MG B GT or Ford Capri?

[Liquid Knight]

I'm looking for a Winter project to teach my nephews a bit about mechanics, welding, spraying etc. I've been offered a Ford Capri (twin headlight model) for a reasonable price but would like an MG B GT as I have a lot of history with the cars.

So the Capri would be familia front engine rear wheel drive set up with more room in the engine bay and a bigger parts bin for tuning options.

The B GT is more of a sports car with personal history behind it so I'll be showing my nephews stuff I know what I'm doing rather than learning as I go as well.

The Capri will fit me and my three nephews better but the GT will handle better and be more fun to have a ride in.

What do you guys think about the two cars and what would be your personal choice?

[J4CKO]

GT handle better, assuming standard and in good repair examples of either the Capri always seemed that bit more competent, in the context of the discussion you understand. I used to have a mk1 and used an old MGB at work for getting parts and the Capri was better.

[Liquid Knight]

I'e always found the Mk3 Capri a bit tail happy and the big engines versions understeery. Having said that you don't get the choice with the B and the pig iron (bulletproof-ish) B-series engine up front with a heavy axle at the bck does translate through the chassis better. It could be because I've owned various B's over the the years and only test driven a few Capris 2.0S, 2.8, 1.6 Laser, Cosworth V6 converted one and my brothers old RS3100 (that was superb and the 2.8 Mk3 was a disapointment in comparison). It could just be a caes of getting used to it to get the best out of it as far as handling is concerned.

[Chris71]

There's always the financial aspect to consider. I reckon good Capris are probably still going up as the '80s revival thing continues.

[OllieC]

If its a mk1 or mk2 capri you are after you'll find bodywork and chassis repair panels are very expensive, and some almost unobtainable.

parts wise that aside I dont think you will have any issues with getting capri stuff, quite a bit is interchangable between models.

[Liquid Knight]

The Capri sancuary a few miles from me closed five years ago. Damn it! that was part of my plan. The MGB Hive is only half an hour away.

[kambites]

Liquid Knight said:

I'e always found the Mk3 Capri a bit tail happy and the big engines versions understeery. Having said that you don't get the choice with the B and the pig iron (bulletproof-ish) B-series engine up front with a heavy axle at the bck does translate through the chassis better. It could be because I've owned various B's over the the years and only test driven a few Capris 2.0S, 2.8, 1.6 Laser, Cosworth V6 converted one and my brothers old RS3100 (that was superb and the 2.8 Mk3 was a disapointment in comparison). It could just be a caes of getting used to it to get the best out of it as far as handling is concerned.

They did a I6 and V8 versions of the B (although the I6 was called the C).

[Vocal Minority]

Loved my B GT, and miss it still as a sold it and bought a nothing but trouble GTV.

Plenty to be said for modifying B's - eg plenty of decent Sebring conversion set ups around (though whether you use a healthy one to do this is a matter of personal conscience)

[Baryonyx]

I'd go for the Capri. The 1980's models will always be very dear to me.

[Liquid Knight]

kambites said:

They did a I6 and V8 versions of the B (although the I6 was called the C).

The C would be too expensive and the V8 is a pain in the cheeks to work on. With the Capri you have 1.3, 1.6 Kent engines, 1.6 2.0 (2.3?) Pinto's, 2.8 V6's from the factory and basically any engine you want if you want to get your hands dirty. 302 Ford V8 (Piranna) conversions are popular as well as various Rover (GM) V8's, Cosworth YB as well as V6 conversions. In next months PPC there will be a pair of Capris with a 200SX and Surpra turbo conversion.

I had a 13B N/A Spitfire and a 200SX powered B GT before but stock options aren't as straight forward as the Ford, Zetec, Duratec, ST24, T5 etc can all be done with parts bin parts.

A modern day MG C with an RB26 would be interesting to say the least but I need to keep it simple and realistic.

[davepoth]

The Rover T-Series, since it's effectively the same engine block, will bolt up to an MGB...

[falkster]

Signal orange 3.0S would be an absolute god send.
I've never liked MGBs but have a soft spot for a C roadster in old English white.

[cml]

Close call - fundamentals are very similar. GT is lower and sportier looking, Capri has oodles of retro cool at the moment. Both can be modded to hell and back. Every single part of the GT is available, right up to complete shells, not sure about Capri - you might have problems with some panels, however you are teaching welding and fabrication

I would ask your nephews which ones they would want to be seen in - that's your incentive when its a cold day and it takes an hour to free a rusty bolt...

[Y282]

Capri.

[Dirty Frank]

Only get the capri if you look like kevin webster.

[williredale]

I'd say the B GT but then I have one. What would they rather work on?

[pits]

GT6.



HTH

[falkster]

pits said:

GT6.



HTH

No way!! Not even in the same cool league as a Capri

[Liquid Knight]

davepoth said:

The Rover T-Series, since it's effectively the same engine block, will bolt up to an MGB...

The conversion would need a later LT gearbox and either a dry sump or frontline costello one. That's why I opted for 200SX power last time. There was a chap in the 80's who put an MG Maestro head onto a B series block with a pair of Webbers but it's a loot of faffing about.

I'd love another GT6 but it would either cost too much or be a basket case (bottomless pit and therefore cost too much).

[JontyR]

Liquid Knight said:

The C would be too expensive and the V8 is a pain in the cheeks to work on. With the Capri you have 1.3, 1.6 Kent engines, 1.6 2.0 (2.3?) Pinto's, 2.8 V6's from the factory and basically any engine you want if you want to get your hands dirty. 302 Ford V8 (Piranna) conversions are popular as well as various Rover (GM) V8's, Cosworth YB as well as V6 conversions. In next months PPC there will be a pair of Capris with a 200SX and Surpra turbo conversion.

I had a 13B N/A Spitfire and a 200SX powered B GT before but stock options aren't as straight forward as the Ford, Zetec, Duratec, ST24, T5 etc can all be done with parts bin parts.

A modern day MG C with an RB26 would be interesting to say the least but I need to keep it simple and realistic.

I'm looking at doing the same for my boy. Hes coming up to 10 now, and when they get to 12 they can drive on a Sunday morning around Castle Combe. So 2 years to strip and rebuild a car seems a good plan. Hopefully it will also mean less chance of those "Dad Ive broken down" phone calls in the middle of the night!

I had a BGT when I was young, but the thought of inner sill rust puts me off! The spitfireBeetlele, like the idea of Capriri, or a Manta (that would satisfy my childhood wants too )

One concern I have is safety....what are your thoughts?