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MG MGB GT V8 Factory Originals Technical - 3.8 Conversion

Anyone doing a 3.8 V-6 conversion. I'm ready to start the final effort on my 3800 series II from a 2001 Camaro, WITH the L460E auto trans. Just curious if any others are doing. Vem
vem

Vem,

Whatever you do, don't tell anyone that i am giving a little assistance to complete one. This one however is much better suited in a TR7/8 body with a T5 with far more space! Anyways, I hope to have a few answers on computer and wiring, not that i am going to let the cat completely out of the bag when done. Same issue though, about a 2000 model year Camaro. If you have the Drive by wire, you may want to look and see what it takes to convert it back to a slightly older system with a throttle cable. Although i cant understand what would be so difficult, I was told it is a difficult system to deal with.

-BMC.
BMC Brian McCullough

Verm,
An interesting project to be sure.
The same engine was used here in a locally built GM range for many years from 1988 to 2003 and I have always thought it was a worthwhile basis for a conversion.

I would be interested to know how yours proceeds.

Cheers , Pete.
Peter Thomas

Brian- My current problem is clearing sparkplug on steering rod. How'd your ananomous friend do it? Will he talk to me for collusion and problem solving? I have a set of tubular headers from Pacesetter finally just used as a model for the custom set I made, out the well and back to a crossover, then oval offsets out the back. I moved the gastank over 3 inches for the second tailpipe and made a swirlpot using the original Camy fuel pump. As the conversion to mechanical gas pedal takes a new TB, I just used the original drive by wire from the Camy, fitting the pedal/sender about where the old gas pedal was ( very tight fit though). As far as the computer is concerned, all systems are go and it still thinks it's in the Camaro. I'm using the vats and cat spoofs made by a guy in Texas. I shortened the original rear axle and adapted the disc breaks. As I figured it, the 3.8 and L460E are about 60 pounds over the old 1800/OD. If I chose to loose the rubber bumps down the road, that should put it back about right. I've been getting pinout advice from a guy in New Orleans who has been fitting the 3.8 to Fieros. Very bright and knows the computers back and forth. Gonna fire the lady this next week for final shakedown before dismantle, paintwork and put back. Curious, did your friend use the Ford Falcon radiator or what? I am very available at Vemarooski@aol.com for any yak whatsoever on the swap.
vem myers

Hi Vem,

This one is literally in a TR7/8 body so the issues you are dealing with are quite different for clearances. I am assisting with the PCM connections though along with some other possible items. It sounds like you have quite a bit of work finished though. Let us know how its going.

-BMC.
BMC Brian McCullough

Bry- Thx 4 the clarification. I modified the front cross for pully and oil pump clearance, using same to weld on the front mounts ( didn't I purchase that kit from you last year?). Got the whole kit and caboodle low enough to close a stock hood with millimeters to spare. One of the conundrums down the road is speedometer adaptation. Any ideas to utilize VDO or stock gauges? I rigged up the fuel pump and actually started the beast early this year. Have you a good source for the PCM pinouts? Are you prettymuch a wiz already on the box? Any internet sources found? So how far along is the TR7/8 swap? Cheers Vic
vem myers

I am considering the same 3.8 for my 75 MGB. What are people using for exhaust headers?
Sandy
Sandy Sanders

