MGB V8 Conversion

[Robert060379]

I had a 13B Turbo (RX7) engine and box in my Triumph Spitfire. The flip front made life very easy. I'd like to make a space frame chassis for (one of) my MG B(s) and really go to town on it just to see how fast the body can go. I don't know how fast my 200SX powered one can go, the speedometer stops at 140mph.

The Volvo drift bots use Renault 2.0 16V engines in their 340's. How about a 340 gear box married up to a T5 or Renault 25 Turbo?

[Robert060379]

The reason I was looking (a bit too) seriously at the Hemi 300C is the four cylindar V8 set up. the car only uses half the engine unless you gun it then all eight kick in. So you can have four pot ecconomy on the school run and V8 performance on the track. Just had a look at the loom diagrams on the net and it appers that if you unplug anything you don't need in an MG B, central locking, air con, electric windows etc the immobiliser will shut the whole lot down and can not be bypassed. 351 Chevy then.

[wildoliver]

I'm under the impression and stand to be corrected that the 340 series of volvos use a transaxle set up (as in porsche 944 etc.) if so there is an issue with trying to adapt it to fit an MGB (issue being massive job).

I don't know what the large RWD volvos use as boxes, I suspect a tradition inline transmission tunnel housed gearbox, if so that would be the way to go.

However to be honest unless going for novelty factor there are already enough tried and tested ways to put a big lump of power in an MGB.

Ford v8.
Chevy v8.
Saab turbo on Omega box.
200sx.
etc. etc.

[Robert060379]

The 2.3 SAAB Turbo goes straight on to the Omega box all you have to do is modify an Omega 2.0 sump and engine mounts. Again have a look a PPC they've done the conversion in a Mk2 Escort. You do need a post GM take over SAAB donour though and the kit car guys have driven the prices up recently. 400bhp from standard internals make it a worth while conversion. Unlike the Cosworth YB conversion the SAAB turbo doesn't get in the way of the steering rack either. If you buy an Omega as a gear box donour have a look at the V6. The 2.5 Eco-tec is a strong lump and Courtney do a "Police Special" turbo conversion that also fits the older 3.0 version. Plus the V6 doesn't weigh much more than the B series engine, mounted further back shoould ballence out the handling nicely.

[gtikurt]

A bloke my Dad works with has a MGB with a TVR V8 in, don't know exact details though....sounds like a bat out of hell.

[Robert060379]

The Hoyle front cross member comes with either Ford 302 or Chevy small block mounts as standard. The engine bolted to the cross member reduces the flex from the inner wings you get with big power conversions. A good idea whatever engine you choose.

[dirtyboy]

I'm doin it here with a 3.5 rover v8 and jag lsd so might be of some help to you.

http://www.pistonheads.co.uk/gassing/topic.asp?h=0...

Reagrds

[Robert060379]

Brilliant! Got to keep the Slotmags dude.

[dirtyboy]

oh yea will do, the other wheels were before I got the slot mags, I'm just not very good at putting photos in order