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MG MGB GT V8 Factory Originals Technical - Starting MGB V-8 Conversion

Hello all you MGB V8 fans,
I have had a '77 MGB for a very long time. I blew the second engine it and now just purchased a Buick 215 V8 for the replacement. I am at the very beginning stages of making the MGB V8 conversion.

Are there any books, manuals or advice on getting performance parts (such as valve covers, pistons, valves, etc) for the Buick 215? Also, I know the later cars ('77-'80) require less modifications than the chrome bumpers to accept a V8, however, what modifcations are needed for the later cars?

Additionally, I have few technical questions for you mechanical wizards. Can I use the orginal starter from the MGB or do I need a stronger starter? I am currently planning on using the orignal 4-spd transmission from the MGB, is that possible? How about bellhousing? I have a Buick four speed manual bellhousing that fits the engine, will the MGB tranny fit that or will I need an adapter? If I want headers, where can I find a pair to fit both the 215 engine size and the confines of the MGB engine compartment? What about the radiator? I heard the original will work but I must switch the top and bottom tanks, is that correct? Any help will be great appreciated. Thanks!

Eric
Eric

Go and buy Roger Williams book "How to give your MGB V8 power"

Published by Veloce Publishing in the Speed Pro series ISBN 1-874105-40-5.

Tells you everything you need to know - just read it three times BEFORE you start with the spanners!
Chris Betson

Eric,

This link gives a great overview to the V8 conversion. http://www.mgcars.org.uk/v8_conversions/rogv8.html

There is an adapter that allows the use of the original MGB four speed transmission and that is the only way to use the MGB starter. Most people will recommend you use a different transmission, for one reason the starter mount would have to be cut off the engine block and other transmissions are stronger. The most common recommended transmission for a Buick motor is the Borg-Warner T-5 from a Camero and it will bolt up to the Buick bell-housing you already have (consider yourself blessed).

In most cases, the only modification to the body of a '77-'80 MGB is to remove the cross brace on the hood as it fouls the aircleaner.

The inlet and outlet that the radiator hoses connect to are on the wrong sides so the upper and lower tanks are turned backwards with the original openings closed and new connections installed.

Headers are available from a few sources so read on to decide what type you want.
George Champion

Thanks George and Chris. I just found the book that Chris is talking about online. Thanks again, this info is valuable and highly appreciated.
Eric

Eric,

Try: http://www.BritishV8.org

Lots of good info to be found there.
Dan Masters

Eric, what are you going to do about smog check on the the car with the V8,being its a 1977? Just something to think about.
Steve Nightingale

Steve, to be honest the smog issue has not really crossed my mind. Right no my first concern is to get the V8 installed an running without tearing up the rest of the car. A friend of mine suggested that I also repair the 4 cylinder engine, get it smoged with that engine then do the swap. The problem is I would need to "swap" the entire engine (and possibly the tranny, depending on what tranny I use) every two years or so. Or I can find a way to smog the V8 and remove the smog crap after inspection. Hopefully I will figure it out, got any tips?
Eric

This thread was discussed between 11/01/2003 and 14/01/2003

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