MGB GT engine swap - help needed!

[stenhouseh]

I am wondering if anyone can point me in the direction of a garage that could carry out an engine swap on my RB 1975 MGB GT?
After much deliberation I would like to go down one of three routes:
1. 1.8 k series vvc
2. Mazda 1.8 vvt
3. Zetec 2l

There is plenty of info available on all of these swaps. What I'm struggling to find is a garage that can help with this sort of work. Frontline is out of budget sadly!

Can anyone help?

I am based in West London. Thanks

[spoodler]

You might have better luck trying the hot rod shops. Someone like Miller's Speed shop in Bridgend, Old Bones Fabrications in Andover, or Valley Gas in Newbury. If they can't help (probably too busy) they may be able to suggest somewhere.

[eldar]

I know it’s a bit old fashioned, but the B series has scope for improvement. Rebuild it properly and they are fine and original.

I don’t know if those types of skillls are still around.

[Scrump]

You may find this interesting:
https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...

A recent thread on the same subject.

[stenhouseh]

Thanks spoodler will give them a try.

Eldar to get 120ish whp from the standard engine is very doable but I fancy the reliability and weightsaving from an unstressed modern engine. I appreciate it may lose some of the period charm though!

Thanks Scrump. I actually came across that thread before. The hard part is finding a garage to do the work. Not much of a mechanic myself.

[jeremyc]

Do you want the garage to suggest & source the replacement engine as well as fit, or are you going to provide them an engine?

[HealeyV8]

I had my Jensen Healey converted to Rover V8 and running gear by Tickover in Dartford. If I was doing this today I would use a Lexus 400 V8 1UZFE. Very light but modern 32v with good power in standard spec and very tuneable. Get a Toyota 5 speed box from Supra and you've got 5 speed manual.

[stenhouseh]

jeremyc said:

Do you want the garage to suggest & source the replacement engine as well as fit, or are you going to provide them an engine?

I was going to provide them with an engine but happy to take suggestions.

[aeropilot]

stenhouseh said:

Eldar to get 120ish whp from the standard engine is very doable but I fancy the reliability and weightsaving from an unstressed modern engine. I appreciate it may lose some of the period charm though!

I would want to be sure I'd not be set oneself up for future problems with emissions testing using a modern engine given the more recent proposed regs.

I wouldn't use a post 1991 dated engine.

[jeremyc]

I've not used them (nor had any recommendations), but the guys at Wey Classics might be worth a call.

They are MG specialists and strike me as the type of company that might be able to carry unusual projects. They also not far from you.

[eldar]

aeropilot said:

I would want to be sure I'd not be set oneself up for future problems with emissions testing using a modern engine given the more recent proposed regs.

I wouldn't use a post 1991 dated engine.

Certainly worth considering - I assume you mean pre 1991.

I suspect that as long as the emissions meet the standards that were current when it was new, it should be ok. But who can predict politicians?

[stenhouseh]

jeremyc said:

I've not used them (nor had any recommendations), but the guys at Wey Classics might be worth a call.

They are MG specialists and strike me as the type of company that might be able to carry unusual projects. They also not far from you.

Just tried these guys. They can do a V8 but don't have experience in the engines I'm looking at. Appreciate the suggestion though. The search continues!

[aeropilot]

eldar said:

aeropilot said:

I would want to be sure I'd not be set oneself up for future problems with emissions testing using a modern engine given the more recent proposed regs.

I wouldn't use a post 1991 dated engine.

Certainly worth considering - I assume you mean pre 1991.

No, post-91.......

i.e I would not use an engine made after the introduction of Euro 1 in 1992 and thus would require fitment of a cat etc.

[eldar]

aeropilot said:

No, post-91.......

i.e I would not use an engine made after the introduction of Euro 1 in 1992 and thus would require fitment of a cat etc.

Ta, makes sense

[V8 Fettler]

[aeropilot]

V8 Fettler said:

That'll do......

I'd still rather use a Rover V8 though.......way lighter than that asthmatic B-series, plus it makes the right noises and it's a recognised conversion with plenty of support for ready made parts etc., which makes it a much cheaper and easier solution if not doing oneself.

[task]

I went through all the options and landed on the Rover V8 when doing my conversion 4 years ago. Partly because I had one but also because it's a highly recognised conversion, insurance companies know exactly what it is as there are plenty out there and the vehicle was produced as a V8 during its life which lends the conversion some authority and also helps when looking at VHI registration further down the line.

[v8250]

Talk to Mark and the team at Fisher Services in South London. Mark's also the man behind Hoyle suspension post John's retirement http://www.fisher-services.co.uk/

[Xcore]

Aside from a rover v8 which I’m planning on doing when I get another later mgb to go along side my mk1, id go with a mx5 lump with a turbo charger

[paintman]

task said:

I went through all the options and landed on the Rover V8 when doing my conversion 4 years ago. Partly because I had one but also because it's a highly recognised conversion, insurance companies know exactly what it is as there are plenty out there and the vehicle was produced as a V8 during its life which lends the conversion some authority and also helps when looking at VHI registration further down the line.

^^^This.