Building a "New" BGT V8.
Discussion
ftypical said:
Heritage shell, multi-link rear suspension, RV8 front suspension, engine and transmission from a late model sports car, everything else from various BGT parts suppliers.
Lunacy, or?
Sounds a perfectly sane and wholly rational thought process to me. Tell us more as to chosen engine, gearbox and diff/backend.Lunacy, or?
Though, why go for an RV8 front end set up when the John Hoyle system is so much better? Unless you've managed to pick up a low cost RV8 front end from one of the many owners who upgrade to Hoyle...
Look forward to seeing the build thread
PS have you worked out the project cost yet?
Refreshing. Most people have asked why I don't start with an existing car. To which the answer is because I can choose the ride height, the exhaust header routing, and not have to worry about rust and/or a misaligned shell.
North of £30k. I can assemble, but lack some tools so will have to rely on buying complete assemblies in some instances (gearboxes for example). Plus, I'm useless at painting and upholstery.
North of £30k. I can assemble, but lack some tools so will have to rely on buying complete assemblies in some instances (gearboxes for example). Plus, I'm useless at painting and upholstery.
ftypical said:
Refreshing. Most people have asked why I don't start with an existing car. To which the answer is because I can choose the ride height, the exhaust header routing, and not have to worry about rust and/or a misaligned shell.
North of £30k. I can assemble, but lack some tools so will have to rely on buying complete assemblies in some instances (gearboxes for example). Plus, I'm useless at painting and upholstery.
Ok. If you've not done this kind of project before be prepared for some technical and budget surprises. A proper MGB conversion needs to be very carefully spec'd...and then priced. With a new BMH shell, get it stitch seamed too. It's the only time you'll have the chance to do so. Assuming you'll be using an RV8/TVR/RR engine...or possibly and LS2/3 you'll be running the manifolds through the wings, so choose very carefully the location and choice of lambda probes. Similarly the exhaust system, single or twin, where will you position the balance pipe? Gearbox...LT77, R380, a T5 and specifically what version. The back end...what ratio and from what source? If you stick with a live back end you'll be limited in diff' choice and only a few can genuinely handle good power unless the engine's in a mild state of tune. Painting can be completed by BMH to your chosen colour. Interior's easy as is readily available off the shelf from numerous suppliers so is simply an install process. More importantly, a proper car with a new BMH shell, a good quality paintjob plus all the 'right' bits and you will be considerably north of £30k.North of £30k. I can assemble, but lack some tools so will have to rely on buying complete assemblies in some instances (gearboxes for example). Plus, I'm useless at painting and upholstery.
Wiring, whose loom will you use? Suggest you import the proper V8 loom from Advanced Auto Wire Services in the US. If running EFi, what revision of ECU and injection? And how will you link these together? If the RV8/RR think carefully as to how you'll connect your road speed sensor[!] Sensors, budget £500 for these and fittings, really. Speedo and tachometer...Smith Flight gauges are superb...budget £500 all in incl' fittings, transducers et al.
If R380 'box you'll need an exchange unit first for rebuild [£800 all in], a T5 £2000 for one in good condition. £800-£1000 for wheels and tyres. Exhaust £900-1400 depending upon supplier. Complete interior £1700-£2500 depending upon quality. Suspension...how deep are your pockets? Then there's the ancillary conversion parts...see Clive Wheatley's site which will show the bare minimum req'd, total up every component he has on his site then add 20% for the extras needed. Fasteners, it's worth installing st/st fasteners to all non load bearing fittings. Radiator...do think this through, go for an oversized matrix with full sized upper and lower headers. Talk to Peter Mulberry at Mulfab if going alloy. Get Revotec to spec' the radiator fans and buy direct from them. Get lightweight high output alternator and start motor, these are required if only for saving good space. There's much, much more...
...when does the shell arrive?
Edited by v8250 on Sunday 11th January 09:13
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