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MG MGB GT V8 Factory Originals Technical - Buick/Holden 3.8 V6

Have been searching the net for a possible 3.8 v6 conversion for my right hand drive 77B.
Will the standard 3.8 Holden engine (Buick design I think) fit? From my searches here it seems it will, if its the same as the Buick.
Does anyone know anywhere in Australia where I can source a kit for fitting such an engine....or do I have to start from scratch? The v6 parts are everywhere!
Any help is most welcomed.
Thanks.
Shaun

Shaun,
1) In a very short answer YES. The Commodore V6 will fit even the earlier series one B's and several cars are running around Melbourne so fitted.
The Buick engine and the Commodore engine are similar but not the same and many mode were made by Holden prior to releasing the VN V6.

2) I am not aware of any kits availabe but try phoning the MG Workshops in Carey Street, East Bentleigh.
Victoria. 03 9579 2166 www.mgworkshops.com.au

One of the blokes there has a B with a 3.8 V6 fitted.

Keep posting how you go.

Cheers , Pete.

Peter Thomas

As well as Andrew (who's a very nice guy, and will do his best to help) in Bentleigh, try "Plus Four" out in Dandenong, Dingly St. (or Ave). They do some pretty radical things with MGB's. I was looking at a supercharged V8 last week that they've got there. It's worth going out to see them for that alone. Very neat installation, they had it (compressor)mounted where the air con' normally goes. They had also managed to plumb in an intercooler which was unusual. The guy there says he got a 50% increase in power and in the face of my disbelief was ready to show me dyno figures. They also make up their own exhaust manifolds, which might be a factor to consider in your case Shaun. I'm not sure where you are but if it's Adelaide, try Adrian Ackhurst at AAAutomotive.
Actually I don't know if you really want a Kit as such if you are using an engine and gearbox (you'd be mad to do otherwise). Essentially all you need is a couple of brackets for the mounts and an adapter bracket for the rear crossmember. The drive shaft is easy enough to get made up at any shop (yellow pages) and should cost no more than $300.
Peter

Peter,
Thanks for the suggestion of PLus Four. I had forgotten about them completely.

Cheers , Pete.
Peter Thomas

Thanks for your input. Much appreciated.

I am actually located up on the Gold Coast. Love to get down there to see the Bs but its a bit of a drive!

I'll give these guys a call to see what they suggest.

Cheers.
Shaun

For tailshafts I would recommend Jeff Lagerway in Ferntree Gully (Melbourne). He was recommended to me by a Rallying mate and he fabricated a replacement shaft to fit another colleague's Ssangyong Musso (Merc Engine) for around $150. I believe he builds (and balances) a lot of custom shafts for some of the local V8 racing teams as well.

Dom
Dom

This thread was discussed between 24/06/2005 and 28/06/2005

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