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MG MGB GT V8 Factory Originals Technical - Can I use an Auto Tranny

I know this sounds bad, but I am trying to come up with a conversion plan and I have to ask....

Does anyone know if a Camaro 2.8 V6 AUTOMATIC tranny
will fit into an MGB tranny tunnel (both narrow tunnel and later wider tunnel).

Thanks
Moe

Yes it should. The later the car, the easier it wil be to do.

One client brought a 215ci V8 in his 1970 MG B GT to the shop a few years back for some rennovation. It had an automatic in it and the BOP/R V8 has a larger bellhousing and motor, so i do not see any reason for the automatic not to fit behind the 2.8L.

If you have not been here yet, here is my website:
http://www.bmcautos.com
Click on V6 Conversions

-Brian.
BMC Brian McCullough

Brian, Thanks for the input. I ask that question because I can get my hands on a V6 with an automatic tranny. Are we sure that an early B (as in 1967) will accept the auto box? It has the narrow tranny tunnel ?? I know, I know, no respectable MG driver would consider an automatic...I know what you are thinking :) BUT Maybe a V6 with an auto is better than a worn out 4 banger with a 4 speed !!!
Moe

Be prepared to "dress" the front of the tranny tunnel for the bolt heads on the top of the bell housing. I had to on my '77.
An auto would be fun if you could put a higher rpm torque converter (about 1000 to 1500 I would guess though I have never done it). If you did that, you would be faster than most if you have a healthy 2.8 with free air-flow in and out.
Have fun.
c l sorenson

Hi
There are 2 700r4 autos. The one used with the v6 is considerably smaller in size than the one used in 90 degree engines. I have also given consideration to using the v6 auto with beefed up internals, clutches sprags etc. Have you driven an automatic Corvette lately?? Velvet hammer !! If you are tired of slamming gears, htob, playing the clutch while waiting for a light to change on a steep hill etc, and, you are basically changing the character of the car anyhow by popping in a v6, why not an automatic trans?? Nothing wrong with it. Just an image issue. You can still control the trans with the shifter when accelerating or decelerating. In my opinion an auto would make it a more refined machine. Don't be afraid to think "out of the box" If you do go ahead and try to use the auto, I would be interested to know what the results are. I think its a great idea... FWIW 1982 - 1986 Jaguar xj6s have a fine looking shifter that would work nicely and look at home in an MGB. Alyn
Alyn

Alyn, is correct, there two different 7r's and yes it will fit very nicely. some MGB's the two top bolts of the bell housing will hit the firewall, not a big deal, small dressing will take care of it.

I have a Jag MK II with a buick V6 and a 350 auto trans with a manual shift or auto valve body. I can manually shift, no hesitation at all. So... a MGB with a auto trans and manual shift valve body you would have the best of both worlds.

The only thing you may want to consider to maintain the performance of a big engine on asmall car, is the differential gearing. Try to keep the same ratio so that you can take full advantage of the auto trans in the B.
Bill Guzman

Hi Moe,

Some MGBGTs did come with an auto trans. The Borg Warner T-35. There are quite a few conversions out there with auto transmissions and they fit with little or no modifications.
Kelly Combes

Thanks for all the info. It sounds dooable !! Does anyone know the dsignation of an 87 Camaro auto tranny ?? Or better yet the dimensions..still a little worried about the narrow tranny tunnel on a 67B. I think the 68 and later models are a little wider, or is it 70 and later ??
Moe

The 67 requires the the traqns tunnel to be modify to fit eithert trans. One inch is suffient but more is better. 68 and later cars do not need tunnel mods
Bill Guzman

Moe- I chose to use the L460E auto trans behind the 2001 Camaro 3.8 EFI, and the included disc break rear. My wife actually expressed an interest in a Auto-shift MGB, I'm getting older, the knees weaken, hell may be the only one I can shift soon. When you screw in 200 hp plus to these cars, an auto trans sounds not bad at all. Vic
vem myers

This thread was discussed between 10/10/2004 and 01/11/2004

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