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MG MGB Technical - Engine rebuild

I have a 1973 US LHD MGB GT with a 18V engine. And it seems that I have to rebuild it, due to blue smoke (done all the simple checks, recommended by helpful guys here at BBS) So what do you recommend, standard rebuild or getting it bigger pistons etc. Another thing, does anyone know of a company that could make me a "package" new valves and springs, seats, pistons and rings etc.
GA Arnason

First thing would be to strip it down and see what it needs, based on the measured wear. Of course if you do a rebore, you will need larger pistons. Get hold of a Moss catalogue to help you with parts and prices, although there are other suppliers but you need to start somewhere. I have been happy with LBCarCo. How good are you mechanically? Follow the write ups from Barney Gaylord at mgaguru.com. It is possible you can get away with honing the cylinder and new rings, but unlikely. Buy yourself a set of micrometers, and also the MGB shop manual which has dimensions of parts. Ask this BBS anything you have to once you get started, someone has the answer!
Art Pearse

As Art said, you will have to tear it down before you can know what you need.

As for a company that puts a kit together the best I know of (in fact the only one I know of who does kits) is Bob Ford at Brit-Tek.

He had done a really good job of putting together a package, and on top of that he is quite liberal with letting you customize the kit if there is something in it you don't need, or something extra that you do need. He will adjust the price accordingly.

He is in the USA in New Hampshire. I have no idea what you have available locally, or what the exchange rate would do to or for you if you orderd from the USA.

The Brit-Tek web site is:
http://www.brittek.com

Much of what he has is not on the web site, but I think some of the kit info is on the site. You can have a paper catalog sent to you for more detail.

Iceland, eh? I've always wanted to go there. Maybe I should just pick up your parts and bring them over!

Charley
C R Huff

Might talk to Chris Betson, Octarine Motors, UK. I'm sure he will steer you right anbd get you best deal on whatever you need - and he will know what you are likely to need!

FRM
Fletcher R Millmore

I agree with Fletcher. Have a chat over the email or phone with Chris Betson in the UK. http://www.octarine-services.co.uk/. If you scroll down his page you will find a contact form.
Mike Howlett

It's been many years since I rebuilt any engines, but did a few back in the 70s and 80s. First, if you're mechanical enough (and willing) to pull and reinstall the engine, perhaps assemble and disassemble the engine, you should have few problems doing it where you are. First, on the inside of the engine, it's not important that it's an MGB. It has rings, bearings and so on like any other. Just find a good shop with a good reputation and the right equipment. I'm in a medium sized midwestern town. Back in the 70s, a co-worker had a friend that built engines. He had never seen an MGB engine and the location of his shop made you nervous at night, but it was well equipped and the fellow knew his stuff (Daryl Walthrup ran his 350 engines). I pulled and reinstalled the engines, did the teardown and assembly. They were spotlessly clean and perfectly machined including internal balancing when done. They started on the first spin of the starter, ran like "scalded dogs" and just like his Chevy NASCAR engines, they never blew up. Thus, I'd bet you can find a local shop that will take care of you. SU carbs and such might be "exotic" in your part of the world, but engines are engines regardless of where you are.
Rick Penland

Thanks guys for all these good tips. Yes I see now that I have to open it up to see what the problem is. And a really good tip from you Charley, like the brittek site, and yes you are welcome to Iceland :) I have a engine that's need's a rebuild :)
GA Arnason

I got my rebuild kit from Btit Tek as well. It came with a cross drilled crankshaft and Hepolite pistons. All of the components were first class and reasonably priced. That was 15 years ago and the engine is still running strong. RAY
rjm RAY

GA-
The nise thing about Bob Ford at Brit Tek is that he always treats you as if you were his only customer.
Stephen Strange

This thread was discussed between 25/03/2010 and 28/03/2010

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