MG-Cars.info

Welcome to our Site for MG, Triumph and Austin-Healey Car Information.

Parts

MG parts spares and accessories are available for MG T Series (TA, MG TB, MG TC, MG TD, MG TF), Magnette, MGA, Twin cam, MGB, MGBGT, MGC, MGC GT, MG Midget, Sprite and other MG models from British car spares company LBCarCo.

MG MGB GT V8 Factory Originals Technical - Concerning transmission...

....my plans to install an original Buick 215 into my 78 MGB has brought up a question. Does any one know what the hassles of putting this motor in with the powerglide automatic left attached would be? Any info would be appreciated. Thanks
C.E. Jackson


In issue 6.2 of the old "MG V8 Newsletter" a gent named Jeff Stobbe reported on his use of the original 1962 GM "Dualpath" air-cooled 2-speed transmission (that came with his 215 in a Buick Special). The beauty of that tranny is it's easy to install. He reported that no tranny tunnel mods were required and also (since the tranny is air cooled) he didn't have to fuss with plumbing up to the radiator area.

Of course, you could always come back and install a manual tranny later...

You can order back issues of the newsletter if you want to see a photo of his tranny. The photo caption says they were fitted from '61 - '64.
Curtis

The Powerglide trans. has been out of production for more than 40 years. Can you still get parts for one ? It was also only 2 speed. Personally, I would look for an alternative trans. I honestly don't think you'd be happy with it's performance. FWIW Barrie E
Barrie Egerton

i had a ford C4 attached to my 215 in my old BGT, actually kind of fun to drive once i figured out how to use the B&M speed shifter. it is small enough that only minor "relieving" needs to be done to the tranny tunnel. very popular tranny with the street rod crowd as they are light, small and very reliable. jim
james madson

The powerglide was used on 3500lb 300+cu.in. GM's and held up reasonably well if not drag raced too often. Nowadays they are used with modifications in a great many high powered drag cars. So parts are plentiful and they can certainly take the power of a 215 in an MGB. With the torque converter acting as a torque multiplier off the line it is roughly comparable to a 3 speed standard, and in the MGB that should be quite adequate. Bear in mind, the above mentioned GM was geared for upwards of 70mph in 1st gear and though I can't remember if it could bark the tires or not, it moved out respectably well, compared to most of the cars of that era. At 1000lbs heavier than the MGB, I can't see it being a problem, even with a weak engine. Presumably yours may be above 150hp, so I wouldn't let that be the determining factor. That's still 50 more than stock with a much broader powerband. Not having to plumb the radiator for it is a significant advantage and as mentioned a later swap to a different tranny is very easy. Going from a 4 to that configuration, it will not disappoint you, but it could whet your appetite for more so keep that in mind. If you already have the powerglide, why not? It will cut the cost of your conversion significantly, I do not think any mods to the body are needed, and you can always swap it out for a 5 speed later. And you may find you are perfectly happy with it.

Jim
Jim Blackwood

Power Glides can be bought today brand new and can take about 1000 + hp this are choice transmission for drag racing and are modified units. Many speed shops have them or parts for them. Some also use a cluth for off the line hole shots and also have manual valve bodies, one shift down! Great for 1/8 mile drag racing or 1/4 mile with the right final gear drive ratio.
I would not use a torque multiplier for the street.

Supliers:
B&M transmissions
DeDenbear transmissions They have special cases and tail shafts and more.
Hughes Performance they have a power glide that will take 1200 + hp $4400
And TCI also has glides for all types of racing.
Many monster trucks use the power glide.

Like Jim B said, a well build stock power glide should not be a problem in a B.
Bill Guzman

Don't overlook what Curtis mentioned. It is a Dualpath trans, not a Powerglide. I'm probably wrong, but I think that they are totally different internally.
David

This thread was discussed on 07/02/2006

MG MGB GT V8 Factory Originals Technical index

This thread is from the archives. Join the live MG MGB GT V8 Factory Originals Technical BBS now