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MG MGB GT V8 Factory Originals Technical - Buick 215 reassembly main cap torque, timing cover

Hi group,
My 215 MGA/T5 project took a step backward when it started blowing blue smoke out the pipe and filler cap. After shoehorning it back out and a teardown, I had broken a ring. So along with a serious freshening, I should be running again this Spring. Does anyone know the main cap torque specs for a 1963? I have seen anywhere from 50 to 110lbft. Does anyone have a complete torque list for the Buick too?

Also, My timing cover has some erosion on the inside around the impeller area. Not too bad but it may eventually break through into the engine. Does anyone have a spare to sell? D&D is getting too high and I now am on a budget after ordering components.

Attached is an older picture as well. I have driven several miles as-is with a tired engine. I can't imagine how much more fun this is going to be...

SJS Steinhauer

FWIW the figures for the factory V8 are 53 ft lb for the front four and 63 for the rear.
Paul Hunt

Nice looking installation. You might have better luck locating a front cover if you also posted on the British V8 forum, a lot of activity there and someone should have an extra for you. http://forum.britishv8.org/
I'd like to see some photos of the car when it's back together, I'm building a MGA with an I6 in place of the original 1500. Photos of my project are at http://forum.britishv8.org/read.php?13,6370
Bill Young


"BritishV8" is the go-to place for this sort of information. Buick 215 and the 1st-gen Rover (3.5) are similar enough that this will help you: http://www.britishv8.org/Articles/MGBGTV8-Technical-Notes.htm

As I recall, differences between Buick and the early Rover include spark plug length, compression ratios, ignition advance curves, and of course the carbs.

This is great reading, and includes a Specifications section but no torque specs: http://www.britishv8.org/Articles/Buick-Aluminum-Engine.htm
Paul

Thanks for the comments guys. I had forgotten about the V8 site.
Bill, Nice start. I went with the Buick since I could not cut into the goalpost due to needing every inch of leg room (6'5" and size 13 shoe). One the outside, the only mods will be the minilites, exhaust tips, and shifter knob, and it's lowered an inch. My tunnel had to be modified only in the front 6" to flare around the bell housing. MGB brake and suspension.

I'll attach some other pictures soon.
SJS Steinhauer

It's going to be a tight squeeze for me as well as I stand 6'4" and also have size 13 feet. Interesting thing about the front timing cover erosion. Many years ago (1965) I went to school with GM for a short time and also worked a stint at the Buick plant in Flint. One of my jobs there was to test aluminum covers on a spectrometer to make sure there wasn't too much copper in the alloy because they were having warranty issues because of corrosion. I guess we did a pretty good job of catching the bad ones or it wouldn't have lasted this long. If you can't find another one in good condition you could always have it welded up to build up the surface again.
Bill Young

Have it welded up?

Instead, you should probably consider buying a new Buick V6 front cover. The V6 timing scale won't align with the timing mark on your balancer, but it's not hard to accommodate that. (You can, for example, fabricate a simple timing pointer and then use a dial-advance timing light.) The brand new cover will provide you with a neoprene front seal instead of a rope-type seal, and also the oil pump pocket will be pristine instead of worn.

See the last two photos in this article:
http://www.britishv8.org/Articles/Buick-Front-Covers.htm


Paul

This thread was discussed between 08/01/2009 and 09/01/2009

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