Sandy- With the larger tunnel you will have plenty of room for the swap. I clipped a few corners, but the fit did not require any major surgery. As per above, I modified the front croos for oil pump and pully clearances, then used it for the front motor mounts welded attractively, allowing the swap to sit low and clear a standard hood. You've really only 2 choices on the exhaust, and the first-using the stock manifolds and adapting them- looks like major thrash. I fabbed a set of headers using a 3/8 inch thick manifold slab cut to match the stock manifold plate , then adapted the starter pieces from square to round in a reduction cone to 1 1/2 inch diameter. From there, using 1 1/2 inch ABS fittings to mock-up the bends ( about $20 worth of assorted fittings from HD), I arranged the 3 runs to all terminate at 34 inches in length, thru the well and rolling under floor to a 1 1/2 x 2 1/2 inch x 10 inch long collector and then a 2 1/2 inch crossover, to offset FlowMaster 40's, and out at 2 1/2 inch, moving the tank to get the dual exhaust clearances. I have a set of new Pacesetters headers you could use to mini-fab your set. After much consult and bids from all the usual suspects, I determined that the hugger system is too much fiddle, with the real probability you'll be frying the starter every couple months. Also, in terms of flow, the hugger will sacrifice alot of your power, with tremendous heat buildup under the hood. I cut and screened 7 inch square holes in each fender side for further cooling. I guess you could cut louvres in the hood for even more cooling if you need it. The effort I made on my balanced set of exhausts should provide returns at the dyno. This engine is rated 200- 210 hp out of the box. Are you planning on a newer L-36 Series II 3800? What do you have in mind for the trans, and rear? I'll be nappy to share the piles of info if you contact me offline. Good Luck. Vic
vem myers

I just go by the book for wiring. I am waiting on some info about speedo adapter on the type of signal given by your particular style T5. I may be able to get some more info on that in the next month or two depending on what happens with one of our conversions. The 96-02 PCM is different then the 93-95 that i am used to, but far closer then that of the 1992 and older units- OBD I which is almost a completely different system.

-BMC.
BMC Brian McCullough

Hi Bryan- Do you employ the electronic spoofers for Vats, O2, etc? I'd be interested in what you turn up for speedo. Please keep me informed. Vic
vem myers

Yup,
Spoofing away some of this stuff is possible BUT the owner is supposed to be on a search for a shop that does a flip of a few switches and turn items off such as the Digital EGR and a number of items because a retune via software will end up costing about as much s all the sensor spoofers you will need to install otherwise.

I will get in contact with him soon and see if he has found anything but basically, he is supposed to be searching the F body websites with a heavy search on the v6f body sites.

-BMC.
BMC Brian McCullough

B- Sounds promising. I'd love to cop some of the success you guys turn up. Thx, Vic
vem myers

PS- To you Brian- I too was thinking a box reconfigurement but got quotes around 5 yards. My 3 spoofs so far have cost $114. You know some pinheads that can do more for less? Anyway of finessing and doin the book learnin myself? While I blather....Hows your thinking Sandy on doing the 3800 conversion? Vic
vem myers

Vem,
Which three spoofs have you figured on? I have to think about this but thought there might be more then that. VATS, VSS (for some PCMs), O2 post-cat and err, I think there is another. BTW: Who/what is Sandy?

-BMC.
BMC Brian McCullough

Hi B- Sandy is the lad above who's considering the 3800 swap. Last year I thought I had about 5 guys across the fruited plain who were doing the 90* v6 swap, now this year, I can count only moi. And I've been little help to me for new ideas or debugs. I have the Vats, O2, EGR ( I think) mag key square wave generator. I found a spiffy chip to alter the EMU into thinking the air temp supply is colder or warmer and then inriching up the load. Ok so what is the "err"? Also, Brian, what can you say about the drive by wire setup ( I've retained mine, and have replaced the old MGB accelerator pedal with the original Camaro pedal and sender assembly). The info says it is pretty helpful cashmileage and power wise. Your advice to switch out the TB to a wired pedal has me rethinking the thing though. Also, what's available nowdays on a larger, flowed TB? Last year, there were just none thing. Seems no-one's too interested in tweaking up the L-36--all the go fast is there though for the L-57. Cheers, Vic
vem myers

Hi Vem,

Sorry about missing Sandy's name above. I thought we might be talking code words here. :-)

I think DBW is a neat system but i also think there are limitations to it at this time since it is relatively new to the market. I have paid no attention to sizing on that unit and also know that you would end up with more programming if switching away.

-BMC.
BMC Brian McCullough

There is a old Hot Rod (Jan '83) magazine feature entiled 'Blochs Beauty' about 3.8 turbo Buick in a MGB. It is a very well done car. I don't see a lot of difference in the size and weight of the 3.8 Chevy and the 3.8 Buick. Standard BOP bellhousing on the 3.8
Boyce Reeves

This thread was discussed between 14/11/2006 and 04/12/2006

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