles you're dealing with. The idea of preformed patch panels with flanged edges and punched for plug welds appeals to me as this would make it a lot simpler to get the firewall modified cleanly and easily with minimal welding skills. I think the same for the crossmember might be possible as well and would reduce the cost of the kit as well as not having a freight problem or core return problem with the possibility of damaged cores.
Bill Young

Bill
No need to touch the firewall on later RB cars not sure on earlier ones.I had my Xmember professionally knotched and done for $75 so its not a major in my mind. I do agree a kit would be a nice way to go. When I did mine 5 years ago there was really nothing available but got some big guidance from Dale Spooner which was an enormous help.
just my opinion but I really prefer my engine mounts welded in rather then bolted.My set up is extremely rigid no need for a steady rod .
Gil Price

Hi Guys,

Thanks for all of the feedback.

Looks like the popular option is 'B' using a modified crossmember.
Using the exchange or core idea would help to keep the cost down.

The proposed kit will contain a modfied and strengthened crossmember with mounts. A transmission crossmember for the Ford T5 5 speed. With the option of headers, remote oil filter adapter, aluminum radiator and few more related parts to make the conversion 'trouble' free.

Please visit my website in a few months for updates on the kit or BritishV8.org and the various bulletin boards.

Thanks again

Pete
Pete Mantell

And a return bump to you, Mr.Mantell!
rick ingram


My apologies to Gil, but, is this really true that the later RB cars do not require firewall mods for a Ford install? This is the first that I have heard of this. (Trust but verify, right?)

Michael
Michael Willis

Michael,

Gil is correct. The firewall on the RB cars only needs a slight hammer and dolly on the passenger side. The only major mods are the crossmember and RV8 style header exits in the inner wing/fender.

Cheers

Pete
Pete Mantell

Ssimple and oriented for those doing their first V8 swap. Offer both weld on and a bolt on. Supply as many pieces as possible to install the engine.

Bill Guzman

Hi Bill,

Thanks for the info.
I am building both options and more. A kit as complete as possible.

I sure wish I had your California weather right now :)

Cheers

Pete
Pete Mantell

What's the matter with our weather, Pete??

Yesterday was 54* ... and today is 5*

You don't like a little variety?!

:)
rick ingram

70 degrees and no wind would be nice tomorrow. Instead we have another winter storm warning :(
Oh well, could be worse, I could have no heat in the shop!

Spuriously Pete
Pete Mantell

Pete, I am making a kit to install pontoons on MGB's
I think I may need one on my B rain and more rain.
High temps during the day 55 evenings 38 That is to cold for me.

Have you ever though of installing a snow plow on a B?
Bill Guzman

Hi Bill,

With Pontoons, a propeller on the driveshaft, snow chains, a lightweight snow plow and a 8 inch lift kit , we could conquer most elements!
One problem though, one trip into the water and the B would dissolve into a iron oxide plume!!

Stay warm and dry....

Pete
Pete Mantell


IF I want to have room for A/C on a '78 body, would it need firewall mods to move the engine further back?

Michael
Michael Willis

bump
rick ingram

This thread was discussed between 05/01/2008 and 13/02/2008

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