MGB engine upgrage/swap
Discussion
Yes, plenty of well proven conversions...but the easiest is the RV8/TVR V8 engine route + LT77 or R380 gearbox. You'll need to really want this to complete the project. Or, buy a readily available TVR...Or, buy an already converted MGB. Plenty of choices. TVR SV8's and Chimaera's are great fun.
Where in the UK are you and what time frame would you want to complete a conversion?
Where in the UK are you and what time frame would you want to complete a conversion?
Edited by v8250 on Monday 23 February 15:14
bababoom said:
Im in south wales, no rush as such to get it done but would be great to get it done for the summer.
I know my way around a socket set so if i could find a bolt together kit i,d take it on myself.
Its the welding and cutting that would have me stumpped.
Which is why the V8 is the easier route. On a 69 B only the engine mountings a front splash panel/radiator mounting panels need welding, so once you've marked these up any competent welder can fit these for you.I know my way around a socket set so if i could find a bolt together kit i,d take it on myself.
Its the welding and cutting that would have me stumpped.
Assuming the work would be completed evenings and weekends, you won't get it done for the summer unless you throw cash and people at the car, it simply takes much, much longer. The only other way of a 'bolt together' upgrade is to buy a supercharger kit...and frankly, they're a waste of money as still only give you 130-135bhp...and will empty your pockets to the tune of £3000-£3500 http://www.moss-europe.co.uk/shop-by-model/mg/mgb-...
To convert a B properly you need to read up on what's involved or you'll end up with a duff conversion. Always the most cost effective route is to buy one that's already been done.
bababoom said:
Ive been told that a lot just buy anther one but ive had the car almost 10 years and I know it has a good body.
I was under the impression to fit a V8 to a chrome bumper car it would need the bulkhead and tunnel modifying.
Depending upon chassis #. The tunnel should not need changing as by this year tunnels were of the standard wider variety. You will need to complete a small cut out at the top of the tunnel and install the raise metal work of an RV8, this is available directly from BMH and is relatively easy to do. If you retain an MGB V8 gearbox it should fit without modification. It's not normally necessary to modify the bulk head corner areas unless you're installing a Chevy or Ford V8. Suggest you buy this book for good bed time reading, it will give you most of the basics...I was under the impression to fit a V8 to a chrome bumper car it would need the bulkhead and tunnel modifying.
http://www.veloce.co.uk/shop/products/productDetai...
Expatloon said:
You've already got 6 speeds why go for less ?
Because the gear ratios are wrong. A correctly spec'd R380 [or T5] and final drive ratio @ 3.04, 3.09 or 3.14 is what is needed for the V8 @ 200+bhp. There are loads of so-called 'good' V8 conversions out there with the wrong 'box and final drive that are, simply...crap. And where the 'specialist' converters have this set up it's guaranteed the rest of the conversion is poor ala, spliced in wiring, poor quality finish in the engine bay, standard radiator with original twin fans. For a conversion to really work properly the whole project needs to be considered as a complete package, otherwise it's nickel and dime'ing. It's the attention to technical detail that sorts the men from the boys.Last year I visited an MG/MGB 'specialist' [no names]. They had built an MGB V8 for client with a 3.9 RV8 + LT77, keeping the live back end. The topside paintwork was good, interior and hood was typical MGOC and the engine bay was...okay. But underneath...jeepers, post build they had simply sprayed a black bitumen material 1/4" thick over every visible surface; it was bloody awful. Apparently the client is 'over the moon' with the car[?] And the price? £45,000...seriously!
Edited by v8250 on Tuesday 24th February 21:46
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