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MG MGB Technical - Rover V8 Piston Replacement

Could someone please advise me whether the pistons can be removed and replaced whilst the engine is in the car. I'm thinking about a compression upgrade.
Many thanks.
Peter M
Peter M (member)

Peter,

Thats a tall order and would certainly require some ingenuity. You would obviously need to remove the heads and the sump to get at the big end bolts to enable the pistons and rods to be pushed out of the top of the bores, whether it's practical to do it I can't say but if you post the question on the site below you may get some good advice from some very helpful and knowledgeable people.

Kevin.

http://www.v8forum.co.uk/forum/index.php


Kevin Jackson

Thanks Kevin
That's precisely what I'm getting at - I figure it would be easier to remove sump and heads rather than take the engine out. My unknown is whether the big end of the conrod will fit through the bore (I am being lazy in not accessing the workshop manual for specifications).
Many thanks
Peter M
Peter M (member)

Peter,

Your welcome, I have a lot of family in Melbourne and intend getting down there in the not to distant future.

It would also be nice to meet up with some of the Aussie MGB V8 er's.

Kevin.
Kevin Jackson

Hi Peter
Removing the pistons out the top of the cyls. is the only way they will come out with the conrod easily fitting through the bore. It's a bit fiddly getting the sump off in the car but it comes off ok. I take it that you don't have a lot of experience with dismantling this engine and therefore would suggest that you keep your pistons, rods and caps in number order and mark the fronts to enable the new pistons to be fitted to the rods the correct way around as the rods face one way on one side and the other way on the other side. If you get them mixed up the big end bearings will bind up on the radius of the journal of the crankshaft and the motor won't turn over. Hope this helps Gary
Gary

Thanks Kevin and Garry
My experience with the Rover engine is limited to a previous conversion (17 years ago) at which time I used a professionally built motor. This project involves a new in box, now in car, low compression engine but with fast road cam, offenhauser manifold, holley carburettor, headers which should satisfy me power wise until I deem an upgrade necessary. The decision to upgrade when the time comes will be made easier if I can carry out the job without having to remove the motor.
Kevin, I would love to catch up when you're in Ozz but I live in the bush. I suggest that you contact the Melbourne members (www.mgcc.com.au) who will be delighted to hear from you.
Kind regards
Peter M
Peter M (member)

This thread was discussed between 07/05/2008 and 08/05/2008

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