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MG MGB GT V8 Factory Originals Technical - 60s cosworth DFV

the DFV in an MGB? amazing maybe? anyone got any input? obviously the power is massive so some de-tuning is needed. but what a match up.
d buck

I remember reading that one of the Lotus F1 drivers had a Lotus Esprit with a Cosworth DFV in it. I think it was Mario Andretti.
David Witham

it would be such an original looking conversion.

i must try and hunt out a DFV.
d buck

Here's your link to the DFV...

http://www.race-cars.com/engsales/ford/1114952060/1114952060ss.htm

Let me know how it goes!

:) :) :)

Craig
CD Dewey

There were some successful Cosworth conversions in the 60s when the number of hosts was more limited- I just wonder whether a DFV might deserve a lighter host with modern suspension (with all due respect to our ageing 1959 design).
RMW

Here in Melbourne we have a T type with an Offenhauser 1500 cc engine.
John Caffin

The MG suspension isn't 1959 design - it was first used on the MG TD and YT in about 1949!

The only other maker I can think of that didn't change suspension in 30 years was Morgan.
Bill Spohn

PS - a DFV is far too peaky to consider driving on the street especially in something as heavy as an MG. It would be possible at considerable cost to rework one with lower compression, different cams and intake arrangement, to be more flexible lower down, but I can't seeing anyone enjoying the process, nor the cost.

If you want that ringy ding high revving feel, stick the early Honda S2000 in and be satisfied with 'only' 9000 RPM.
Bill Spohn

i was more interested in the fact that it could had be done and the DFV is a pure thoroughbred.

does anyone have any pictures of any conversion of this nature?
d buck

"the DFV is a pure thoroughbred"

Depends on what you mean by thoroughbred. If you mean that it was designed from the beggining as a racing engine, that is correct. So, by the way, was the Ferrari Dino engine - but they had to get it homologated so they installed it in enough Dinos to make it eligible for Formula 2 - one of the few instances I can recall when a race engine saw service in a street car.

The DFV is completely unsuited to street use. Any conversions you find will normally be for racing, although some of them are a bit bizarre - I seem to recall a Ford Anglia silhouette racer with a DFV once - the Brits are mad!

The engines are also typically far too expensive for people to use in street based cars - around 75,000 Euros used.

I see you can buy a set of used rods for only $1000 and a used head for $1800 on ebay......
Bill Spohn

This thread was discussed between 12/04/2006 and 13/04/2006

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